Subhechcha Ganguly 
Nowadays we rarely find authors who write engaging story books that entertain and simultaneously inspire us to live our life with ease while adding a completely fresh and different perspective to it. Without further conversation let me introduce you to one such rare Author Selvan Srinivasan whose new book “Inner Alchemy” is all set for launch.
Interviewer :Hello Selvan Sir! Interview Times is very glad to have you in the Guests Row Again. Tell us about what came to your mind when you thought about bringing life to this book?
Selvan: Hello! I appreciate the warm welcome. When the idea of “Inner Alchemy” first took shape in my mind, I was conscious of the challenge that self-help books often face – the unconscious resistance that readers may experience when faced with a slew of instructions. It’s a natural response; we’ve all grown up with elders telling us what to do and what not to do all our lives. I wanted to circumvent this resistance by presenting the guidance in a different, more palatable form.
“Inner Alchemy” is a not your typical self-help book; it’s a light, entertaining story. I recognized that in the modern urban setting, people might be put off by a book that feels like another set of instructions. So, I chose to tell a story that almost everyone in such a setting could instantly relate to. Ayushi, the protagonist, represents the struggles and experiences that many individuals face in their day-to-day lives.
Interviewer: Every author has a set of ideas about readers in mind. Some authors write their experiences; some have an information and entertainment approach. What is your approach when you write any book?
Selvan: With “Inner Alchemy,” my primary goal is to entertain. I believe that when a reader is entertained, education and inspiration naturally follow, but in a more subtle and enjoyable manner. It’s reminiscent of how, as children, we learned some of life’s most valuable lessons through play. That learning doesn’t stop as we grow up; our deepest insights often come when we approach life with a light, childlike state of mind.
Interviewer: Finally, the question everyone is waiting for. Tell us a bit about your book “Inner Alchemy.” How did you come up with the idea for this book?
Selvan: “Inner Alchemy” is the inaugural piece of a series I’ve titled “Tales from the Awareness Journey series.” The narrative unfolds in the bustling city of Hyderabad, India, against the backdrop of the challenging year 2021. Ayushi, a young software professional, grapples with the complexities of urban existence when her life takes an unexpected turn.
The pivotal moment occurs when Ayushi encounters Ranjan, the architect of an online transformative experience known as the Awareness Journey. Intrigued by the promise of profound change, Ayushi decides to enrol in this mentoring program, setting the stage for a significant shift in her life’s trajectory. Ayushi, a character inspired by numerous real-life students from my mentoring program, meets Ranjan, also known as Oogway in the tales. Oogway, a fictional version of myself, becomes a guiding force in Ayushi’s life.
The Awareness Journey comprises six modules, each spanning a month of daily online mentoring, including guided meditation audios, training videos, texting, and video calls. Each novel in the series corresponds to a specific module, and “Inner Alchemy” is associated with the first one, “The Happy Place Module.”
Over the next two years, I plan to publish the remaining five novels in this series, each continuing the transformative journey that begins with “Inner Alchemy.” The unfolding narrative promises readers not just a story but a holistic experience that blends entertainment, wisdom, and self-discovery.
Interviewer: For all the readers, what is one note you want to mention about the book?
Selvan: Life can be smooth, easy, peaceful, and joyful despite the chaos and turmoil surrounding us. You only need to learn a few skilful things, as Ayushi did in the book, to transform your life. In fact, you need not learn too many things; you need not even embark on a journey into Awareness as Ayushi did. You can just enjoy reading a nice storybook, and while you are at it, you may find at least one easy tool that you can try out then and there and adopt it in your life.
This alone can bring about unimaginable improvements in your life situation, inspiring you to venture deeper. “Inner Alchemy” is not just a book; it’s a companion on your journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. So, I encourage you to seize the opportunity and pre-order the book on Amazon. Its pages hold not only entertainment but also valuable guidance, offering a path toward a holistic, well-rounded life that many seek.
Interviewer: After completing writing a book, an author has a surreal feeling. Tell us about your feeling when your final draft was done.
Selvan: Completing the first draft of “Inner Alchemy” left me with a peculiar sense of incompleteness. At 61, I am a male mentor, guiding people through life’s intricacies. In contrast, Ayushi, the central character, is a woman half my age, navigating her own unique set of challenges. While my extensive experience in mentoring provided a foundation, it became apparent that to truly capture Ayushi’s essence, I needed a more authentic perspective.
To achieve this authenticity, I shared the initial draft with a select group of young women, seeking their insights and perspectives. Among them, my own daughter, Aarathi, a respected psychological counsellor with a substantial clientele, played a pivotal role. Their feedback led to a complete rewrite, shifting the narrative to Ayushi’s point of view. It was a collaborative effort that transformed the book from a mentor’s musings to a genuine portrayal of Ayushi’s journey.
During this rewriting session, a profound shift occurred. The narrative ceased to be solely mine; it became a collective creation, blending the wisdom of my years with the fresh insights of the younger generation. It was at this juncture that I experienced that surreal feeling you mentioned. The book now felt alive, pulsating with the amalgamation of diverse perspectives and shared experiences.
It was at this point that I fell madly in love with the novel “Inner Alchemy”. Falling in love with my creation was not an act of ego but a genuine appreciation for the humility and collaboration that birthed it. Now, as I anticipate its release, I am eager for readers to embark on the same transformative journey that reshaped the book during its creation. “Inner Alchemy” is not just a story; it’s an invitation to explore, learn, and discover the subtle nuances of life through the eyes of Ayushi, a character who embodies the collective wisdom and aspirations of a generation. As the author, I am bursting with eagerness for readers to engage with the narrative, to resonate with its authenticity, and perhaps find a reflection of their own journeys within its pages.
