Author Interview of Pramudith D. Rupasinghe
1. Please tell us a little bit about you.
I can describe myself in a few words if you ask about my personal life. But if you ask me to talk about my profession, it is complicated. I am almost doing everything, and everywhere.
Between every long chapter, there is a long sweaty run. I run a lot wherever I am. It is the starter of my day.
Running is the bridge between my personal life and professional life. And writing is my passion.
I have been working as a humanitarian diplomat for the last 18 years in different parts of the world, working in both natural disaster and conflict contexts, including the Global Ebola Response in West Africa. However, I started my writing career in 2016, very recently- almost 6 years ago. I have been writing a lot of unpublished stuff before early 2016. In 2016, I published my debut semi-fiction “Footprints in Obscurity”. In November I published “Behind the Eclipse ''. Upon publishing “Behind the Eclipse'' I started getting more and more international attention. My latest piece of writing came out in 2018, Bayan, a story set in the North-Eastern tip of Ukraine, then the Soviet Union.
2. I read your book Bayan and there's something that stuck my mind that why did you choose this particular story to write.
The idea of writing Bayan came to my mind after meeting Ivan in Okhtyrka, in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, it was in early 2015 and we have chatted a few times, I was charmed by the landscape of the country, wondered by the architecture and rich culture, retouched by the warmth and wisdom of its people, marvelled by the proud history of the country, and saddened by the socio-political dynamics of the country leading to a calamity. Then see the people of Ivans age-sons and daughters of parents who were WWII victims, who had lived their good old day's un soviet union, and faced the fall of the USSR overnight in 1991, and lost everything they earned over years. Today they are battling with modern democratic, capitalistic society to which they are complete aliens. The story depicts the strive of those ageing people through its main character, Ivan Nikolaevich. Bayan old soviet instrument- with hard buttons and heavy body, symbolises the fallen-USSR, and its Ethan of life. Its played by Ivan whenever he is sad, happy and indifferent, in an era where there are easy to play lighter accordions are in available. It is his companion who knows his rhythm and would never judge his feeble melodies. Bayan depicts besides its several sub-themes and sociopolitical dynamics of Ukraine in its backdrop, ageing in changing times. That is relevant not only to those who are in Eastern block but also to people of the other parts of the earth.
3. You have written many novels. Amongst them, which story is closely related to you? If any.
First of all, I can't deny that a little bit of me is there in each story I write. It happens to every author. We, as authors choose a story, at least there is a liking in us for some subject matter, a story, or a character. Every book I have written, something related to me could be found—that could be consciously done, or unconscious. However, Behind the Eclipse, a story set in West Africa during the time of the Ebola epidemic in 2013-2016 seems relevant to what we all face today. Almost seven years ago, there was a time we had to maintain physical distance, perform ritualistic hand-washing, and stay home. And Behind the Eclipse talks about a time like today highlighting the irreversible transformation of West Africa, and the unparalleled resilience of the human.
4. What are you working on currently? Any new novel. If yes please share something about it.
Currently, I am working on another novel, a story set in Bangladesh, about the world’s largest open brothel- Kandopora in Tegali district in Bangladesh. I was beefy in Bangladesh early this year and finished the first draft of the manuscript in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. Now the second draft is ready for beta readers.
Hopefully, my readers around the world wil l have the opportunity to have a copy within this year.
5. A message for your readers and budding writers.
The publishing world has become more and more competitive recently, and perseverance has become as important as your skills today. Believe in yourself, your writing, and be perseverant.
Ernest Hemingway has set a good example; writing a story and getting it published is just the beginning. There is no shortcut, you need to roll up your sleeves and take your story to your readers.
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