I owe my love for mythology to my mother & grandmom, says author Sundar Nathan

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

A techie-turned-entrepreneur-turned-academician (he is a consultant at the University of Texas, Austin), Sundar Nathan, has come out with a mythological fiction novel titled Demons and Their Gods (Notion Press). This is the second book of his nine-book series – The Naraka Cycle, and follows Ravan, a young Asuran prince, as he recovers from a brutal battle with a monstrous creature. Under the aegis of his secret teacher, Ravan navigates the strained dynamics of his family, torn between his protective mother, Queen Kaikesi, and his war-driven father, King Vishrav. The story, which talks about celestials, hybrids and demons in equal measure, is nothing if not enchanting .

Born and brought up in a small town in India, Nathan was surrounded by a family that cherished epic stories and had traditions deeply rooted in the family’s values system. His parents, Namagiri and Saroja, played a significant role in shaping his leaning towards mythology. “While there are no other authors in my immediate family, the rich oral tradition of storytelling in our household deeply influenced my writing journey,” he says.

It was during his school life that he woke up to his love for writing. “We were given an assignment to pen a short story for the school magazine. It was at that moment that I learned how words transferred from my mind onto the paper effortlessly,” he says. Encouraging words from both, teachers and fellow students, played a crucial role in nurturing his confidence and love for storytelling, That initial experience planted the seed that eventually led me to pursue a dedicated career in writing,” he adds. Excerpts from an interview:

What made you write this book, Demons and Their Gods? What’s the inspiration, and how did you go about it? How much time did it take you to complete the book, cover to cover?
The inspiration for Demons and Their Gods stems from my childhood fascination with epic narratives like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. My grandmother, Namagiri, and mother, Saroja, used to delight me with tales from these ancient texts, sparking a lifelong passion for mythology. Despite my career in Silicon Valley, my fascination with storytelling never left me. While trying to juggle between a demanding career and my passion, it took me seven years of continued effort to actualize the mythological thriller into reality. The journey was filled with detailed research, innumerable drafts, and an untiring commitment to bring together a narrative that the readers can connect deeply with.

What explains your interest in writing a mythological-thriller? It sure is not an easy job.
I chose writing on mythological thriller for it offers the writer a free hand to weave a one-of-its-kind seamless fabric between ancient significance and contemporary storytelling by curating a rich background of characters and plots. I have been hooked on this genre as it has been deeply rooted in the stories that I was introduced to as a child. While writing a mythological thriller, we as the author can explore timeless themes of good and evil, heroism, and the intricacies of human nature, all within a fantasy outset. The roadblock that one faces when they pick mythological thriller as their genre is to find a balance between mythological genuineness and modern appeal, which makes the process both demanding and rewarding.

From a techie to a writer—a complete turnover from a left brain to right brain… was writing always in you or happened later?
I have always considered writing as a part of me. Even during my years as an engineer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, words and stories kept flowing through my head to be poured on paper time and again. The transition from a techie to a writer was a linear process, which was made into a reality following my unending love for storytelling. While my professional career vouched on my analytical and problem-solving skills, writing allowed me to explore and deep dive into my creative side, blending both left-brain precision and right-brain imagination.

Being a consultant with a university, how much time do you devote to writing? Do you follow any writing schedule, or write as and when the urge is there?
As an academician at the University of Texas at Austin and being a writer too, I have been on a continuous learning process of having a disciplined approach especially when it comes to time management and being able to switch between a creative and practical mindset. I try to give a few hours every day to writing, usually during the wee hours given that at that time the distractions are minimal. Yet, I also believe in the fact that an idea most of the time is momentary and to note it down when the inspiration strikes is equally crucial. So, I remain flexible to scribble instantly whenever those abrupt bursts of creativity pop up in my mind.

Who are your favourite authors?
I have been deeply following authors who excel in the mythological thriller genre space. I have had a fascination towards the books by JRR Tolkien for his epic world-building imagination; Neil Gaiman for his undisputed imaginative narration, and Amish Tripathi for his refreshed viewpoint on Indian mythology. Each of these authors has influenced my understanding, writing conduct, and diving deeper into crafting immersive worlds and compelling characters.

Which one is your favorite book, and why?
My most preferred book out of the innumerable titles that I have read remains JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Its complex background, compelling characters, and beautiful description of the world have always kept me hooked on the story. The way Tolkien brings varied themes of heroism, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil together, has kept inspiring me in my journey of storytelling through my novels.

Do you think in these days of the Internet, hard copies of the books sell? How easy/difficult is it to market your book?
In the digital times, hard copies of books still hold a significant value. There’s a charm and tangible satisfaction that a physical book provides which is appreciated by avid readers. However, marketing a book today requires finesse in being able to intrigue audiences who spend the majority of their day before the screens. Leveraging social media, engaging with readers through virtual events, and utilising other online channels to promote the novel are crucial strategies that I follow to reach a larger mass audience and uplift the book’s popularity and sales.

What are your other interests/hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and deeply understanding different cultures through travel expeditions as they help me look at concepts and ideas from a new perspective. These activities help me rejuvenate and also serve as a source of inspiration for my writing. Additionally, I have a keen interest in learning about ancient history and mythology for which I keep visiting historically important places like South India, Egypt, and many more.

Share with us about your upcoming books.
Following the launch of Demons and Their Gods, I’m now working on the next instalments of my nine-book series – The Naraka Cycle. This series reflects the intricate world of demons, gods, and epic battles, continuing the saga that began with Ravan’s Trial. Each book will explore different sides of mythological wisdom, offering readers a rich and immersive experience. I am looking forward to unveiling the stories strategically to further expand the intricate world of mythological fiction that I have created.