Author Interview Series: Subham Talukdar

In today’s interview we would like to introduce you to the talented Author Subham Talukdar from India. Subham was the youngest novelist in India in December 2016 for his debut novel named 'It's a different story'. His short stories have been adapted into audio stories by Blithe Creations. Based on one of his short stories, a short film was made named 'Beside the Peepal tree’ which had been nominated for prestigious awards like in 'In-Short Film festival' in Lagos, Nigeria, 'Lift-off' -UK, Webisode’ – the United States and Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial. His present novel named 'I want to tell something’ was apprehended by various handsome publications and is in print now. Subham currently writes for a few foreign and indigenous magazines and is adamant that he does not work for money but wants to see his stories in the hands of millions of readers.

Where do you live and how does it influence your writing?

I am from the mid-eastern part of India, I live in Bengal. All my stories have an Indian ambience and Bengali ambience in them, So it does influence my writings a lot. I can cherish the nostalgia which I put into my stories in my surroundings! 

When did you first become passionate about writing and what attracted you to it?

I started writing when I was small, five or six years maybe, but never I thought then that I might take up writing as my profession. I was in the eighth grade I decided to make my passion my profession. And I am in the twelfth standard now!

What inspires you to write?

I don't have to search or hanker out for stories, plots and characters come and imbibe to me directly. So when I try to give them placement in my mind they become a story. These stories only inspire me to write.

How do you market your writing? 

I do write for a few magazines, my stories are taken for adaptations into short films or recitations audio stories. People can find me writing poems into Bangla online journals. So I get featured through these. I pat my back saying, my readers are growing. When you light an incense stick the smell automatically spreads in all the corners of the room. People find me out through my works. But I do reach out to them for reviews (*laughs*) 

Who is your favorite author and why?

It's a tough question for me. Some I love personally because they are always kind to me, they praise me or appreciate my work. Others I definitely like them for their creations. I can add a lot to my list from various parts of the globe. I love all the authors because their religion is writings, just like mine. But if I consider someone to be the god of writing, it's Rabindranath Tagore. One can find his portraits, pictures, books all around my house.

Tell us a bit about your personal style.

My style of writing is very simple. I don't put many flamboyant or extravagant words in my pie. I believe in expressing heavy literature in simple verses. My stories may be evolving in any circumstances, its soul is always of Maudlin and dewy-eyed which I want to readers to acquire.

Can you tell us a little about your writing process? How do you come up with poems and how do you edit them?

I compose half of any story in my diary and start editing them there. I start typing next and the best part is created then. I don't think of any specific rhyming scheme when I am up with poetry. I just have a story or experience which I will express in it. I create the first four lines with affection and the line flows. Though I had to interchange a para by taking it up over a sentence or putting it below a line.

Do you support yourself through writing financially, or do you have a day job and what is it?

I am still a school-goer! And the magazines and publishers are not good  pays, do something for me... (*winks*) 

How many hours a day do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?

There are days I sit for writing for more than 5 hours but no good lines are coming from my hands. There are also days I can write 20 pages share in two hours. But during my typing or proof-reading days, I do work for 13 hours with breaks in between. I start writing no matter what as soon as stories start provoking me. 

And what’s the best moment you’ve had with your writing so far?

Book launch of my first novel from 'Aajkaal', unknown people knowing me, well-renowned writers and publishers appreciating and apprehending my work... You interviewing me  

Tell us about your book. How long did it take to write? What inspired you to write it?

My upcoming book 'I want to tell something' talks about how people change and change their characteristics. Why stay in a joint family? How much should people give priority to their individualistic aspirations? Needs to preserve and hold our traditions and customs and Why to support Happiness over peace. I started preparing this script from November 2016, when my debut novel 'It's a different story' was scheduled to get published and wasn't out. And the proof-reading was completed just in the last month!  I must say... Society and surrounding inspired me to write this book. Many real-life experiences as well.

How do you respond to writer’s block or not knowing what to write?

I get frustrated and depressed a lot during this. Thoughts come that no better lines I could write next. I just sit every day and stare at my diary pages for 10 minutes and go and watch television, study or phone a friend. And then comes a day when I am able to mend my words and no more have to just stare into the pages.

What are you working on next?

I am creating two new short-fiction for international magazines. I am having my boards this year, so all the plans are already made of 3 short films which we start soon after the final exam. I will also start sketching my new novel.

Where would you like to see yourself in three years time.

I don't know... I obviously want to be an internationally bestselling writer but in three- years... I should get a chance in the must-read list. What do you think?

What is your strategy you to grow your audience?

Audience will certainly grow when they will get glimpses of my work and can judge through their hearts.

What advice would you give young writers just starting out?

I will say just be hardworking and confident with your creation. And love the compositions you are creating. Then the people would. 

Do you think authors have a greater purpose?

People love hotcakes. I love all genres but I find people running the most towards the books written by the bestselling writers or which has become a bestseller. Writers are making their names into brands and earning a lot. But without offending anyone I say, writers should not only present books to warm the palms of their readers. Writing a story which will make a reader think and pursue our society and human characters in a better way is what matters to me at the end of the day.

Thank you Subham for this interview. We are super excited to be following your rocketing writing career and can’t wait to get our hands on your new novel “I want to tell something”.

You can pre-order Subham’s book on Amazon here…