Interview with Author Kallol Majumder
Kallol Majumder is an illustrator by profession who in his childhood days dreamt of becoming an editorial cartoonist. His unfulfilled dream saw the light of the day with his book ‘LAME EXCUSE’ my lockdown diary vol. 1 having been published recently. Although confined for over a decade and so in his wheelchair, he could very easily grasp the difficulties one had to go through this pandemic. Perhaps because of that, he made up his mind to clearly divide his time between professional illustration and amateur cartooning. He is an acclaimed illustrator and works with renowned publishers across the country and overseas also. He has worked with prominent authors, storytellers, historians during his two-decade-long journey as an illustrator.
- Tell us something about yourself.
I’m a technology graduate by qualification, but my sheer fascination with illustration led me to opt for a career in illustration. In fact, I transformed my passion into my profession, and I enjoy it tremendously.
- What compelled you to write this book?
This book came about as a surprise. Initially, I had no plan to get this book published. People liked the cartoons I posted on social media platforms very much, and many insisted on compiling the cartoons and getting them published. Maybe, the remembrance of the lockdown days came out in the form of this book.
- For how long have you been writing this book? What challenges did you face while writing?
Actually, I started scribbling cartoons at the very onset of lockdown in March-end, 2020. I kept doing so in my leisure for the next 3-4 months. The content of the book was a challenge for me! To bring out the illustrations on paper in the form of cartoons along with the oblique but equidistant messages I wanted to include was the most difficult part, especially in a polarized society like ours.
- What is the most memorable moment for you throughout the journey of the book?
When I received the dummy copy of the book, I was indeed elated with joy to see the digitally drawn stuff printed on paper and that too exclusively authored by myself. My works as an illustrator get published every other day by different publishers, but this time the experience is entirely different. The joy of becoming a published author knew no bounds!
- Is writing your hobby or passion?
Cartooning gives me an avenue to express my thoughts. Whenever I scribble something and put it out for people to evaluate, their feedback means a lot. Whether it is positive and encouraging or a difference of opinion, I respect them in equal measure. For me, it means my thoughts have reached my audience and prompted them to express their opinion. For a cartoonist, it is no less than a reward.
- Are you planning to write again?
Yes, I have got some new ideas for ‘LAME EXCUSE’ vol. 2, and I am working on it—this time with more sharp and bold ideas, in radical contrast of black and white.
- Do you believe that when an author dies, a reader is born?
Frankly speaking, I don’t necessarily believe in that. The author (here the cartoonist) lives through his work and can never die.
- For you, what is literary success?
Literary success is solely about being able to provide a delightful experience to your readers. I believe that a book can only be considered successful when most people who have read it properly could understand the author’s message.
- Do you have any piece of advice for the budding authors out there?
Writing (here cartooning) is an instantly rewarding, extremely creative activity. Being able to draw cartoons is itself the greatest reward. Everything else that will come out of it is extra goodies. So, scribble your heart out. When you have something worth sharing, the path ahead will open up by itself.
- What it’s like to be with 24by7 Publishing?
Honestly speaking, there seemed so many nitty-gritty to publish a book. But now that I have come almost to the finishing line, I can say, choosing to work with 24by7 Publishing was the best decision that I took while publishing my book. The entire team was very helpful throughout the journey. 24by7 Publishing provided me with a strong platform for bringing my digital creativity on paper and my project on the global platform.
Book available on multiple platforms:
24by7 Publishing Online Shop(Golpapa): https://golpapa.com/product/lame-excuse-my-lockdown-diary-by-kallol-majumder-graphics-novel/
Amazon.in: https://www.amazon.in/Lame-Excuse-my-Lockdown-Diary/dp/B08QV9BJJ1
Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/lame-excuse-my-lockdown-diary/p/itmd26a0ac327a9b
Snapdeal: https://www.snapdeal.com/product/lame-excuse-my-lockdown-diary/654642898938
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Lame-Excuse-my-lockdown-diary-ebook/dp/B08RNRR9NQ
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