Exclusive Interview with
Dr. Venugopal K. Menon
When did you start writing?
My book, 'My Mother Called Me Unni', is already published.
What makes writing your passion?
It is the best way to express and share your thoughts.
How long have you been writing?
All my life
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Almost like when your first child was born
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
It is my life story, and all the characters are alive in my mind
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
It has been a pleasure; no annoyance
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Like old age, it happens
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
If you like yourself and love to express your thoughts, it is a pleasure to express.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Carry on as your heart desires; you are going to love what you find
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Luckily, of all the several reviews, there is not a single one obnoxious.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Like a soft pat on my back
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
My book is all about my life, nothing but the truth, but not the whole truth!
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Each individual is a unique creation of the Creator; there is never a duplicate
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
That reflects the inside of the book
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love it; it has been an honor to chat with several of my readers
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
A bit flattered
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Pavan K. Varma. He wrote what should have been written a long time ago, and what must be read by everyone
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I am happy as I am, no bigger, no smaller
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
No plans
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Not even remotely. I love myself, the way I am
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Ignore them; otherwise, you are promoting them
What would you say to your readers?
Stay happy for the moment. Try to be better tomorrow, than the best you were yesterday
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am 84 years old, live in Pearland, Texas with my wife of 57 years. We have three children, two daughters, and a son, all married and settled, and we have six grandchildren between them.
What is your day job if you have one?
I get up early, do yoga, read the paper over a cup of coffee, check my mail and messages, plan for the day, take a shower, have breakfast, do some writing and reading and doing any errands, have lunch with my wife, take a nap, have a cup of tea, read or write or catch up with my calls, watch TV, have dinner, watch a movie or so and sleep by 11 pm
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
At my age, reading and writing and keeping up with my family and friends
Did you have a happy childhood?
Extremely good
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
When I retired, my children suggested, and I started reluctantly. But as I started revisiting my past life, it was an exciting journey that was compelled to share. And the book happened
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
When our mother died, the seven of us siblings and some family members and friends wrote about her and we published a book titled, 'Our Mother'. Recently I am in the process of collating all my writings as 'Thoughts of a Lifetime', which is about 600 pages. It may get published
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Fundamental values of honesty, integrity, motivation, ambition, willingness to work hard, and kindness towards others
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Die in my sleep. Not to be a burden to anyone. People remember me as a good human being
What is your favorite music?
Light classical poetry
Share a secret with us 🙂
I did love someone before I met my wife of 57 years, and I still have fond memories of my old flame.