Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Deepak. I’m from Hyderabad, India but now I work in Virginia, US. I’ve always been passionate about telling stories and I’ve written five books so far. I used to write short stories on my blog and then, published my first book in 2010 and that’s where the journey began.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is, ‘My Grandpa’s A Gangster’. It’s a novella revolving around a youngster studying art history. He’s from a simple, working class family living with his sister, father and mother. But then, they receive a phone call and his father suddenly reveals that they have a grandfather, who’s a gangster and was in prison for two decades. They’re shocked beyond imagination.
I got the idea from a simple thought – what happens when ordinary people come face to face with extraordinary circumstances (or people, for that matter). A normal, socially inadequate young man suddenly realizes he’s the descendent of a gangster – that was a thought worth working on.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this qualifies as unusual but I think I cannot write during the day. I need darkness. As Simon and Garfunkel say, ‘Hello darkness, my old friend…’ 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book I’ve read was Fredrick Forsyth’s ‘No Comebacks’. the climax of that story took me aback. I was stunned beyond belief. It felt like someone just punched me in the gut. That was the feeling I fell in love with. I thought, one day, I’ll write something like that. (Still working on it). My other favorites are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Khushwant Singh.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel – ‘The Crossover’. It’s about three friends who from a a cult and firmly believe that they belong on another planet. ‘Infinitum’. And they want to move there. They have an invite and a small condition to fulfill before they gain entry.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook/Twitter and personal networking.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Never stop.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write it down.
What are you reading now?
A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston
What’s next for you as a writer?
Screenwriting. Have been rejected a few times, but that’s what’s next. Some day!
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 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
– No Comebacks
– The Portrait of a Lady
– The Gold Standard
Author Websites and Profiles
Deepak Karamungikar Amazon Profile
Deepak Karamungikar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account