Dear Readers,
Welcome to another installment of Meet the Author. This month, I’m thrilled to introduce Anu Kay, the creative mind behind the enthralling mystery novel “Like the Radiant Sun.”, A modern-day mystery that takes you to the Old World, from Varanasi to Venice, from Kerala to Mount Kailash. Anu dedicated a decade to meticulous research, sculpting her novel into its compelling form before its successful publication. Beyond her novel, Anu is also a prolific writer of short stories.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the intriguing world of Anu Kay.
Usha :Welcome Anu, Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Anu: Hi I’m Anu Kay, a writer who embarked on the journey of crafting stories in Europe. My passion for creating modern tales is deeply rooted in India’s vibrant history and lively culture. Drawing from my Indian heritage, I infuse its richness into my writing, blending mystery and magical realism to transport readers into a world where ancient traditions intersect with the contemporary. Through storytelling, my aim is to illuminate the spiritual wisdom of the past and uncover historical treasures that resonate with today’s audience.
I’ve penned several short stories, and my debut novel, “Like the Radiant Sun,” a cross-genre of modern-day mystery and magical realism, is now available on Amazon and in bookstores across India.
Two fun facts about me:
Cooking Enthusiast: I thoroughly enjoy experimenting in the kitchen! Exploring new recipes and cuisines from across the globe is a hobby that brings me immense joy. Whether it’s perfecting the craft of making noodles or crafting flavourful dishes inspired by different cultures, delving into diverse flavours is my passion.
Nature Adventurer: I’m passionate about challenging hikes in rugged terrains. Seeking an adrenaline rush on new trails and experiencing the great outdoors is something I’m always eager to explore.
Lets dive in to the Q and A
Usha: What genre do you prefer reading, and do you have a favourite genre?
Anu: I love books that keep me engaged for hours—mysteries, psychological thrillers, and adventures are my absolute favourite genres. Sherlock Holmes was my favourite for a very long time and remains so today. I love the way Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the character and brought him to life with quirks. The psychological aspect of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” also intrigues me. When it comes to adventure books, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, post-Sherlock Holmes, takes the lead.
Usha: What format do you prefer—paperback, hardback, audiobooks, or ebooks?
Anu: I enjoy collecting both paperback and hardback books, but when I’m traveling, I prefer reading ebooks. Traveling frequently, ebooks make it easier to store multiple books on a small gadget. Another reason I prefer ebooks is the ability to control fonts and brightness according to the time of day and my eyesight. While I do listen to audiobooks, they are not my favourite. I find reading engages me in a different way than listening to an audiobook, which I prefer.
Usha: What was the first book you read that you remember?
Anu: As a child, I had a vast collection of comic books from Amar Chitra Katha, visually appealing stories that introduced me to Indian gods and mythology. These comics captured my attention, providing a unique perspective on the gods I had seen in temples and at home.
Usha: Wow!! I loved them too. I still do .
Usha: What are the main drivers for your writing?
Anu: Writing, for me, is an intimate journey of self-discovery, a way to navigate the tapestry of memories that have shaped my identity. Living in Europe, the curiosity about my Indian heritage, especially in Germany, where it was less familiar, prompted a deep exploration.
Coming from an IT background, I felt a growing disconnect with my cultural roots. Conversations about India’s food, culture, and history in Germany left me realizing there was much I didn’t know. This realization was the impetus for my writing journey, which began with a simple diary and evolved into a profound exploration of Indian culture.
Childhood exposure to Amar Chitra Katha, captivating comic books narrating Indian mythology, played a pivotal role. These stories bridged the gap between the images I saw in temples and the rich narratives behind them, forming the foundation for my writing.
The desire to connect India, Germany, and Europe fueled my research into scriptures, exploring the profound wisdom embedded in ancient texts. My writing is driven by the need to craft narratives that seamlessly intertwine Indian and European cultures, bringing to light shared threads across time and geography.
In essence, my writing is an exploration of identity, finding home within, sparked by the intersection of cultures, bridging the gap between the familiar and the unknown. Through storytelling, I aim to illuminate the spiritual wisdom of the past, revealing historical treasures that resonate with today’s diverse audience.
Usha: What is your current genre of writing, and is there a reason you choose that?
Anu: Currently, I write in the genre of mystery and magical realism. I’m drawn to the inherent mystery in everything around us—people, nature, animals. This fascination is akin to the enigmatic quality found in ancient Vedas, which, despite being written thousands of years ago, still hold secrets about the mind, body, soul connection.
In “Like the Radiant Sun,” I explore concepts like Marmakala and Kalaripayutu, delving into the spiritual connection between body and soul. The interconnectedness of the universe, the planet, the Sun, and the vastness of it all serve as inspiration. My goal is to combine elements of spirituality and mystery, weaving a story that resonates with modern readers.
Usha: If you could pick one literary figure from past or present to meet and chat with, who would you choose?
Anu: Am I allowed to choose two? Well I did .
My selections would be Maharishi Vyasa and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I imagine meeting Maharishi Vyasa in the Himalayan caves, questioning his process of writing the epic Mahabharata. As for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I picture chatting with him in a cozy Scottish café, delving into why he chose not to write more about Sherlock Holmes and requesting a surreal review of my book, “Like the Radiant Sun.”
Usha: If you could choose a celebrity to narrate your book as an audiobook, which celebrity would you choose?
Anu: I often ponder how it would be to ask Agatha Christie to return and read my book. She had a unique whodunit concept, and her influence persists today. Imagining her as the narrator of my book would be a brilliant idea.
Usha: perhaps something that could become a reality with the advancements in AI.
Usha: “Today, I live in my stories disguised as a character.” This is a fascinating statement. Could you tell us some fun part of writing these characters?
A: Each character in my book carries a fragment of myself within them. I’m deeply immersed in their lives, living, thinking, breathing, writing, and reading about them. Interestingly, I don’t mourn any of them; they all seem perfectly fine to me. I find it challenging to write something dark or tragic for an extended period, and killing a character is difficult, even in a murder mystery.
Usha: What is the current or latest show you are watching that gave you a further creative impetus?
Anu: Recently, I immersed myself in the world of “Vikings.” This historical drama series proved to be a captivating journey into Norse Mythology. Exploring the life of Ragna Lodbrok and delving into the legendary Norse heroes provided a unique lens through which I gained insights into the history of Anglo-Saxon England and West Francia. The intricate storytelling and the rich tapestry of cultures depicted in the series sparked my creative imagination, inspiring me to incorporate diverse elements into my upcoming projects.
Usha: What’s next? Any upcoming projects?
Anu: The anticipation of at least three upcoming novels fills me with excitement. Each project presents a distinct opportunity to introduce fresh creativity and offer readers unique storytelling experiences. As I continue to explore mystery and magical realism, these novels promise to delve into uncharted territories, blending elements of spirituality, history, and contemporary narratives. Stay tuned for these upcoming releases, where I aim to transport readers to new worlds and illuminate the hidden facets of our shared human experience.
Thank you very much Anu, that brings us to the end of the Q and A. It was a pleasure chatting with you. You brought back such wonderful memories of childhood, like you I used to collect Amar chitra Katha. They are still my favourites.
Here is a link to Anu s website . You can read some of her short stories on her website.
You can also connect with her on Instagram and Facebook
Instagram: Anu Kay (@anu_kay_writer)
Facebook: Anu Kay | Facebook
Substack: ROOTS | Anu Kay
That’s all folks from me. Wishing you all a seasons’ greetings and a prosperous New Year.
Happy Reading!!
Le Coin Des Bobby 