Embrace the Heat of Transformation with 'Inoculated by Fire'

1. What motivated you to write this specific novel, and how did the plot develop?

I believe everyone has a story to tell. Our lives are a rich collection of memories and events. It's when we are so driven to tell others about a certain experience that it makes one a writer. Something like that happened while I was serving in the Army in the Kashmir Valley. The experience itself is so rich and exhilarating and then when you meet people outside the uniform and they ask you what it is that you guys do up there, that a compelling case for writing the book was born. The pandemic provided the right kind of opportunity to pen down the thoughts into a book. What was really surprising is that though I was recollecting events from nearly a dozen years before, they were still so fresh and vivid in my mind.

2. Could you provide us some details about how you write? Do you have any special rituals or a set schedule that you follow to help you enter the creative flow?

When it comes to the actual writing, I only need some time and no disturbance. Most of the writing actually happens in the mind even before I put pen to paper. Thus a lot of time is actually spent thinking. Once the idea is clearly formed, writing it down doesn’t take much time. I love writing with pen on paper, since that is how I am more attuned to working. Once written to my satisfaction, I like to type on my computer. This is also when I am able to edit the writing and make the appeal better. Overall, I first form the entire story and write the outline or at least a few pointers and then go on to elaborate that into a book.

3. Your book's characters are really unique and unforgettable. Did they come from your imagination alone, or are they based on real people?

Most of the characters are real or based on real people. Very few characters in this book have been fabricated. The book is mostly based on real events.

4. Your book dives into [particular topic or concern]. Which ideas or conversations do you hope readers will take up from your work, and what inspired you to investigate this theme?

The book is based on true events during my tenure in the Kashmir valley as a young company commander. The entire purpose of writing the book is to bring the challenges faced by a young company commander in a Counter terrorism environment before the larger public that does not see their contributions and challenges first hand. Additionally, the book I hope serves the purpose of guiding young officers going into such an assignment as well. It contains a few practical ideas and suggestions on how to make your command better and how to overcome challenges faced.

5. The world-building in your book is very detailed and captivating. What steps did you take to create the environment, and were there any historical events or real-world locales that you found inspiring?

Yes, since I have personally operated in the area, I could clearly visualize what I was writing about. Descriptions thus become easy.

6. How do you, as a writer, strike a balance between the demands of the genre and the desire for originality? Did you face any difficulties interpreting well-known components in your own way?

What is the point in writing a story that no one wants to read and those who pick up the book, must find it easy to read and thus finish reading the book. Balancing that I believe is a challenge every writer must overcome. Thus, even though the book is largely based on true events, it has been given a fictional twist to tell a story and keep the reader engaged.

7. The plot moves at a well-paced pace that holds readers' attention throughout. How do you keep the story moving forward and keeping tension high throughout?

I believe what worked for me here is reading and re-reading the written script and ruthlessly editing out the unnecessary details. What also worked is getting someone from different age brackets to proofread and provide feedback. One of the interesting inputs received was to change the narration from third person to first person which immediately changed the appeal of the story.

8. How do you see the function of conventional storytelling changing in the age of quickly evolving media and reader preferences? How do you modify your writing to appeal to modern audiences?

 It’s a natural evolution and writers have to keep up pace with the reader’s expectations. However, I believe the universe of readers is so huge and diversified that one should not worry too much. I believe a good work of writing will be appreciated irrespective and it will find its readership.

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