Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As of 2018, I am a post graduate student of economics at the University of Calcutta. My first short story “A Rural Coincidence”, won a Commendable Mention at the Wingword Short Story Prize 2017 organized by Delhi Poetry Slam. I was Shortlisted the following year, for my internationally acclaimed story “The Farewell”, at the Wordweavers India Short Story 2018 Contest. I also received an Honorable Mention for my winning entry “Two Birds”, at the International Photography Awards 2017 under Non-Pro Nature – Wildlife category.
My debut international poetry e-book “VOYAGES Volume I – A Collection of Poetry”, self-published in 2018 by Notion Press, was reviewed and rated Five Stars by Readers’ Favorite, USA and garnered favorable positive feedback from authors, bloggers and reviewers around the world. The e-book also received a Gold Star in TheBookDesigner.com’s September 2018 e-Book Cover Design Awards.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is my debut international poetry e-book VOYAGES Volume I – A Collection of Poetry. It is a new style of writing poetry wherein a two line quotation has been provided at the end of each poem which gives a gist of the preceding lines. This has been adopted to make poetry more comprehensible among people who commonly mistake it as a genre understandable only to the Elite. The inspiration behind this was that most people share two line quotations on social media everyday when they are sad, happy, angry, betrayed or in love. What people don’t realize is that if they keep all these quotations together then it forms a new style of poetry. A poem can be looked as a collection of quotations. Therefore, I experimented this new idea of mine in this book and it has been a huge success. People who are reading it are surely appreciating my thoughts and efforts.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not have a specific time to write. I write when I feel like. It may be months before I write another poem or it may be hours within which I complete writing a short story. My thoughts are random and when some idea comes I immediately finish writing it on any paper in front before the thought gets lost. Daydreaming and talking to myself are two important things that help me write better and I will not shy away from stating it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Paulo Coelho and Khaled Hosseini.
As far as inspiration is concerned, I am inspired reading the works of Paulo Coelho and when it comes to inspiration from an author as a person, I am more inspired by Vikram Seth although I never had the opportunity to meet him. I just love reading that man’s biography. Any books written by the aforementioned authors have influenced me but there are definitely many more books influencing me always!
What are you working on now?
I am working on VOYAGES Volume II – A Collection of Short Stories. It will be a unique book since my writings reflect different experiences of people and I am sure it will have one situation/character with whom the reader can relate to. It will not be the usual short stories and there will be lots of satisfaction and peace of heart in every conclusion. It will reflect the goodness that is abundantly still present in this world but is just not always pointed out/discovered.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My author website coupled with my official Facebook page promotions works best for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To never let the aspirations fall down. As a student of economics I would say that every individual has a limited set of resources which he/she tries to maximize. Now the process of maximization is different for different individuals and it may not always lead to the best/efficient outcomes. But we either fail or we learn. If we fail then it simply means that our time has not yet come and we must always keep faith in our own processes simply because it is our own. Imitation never leads to efficient outcomes!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When flowers have blossomed in your garden then it need not be announced, the fragrance will automatically reach if it’s strong enough.
What are you reading now?
My economics text and reference books since my semester exams are near. Lol.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I mainly write poetry and short stories. I may start writing an adventure novel but it will take time. The thought is still pre-mature and in development.
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?
I would take with me “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho; “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini; a few short stories by Vikram Seth and some poetry books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Debjeet Mukherjee Website
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