Q&A: Vikram Singh, Author of 'Mystery of the Urban Monks'

Vikram Singh is a Banker, an Adjunct Professor and a regular Guest Faculty at India’s top Business Schools. He is also an Advisor at IINREM Foundation, an NGO engaged in upliftment of rural and semi-urban communities in employment and livelihood generation. He has a MIB degree from ESC Grenoble, France, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Pune University. He has recently come out with his first fiction novel, titled Mystery of the Urban Monks.

I chat with him about his book Mystery of the Urban Monks, how the book came to be, book recommendations, and much more.

Hello, Vikram! Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi, I am a Banker by profession, with a passion for writing. I have recently penned my debut fiction novel Mystery of the Urban Monks, besides having had written short stories and business articles in the past. I also love reading and travelling.

Born and brought up in Jammu, I am also an Adjunct Professor and a Guest faculty at India’s top business schools. By education, I have a Master’s in International Business from ESC Grenoble, France.

Which authors and books were your early formative influences?

I have always been inspired by authors like Peter Mayle and Mohsin Hamid. I also find Jon Krakauer to be one of the finest non-fiction writers. I read A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle long ago, but it still happens to be one of my favourites.

'Mystery of the Urban Monks', published by StoryMirror

If you could only describe your book Mystery of the Urban Monks in one sentence, what would it be?

A simple, original, and stimulating read.

Now tell us a little more about the book! What can readers expect?

Mystery of the Urban Monks is a story about three friends Tony, Asif, and Krish, from Mumbai, who go on an eventful trip to Goa, which in turn changes their lives. Readers can expect a lot of adventure, suspense, and romance from the book.

What inspired you to write this book?

There was no particular inspiration. I had this story in my mind which I wanted to share, so I penned it down.

Is there a scene, element, or character from the book that you really enjoyed creating and writing?

Well, if you are a passionate writer, you enjoy every bit of writing. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed writing analogies for the book.

How have you been coping with the current pandemic, and what will be the new normal for you post it?

Well, the pandemic has been painful and troublesome for all of us. Social distancing and work from home is pretty much the new norm. I must admit that part-time writers like me are getting some extra time to pursue their passion.

What are you reading currently? Do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I have just started reading The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Everyone should read The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

The book ‘Mystery of the Urban Monks’ is available online and at your nearest bookstore.

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