Author Highlight: Ranjit More Discusses his New Book ‘God Chronicles #1: Of Swarga’ and Stories from his Life

We are back with another author interview. Today, with us, we have Ranjit More – the author of ‘God Chronicles #1: Of Swarga’. In this interview, he talks about his writing aspirations, inclination toward Indian mythology, and the route to getting his book published. Stay on...while we chat with him.

What inspired you to write this book? Any tales to tell…

I've always been a fan of Hindu mythology, or as I like to call it, the history of this solar system (you see, I'm a firm believer in the historicity of the Vedic literature). Add to that a decent knowledge of the English language, and it all came together very naturally.

What made you to write a novel based on Swarga?

I'd never planned to set the novella in Swarga. It just came along as I wrote. All those months spent reading the Srimad Bhagavatam (a scripture) came in handy as far as description of Swarga went. It's an alluring place, to say the least. I haven't described even half of it. There's a lot of stuff there that anyone would like to have.

What message would you like to convey through this book?

The message I'd like to convey through this book is that one must take recourse to devotion to Lord Vishnu, Who is all in all. Contrary to popular belief, Hinduism is not polytheistic. At least according to the Vaishnava branch. The Supreme Lord is only One and His name is Vishnu/Krishna/Rama. Being an ardent devotee of Krishna and having experienced many wonderful feelings and experiences on the path of devotion to Him, I wanted to inspire the same in others. This book was an attempt towards that objective.

Since this novel contains information which is limited to mass, well then how you did the research for it?

Srimad Bhagavatam are the two words that come to mind. It is one of the 18 Puranas of Hinduism and has extensive knowledge about the cosmos, soul, God and material universe in general according to Hinduism.

What else drives you other than writing fiction?

Let's skip this one if you don't mind. I can't think of an answer.

How did you find the writing chord, or were you a born writer?

I used to write in a diary when I was small. In school, I always found that I grew very excited during English classes. Believe me, you'd be very hard-pressed to find similar developments in me during other classes. So, writing has always been a passion for me. I wouldn't say I was born one, but I grew into one.

How do you handle the response of this book, especially from your friends and relatives and readers?

When my aunt told me my book was unputdownable, I felt elated and complete with a sense of accomplishment. I wish I can experience more moments like this. This book needs to have more eyes look through it.

What are some of your favourite novels and authors?

I know this is a clichéd answer but the first 5 Harry Potter books were the best fiction I've read, ever! Nothing comes close to it. Other than that, recently, Uprooted by Naomi Novik held my interest.

What was your biggest learning experience throughout the publishing process?

I self-published God Chronicles #1: Of Swarga. I learnt that nothing in life is hassle-free. You need to put in the efforts to realize even the smallest of tasks. You'd think, for a writer, it ends with writing. But now, after having self-published, I realize you need to be a multi-tasker.

Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break in as a writer?

I haven't broken in as yet. Hope your review helps me in that direction.

Any best piece of writing advice from your side that we haven’t discussed?

This has been said millions of times, but write what you know. Don't write about trends, or fads, or what you think will sell. Write the story you want told.

Where do you write from? Do you go to some specific place, like beachside or into the hills?

This is very unexciting, but I write in my bedroom.

Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I'm an introvert and hate interacting with people. I feel at home sitting by myself thinking about Radha-Krishna (God). 

When is the next part coming? Or any future books that you would like to discuss now?

I haven't begun writing as yet, but there's an idea in its nascent stages. It's about a young yogin who lives on the outskirts of Kashi (modern day Varanasi) and roams about manifesting miracles. Her life is turned upside down when a giant demon comes tearing through the forest and destroys the temple - her home.