Interview with Author Abhaidev (Towards Literature)

 Life is too short not to experience the works of magic called books: Author Abhaidev 

Interview with Author Abhaidev

"That Thing About You"

1) What's the story behind your Pen Name as Author Abhaidev instead of your real name, Mayank Chandna?

I am one of the few children who named themselves. Yeah, you heard it right. Mayank is the name I chose when I was four years old. My parents had chosen a different name for me, which I didn't like at that tender age. So, they jokingly asked me, "Then which name you want?" To which I replied, "There are other good names too. Like Mayank. Why not Mayank?" My parents laughed and named me Mayank. It is said that life comes full circle. So when I ventured into the world of writing, I thought that Universe was giving me one more opportunity to name myself. I chose Abhaidev as it stuck like no other. Abhaidev means one who is free of fear. I am not Abhaidev; not yet. But it is what I aspire to be. Yeah, you are thinking right. Writers are weird fellows. 

2) That Thing About You, the title of your book reflecting a glimpse of Love. In this book, what thing are you talking about?

Contrary to what people might assume, That Thing About You is not a typical, campus romance novel. It is instead a story of self-discovery. It is instead the poignant tale of a man who the world has declared immature. Through my book, I have tried to show the world through the perspective of an emotionally immature man — his trials and tribulations. I believe we have trigger moments in our lives. And it is only when we feel cornered, we rediscover ourselves and blossom into a new person. The theme, therefore, of my book are two. Our life is both nurture and nature. It is both destiny and free-will. Yes, that is what I have tried to depict in my book. And I think I have done it in an interesting and beguiling way. 

3) You are a Science and Philosophy addict person. What specific event of your life justifying this? 

I have read a lot of non-fiction following my spiritual crisis that happened a long time back (of which I don't want to talk about). I even read hardcore philosophy and science books without any prejudice and discrimination. My areas of interest include Indian philosophy, Continental philosophy, and Physics. I believe we are at the juncture of change, at crossroads. A lot is going to happen in the next fifty years. But we aren't all prepared. Reading helps. It gives us a new perspective on life. No one discovers anything new. We all build on others knowledge and experiences.

Contrary to what so many science evangelists suggest, philosophy is never going to be dead. We all subscribe to one. It may be crude or lofty and detailed. But we all need ideas that give stability to our lives. I have tried to suggest the same through my book too.    

4) Apart from writing, what are your ambitions and are you following them too? Any Comment. 

Like every other guy, I happen to own a DSLR. I love travelling and clicking photos. Sometimes what I capture is damn too good which surprises even me. I have even shared many of my clicks as free wallpapers on my website. I wish to capture more such beautiful and candid scenes and want to share the beauty with the world. Well, I am not an expert. But I am definitely improving. I want to try making electronic music too using software. Sometimes I just play with the settings. I don't know whether I will succeed. But making a progressive house track is definitely on my wish list.

5) Putting behind your own book, At what extent, Literature entice you?

Literature is everything to me. I can't live without books — especially fiction. I read mostly classics. And this is for two reasons. First, the classics are damn good. Second, one improves as a writer and gain new perspectives while reading old books. Seriously, the writers of the past were a different breed altogether. No modern author can compete with Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Huxley or Hesse. Well, that is what I believe. And I am entitled to my own opinions.  

6) Do you love to write for any specific genre or the writing itself is your own genre? 

I am not loath to experiment with genres. My first book is a blend of paranormal fiction and philosophy. My second book in the works is Science Fiction thriller. And my third book is a mixture of fantasy and philosophy. I believe, to keep things interesting, a writer must keep on experimenting with genres. And I will. Definitely!

7) From where you get writing ideas & Inspiration? 

Inspiration to me strikes at oddest of times. When I am bathing. At two o clock in the morning. And it strikes me in my sleep too in the form of dreams. What are writers, after all, if not radio sets tuned to a particular frequency of a thought cloud? I am not a plotter. But I am not a pantser either. I lie midway between. So, yeah, it depends both on my mood and my will.

8) Any message for new authors & readers. Why do they need to start their journey towards literature? 

Just read and read, especially the classics. Life is too short not to experience the works of magic called books.

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"A Step Forward Towards Literature"