About Ankit Kumar
Ankit Kumar, age 34 years, was born in Patna and did his graduation from Amity University, Noida. Ankit is the author of the collection of short stories, “On A Drive With Life!!”, released by the Governor of Bihar, Dr. D.Y. Patil. The book received praise from esteemed newspapers, including Hindustan Times, Sahara, and Prabhat Khabar.
He also received the Youth Achiever mention in Dainik Jagran. He intrigues readers with wild imaginations where the bold heroes have endearing flaws. Ankit pursues writing while working, but he is also a guitarist, traveler, and most importantly, a loving husband.
Insights
My guest on the blog today is Mr.Ankit Kumar, author of “Illume, Ashes, and The Wind: The Lost Legends of Illume Trilogy Part I“. ILLUME is Almighty’s greatest creation and the ancient name of Earth(Not in its current form). This world is confined by the Death Smog. It combines an immersive universe that preceded the known world and humans.
It includes fast-paced writing, a distinctive map, and a diverse cast of characters. It tells the story of Illume shaping the world’s ancient human civilizations, beliefs, and religions.
To explore more of my author interview series, visit my blog’s “Meet The Authors“ Section.
Let’s dive into an ingenious talk and gain insights about Ankit Kumar..!!
Q. As a reader, I have recently encountered the culture of Series, Trilogy, Duology, and so on. As an author, do you feel that standalone books cannot convey what you are trying to convey in your book to readers?
Ankit: My belief is that when an author creates a unique world, a diverse set of characters, and a distinct map, a standalone book may not be able to do justice to the story and the characters. Especially, when the publishing world prefers a book that is less than a lakh words. So, an author might need a space of two, three, and sometimes more books to summarize the story.
Q. Could you share with us your journey and the fascinating things that you discovered while drafting, “Illume, Ashes and The Wind”?
Ankit: It happened back in 2003. While reading, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, I realized how beautiful imagination was. That slowly transformed into the art of articulation. Illume was a concept that was in my mind for over a decade. The stories took around 5 years to form.
However, I started writing it back in 2017 to complete it. With the help of The Book Bakers Team, I was able to give it a final shape and present it to the readers. It has been a long journey before the book could find its final shape.
Q. ILLUME brings the names of eminent and ancient Gods plus their names. Where do you draw the inspiration to add those names in your book?
Ankit: Illume is based on a world that is pre-Vedic. So, I wanted to touch only a layer of the subject where the readers can understand how this ancient world is relatable to ours. There are gods, mysteries, and mythologies of Illume that would try to intersect with our Gods and beliefs, but at the same time try to show how the great civilizations were formed. Also, you are right, that the names do find similarities with Vedic Gods.
In the Pragyam belief, some deities run the world. For example, the legends of God Surya and God Indra remain the same in the world of Illume as well. Pragyas believe that everyone is blessed by one of the deities. Surya and Indra, as characters are mortals, but they were named so because as they were blessed by their parent Gods. In Illume, the priests have to deduce that.
Q. What character do you like most/least in this book and why? Are any characters based on real people in Illume?
Ankit: My favorite character in the book is Ved Vidhyesh. He is one of the finest minds in Illume. But he is also a great warrior. He has sacrificed a lot to ensure that the hope of the golden age of Illume is kept alive. There are millions who hate him and consider him as a residue of a despised past. Regardless, he has always used all the available tools to ensure that his people are protected until the savior of Illume returns. I find him more relatable to Chanakya.
The most despised character the readers would find, and I would agree with them would be, Hrikin Renaud. He is an ultimate opportunist. He would do anything and everything to ensure his power remains unchallenged. He is ruthless and emotionless. He believes in a world where slavery is just a part of his glory and victory. He is more like any other tyrant we could relate to.
Q. How would you describe your wildest imagination? What mysterious process did you inculcate in your book to come alive in the hands of readers?
Ankit: Well, while an author construes a world, he or she designs and presents it to the world in a manner that has the best of imaginations. But when you add layers of mysteries, plots, themes, or in other words, imaginations, through the characters, it becomes wild. Like the movie, Inception.
We authors have always tried the best of it. In my case, I ensured that I got validated by voracious readers at every juncture. This was to ensure that my book touched the exact strings of the readers that I wanted.
Q. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? How long on average does it take you to write Illume?
Ankit: To be frank, no, I have not hidden any secrets that could be tamed by only a few. That would be, I would say betraying most of my readers. But I have certainly left some traces of incomplete plots that would find a conclusion in the later books. I would advise the readers to focus on some plots and twists as they would be reiterated in the later part of the book itself.
It took me 7 formative years and around five years to compile the book. The last two years went under the guidance of The Book Bakers team who assisted me in perfecting the book. But cheers! The next package is one-third complete and will be out in the next year. So, please go and buy, Illume, Ashes and The Wind!
Q. What was your hardest scene to write in this book? What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
Ankit: That would be the final chapter, The Whispers. Believe me, that would be the most insane chapter the readers would get anywhere. My mind still jolts when I read it. I cannot describe the scene as it would become a spoiler. But the concluding chapter is indeed worth reading. The book is based on a pre-Vedic world. It gave me enough space to fill in the gaps with my imagination.
I read and analyze a legend and let it synch for a month. Usually, my mind absorbs and creates a story around it. I chart down the characters with names and write a story behind them. They are then encircled by the book’s concept and intersecting stories. It takes a few months. And then, for every page, I prefer to dedicate a day and write as passionately as I can. Then comes the hardest part. I usually get the logic and then the story validated by voracious readers. It takes time, but it also assures me that I am on the right track!
Q. What literary pilgrimages have you gone on? What do you hope to create in the imaginations of your readers?
Ankit: I would rather say I went to a Literary Seclusion rather than a pilgrimage. Five to Six years back I realized that I had the knack to connect with the readers. And while I was compiling Illume in its current form, I stopped reading any other novel. This was done to protect the originality of Illume and prevent it from any influence and deviations. But like Eklavya, I do find my idols in J.K Rowling and J.R.R Tolkien.
Through my book, I hope to let the readers swim through vast layers of imagination. I want them to easily get immersed in the mysteries of Illume. Believe me, there is a lot to come and a lot to ponder. Feel free to dive in, readers!
Q. How do you compensate for your work and creative writing? Do share a few tips for upcoming writers on balancing career and passion
Ankit: The most important thing to understand is pursuing your passion is not a task. That is why we say doing something “passionately”. One does not need to get time for their passions, they will find time, whether it is a weekend, or late night. Have this belief and a desire to pursue it constantly, and you will reach heights.
Q. Does writing energize or exhaust you? What is the one big lesson/takeaway from the “ILLUME” writing journey?
Ankit: I have always mentioned, that when you do something passionately, it never exhausts you. Rather, you will feel complete and satisfied. However, one should never force oneself to pursue writing on an odd day. You might not have that imaginative mode every day. Also, your writing skills might not be articulating every page in the same manner as your best day.
The author always needs to understand this and never rush for anything. I learned this while compiling Illume. Patience, imagination, and validation are the keys to a wonderful book. Repeat this at every juncture and you will know that your book is on the right path. Illume, Ashes, and The Wind has indeed gone through that exciting journey. I hope Illume does justice to your reading time!
Q. What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Ankit: Ah, my worst criticism! That was when an odd reviewer mentioned that I was a flop writer with no skills. Well, I laughed at it, and I still do. Not because I did not accept it, but because I wanted to face the criticism bravely. Remember, writing is a journey and not a destination. You learn something at every point.
It did motivate me to do better and create a book like no other. I may receive the same comment time and again, and believe me, I will not be disheartened. Take criticism like medicines and it will always help you. The best compliment is not always the longest. But people do commend me for still pursuing my hobby and coming up with an immersive world of Illume and akverse.
Q. What’s something you’re proud of about yourself? What is something you can teach other people?
Ankit: I felt the proudest when my father received compliments from his peers about the quality and the theme of the book. Also, when my English teacher, who also guided me at times, complimented me for being focused on pursuing my hobby.
But I would like to advise everyone out there to always have the focus and determination to answer the question, “What’s next!?”. Never stop, always find a purpose, and keep growing. Chart everything down, ponder over it, and have the courage to achieve it. But most importantly, have patience!
Q. What books helped you the most when you were writing this book? What books have you read more than once in your life?
Ankit: The Harry Potter and The Lord of The Rings saga helped me understand the world of writing brilliantly. It helped me swim through the world of imagination and create a world of your own like a child. Always remember, an author has the imagination of a child.
The only difference is that the author can convince the readers. J.K Rowling and J.R.R Tolkien helped me understand that. Harry Potter is one book that takes me back to my roots. I might have read it over fifty times! Illume is one book that I hope would do justice to its readers the same way.
Q. How do you generally promote your work? How do you use social media as an author?
Ankit: I use my website, https://akverse.com to create a universe of Illume so the readers can subscribe to the newsletters and get their queries answered. I have a Speaking Illumane section on the website that has insights from great minds. I also use my Twitter handle @authorak to post focused thoughts on Illume.
I also use my Facebook page of akverse and Instagram page of akverse01 to reach out to readers. Besides, I have a loyal fanbase who are connected with me. They also share Illume’s work on their stories and posts to promote the book. I send newsletters to people who have subscribed to me with the latest news. I also have a YouTube channel where I discuss various plots and queries from readers.
Q. Please share your social media handle(s) with us. How do you engage with your audience digitally, and how important is this interaction?
Ankit: My Social Media handles are as follows:
- Website: https://akverse.com
- Facebook: AKVERSE
- Instagram: akverse01
- Twitter handle: @authorak
I use all the above to send newsletters, and reviews by great minds on Illume, Illume-Verse, and akverse. I have a page on my website that usually enthralls the readers with the wonderful Universe of Illume.
Through my Insta handle and Facebook Page, I share the latest progress in the journey of Illume. I also use X(Twitter) to share my thoughts and quotes related to Illume. I would request everyone to please subscribe, like, share and follow. I would be highly obliged for all your support.
Connecting with your readers is the most important part of a writer’s journey. An author should never leave the readers wondering for more. We are lucky that we live in the world of digital social media. I believe in using it for the best. Your readers are like your chain, the bond of which describes your journey!
Links & Foot Note
Additionally, you can also go through my Author-Interview Series -> Here
My Handle: Kiran_Kumar_Adharapuram
You can also explore my Non-Fiction Section -> Here
You can also explore my other works -> Here
