BENGALURU: Over the years, there have been a crop of techies plying their trade in writing. Maniissh Aroraa, however, swears he is different. Having worked in the corporate sector for the past 12 years, writing, says Maniissh, happened by accident.“For a few years, it was sporadic and disparate. I wrote solely during weekends due to paucity of time. In 2014, I stumbled upon a few books that granted enormous mental nourishment and brought about the much-needed improvisation in my writing schedule. I have been following it religiously for a few years now, and the output has amazed me.”
The fruits of that dedication is his first book, Sunshine Town, that releases on December 24 at Atta Galatta. City Express talks to Mannissh.
What prompted you to write Sunshine Town?
I wrote this book for strong-willed, small-town teenagers who are resolute and aim big without giving up. In early 2012, I came across a book by Julia Cameron - The Artist’s Way. It described the essence of morning pages in particular, with a promise that eight weeks could bring meaningful reforms in life. I began my excursion, but nothing absolute appeared, except a habit was introduced to me. A few years of disciplined periodic writing drove me to Sunshine Town.
Tell us about the storyline briefly.
Set in Varanasi during the late 90s, before the pervasiveness of technology, Sunshine Town is about the aspirations and emotional turmoil of being a teenager. This story deals with the themes of love, career, and personal fulfilment. Shlok is a lanky teenager, a daydreamer. He doesn’t want much from his life. A dream to make his parents happy and win the affection of his neighbourhood sweetheart, Natasha. Though both are poles apart, their interests bring them close. But just when they are ready to acknowledge their feelings of love, it’s too late. Unable to crack an important entrance exam and geographical difficulties affecting his love life, Shlok goes through turbulent times.
To what extend have you drawn the plot and its characters from your own life?
The book definitely has a semi-autobiographical protagonist. While it is a work of fiction, the plot and characters have stemmed from the recollection of my own memories and experiences. I cherish these memories - listening to uplifting tales from grandma, experiencing tutelage of joint family bonding, growing up in a small town. These are unforgettable reminiscences that bore a strong influence on the story.
What do you think about Chetan Bhagat and other techies who have turned to writing?
I have deeper respect and appreciation for these authors, who have become house hold names in the last few years.
How important is reading and writing for salaried people with day jobs? Advise for budding writers?
I believe, if we are not reading and writing, we are slowly suffocating ourselves. A day job can be an invaluable source of mental lubrication. If we write half a page before starting the office grind, it could lead to a couple of novellas in a year. I have three suggestions for budding writers - (a) Just write. Embark on this journey (b) Look within yourself. Our souls are filled with potent ideas and stories (c). Do not be judgmental of your creativity, give it time to mature.
Favourite authors?
Steven Pressfield, Julia Cameron, Stephen King, Amitav Ghosh, Robin Sharma, Agatha Christie and Dale Carnegie.