Interview with Jaydeep Shah, Author of Boondocks

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Boondocks (Survive the Doom #1)?

This is a great question. I grew up watching Hindu mythologies and folklores, and Indian horror shows. I always wanted to write something about Indian myths, but I knew I’m not good at it. Since I already had begun writing and publishing horror stories, one day, an idea struck to write a horror fiction with some references to Hindu myths and Asian evils. I even outlined the story, but that didn’t work out. For months, I kept changing the outlines, but they all were failures.

Then, during my Creative Writing studies, when I had to write a comic story, suddenly an idea struck to create the character of wizard who can bring the strongest churel of ancient era back to life. I submitted my comic story, and the professor and other students loved the story. I decided to publish it as a comic, but then I thought I could expand it and turn the story into an apocalyptic thriller.

Finally, after graduating from college with my bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, I began to work on the story again, I decided to create one more antagonist, an immortal rakshasa, the king of the underworld. Now I had an entire story laid out perfectly in which I can add as many as references to the myths and folklores, while keeping the story setting in modern times.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

So far, I have written and published a children’s fiction, and some adult horror thriller stories. But, I enjoy reading all the genres from children’s fiction to young adult fantasy stories, and from romance to horror, as long as there is a well-built plot with strong characters.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR piles are just growing and growing. There are too many books to read, and I’m way behind. Currently, I’m reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Then, I’m planning to read The Mousai series by E.J. Mellow.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are multiple scenes I loved writing. The first one is Prologue where the backstory of the churel (witch) is introduced. The second one is when the wizard named Dansh meets a rakshasa (demon), the king of the underworld, Sekiada. Another is the war between the soldiers and demons at the border of the desert of Rajasthan. And finally, the climax. I won’t say much about these scenes, especially the climax, as I don’t want to reveal any spoilers about the story. But yes, these three scenes I enjoyed writing the most.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I don’t have any quirky writing habits, but I have heard about some. It would be funny though. I always observe my surroundings to find if there is something lucky that helps me write more. So far, I haven’t found anything quirky about my writing habits. Haha!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Never give up. Live in the present. Enjoy every moment.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Have all the fun you want. Travel the world. Make a lot of connections. Be happy.

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