In literature, the boundless nature of age allows young minds to exhibit remarkable creativity beyond their years. Aadhyatm Jain epitomises this notion, consistently striving to make each year of his life memorable.
Remarkably, at the age of five, he embarked on a solo journey from India to the UK by airplane. By six, he had learned and memorised the Bhaktamar Stotra in Sanskrit. Continuing his adventurous spirit, at seven, Aadhyatm delved into the world of hiking, successfully conquering the three national peaks of the UK.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Aadhyatm provided insights into his book, discussing its genre, main themes, characters, and the influences behind his writing and storytelling.
Could you provide a brief summary of your book, including his genre and main themes?
In my book, "Redemption of Gralius," readers are introduced to Jack Watson, an 11-year-old boy determined to save his homeland from the clutches of evil. Alongside his ten friends, Jack embarks on a perilous journey to thwart the plans of a malevolent force that has overtaken their island and now seeks to conquer the world. With all the adults gone, the fate of their island rests in the hands of these courageous youths. Led by an evil wizard who commands formidable forces from a distant galaxy, the challenges they face are immense. As the story unfolds, readers will discover the sacrifices these boys must make and witness their resilience as they confront their adversaries. "Redemption of Gralius" offers an exhilarating tale of bravery, friendship, and the fight for survival against insurmountable odds.
How did you approach creating and developing characters in your stories? Are they inspired from real people or are they entirely fictional?
Many of my characters, including the protagonist Jack Watson, draw inspiration from aspects of my own personality. Jack shares my love for solving puzzles, as well as a passion for playing the guitar, showcasing his cleverness throughout the story. Meanwhile, the other characters, such as Jack's friends, are reflections of individuals I know in real life. For example, my friend Advik served as the basis for the character Tom. Like Advik, Tom is depicted as intelligent, albeit somewhat shy. Additionally, the evil wizard in the story is modelled after a real-life dictator who instigated an unnecessary war in 2022, adding a layer of depth and realism to the narrative.
During that time, when my cousin visited from India, I found myself faced with the task of creating a monster for my story on the spot. Struggling to come up with an original idea, I enlisted my cousin's help in brainstorming. As we discussed various options, including the infamous Annabelle doll.
Can you share a favourite scene or a moment from your book? That holds a very special meaning to you?
In the book, there's a section where characters have to solve a riddle to enter the courtyard. Personally, I enjoy solving riddles, which is why I chose to engage with this part of the game. However, there's a frustrating moment where one character dies, and it's particularly irksome because they happened to be one of my favourite characters. I had to delete them, which presented a challenge because they were inspired by a friend from school named Sean. Sean has a habit of briefly appearing and then disappearing, which is fine, but it's reminiscent of how the character exits the book.
Are there any authors or books that have influenced your writing style or storytelling?
One of my favourite authors is myself. I write stories and enjoy reading them for my own pleasure. In addition to my own work, I admire several other authors, with JK Rowling, Adam Blade, David Valium, and Rudyard Kipling ranking among my favourites. Their writing styles captivate me, especially the humour they infuse into their stories. JK Rowling's Harry Potter series has been a significant inspiration for me in my own writing journey.
Are there any specific themes or messages you hope readers will take away from your book?
While I don't have a specific message I aim to convey, there's one sentiment I strongly believe in: age should never be a barrier to pursuing your passion for writing. It doesn't matter how old you are; anyone can pick up a pen or sit at a keyboard and begin to write. Writing is a creative outlet that knows no bounds, and it's never too late to start or too early to begin honing your craft. Whether you're young or old, writing can be a fulfilling and enriching endeavour that allows you to express yourself and share your unique perspective with the world.