“When the worst that can happen to you, actually does and you bear it all, you become the strongest of men on earth”

 

Akshay Shroff has been a successful advertising sales consultant of domestic and international media, spanning over three decades, first in New Delhi followed by Mumbai. He has been associated with voluntary organizations like the Lions and the Junior Chamber International in senior positions and also with trade bodies like the Delhi Advertising Club and the Press Club of India.

Travel, trekking, reading and writing have been his passionate hobbies. Lover of animals and Nature, dogs have been his companions on and off. While THE MONK is his debut novel, writing will now be his full time engagement.

the-monk-novel

What is the story behind your book. Where did you get your idea for the book?

I started writing a novel towards the end of 2003. It was about love & romance. Received several rejections. Tried to overhaul the plot a few times, but in vain. I realised that my stories were nowhere appealing to any literary agent or publisher. However, I have dreamt of being an author since very early in life and had been determined to convert my dream into a tangible reality.

I kept thinking of a different plot, consciously as well as sub-consciously. As I woke up at 5 on the morning of July 7, 2012, I was hit by a Eureka moment. It suddenly dawned on me that with the scourge of terrorism spreading all over India with repeated dastardly attacks, people may want to know about the cause and effect of terror strikes. The idea of The Monk was born and the same evening onwards it began taking shape on paper.

 Challenges you faced while writing this book and in your life as an author?

  • Finding time from a hectic work schedule and family commitments.
  • Gathering the required information, research options

These were the two main challenges.

 What is your life mantra?

Set a goal and keep striving to attain it.

 What is your writing process like?

Evenings after work hours and full time (to the extent possible) on holidays.

 Anything special about your book that you want to share?

Why & what of terrorism and how the protagonist attempts to tackle it.

 According to you, what are the three qualities an author must have to achieve success?

  • Patience while writing
  • Unleashing the creative insights without any inhibitions
  • Effective marketing skills

 What are your plans for next book?

Currently writing the sequel ‘The Monk Returns’.

 What advice do you have for young writers?

If one wishes to be a writer, has a story in mind, don’t wait to put it down on paper. Start writing and the words will flow spontaneously.

Share a quote or line that has been your inspiration.

“When the worst that can happen to you, actually does and you bear it all, you become the strongest of men on earth”………….Mario Puzo in The Fourth K.

 

Published in Interview on

Responses