Children's author interview : Deepak Dalal

Feather tales: Talon, the falcon By Deepak Dalal

                                                        

1.       Compared to your recent previous books, this book is targeted at a slightly younger audience.  Your kids have grown up. Did you write this book exclusively for someone?

No – this book wasn’t written specifically for anyone. ‘Talon, the Falcon’ is not a standalone book – it is part of a series. The idea behind this new series is to create an awareness of birds amongst our children. Most youngsters know nothing about birds. The only birds they are familiar with are crows, pigeons, kites and sparrows – birds that are found in cities. But there are so many other birds like cranes, hornbills, storks, kingfishers, pheasants – birds that are so beautiful and that children have no idea of. This series hopes to make children aware of birds and take an interest in them.

Birds are the characters in the books, and when one writes about bird characters the age group has to be younger.

2.       Of all the birds, why did you choose the peregrine falcon as your main character? Did you have a close encounter with one while researching for your previous book- Lakshadweep Adventure?

I wanted to write about a formidable hunter and peregrines – being the fastest birds in the world - are amongst the most famous raptors on earth.

3.       Is Talon, a veiled reference to someone you know?

Not at all!

4.       What kind of research was involved in writing this book?

This research is cumulative and has been built up over years of watching birds. Having watched birds at various birding areas I have learned a lot about them.

5.       The name of your central character and the rose garden setting has a universal appeal. Was that a conscious choice?

In Pune I live in a home called Gulab and there are many roses here. That’s how the name ‘Rose Garden’ came about.

6.      Nature continues to be an integral part of all your books.  Your comments.

Nature and wilderness areas are my first love. The great beauty of the outdoors never fails to inspire me. Wildlife, too, is a great love of mine.

7.       Can your readers expect any more Aditya and Anirudh’s books?

I hope so, but frankly, I’m not sure.

8.      Did any of the characters or plots change once you started writing Talon, the falcon?

Characters and plots keep evolving when you write. Nothing is ever static. The story takes a life of its own as you wade your way through it. Usually it’s more the plot that finds fresh twists and turns. Although the characters evolve, they more or less maintain their original traits.

9.      How much time did this book take to emerge from the ideation stage to publication?

It takes about a month or two to complete a new story. But illustrations can take longer as artists are often tied up with other projects.

10.    Can we expect more books in the Feather tales series?

There will be many more books in this series.

 To know more about Deepak visit, www.deepakdalal.com  


To buy Deepak’s book, Talon, the Falcon, click here.

 (This piece was created exclusively for the November 2016 issue of Kahani Takbak newsletter. to subscribe to the newsletter log on to www.kahanitakbak.com)