The day he released his debut novel, it was quiet clearly stated by him that he is here to rule the hearts and now with the announce of his second novel named 'King of Hearts', he somehow proves the above statement true. So here's the glimpse of the chit chat session we had with Prassant Kevin, who is all set to rule the hearts again.
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Hi prassant, thank you for agreeing for this interview.
Let’s start with a conventional question. Tell us something about yourself?
Kevin - It would be lot easier for me if you had asked me to
explain myself in one word coz that would be; Storyteller. That is who I’m. I
know nothing else. I am practically good at nothing else. It’s all about words,
characters, emotions for me. Apart from writing, movies and music are two other
pillars of my life.
When did you start writing and what/who inspired you to
begin writing?
Kevin - I started writing from the age of 10 and left my
schooling after i completed my tenth board and spent next two years in studying
‘Creative Writing’ coz I always believed that I’m a storyteller and that’s all
I wanted to do all my life. I used to write poetry in school for other students
who wanted help to impress girls. They often take my poetries and gift them to
the girls along with chocolates. That was the major source of my ‘Pocket Money’
in my school days. And the best part was that most of the boys were successful
in impressing their girls.
Honestly speaking, it’s the senseless Indian stories which
turned me into an author. When I started reading Indian books (which I avoided
for a long long time), I felt awfully upset and disappointed. Most of the
‘So-called-famous-authors’ were writing same stories (College romance/ teenage
romance) again and again and were enjoying in making fool of Indian readers.
It’s when i decided to bring out my first book, Pl Let Me Go’ as I wanted to
give Indian readers something which they never tried or heard before; i.e,
‘Post Apocalyptic Genre.’
What prompted you to write such a different and unique novel
when your contemporaries are busy in trying their hand at love and motivational
stories? What it was like to write ‘pl let me go’ and from where did you get
the idea of writing this novel?
Kevin - It’s no secret that in our country people just
follow ‘Bhed Chaal’ and that is one reason that every new author in this
country wants to be Chetan Bhagat or Ravinder Singh or so on. Putting down
50,000 words don't make you a writer and the way it was and still going that 8
of 10 books are based on senseless romance that it made me completely fed up
with the whole scenario. There is nothing wrong with writing romance but there
should be some class and grace.
I always believed that writing a book is all about giving
something to readers which can heal them, guide them, help them discover their
lost path or may give them enough strength to face their own demons and fears.
And ‘Pl let me go’ was doing all those things to me. And it was one of those
stories which I always wanted to read but couldn't as everyone was busy writing
stories to impress the teenagers. So, I can say that I wrote my first book coz
I wanted to read it.
Aditya and vaani , both appear like epitomes of love, pain
and sacrifice. What do you have to say on this? What is your take on love?
Kevin - Love is all about courage and has nothing to do with
desires but unfortunately people believes it vice versa. Aaditya and Vaani were
ordinary people who became extraordinary when time and destiny tested them.
Through them , i wanted to convey one simple message, and that is without pain
and sacrifice, there will be no love. They are the shadows of love. Greater the
love, bigger the sacrifice would be; that’s how it goes.
My idea of love is simple- You cannot find love, love will
find you. Love will always come to those who will have the courage to
sacrifice, strength to fight for right and wrong and willing to walk an extra
mile without doubting or raising questions.
Love is about losing every bit of yourself so that someone
else can piece their life together.
How did you handle criticism from those who did not like
your book?
Kevin - It’s simple. I ask them to wait for my next book and
then i forget all about it.
I have heard in today’s scenario, a mere 15k is what all you
need to be a NATIONAL BESTSELLER. What do you think on this, according to you
someone’s work/hardship should be appreciated or random stupid authors should
be awarded with such titles. Comment.
Kevin - The ugly truth is they are ‘SHAMELESS’ the authors
who pay to be in Nation Bestseller list are the ones who don't even know the
meaning of ‘Bestsellers’. They are the ones who are making fun of Indian
Literature. They are the one who had turned writing into business from art.
As we have seen, the announcement of your second novel
created a sound buzz in readers [even though it is still in preorders], as is a
much talked about book. How is your second novel different from the first one.
Beside that you are self published and still you reside in thousands of hearts.
How did you managed to get such popularity despite being a debut one. Would you
like to share the mantra of your success with your readers.
Kevin - I can answer this question in just one word;
Honesty. I am honest with my writing. I don't think about how many copies I
will sell or whether my book will come under top 10 amazon ranking. I don't
write stories according to market’s trend. I am quite a brutal writer. I only write
what i feel like. I don't care about anyone’s opinion, thoughts or criticism. I
only prefer to write stories which i think can help in healing a broken soul,
mend a broken friendship, fill a void, help in finding lost love and smile and
above all it should take a reader to a world from which they never want to
return. I like to speak my heart out through my words. I want to write stories
which I never got to read as a reader.
Share something about your second novel ‘king of hearts’.
How is it different from all the other novels available in market.
Kevin - There are two kinds of books; one which will bring
smile on your face and then the other which will change your life forever.
’King of Hearts’ belongs to the latter category. The only reason I wrote this
book coz I knew there are millions of people who fear to step out and fight for
their dream coz they don't trust their dreams. This book is for all those
people who live for their dreams. And i believe that if this book changes even
one person’s life, it will do it’s proposed job. Most books in the market are
there with the purpose to earn money and fame but ‘King of Hearts’ will be
coming to change people lives, help them find their lost dreams, love and
friendship. It will be there in the market to inspire people, make them cry and
laugh, it will ignite the fire which is missing.
Describe prassant Kevin in 2012 and 2015.
Kevin - In 2012, Google doesn't knew Who I was but in 2015,
It recognizes me quite well and that mean ‘I must have done something right,
Isn’t?’ Haha.
What are the challenges to make someone read a book?
Kevin - You cannot make someone read a book, just like you
cannot make someone love you. See, the thing is every good reader has a curious
mind and also a greedy one. They always on the lookout for something new and
refreshing. The name on the top of the book (Autor’s Name) doesnt mean anything
to them. All they seek is a good story so that they can satisfy their hunger
for good and extraordinary stories. So just like we cannot find love and love
will find us, it goes same for the readers; we cannot find them as they will
find us.
How has been your experience in Indian publishing industry
so far and what all changes you want to make. Any bad/good experience you had.
Kevin - Our publishing industry sucks. They don't have any
idea what they are doing. They publish stories which they think can earn them
money. So they just publish any shit which their famous and bankable authors
gives to them. I think they don't even read it before publishing those books.
And in away it is right coz if readers don't care what they are reading then
why a publisher should worry after all?
And this is one reason that most of the great stories are
now coming from self-published authors. They write fearlessly, with complete
freedom and do not bound themselves in any set pattern. I am quite certain that
the Indie writers of this country are the future of indian Literature..
You have always been saying that king of hearts is a very
different and a unique novel. Do you think readers will feel the same. What all
expectations you have from this book?
Kevin - It’s a story of a small town boy who went on to
become the most celebrated and powerful writer of this generation; it’s
definitely the most inspiring, a brutal journey of a writer and how he inspired
the whole Nation and changed the entire face of Literature and redefined Love & Friendship. It’s
something which is definitely one of those stories which had never been tried
before. It’s fascinating, witty at the same time, heartbreaking, full of energy
and fire. And so I hope that it will make a special place in peoples’ heart.
Would you like to share about your future plans with our
readers/ or do you have anything in stores for our readers.
Kevin - Currently i am working on a book series. It’s too
early to say anything but with time, I will reveal more about this book
series.
What message would you like to give to your fans and
followers?
Kevin - I am truly grateful and thankful to my readers for
giving me so much love and support throughout. I just want to say one thing,
actually two thing-
First is that I will try to get better and better so that
they never get disappointed in me and secondly - “Always keep your head high
and courage in your eyes.”
Stay Blessed. Keep
smiling and keep fighting for your love and dreams.
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That's all for now! You can order his book from the link given below.