The first question I ask myself is, “Am I a writer?” and my sincere answer is, “I don’t know.” I have pretended to be a writer ever since childhood because I loved writing. Sometimes, my philosophies are too complex to understand, which leaves me confused about who my target audience should be. I wonder if a writer can truly become successful without a specific group of readers to focus on.If you read my novel, The Spice Trader of Muziris, you will see that I tried to explain the deep philosophies of martial arts simply because I am passionate about them. I also tried to explain the process of becoming a good salesman because my own career began in sales. I don’t know if inserting these details reduces the story’s reading value, but I included them, because I believe my thoughts on these subjects possess a peculiar flare.
My writing process is more mysterious than you could ever imagine. For instance, I am currently working on a novel called “ The Music of the Forest”. Initially, I had nothing but the title—no characters, no storyline, and I didn’t even know what the theme would be. Yet, I told my wife with absolute confidence that this blank-minded project might become the best novel of my life. I tried to construct a storyline by keeping my diary beside me while meditating, but I grew frustrated when nothing came to mind. Disappointed, I sat down at my laptop anyway. Suddenly, the words just started flowing, surprising even me.
“Early in the morning, the symphony had begun. The river gushing over the round pebbles reminded the listener of the mild beating of cymbals. Restless birds enthralled the mind with their chirps, whistles, and singing, which resembled a melodious flute, while the wind that caressed the bamboo forest brought the whoof, pop, and bonk of drums. Anyone will wonder who created this alluring and heavenly nature, but the Thoba tribe has an answer for all your questions. Their genesis story is not written in any book; instead, every child hears it while resting on their parents’ laps.The merciful god, Kottran, had created beautiful Kottaimalai. While traveling on his hornbill, Kottran felt the sudden urge to poop on the banks of the Kayalipuzha. Kottran took a bath in the Kayalipuzha to cleanse himself, and afterward, he started singing the most beautiful song in the universe. Kottran, in his serene and happy mood, created seven hills as guardians around a beautiful valley, and the tallest among the hills later became Kottaimalai. Like a waist chain, the Kayalipuzha flows around the seven hills.”