Author Sabarna Roy on writing, juggling between two professions and challenges that have come his way in penning his masterpieces

1. Amongst all the books that you have written, which one has not been an easy writing?

Every book that I have written posted some challenge or the other. However, my first and second books, Pentacles and Frosted Glass, and my sixth book, Etchings of the First Quarter of 2020, have been very difficult for differing reasons. In Pentacles the long ballads were challenging. In Frosted Glass maintaining a cohesion amongst a story cycle of fourteen long stories was very critical written over a period of two years. In Etchings of the First Quarter of 2020, the correctness of theoretical concepts required laborious research.

2. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I do hear from my readers a lot: on emails and Instagram/Facebook live sessions. One common trait they find in me is that I have written in almost all the genres/formats that are there.

3. In writing, what do you think makes a good story?

Lucidity, authenticity, characterization, and cohesion of the narrative plot all combine to make a good story.

4. As an author, how has been your journey till now and when you look back how does it feel ?

I am a stoic person, and not given to emotions. I work like the man climbing up the mountain with a huge rock in the Myth of Sisyphus. Uphill the rock falls down and the man climbs again with the rock and the cycle continues. When I look back, I feel I have learnt a lot having worked with some of the best editors in India.

5. You have written some technical publications as well. Please elaborate on them.

Articles on Ductile Iron Pipelines and Framework Agreement Methodology attempts to elaborate the use of Ductile Iron Pipelines in Irrigation application, Gravity Sewer application, Wet Ash Slurry application, Restrained Joint application and use in Steep incline and Hilly terrain, Life Cycle Cost Analysis between various kinds of pipe materials, Feasibility of Recycled WasteWater for Irrigation, a deliberation on Framework Agreement Procurement Methodology and Emerging Challenges in Pipe Distribution Network based Irrigation Projects.

A second technical book of mine with another co-author will be published in June 2021.

6. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

From 9 am to 9 pm I work as an author and a senior engineering professional seamlessly juggling from one profession to the other.