AUTHOR INTERVIEW

                                       Durgesh Shastri 

  Durgesh Shastri has emerged as an inspiration for all young aspiring authors out there. He is the one handling two most challenging fields; Teaching and Writing. 

     At present he is teaching in GND engineering college,Bidar. Along with teaching and romancing with words,he is also doing his bit for the society by running an NGO aimed at providing computer awareness in rural areas.

     Mr. shastri has received critical acclaim for his short story collections - 12 Strokes Of Life And Pitfalls & Parachutes. 

Many of his works have been published online and in various anthologies. 

         His Debut Novel which is a Thriller is expected to hit stores next year.

1. Divya - Sir,what do you think about the concept of 31 sins and how do you feel being associated with it as a guest writer? 

Durgesh Shastri -  It's based on a unique theme, since most other anthologies are focused mainly on romance. I am privileged to have been given a chance to experiment with my ideas for this story.

2. Divya - When talking about other authors and works of literature,who and what makes to your list of favourites? 

Durgesh Shastri - Jeffrey Archer's short story collection, several books of Sidney Sheldon, Chetan bhagat's five point someone, Ravi Subramanian, Piyush Jha's writings and more recently Suhail Mathur's debut book have been really impressive. 

3. Divya - After 12 strokes of life,pitfalls and parachutes,you are set to release your debut novel in the coming year.Tell us something about it. 

Durgesh Shastri - Its a thriller fiction Novel set in the historically and culturally rich city of Bidar.

My most ambitious project till date.

4. Divya - According to you,what is the hardest thing about writing? 

Durgesh Shastri - To reflect your thoughts exactly on paper.

5. Divya - You have been a Student and now a Teacher, what difference do you observe in education system and mindset? 

Durgesh Shastri - A student and a teacher are the two faces of the same coin. A student is desperate to get out of the system whereas a teacher only helps the student achieve that. A dramatic change is required in the current education system.

6. Divya - What is more challenging - being a Teacher Or being a Writer?

Your reasons behind it?

Durgesh Shastri - A teacher cannot be creative, his actions are limited by the university syllabus and institutional norms whereas an author is a bundle of creativity. He has all the freedom in the world. Giving your best shot despite all your limitations is more challenging.

7. Divya - You run a NGO committed to work for computer awareness in rural areas.how did this initiative took birth? 

  

Durgesh Shastri - When I visited nearby rural colleges/places for conducting practical engineering exams, I realized that the quality of students was extremely poor. This was when I decided to do my bit in creating computer awareness in rural areas. We have organized 10 such camps in a short span of 2 years.

Divya -Its a great initiative sir.many of us just think about doing our bit for society.

And you have successfully transcended it into action.

8. Divya - Sir,what is your motivation behind writing? 

Durgesh Shastri - The motivation is to create my own world which is ruled by my imagination and the keys of my keyboard.

9. Divya - How much hand does surroundings and current happenings have in shaping characters and plots of your stories?

Durgesh Shastri -My real life experiences and observations have a major say in my writings. Imagination only helps in making them dramatic and  readworthy.

10. Divya - How would you explain the concept behind your story "The secret chest Of Ranagaih seth " in 31 sins in a sentence?

Durgesh Shastri - You reap what you sow.

11. Divya -You are an inspiration for many of young aspiring authors,what advice you would give to them? 

Durgesh Shastri - I really don't know if anybody considers me an inspiration. Rather than an advice I would like to give them a copy of my books :-) or rather encourage them to buy one, that would unravel a lot of things about my thoughts.

 Divya - As this interview comes to end,I would thank you for taking out your valuable time.

I would also like to extend best wishes for your debut novel from the whole team of 31 sins.

Thank you so much Sir.

Durgesh Shastri - It was an interesting live chat. Thank you to you too for hearing out patiently.

 Divya - Pleasure is all mine sir. it has been a wonderful experience for me :-)