“I initially chose the traditional path of engineering after school. But, I met someone who made me realise I didn't need to do that if my aim was to write a novel. So, I changed my plans, and did English literature instead,” says Priya Kumar, who launched her debut novel “Prophecy: Rise of the Sword” in the city recently.
“Rise of the Swords” is the first part of the “Prophecy” series, a fantasy novel on the mythical land of Atlantis.
It tells the adventures of Neha Sharma and Atlantologist Nick Halliday into the waters of the Indian Ocean, to uncover the city. And, what they discover is more than what they bargain for!
Many discoveries
“I did a lot of research for this book, and in the process, discovered many things. I came across a theory that Atlantis was actually in the Indian Ocean, and not the Atlantic as the myth goes. My novel explores that angle,” she says.
The author says that during the course of writing the novel, she enjoyed sketching the main characters and their relationships. “I loved detailing the characters. The protagonist's brother is an interesting person, and I also liked writing the relationship between Neha and Nick.”
A third-year student in Stella Maris College, Priya explains that her love for writing, fuelled by her parents, made the book possible. “My parents didn't mind me joining English literature, which was a big relief. This meant that I could spend more time working on my book during my higher secondary in school. It took me four years, but the book is finally here,” the author smiles.
How does she feel seeing her book in print? “Oh, brilliant! It's so wonderful to be able to see it, and pick it up. It's almost like bearing a child,” says Priya.
