Durgesh Shastri is currently working as an Assistant Professor in GND Engineering College, Bidar. He completed his Engineering from PESIT, Bangalore. Later he joined RVCE, Bangalore, and completed his masters in Computer Networks Engineering. He runs a NGO which is aimed at providing computer awareness in rural areas. A number of his short stories and poems are published online and have received critical acclaim from some of the finest writers of the country. Watching current affairs programs and reading books are his favorite pastime. His debut novel, which is a thriller, is expected to hit the stores next year.
Buy his book here: Homeshop18 (and don't forget to drop your reviews)
Here we get to know him a little more closely:
Smita: When was the first time you realized that you wanted to be a writer?
Durgesh: It was way back in 2003-2004. I was bored of reading others’ work and decided to create something of my own and scribbled irrelevant things on paper. This marked the beginning of my writing journey.
Smita: When did you first start writing and how long did it take for you to finish your first book?
Durgesh: In 2006-07, I successfully completed my first short story. This led to a series of short stories which I’ve posted online. Later, I started saving them for my book instead of posting on social networking sites. So, it took approximately 8 years to package my stories in the form of a book.
Smita: From doing a masters in computer network engineering to being a professor along with running an NGO and now a successful writer. That’s quite a bit of multi-tasking. When do you find the time to write?
Durgesh: I don’t write every day. But if an exciting idea tempts me then I go after it by managing things.
Smita: How many hours a day do you dedicate to your writing?
Durgesh: Sometimes, I don’t write for days or months and when I begin writing, it goes for hours together. 12-14 hours at a stretch is normal when I start writing and it continues till the task is complete.
Smita: Do you someday intend on becoming a full time author?
Durgesh: I feel that the professional experiences help a lot in gaining new ideas. Writing is a hobby, it can’t become profession.
Smita: Tell us about your latest book -12 strokes of life. Where did you get the inspiration for each of these stories?
Durgesh: The stories are a blend of real life situations and my imagination. You never know which idea or person inspires you and how.
Smita: Is there a message or learning in these 12 stories?
Durgesh: Every story has a message. It depends on how you look at it.
Smita: Of the 12, which is your favorite story and why?
Durgesh: Story number 11, The Unanswered Question, is my favorite. This was the first story I ever wrote and it turned out so well that my mom was very ecstatic and handed me a 500 rupee after reading it. It was an amazing moment. The twists and turns in the story even kept me guessing the ending. The story has undergone several revisions to reach its present form.
Smita: Are any of your characters and stories inspired by real people around you or its all imaginary?
Durgesh: Some are inspired by real people and a majority is my imagination.
Smita: How did you come up with the title?
Durgesh: Pulkit Gupta suggested it to me. I suppose Ila Garg suggested it to him.
Smita: The book cover looks very inviting. Who designed it?
Durgesh: Amol Karambe has done a fine job with the cover.
Smita: What inspired you to do short stories instead of a full length novel?
Durgesh: I believe a short story book highlights the versatility of the writer. Also for a first timer, a short story collection gives a lot of scope to experiment. There is always a possibility that the readers will like at least a few of them. But with a Novel, either your career as a writer is made or written off. Writing a novel is more challenging.
Smita: I’ve heard that you love reading. But apart from books, what else do you like to do in your free time, i.e. if you get any!
Durgesh: TV, friends and the internet, there is a lot to pass time these days.
Smita: You are married, right? Is your wife a good critic of your writing?
Durgesh: Yes, she is very vocal about my work.
Smita: What project are you working on now?
Durgesh: I have written a thriller, which is a blend of history, romance, family values, mafia and a special bond which a daughter shares with her father. It’s ready. My next venture is in its initial stages.
Smita: A few words of inspiration to the aspiring writers please?
Durgesh: Work towards your aspirations and if you have it in you, nobody can stop you from making it big.
Smita: Is there anything you would like to share/say to your fans?
Durgesh: I hope everyone reads 12 Strokes of life. I am sure everyone would be able to connect with the situations and the characters in the book.
(This interview was taken by Smita Salins under the internship program by Gargi Publishers)
