Escaping the past

After his much-acclaimed debut novel Truly Madly Deeply, Faraaz Kazi is all set to release his next, More than Just Friends. His new book traces the story of an artist who takes up the brush to escape her tumultuous past. In the middle of these two romance novels, Faraz dabbled in horror and an anthology of stories across genres. But romance is where he had to come home to. In a brief interaction, he shares with us his literary choices.   

How did the idea germinate?
I try and find stories all around me. Reality is a big enough inspiration for the fictional world. This book is based on a true story, one that I came across at a party where I met Preeti Thaker, an exceptionally talented artist from Mumbai. And over the course of some snacks and a few drinks, her life story unravelled which pretty much caught my fancy. Her struggles, her ambition and her love life called out to the writer in me and I decided to take up this story with her permission.  

Which is the best opening line that you have ever read?
It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not — Paul Auster, City of Glass.

One fictional character close to your heart and why?
Harry Potter. I grew up with him. He taught me to believe in magic — the kind that not everyone can see, the kind that comes with you making a difference to your surroundings.

Who among the pantheon of writers (past/present) would you like to have coffee with?
Khalid Hosseini. There’s so much to learn from this man. His writings have always inspired me and made me a better human being.

What is your antidote for writer’s block?
Write. As simple as that. Write about anything other than the part you are stuck at. Somewhere down the line, your thoughts will merge with the block and cause it to dissolve. Also, try something different. Change your usual writing place, write with a pen on paper, read up something you have been writing on, talk to a friend about it. These have worked for me.

Which is one classic that you haven’t read so far?
J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye and believe me or not, but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice too. It shames me to say so. May be one of these days!