Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two books so far, both young adult novels in the Prince of Typgar series. I’m actually a physician, cardiologist and educator. While fortunate to be well-published in the medical field as the author of over 180 publications, the Prince of Typgar series is my first foray into the world of fiction. Born in Chennai, India, I’ve lived and worked in three countries, including India, Australia, and the United States. I’m currently based in California’s Bay Area, as a senior executive in the medical device industry. In my academic career, I’ve taught undergraduate and postgraduate students at major Australian and American universities. I’m passionate about educating the general public on health and medicine, and have authored several TED-Ed videos in the health care field. I’ve been lucky to have traveled extensively across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, and am deeply interested in cultures, languages, and cuisines across the globe. I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, reading detective novels, and cooking Indian food.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called Nujran and the Corpse in the Quadrangle. It is the second in the Prince of Typgar series, a sequel to Nujran and the Monks of Meirar. At the end of the first book, we leave Nujran as a teenager who has traveled across the planet with his teacher, Amsibh, experiencing romance, conflict, friendship, betrayal, and loss. I felt there was more of Nujran’s story that needed to be told, and I wanted to have readers go along with him on all of his new adventures as he begins college. We begin the second book on the campus of the University of Western Foalinaarc, where a body has just been discovered. There’s drama in plenty with fugitives on the run, turbulence on the university campus, fresh intrigue, a new romance, a strange kidnapping, an escape from prison, and a rescue mission where things don’t quite go as planned. In short, this sequel is another fast-paced adventure that will hopefully hold the young reader spellbound.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before the COVID pandemic, I traveled often for my job. The entire first novel in the Prince of Typgar series was written on long international flights on United Airlines airplanes. Most of Nujran and the Corpse in the Quadrangle was as well, before quarantine kept me home for the tail end of the process. The cabin of an airplane is an unusual, but perfect place to lose yourself in a new universe through writing!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My 3 favorite authors are Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie and JK Rowling. I have been influenced by all three in different ways. Marquez introduced me to magical realism, Rushdie digs into his Indian roots for inspiration, and Rowling’s Harry Potter series was a favorite with my sons.
What are you working on now?
The series is planned as a trilogy, so there’s one more novel after this one. That final one will be the culmination of the story. Nujran’s adventures will continue, you can be sure there will be more intrigue and conflict, and hopefully my readers will stay with me through the end of the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually promote my book among friends and family, in social media (particularly Facebook and Instagram), and on Amazon. I’m new to Awesome Gang, but I think it’s a wonderful way to meet more readers, and tell my story.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is hard, but is a wonderfully relaxing at the same time! We all have great stories to tell, so why not write and share these stories with the world? If publishing houses reject you (they are not kind to new authors), there are lots of self publishing options.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t edit while creating new content. Write first, then edit later. Let the thoughts flow and write them as they come, then go back and re-shape the manuscript as many times as you need to.
What are you reading now?
Crime and Punishment, by the great Russian writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish the trilogy, I want to write detective fiction. That was my favorite genre growing up, and continues to be my favorite type of TV drama. Or I might start a new fantasy fiction series…let’s see where life takes me!
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?
One hundred years of solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Midnight’s children, by Salman Rushdie
The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov
Author Websites and Profiles
Krishna Sudhir Amazon Profile
Krishna Sudhir’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile