Dr. V. Srinivas, a renowned cancer surgeon specializing in urology has begun another adventure as a writer. Dr Srinivas has two books to his credit: “A Tale Of Two Homes: Giving New Meaning To ‘Home Sweet Home’” and “A Tale Of Two Medics”. In Dr Srivinas’ writing, medical expertise merges into narrative clarity from a unique perspective. Through this interview, we gain insight into the multiple talents of this person through his thought processes when he changed careers from medicine to literature, how he writes and what inspired him to write these books.
Personal Journey
What inspired you to transition from your initial career to becoming an author?
I saw a movie named "UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN" which described how an American lady moved to Italy and built a house there. At that point in time, we were building a house in the Nilgiri Hills while living in Mumbai. The different aspects of the building process were quite fascinating. As a doctor, I had never been exposed to constructing a house as we always moved into a ready-made flat in Mumbai. I hadn't seen any book published on this aspect from an Indian author, so I felt compelled to write about it.
Coincidentally, the apartment complex we lived in Mumbai was facing a legal battle with a potential for demolition. I felt putting this unique experience into print, in a fictional manner, could interest others and also help in documenting our roller coaster adventure. Thus, "A TALE OF TWO HOMES" came about.
Writing Process
What is your typical day like when you're immersed in writing a book?
My game plan for both my books was similar. Once I got the idea on the broad outline of the book, I would initially jot down different points which I could touch upon and expand into chapters while writing the book. So both my books are divided into small chapters which are relatively easy to read.
Every morning I used to go for a walk on the Worli sea face for about one hour and during this time, I would think about the points I needed to put into one chapter. Following this, I would go to the hospital, do my surgery and see patients. In the afternoon, when I returned, I would sit in front of the computer and try to put my thoughts into print.
The next day, I would revise this chapter, fine-tune it, and then think about moving to the next chapter. So writing this book did not interfere with my surgical practice, but was more relaxing.
About the Books
What inspired the story behind your latest book?
My second book "A TALE OF TWO MEDICS," I felt carried a very important message for young doctors and trainee doctors. Unfortunately, the medical profession has got a pretty bad name in the sense a few bad apples have concentrated more on the monetary aspect of medicine rather than the noble aspect of medicine. This aberration is highlighted more often in the press rather than the good work being done by the majority. I felt this needs to be corrected by writing a book in a fictional manner. Hopefully, this will encourage younger doctors reading this book to realize what a career in medicine actually entails and the responsibilities associated with it. So, in fact, this book, although written in a lighter vein, carries a very important message.
Creative Insights
Where do you draw inspiration from for your stories and characters?
As explained earlier, the inspiration for the two books comes from real-life experiences. As a surgeon, once you embark on an operation, there is no looking back. I have followed the same principle while writing these two books. Once I got the idea fairly crystallized in my mind and the points jotted down, then I plunge into it wholeheartedly. There was a smooth continuous process thereafter, and I was able to complete both books in about two months' time each. After that, it was a matter of revising the books chapter by chapter to try and fine-tune the editing. I then also got a few friends to read it to get their feedback and to check on any grammatical corrections necessary before sending it for printing.
Reader Engagement
How do you connect with your readers and fans on a personal level?
Fortunately, being a doctor, I have a large captive patient base that was very keen to read my book. They also enthusiastically recommended it to their friends and relatives. The feedback I got from them was very encouraging and once I finished my first book, many of them wanted to know when my second was coming out and once the second was over they are now looking forward to the third!
My first book was presented in four literature festivals and the interaction with the audience was very encouraging. The reviews published on Google and Amazon about the first book were very positive.
Unfortunately, my second book came out around the time of Covid, so I was not able to launch it in the manner we had planned and I am a bit disappointed as this was the book I wanted to get out to a larger audience.
Industry Perspective
What are your thoughts on the current state of the publishing industry?
Unfortunately, most of the so-called "established publishing houses" only want big-name authors or those with political affiliations as they are only looking at the sales of the book and their bottom line.
So for an unknown first-timer, to break into this syndicate is very difficult and takes a lot of time and adds frustration. Additionally, the editing process can change the whole outlook of your book as it has to fit into the editor's whims and fancies.
On the other hand, self-publishing is a more practical route to take. In this regard, I have to congratulate White Falcon Publishing for being the leader in this field and for working very professionally with the author to bring out such an excellent packaged product.
My one suggestion would be for White Falcon Publishing to try and work with more OTT platforms or to set up a wing of their own to see if some of these books could be made into films as this will have a much wider reach.
Future Projects
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or books you're working on?
My first book was "A TALE OF TWO HOMES". My second book was "A TALE OF TWO MEDICS."
Unfortunately, my third book is titled "A TALE OF TWO WIVES" and since I am on wife number one and have no intention of getting a second wife, I don't think this book will see the light of day!
But one never knows some other "TALE" may come about in future.
Advice and Wisdom
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to break into the industry?
I would advise anybody who wants to write a book to take the plunge, put pen to paper or finger to the computer keyboard and get to work. Everybody has some story to tell, and there are people who are waiting to read it. So don't procrastinate.
Nowadays, getting a book self-published is the way to go rather than eternally wait while knocking on the doors of various big publishing houses.
The only disadvantage of self-publishing is that most established newspapers, magazines will not review the book or give it a write-up. Thus getting the word out about your book will take a lot more effort. This is a problem I faced with my second book since it came out during the time of Covid, and I could not get the word out about "A TALE OF TWO MEDICS".
Personal Reflections
How do you unwind and relax when you're not writing or working?
Since I have built a house in the Nilgiri Hills, I spend a fair amount of time there, especially after Covid. The air is fresh and there is plenty of green cover. It is an ideal place for long walks and a relaxed lifestyle. I would advise people, as they grow older, to try and move out of the big cities and go and explore what Nature has to offer.
A good place to sit and read books, watch movies and breathe the fresh unpolluted air.
The only surprising aspect of my sedate life as a doctor and later life fiction writer, I suppose, would be the fact that I got a black belt in two disciplines of martial arts, namely, tae kwon do and aikido a few decades ago, when I turned 49.
So, it's never too late to fulfill a dream that you had long ago but never found the time to pursue when you were young.
The journey of Dr. V. Srinivas from the surgical room to writing books is a reflection of passion and determination. His stories are authentic and deep-rooted, owing to his medical background that gives him a unique standpoint in storytelling. Additionally, his writings address key societal concerns thereby demonstrating the power of literature as a tool for transformation.
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