Sunday, December 27, 2009
Athabasca University Students' Alumni Fall Issue/Author Profile
Here's an article profiling me as a writer published in Athabasca University Students' Alumni Fall issue. Follow link by clicking the header above.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
FAQ: Where did you get the idea to write "The End of the Dark and Stormy Night?"
There's an interesting story behind that too. Well, one of my friends said that I should never start a novel with "It was a dark and stormy night." Not having grown up here, I wasn't completely aware of the history behind that sentence. So I asked him why. He advised that nobody will then take me seriously as a writer. Well, that was the day I sat down and wrote the first sentence of THE END OF THE DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. "It was a dark and stormy night..."
This leads me to a discussion on the title. The title was originally supposed to be "The Non-Writer." But as the story evolved and changed over the years, it became clear that Ravi was not the only central character in this story; Other characters were equally contributing and interesting. I had to search for a new title that also reflected the tongue in cheek nature of the story. I assigned my daughter, who was eight at that time, to the task. She came up with the title THE END OF THE DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. So here we have it -- how the idea to write this particular novel came about.
This leads me to a discussion on the title. The title was originally supposed to be "The Non-Writer." But as the story evolved and changed over the years, it became clear that Ravi was not the only central character in this story; Other characters were equally contributing and interesting. I had to search for a new title that also reflected the tongue in cheek nature of the story. I assigned my daughter, who was eight at that time, to the task. She came up with the title THE END OF THE DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. So here we have it -- how the idea to write this particular novel came about.
FAQ: Why Elkford?
Well, when I emigrated to Canada in 1988 from Fiji islands, the first place I found myself was the small town of Elkford, British Columbia. Current population 3000 people! Whew! I suppose as a teenager, growing up in Fiji, my idea of Canada was much different. I expected to be surrounded by fast cars, tall buildings, herds of people, but here I was -- in Elkford. Population, less than 3000! Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. As I grew to visit other places in Canada, however, I realised that Elkford was one of the many faces of this country we Canadians live in. So for my first published novel, I selected the the small town of Elkford as the most perfect setting and background to tell my story. I think it's noteworthy to mention that having been in Calgary for more than a decade, parts of the story is also situated in Albertan cities and towns such as Cowley, Alberta.
FAQ: Do you believe that God exists?
On good days, I am sure that God exists. But on bad days, I often wonder...
Having said that, I grew up practising Hinduism and then discovered Christianity along the way. Therefore, most of writings center around uncovering the commonalities and differences between these two religions. Also, I do this by taking a more satirical approach.
Having said that, I grew up practising Hinduism and then discovered Christianity along the way. Therefore, most of writings center around uncovering the commonalities and differences between these two religions. Also, I do this by taking a more satirical approach.
Friday, October 23, 2009
CHRISTMAS SEASON BOOK SIGNINGS
Author will be signing at the following locations over the Christmas Season:
Date: October 23, 2009
Location: Coles Bookstore, Market Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Date: October 31, 2009
Location: Chapters, Chinook Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Date: November 20, 2009
Location: Coles Bookstore, Marlborough Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Date: December 19, 2009
Location: Chapters Spectrum, Sunridge Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 1pm to 5 pm
Look out for other signing dates and locations in other towns and cities.
Date: October 23, 2009
Location: Coles Bookstore, Market Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Date: October 31, 2009
Location: Chapters, Chinook Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Date: November 20, 2009
Location: Coles Bookstore, Marlborough Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Date: December 19, 2009
Location: Chapters Spectrum, Sunridge Mall, Calgary, AB
Time: 1pm to 5 pm
Look out for other signing dates and locations in other towns and cities.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
FAQ: What stories did you grow up with?
My mother, in Fiji, was a great storyteller. She used to tell me stories of Birbal and the emperor, Akbar, just about every night. I grew to love these tales. I was amused by how Birbal out smarted everyone around him with the use of his wit and intelligence. These stories taught me unforgettable life lessons and morals that puzzled my brain.
Here's one for your enjoyment:
Emperor Akbar and Birbal, and Bananas
Birbal and the Emperor were eating bananas. The Emperor would throw the peels over to Birbal's side of the table. This went on for a while. After all the bananas were eaten, the Emperor feeling like he could finally defeat Birbal smiled and said, "Birbal, you greedy fellow, look at all the bananas you ate." Birbal looked at the Emperor and retorted, "Emperor Akbar, at least I, unlike you, spared the peels."
Here's one for your enjoyment:
Emperor Akbar and Birbal, and Bananas
Birbal and the Emperor were eating bananas. The Emperor would throw the peels over to Birbal's side of the table. This went on for a while. After all the bananas were eaten, the Emperor feeling like he could finally defeat Birbal smiled and said, "Birbal, you greedy fellow, look at all the bananas you ate." Birbal looked at the Emperor and retorted, "Emperor Akbar, at least I, unlike you, spared the peels."
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