Akhila Saroha: Before beginning this interview, I would like to congratulate you on the publishing of your book, “The Convict”. How has the response of the readers been so far?
Rakesh Srivastava: Thanks a ton Akhila! With God’s grace, the response and reactions of readers are indeed very good and encouraging. I PRAY for the BEST to come in future.
Akhila Saroha: The title of the book, “The Convict” is short and catchy. How did you come up with the name, owing to the fact that the metaphorical associations cannot be ignored either?
Rakesh Srivastava: The title came as a natural consequence to the story. I thought it suited the plot well.
Akhila Saroha: Is there an inspiration for the character of Dr. Rekha? Or is it completely a creation of your imaginative mind?
Rakesh Srivastava: As an officer of GREAT INDIAN AIR FORCE, I had the good fortune of getting posted to one of the largest and best Military hospitals. There, I worked in very close association with super specialist doctors and nurses, lived with them for years. I experienced and felt their lives very closely as a proud member of the prestigious Hospital Management Team. That’s where, the plot of this novel started developing in my mind. Incidentally, we also had a beautiful lady doctor named Dr. Rekha. Hence, name of the main protagonist in the novel. Some of the doctors, are my personal friends even now!
Akhila Saroha: There are very less books that capture the span of time you have done in your book in a smooth manner. How did the idea of writing the book come to you?
Rakesh Srivastava: As stated above , the idea and concept for this novel were developed while shouldering the responsibilities and actively working in a prestigious Air Force hospital.
Akhila Saroha: The character of Dr. Rekha has to go through a lot of adversities in one lifetime.Do you believe that fate was too unjust to her?
Rakesh Srivastava: In my personal opinion, the life is not duty bound to deliver justice to anyone in the world. It works according to it’s own independent patterns and a person’s destiny.
Akhila Saroha: Are there any present day writers you like to read? Or any writers of earlier times?
Rakesh Srivastava: Yes, Mr Chetan Bhagat and Mr Amish Tripathi, are some of my favorite authors.
Akhila Saroha: “The Convict” was given an end by you yet there seemed to be scope of more plot development. Can the readers expect a sequel to the work?
Rakesh Srivastava: Let’s see, he how the future unfolds. If there is a public demand, why not.
Akhila Saroha: If there are people like Dr. Rekha, who have suffered like her in real life, what would your advice be to them?
Rakesh Srivastava: NEVER loose the TRUST in GOD and YOUR SELF, come what may. Have FAITH and ultimately you will be a WINNER. I believe, the FAITH creates MIRACLES!
Akhila Saroha: If you have read any present day writing, what would you like to say about it?
Rakesh Srivastava: Mr Chetan Bhagat’s writing is very absorbing and entertaining.
Akhila Saroha: Since “The Convict” talks about many aspects and themes, if you were to assign a genre to the book, which would it be?
Rakesh Srivastava: Social.
Akhila Saroha: What advice would you like to give to the growing writers on the basis of your experience in writing?
Rakesh Srivastava: Follow your HEART!
Akhila Saroha: Your writing shows a clear potential of a lot more to come from your pen. Please share about your future projects.
Rakesh Srivastava: That, only the FUTURE can unveil.
Akhila Saroha: Thank you for sparing time for this interview. I wish you the best for your future.
Rakesh Srivastava: Thanks a ton again Akhila! for spending your time to read my novel and asking the relevant, intelligent questions. Greateful for your valuable good wishes.
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