Kalyan C. Kankanala a self-publisher from Bangalore shares tit bits about his latest book with a medico-legal thriller titled ‘The Oath’. The story revolves around The protagonist Dr.Krishna, a conscientious doctor, is arrested and put on trial for treating naxalites, a banned people war group. Many police officers are killed in an encounter with naxalites, and the police are looking for payback. They want Dr. Krishna to pay for helping naxalites, to pay for the deaths of their men, and to pay for their helplessness. They mount irrefutable evidence against Dr. Krishna, and the Public Prosecutor has never lost a case. Set in Zala, the hot bed of naxal activity in the state of Andhra Pradesh, The Oath narrates a gripping, entertaining and intellectually stimulating tale of the clash between Medicine and Law.
When asked how did the author begin writing? His simple reply was well, I’ve always loved writing, ever since I was a child. It brings me immense joy. While writing non-fiction helps me understand a concept better, I find writing fiction a great way to imagine and express.
The self-publisher considered himself as a writer back in school. He remembers he was probably 10 or 11, when he wrote an article for the school magazine. His first book Road Humps and Sidewalks was a pharma patent thriller. It revolves around the theme of patents and access to medicines, a highly debated subject in the Indian context. The importance of the topic inspired me to complete my first work diligently.
Asking him further about his upcoming novel , the author expounds the clash between medical and legal oaths, and how he felt that The Oath as a title captures the essence well. The book highlights the significance of professional ethics and that the commitment to human life trumps any law. Like all fictional work this book too derives its inspiration from real people and their experiences. The book is partly based on the authors father’s experiences as a doctor and is very close to my heart.
The book that has influenced my life the most is definitely All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. I have also always admired Alistair Maclean’s work. He is one person who has mastered the art of suspense story-telling. I recommend his work to all young authors.
When asked about travelling somewhere just for the book; the author said; Yes, I do have to travel sometimes for a book. Sometimes to immerse yourself in a story or to stay true to the story it helps if you have the right surroundings. Any author would know how important it is to set the right tone for a book and getting a feel of the place, one is setting their story in, is definitely crucial.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? Finding the right editor definitely posed considerable challenges, but I’m glad we found someone great like SapnaINK. Writing can be a cathartic experience I feel. But what I learnt the most was that writing is a disciplined art. If you love to write, if it brings you joy then you should go ahead. It’s just that simple.
The author concludes with a small note for his readers. I hope they like the book. I look forward to their comments and feedback; it would certainly help me grow or improve as an author.
Self- publishing is a process involving series of steps that efficiently help an author be successful amongst the masses. There are various genres fiction, non- fiction, romance, classic, horror and thriller and so on and so forth. Every book has its unique approach to top the charts. Every genre of book can be published uniquely through the message it professes.