Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well I am an author and columnist, have 21 published books and 9 Edited Titles in English and Bengali. My uncommon treatment and interdisciplinary approach to Aesthetics and Theories of Literature, Language and Criticism, not-so-discussed historical issues, Philosophical and religious ‘ISMS’, Indological studies, Editorial endeavour in 6 books of poems and short stories – received wide and unique critical attention in India and abroad. My works on Language Death, Diaspora and Trauma Literature, The Transcreative Psyche, Demystifying the Aryan Invasion Myth have earned him appreciation from Edinburgh University (Scotland, UK), Henrich Heine University (Germany), Sorbonne University (France), Indo Canadian Diaspora Confederation (Canada), Centre for Revitalization of Endangered Languages (NY, Canada), Asia-Europe Foundation (Singapore), Library of Poetry (USA), Raad O Barendra Bhasha Shongskriti Chorcha Porishad (Bangladesh), Varendra Research Society (Bangladesh) & Varada Sidhhi Peetham (India). A post-Graduate in English Language and Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, I take additional interest in Sanskrit, French and German Languages. My post opinion editorials are flavoured by my interest in the fields of psychology, philosophy, history, eastern & western classical music, fine arts, ideational treasures of antiquity & postmodernism, surface in Daily Observer, Daily Mail, The Japan Times, The Connexion, Le Visage, Pembroke Observer, National Post, The Bangladesh Post & The India Observer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a creative venture, “Love in Siesta”-A Collection of Short Stories, released first on 10th National Writers & Poets Meet at Goa, May 26, 2019 and then on June 2, 2019, at Oxford Gallery, Kolkata.
A chance meeting with Nobel Laureate William Golding during college days, our interaction about creative imagination in penning past and future initiated me into the thematics of these stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not exactly. I have a routine, rather time management, at least for an hour a day, I engage myself into writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My father Late Manab Gangopadhyay, an academic a noted author and philosopher had been my prime motivation. We have a great library, a personal connection of more than three thousand books, that shaped my consciousness. Books and authors on philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, language and literature across the globe have made way in figuring my critical and creative acumen. Its difficult to select a few.
What are you working on now?
At present I am translating into Bengali one of my English books on critical literature, “Redefining the Definitions”–A Critical Biography of 20th century exponents in Art and Literature. Also completing a historical novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Things have changed these days. From print advertisements to digital platform. My author website contains details of the books. For the latest book there are Visual Book Teasers that have gripped the attention of the readers present in the launch programmes. But I have to learn a lot in terms of modern digital publicity scenario.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As there are more writers than readers, new authors need to be learned authors too. An exposure to the great works of art and literature, their thematics and stylistics, vision and wisdom, approach and dignity will help an author immensely. A writer must not deprive him or her from such treasures.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice of Gladstone as the key to success in any venture, “Stick to it.”
What are you reading now?
“The Decline of the West” by Oswald Spengler, a German philosopher of History
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning a project on classical canvas, of untrodden region and customs of a distant land. Already sketched in outlines.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Inheritors by William Golding
Collected Poetic Plays by T S Eliot
Collected Short Stories by Manab Gangopadhyay
Stories & Plays by Albert Camus
Author Websites and Profiles
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