Chennai: When Durgadoss started his corporate career, little did he know that instead of preparing PPTs or spreadsheets, he would be penning about Alexander the Great or the Indus Valley or the 26/11 terror attacks, effortlessly weaving facts with fiction. Today, R Durgadoss is a successful author, having written three historical/mythological novels.
His book, The Shackles of the Warriors, was translated into Tamil as Vithiyin Sirayil Maveeran. Published by Kizhakku Pathippagam – it was translated by Janani Ramesh – the book was released Tuesday in the city. Retired DGP and MLA of Mylapore constituency, R Nataraj, who was the chief guest during the launch, received the first copy of the book.
The Shackles of the Warriors has a racy plot line. A cyber attack hits the world by planting viruses into computers, disrupting air traffic systems, water, electricity and communications, eventually throwing the world into a chaotic situation. Shiv, a young NASA scientist, saves the earth from the attacks. To honour him, a ceremony is held in Mumbai 26 November 2008. But Shiv becomes a victim of the 26/11 terror attack. While lying in a state of coma, he sees images of war, weapons and weeping widows. The plot links him to the mind of a 3100 BC warrior.
Speaking to NewsToday, Durgadoss shared information about how he became a writer. “As I worked in the corporate sector for many years, I had to conduct many meetings and give numerous presentations. I employed storytelling to keep my colleagues engaged.” He adds, “Many appreciated my way of explaining things. I later started asking myself, why not become a writer?”
Was Durgadoss influenced by authors? He shakes his head with a firm no. “I don’t have any favourite writer,” he reveals. “‘But I have always admired the way Amish Tripathi and Chetan Bhagat have created a fan base for themselves,” he says. He points out, “It was the people around me, family and friends, who inspired me to start writing.”
Durgadoss explained how he starts writing a novel. “I do tons of research,” he explains. “I watch over 400 hundred videos and surf over 200 hundred websites as I start working on a book. Researching takes about two to three months. Once I am satisfied, I then start exploring the plot and eventually start writing. So, it takes about six to seven months for my book to finally come out.” He also adds that according to his publishers, his books – including The Indus Challenge and A Saint in the Board Room – and are well read on Kindle.
“Outside India, many NRIs happen to read my ebook versions,” smiles Durgadoss, who says, “This motivates me to explore more mythological stories.”