Novoneel Chakraborty is the author of the national bestselling novels A Thing Beyond Forever, That Kiss In The Rain.., EX…a twisted love story, How About a Sin Tonight, and Marry Me, Stranger. His latest book, All Yours Stranger, has been a fan favorite. He talks about his most popular book, The Stranger trilogy.
- What was your inspiration behind Marry Me, Stranger?
The concept of The Stranger Trilogy struck me while I was talking to one of my friends over the phone. She used to share her griefs with me, and that’s when I thought about the character of ‘the stranger’ who would be an emotional-spiritual guide to Rivanah, the protagonist of the series.
- How much of the book is realistic?
Like all my works, the reality is always sprinkled in my stories. While writing, I like to fine-tune a real moment according to my sense of drama.
- Are experiences based on someone you know or events in your own life?
Some of the events are inspired by the stories which I have heard from friends and acquaintances, but as I mentioned earlier, I always fine-tune reality in my work to balance the drama quotient.
- Rivanah was getting weird dreams that were somehow linked with her real life, but the dreams she had were coming true. Were those dreams a caution for her to be careful with her life?
That you and the readers will know about once the third book of the series is out. If I tell even a little bit about it, I shall be guilty of giving the story away.
- Will you reveal the Stranger in Part-3?
For sure, the identity of the stranger will be revealed in book 3 of the series.
- Do you read much, and if so, which is your one favorite book of all time?
I keep reading since I believe it is quintessential for any creative mind as it expands one’s internal horizon. I don’t have one favorite book, but the one that influenced me the most is ‘The Fountainhead‘ by Ayn Rand.
- Which is your favorite Movie?
Another difficult question to answer since I’m a big movie buff. I would say I love Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Billy Wilder, to name a few.
- Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the characters Rivanah and Ekanshand Danny?
I would like to see fresh actors and actresses playing the characters. I think the characters’ vulnerability will shine through more, especially Rivanah, if the actress doesn’t have cinematic baggage.
- How long does it take you to write a book?
I think about my stories a lot, but writing-wise it takes me somewhere close to 3-4 months for the first draft. At times, though, it depends on how complex a story is.
- How do books get published?
First, write the story and then submit it to the most interested publisher and believe in it. And then hope it fits into their publishing design.
- Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
I belong to that category of authors who have survived word of mouth. For this, one needs to constantly churn out content that is recommended from one reader to another. It is a time taking process but the most worthwhile. I haven’t yet used any shortcuts marketing-wise.
- For those interested in exploring the subject or theme of your book, where should they start?
They should start by reading the first book in The Stranger Trilogy viz ‘Marry Me, Stranger’ to understand the story through and through.
- For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hardback books?
I was a paperback/hardcover loyalist till some time back, but recently I have adjusted well to ebooks. Though nothing can replace the joy of reading a physical book, one has to understand ebooks are the future and adjust accordingly.
- What do your plans for future projects include?
Currently working on the edits of the third book. Let’s see which story or character fascinates me next.
