Subhadeep Ghosal talks about his book Detective William Bose | Interview

An introvert by nature, Author Subhadeep Ghosal is an ardent observer of human nature, which over the years has fine-tuned his ability to perceive human emotions and motives in a way that only a few authors can.

This combined with his work in a civil society organization in the field of human rights has only led him to witness a side of human nature and society that not many are aware of. This, however, is not his source of livelihood.

In his professional sphere, the author works in the middle-level management of a reputed organization. The work that he undertakes in the human rights space provides him with a sense of satisfaction and mental peace.

In his attempt to help with the betterment of society, which includes filing a lot of RTI appeals, the author has also acquired to his name a Limca Book of Records entry for having received the highest number of RTI correspondence from a single organization.

This endeavor of his helped to move many files that were stuck in red-tapism and as a result, the budgetary allocation that was already in place for the designated activities was put to use. 

Subhadeep has done his schooling at Don Bosco School, Liluah, and his graduation from the West Bengal University of Technology.

Being an introvert, he loves to prefer solitude over chaos, he is also a solo travel enthusiast and loves to research the most budget-friendly ways of travelling. Instead of television, he prefers to read a lot of books amongst which those by Agatha Christie are his favourites.

In his free time, he also likes to indulge in writing rhymed prose, which he believes, is an art form that has not been given its due recognition.

“Strangely, poetry that does not rhyme is considered a form of poetry. But prose which rhymes is not recognized,” he likes to muse.

His rhymed prose ‘A basket full of mangoes’ received a bonus prize at the ‘India Writing Project’ season 2 competition, and he currently has his eyes on a higher prize next time.

When asked about his aspirations as an author, he wishes “little money, little fame, and little fun” for himself while striving for fame for his characters and fun for the reader.

The author lives in Kolkata with his mother. He can be reached on his Instagram handle – subhadeepghosal1.

We at bookGeeks got a lucky chance for a tete-e-tete with the author Subhadeep Ghosal. Here is what he has to say about his love for books, reading, writing, and his debut book, Detective William Bose.

Tell us something about yourself. Who is Subhadeep as a person? What are his likes and dislikes?

I am an extreme introvert. I speak less and listen more. I like reading books and travelling. I adore old Bollywood music. I dislike remixes, tobacco, and alcohol.

What work do you do in your professional sphere? Has it ever influenced your writing?

I work for a civil society organization named 'The National Human Rights Federation' as head of the correspondence unit. It does influence my writing a little. A person who observes human pain closely on a frequent basis will obviously try to reflect it in his writings if he is an author.

Tell us about your latest novel, Detective William Bose. What can the readers expect from it? And who would it most appeal to?

Readers can expect memorable characters and satisfying twists. The novel would appeal mostly to beginners and office-going young and middle-aged people seeking solace. An office-going person has to hustle through a busy routine. When he returns home fatigued, he requires a soothing read - something that is easy to read, easy to comprehend, not too complicated, not gushing with an overload of information, yet interesting and gripping.

How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I don't know. Ideas do not leave footsteps so their paths cannot be traced.

Are you a spontaneous writer or a disciplined one?

I conjure ideas spontaneously but pen them down with discipline.

What does a normal day in your life look like?

A normal day in my life is no aberration from the daily life of an average middle-class Indian.

Why did you think of making this book a series?

I am not a good enough writer to accommodate all my ideas into one stand-alone book. My characters and their relationship needed to grow beyond one book. Moreover, why would I want my detective to be a one-case wonder?

What was the most challenging part of this journey of becoming an author?

Firstly, the journey has just begun. Challenges are yet to come. This is my debut work. A single piece of work does not make me an author. Acceptance by the reader makes me an author. In that regard, it would be challenging to get acceptance from the readers.

One quote that never fails to inspire you?

"Don't take rest after your first victory because if you feel in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck." - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

What tips will you give to aspiring writers in India?

I am an inspiring writer myself. Ask me the question ten years from now.

What are your upcoming writing projects?

Firstly, I shall complete the rest of the series, that is, 'Detective William Bose in Siliguri' and 'Detective William Bose in Darjeeling' is on the way. Further endeavors of Detective William Bose shall be planned if sufficiently fueled by the readers. A collection of short stories based on religion named 'Speaking to a Hermit' is already available on Amazon Kindle. The outline for a paranormal fiction is also ready.