Entertainment
The Wishful Writer
Author Brabim Karki has published two works of fiction.Author Brabim Karki has published two works of fiction, Mayur Albatross and Oshin Fisher—the former in limited volume and the latter on the Internet. He is also an avid traveller who sometimes, like his characters, prefers to chase his imagination and dreams. Currently busy completing his third book—this one in Nepali—Karki talks to the Post’s Gaurav Pote about his body of work,
passion for writing and chasing dreams. Excerpts:
Our readers would certainly like to know more about you…
I grew up in Kathmandu and went to school at Gyankunj. For my undergraduate degree, I chose to study management at TU instead of an IT degree at St Xavier’s College. I have a few regrets about that. During high school, I contributed articles to a few English dailies, and I penned my first novel during my undergrad days. I also write songs. Besides that, I am really into travelling and exploring different places. Writing and travelling both give me immense joy and energy.
So, what got you into writing novels? What keeps you motivated?
Writing has always been one of my passions. I remember flipping through the pages of Muna Madan when I was young. Later, I started reading Paulo Coelho’s novels, as I discovered the joy of reading and delving into one’s imagination. That is when I decided to journalise my imagination into words; I wrote my first novel, Mayur Albatross, of which only a limited number of hardcopies were published. My second book, Osin Fisher, is currently available online.
I find the process of writing a book delightful. You not only discover your soul and spirituality, but also find happiness in the process.
I guess that’s where my motivation lies.
Tell us about your books Mayur Albatross and Oshin Fisher.
Mayur Albatross is a story of a young girl, Simrika, a carefree traveller who wishes to explore the skies and never return to earth. She leaves her troubled home and abusive father to explore the world. The rest is her part-exciting and part-tragic journey to her destiny.
Osin Fisher is about Osin, a young shepherd, who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure and his dream. His story begins at his home in Budgela and continues across oceans and desserts as he travels to reach a vile city.
If you could have lunch with any two characters, one each from your novels, who would they be? And, why?
The first character would be Simrika because she is kind, respectful and compassionate. And, the second would be Osin. I see a dreamer in him, who listens to nothing but his heart and chases his imagination relentlessly. He is a traveller who I want to spend some time with.
Which books are in your current reading list?
I had recently picked up Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons and Khaled Husseini’s The Kite Runner. Of the two, I’ve nearly completed the Dan Brown classic, and I love it. The mystery in the book is so thrilling that it comes down like a sledgehammer.
Who are your literary idols?
I don’t have any literary idols per se, but I like Dan Brown, Charles Dickens, and Parijat. I also follow Paulo Coelho, Chetan Bhagat and JK Rowling.
What elements, in your opinion, make a decent novel?
I believe it’s a good, strong story and the simplicity of its presentation that makes a great novel. A good novel should always let its readers find their own stories in the pages.
What keeps you busy these days?
My third book has been keeping me busy during daytimes and awake at nights. Besides that, I also occasionally contribute opinion columns on politics to a couple of Nepali dailies. I try to keep up with the current affairs of our country.
Will you give us a spoiler of your new novel? When do we get to read it?
The book involves two lovers entwined in a swirl of suspense, romance, and mystery. I plan on publishing it within the next six months. With almost two-third of the book complete, I think I can meet that deadline.
Lastly, what would you be doing if you weren’t a writer? Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
If I weren’t a writer, I would be running some business of my own. I wouldn’t know what lies 10 years ahead but I would want to own a few cafes and restaurants here and there, where I’d kick back and finish the drafts of my books.