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This
interview with K. D. Lathar, author of "The Changeling", was first published in February 2006. To find
out even more about the author, you must visit our K. D. Lathar page.
Where were you born and
raised?
I was born in India, in the State of Haryana, in a town called Rohtak.
Growing up there until six, then we came to England. We moved around
until we eventually settled in Edgbaston, Birmingham, where I attended Holly
Lodge Grammar School.
What was it that first got you into writing and when did
you start writing?
I was always good at literature, having got an ‘A’ at
O-level without trying. I’ve been fascinated by the word since I could ‘see’
it. What I mean by that is; it does not matter when and where the words were
written, and many times, not even in what language, but that they could convey
an author’s thoughts and feelings across the abyss of time. Serious
writing for me started with my first novel submission some ten years ago, but I
wasn’t quite ready then, so gave it up and kept the rejection slips.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
That’s easy and long - I’ll only list the first eleven;
JRR Tolkien, R.Zalazny, Stephen Donaldson, all the marvel comics (Stan Lee),
Ann Rice, Bram Stoker, John Wyndham, Jean Auel, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke,
Robert Louis Stevenson.
Where do you stand on the nature v. nurture debate? Were
you born a writer, or were there factors in your environment that enabled you
to become a writer?
I think there are natural storytellers, but they may not
become writers due to many environmental factors including their own
self-discipline. The desire to write has to be there inherently as it is too
hard a process for anyone to think they could turn someone else, without that
spark, into a writer (we’re talking about full-length works).
There are a lot of courses teaching creative writing
nowadays, but do you think that good writing can be taught?
When writing fiction, the definition of good writing will
probably change from person to person, from publisher to publisher, agent to
agent, and will greatly depend on the audience. It will also depend on the age
in which it is being written. English can be taught, writing can be improved,
great writing – is an elusive combination.
What kind of things do you write?
Some poems, mainly children’s stories with adult themes.
What, for you, is the best piece of prose that you have
ever written?
Best thing so far has been "The Changeling", and
a small poem called "Salvation".
What are you working on now?
Currently all the writing time is devoted to finishing
"The Well" – book II in the Changeling Saga. A hell of a story.
What is your writing day like?
Starts at around 6.45am on a train until the battery on
the laptop dies or I reach my destination. Starts again when I leave my place
of work until I get back home. Everyday.
Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
At the top of the world.
What’s the most exciting thing about writing for you?
Conveying the feelings well enough to make the reader live
them, and to make it exciting enough so that it can be read again and again.
What’s the most frustrating thing about writing for you?
The time it takes to get the words right.
What’s the best piece of feedback that you’ve had from your
audience?
Several reviews from students at a school that I was
invited to visit. One of them was highly analytical and detailed starting
with what he liked and then what he didn’t… He still loved reading it though.
Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first
priority to satisfy your own creativity?
I am writing to have an interaction with an audience,
particularly children at informative ages. I feel that they should be debating
the issues of right and wrong, good and evil, religion, prejudice and bigotry.
In fact there should be nothing taboo, as it is only through knowledge and
experience that we can hope to be civilised. A great read will help pave the
way.
Do you have a homepage? If so, what’s the URL?
Presently all the information about me and "The
Changeling" is on www.tarragonpublishing.com
including the soundtrack in mp3 format.
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