Book: My Precious Dreams
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Rajan V Kokkuri is born in Attoor, Kerala and raised in Bangalore and lives in Muscat with his spouse Anitha Rajan and has two sons. Rajan has published his first romantic fiction novel by the name ‘I REMAIN FOREVER YOURS-in Mar 2019.
This book has featured as one of the ‘TOP 100 DEBUT NOVEL’ during a survey conducted by Literatureslight. Rajan has published his 2nd book in Aug 2020 by the name ‘MY PRECIOUS DREAMS’ which became the ‘Top 100 Free Best Seller #1’ under ‘kindle unlimited’ category. Rajan has also co-authored two Amazon top 100 listed books by the name ‘LIFE IN LOCKDOWN’ & SPARKLES OF LIFE’.
Rajan works as Principal Process Designer with Worley. Kokkuri being a vivid traveler writes travelogues & short stories in English & Malayalam. Kokkuri’s articles are also published by the ‘Viswa Kairalee Magazine’ by ‘World Malayalee Federation’, Vienna. Rajan’s Malayalam audio story by the name ‘Ammaku Vendi’ was featured on a Facebook page of Muscat Arts and has more than 9200 views.
Interviewer: First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the release of your book – ‘My Precious Dreams’. How do you feel about it? Tell us something about your book?
Rajan V Kokkuri: Thank you very much for giving me a chance to interact with my readers. It was a dream come true for me. ‘My Precious Dreams’ is my 2nd book. This book predominantly unfolds the life of beloved late parents and my journey of life. I was fascinated about the life of few people and scribbled them from my memory to stories.
Interviewer: What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?
Rajan V Kokkuri: I was doubtful and afraid to pen few true incidents. I had faced lot of criticism about spelling mistake and grammar mistake during my 1st book publication, but I took it positively. I took up the challenge, tried to correct my flaws and wrote this book.
Interviewer: Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing?
Rajan V Kokkuri: Yes, I always wanted to be a writer. My village Attoor in Valluvanad area of Kerala, on the closer to famous Nila River are known for famous scholars and poets. The unique surroundings and few of them whom I have grown up seeing during my school days. I used to take part in the competitions of children story books and written few letters to editor of newspaper also. I continued to take part as a socially responsible person, dared even sent email messages to the Ministry about the requirement of water ATM in railway stations & concerns about safety of Rail passengers. In the year 2017, I came across a poor family living on the footpath near Sree Guruvayoor Temple. Their frank talk about homelessness and finding the lost child after nine years touched my heart. I couldn’t forget the incident and wrote my 1st story. ‘Thelogicalindian.com’ selected the story and published it in the website under ‘My Story’ series. The link is below. https://thelogicalindian.com/my-story/my-story-coconut-vender/
Interviewer: How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
Rajan V Kokkuri: I have written two books in English. I have co-authored another eight books, and two books are among Amazon Top Sellers. I am going to bring out a Hindi Edition of my two English books soon for my north Indian friends. My favourite book is ‘MY PRECIOUS DREAMS’.
Interviewer: What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Rajan V Kokkuri: The most important element of good writing is read a lot, observe the people, learn new words. I have developed a habit of listening famous talks and audio stories too. In general, I have succeeded in making lot of friends foam all the walks of life, with various interests. Everyone has some uniqueness and I try to learn something from everyone. I do enjoy sharing my thoughts with others too without any hesitation. I would like to make the most of it what comes in way and write in lucid language & closer to true events. I believe the author has to take the reader to different places along as the story flows. It is important to be error free, neatly paragraphed and divided chapters as and where required.
Interviewer: My Precious Dreams is a collection of five short stories. What was the inspiration for the book?
Rajan V Kokkuri: My beloved late parents and the people whom I admire and try to follow has inspired me to write the book as a dedication for them. My parents lived a simple but happy life and had a character of helping others, I have just tried to follow them and scribbled for others to have an idea life prevailed during yesteryears.
Interviewer: What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Rajan V Kokkuri: I am sure the readers have many take away from the book. They will enjoy the closer to life episodes. They can find out how selfless were few people, who has sacrificed their happiness for others. The book may help them to understand there are numerous ways to be happy in life with the limited resources. They may find a way of life to enjoy the day to day life.
Interviewer: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing? Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
Rajan V Kokkuri: I am a very good reader from the younger age itself. I was influenced by the book ‘The Fountain Head’ of Ayn Rand. In the recent time I have followed the books and writing of famous Malayalam author Late Kamala Surayya (popularly known one-time as Madhavikutty). I got the courage to write small short stories based on real incidents. I admire Author Mr Ruskin Bond.
Interviewer: Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
Rajan V Kokkuri: Readers may contact me on –
- Email: v.kokkuri.rajan@gmail.com
- Twitter.com/rajanvkokkuri
- Facebook.com/rajan.kokkuri
- Instagram.com/rajan_vkokkuri
- Linkedin.com/in/rajan-v-kokkuri-82136013/
Interviewer: Any message for readers regarding the book?
Rajan V Kokkuri: I would like the readers to read, write comment, write sincere reviews. I would be very happy if they share the book with their friends and donate the book to any library once they complete the reading. My message to my reader is ‘Stay low, think high and try to excel in all the aspect of life.’
Interviewer: Thanks for your time! It was a pleasure talking to you. I wish you best of luck for the future!
Rajan V Kokkuri: Thank you very much for interviewing me. I think this will be a great opportunity for the readers to know me.
Order on Amazon: “My Precious Dreams”
