AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Interview with Nikhlesh Mathur the author of "The Storm in the Silence"

Greetings Sir..

Hope you are doing good. Let me begin the interview with the first question.

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

Well, basically I am a Chemical Engineer and since completing my degree course I have been working in chemical process industries that is engaged in manufacturing variety of chemical products. I did my schooling from Saint Pauls School Kota – a well known education city in Rajasthan, and then joined NIT Rourkela. Eventually I also did MBA with specialization in TQM – Total Quality Management. I am fortunate that both my parents were Lecturers and I think the genes helped me develop my interest in writing.

2. When did you first start writing?

I began by writing articles and you will be amazed to know that it all began with Astrological science. Yes, I studied Astrology as well, and then started writing articles on it where-in I explained the laws & combinations which govern the planets for analyzing charts. However, my book writing began with a book on chemical engineering titled "Learning Chemical Engineering for Process Industries". It so happened that while working in chemical industries and interacting with the younger generation I felt that a huge gap existed between the theories taught in the colleges and what one practiced at the shop floor of industries. I planned to narrow down this gap by sharing my experiences, which resulted in me writing my first book.

3. Do you remember what you wrote first?:

Certainly I do, though it was quite long ago. As I mentioned earlier it was an astrological article where-in I categorically explained to the people that they do not have to fear planet Saturn at all.

4. How did you get interested in writing?

Well you may find my answer to be strange yet again. In my younger days when I watched movies I got fascinated by the stories, the turn of events there-in and I used to think how one can write all this which keeps the audience glued to the screen. Strangely the story of a movie impacted me more than the people enacting it. And I thought if I could ever develop this communicative ability. Then growing up, during my jobs as a chemical engineer I was fortunate to have opportunities to communicate with a whole lot of successful people across the shores. In earlier times the communication was mostly through detailed written reports and it was then I first discovered that I have a penchant for writing and communicating analysis. I cemented this thought in one corner of my mind that someday I will write.

5. Who are your favourite authors? Why?

Actually I don't have a specific answer to this question. I read which ever book comes in my hand and try to enjoy it. As I am working at a senior position in a manufacturing industry it becomes difficult for me to extract time to read regularly.

6. Tell us about your book.:

The Storm in the Silence is a gripping story of Aarti, a young married woman, ambitious for a career and caught up in a relentless wrestle with egotistical and patriarchal structures of power in the domestic and professional space. Sketched in the backdrop of a nexus between college admission scams, land deals and institutions of law and order, Aarti's narrative keeps the readers on the edge as she is drawn into conspiracies that send her hurtling down a web of lies and deceits. She inspires as she works around her dilemmas and predicaments, shooting arrows in the dark to break the glass ceiling. Aarti is both characteristically real and deeply symbolic and dares to uncover storms embodied in forced silences. The story will move you with its narrative, giving you a 'feel' of the happenings which may cross your path too. The relatable characters will put a smile on your face and bring in tears of fulfillment in your eyes.

I presume most of us need such 'Storms in Silence' to sail through our lives.........

7. What is the purpose of writing this book?

This is fiction work, a single line story which circulated in my mind and which I developed around a plot adding characters which I observed in the society. As such there was no specific purpose of writing this book apart from fulfilling the promise which I made to myself. But yes after completing it I believe it can be a strong motivating factor and driving force for young women in India. If even one woman is able to fight like Aarti or one Krishnakant can mend his ways timely I would say that the book has served a real purpose.

8. Who has been your inspiration?

All the people around all of us in our day to day life keep inspiring me always. I observe people a lot; their speech, their habits, their style, their body language and I always felt that one can develop good, interesting characters around their persona. I try to connect them into a story line and when it works well I feel more inspired.

9. Is this a fiction or inspired from reality?

It is primarily fiction, but yes the essence of the story I have picked up from the realities which we all see in our life both at home and in the office.

10. What were the struggles you faced during the journey of this book?

Time......Yes getting time for my writing work has been the biggest struggle for me throughout. There was no other struggle of any kind. My role in the industry where I work demands total attention & focus. I am always short of time, but somehow managed to steal few hours late in the evening for writing work. It took me a long time to complete this debut novel of mine.

11. How do you feel when you write?

It gives me a whole lot of satisfaction that I am able to communicate what I had in my mind and that too in a manner which is being appreciated by one and all.

12. What are your other hobbies?

Being a left-handed person I was drawn into playing cricket since my early days and I did play quite a lot until my professional duties compelled me to enjoy it only by watching the game on television. Astrology is one of my main hobbies now. I study it while I also practice it. I also enjoy writing articles on it and on management too.

13. How supportive were your family?

I would say to the maximum extent one can. My wife motivated me to move to fiction after I completed my book on chemical engineering. She is the one who patiently listened to the several story ideas which I keep narrating to her from time to time. We often discussed the diverging characters in different-different perspectives. A series such proactive discussions made me give a concrete shape to one such idea. As I wrote I found it fascinating to build characters around my story idea and enjoyed sprinkling a good doze of dramatics & mystery here and there so that I could also enjoy while I wrote.

14. How was your publishing journey with blue rose publishers?

Good, it was really good and it helped me in removing some vague thoughts from my mind that Publishers often give you trouble.

15. When can we expect your next book?

I have already started working on some story ideas. The next one would also be a fiction and I have given myself one full year to complete it.

16. Where can readers find your other writings?

Many of my articles are on , there are astrological magazines like Astrovision, Jyotish Manthan where one can find my articles. My first book 'Learning Chemical Engineering for Process Industries' is there on the popular portals.

17. Where can readers connect to you?

They can connect with me directly on my e-mail. They can connect on my Facebook page by the name of Author Nikhlesh Mathur. I am there on the social sites like FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.

18. Few words you would like to say to your readers.

Always read with an open mind and conclude about its quality only after reading it completely. Re-read the parts which you found confusing in the initial read.

19. Finally, few words of advice for the budding writers?

'Be a reader as you write'. My advice would be to write in small phases and keep reading what you have written as a reader who is out to contradict or criticize your writing. You will find plenty amongst your group. Assume their identity while reading what you have written and then mould your writing to make it interesting for them.

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