Subhechcha Ganguly 
Meet the Author
Some writers search for stories. For Shoumik De, stories have always been a part of life.
Born and raised in Kolkata, Shoumik grew up listening to stories narrated by his grandmother, mother, and father. Combined with an enduring love for books, these early influences sparked a passion for storytelling that continues to define his creative journey today.
An IT engineer by profession, Shoumik balances a demanding corporate career with his lifelong passion for writing. He currently lives in Kolkata, West Bengal, with his mother and his beloved dog, who often inspires both his life and his work.
Beyond writing, he is an avid reader, photographer, traveller, and music enthusiast. His extensive travels across the world have provided him with a rich reservoir of experiences, cultures, and characters that frequently find their way into his stories.
The Beginning of a Writing Journey
Before becoming a published novelist, Shoumik made his mark through short fiction.
His stories appeared in the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul India series, and he also won the BlogAdda writing competition, earning publication and recognition for his work. These early successes encouraged him to pursue storytelling more seriously and laid the foundation for his literary career.
Over the years, he has developed a reputation for creating stories that combine engaging plots with relatable human emotions and meaningful themes.
The Success of Cry of Dogs
Shoumik’s latest novel, Cry of Dogs, is a gripping young adult mystery set on the outskirts of Kolkata.
The story follows Ron and Yash, two eighteen-year-old best friends and passionate animal lovers. Their lives change when stray dogs in their neighbourhood begin dying under mysterious circumstances. When their beloved stray dog, Laali, becomes one of the victims, the boys and their friends set out to uncover the truth.
Their investigation leads them into a web of secrets involving local shopkeepers, animal rights activists, and a group of suspicious individuals. As danger grows and more dogs lose their lives, the young detectives must rely on courage, friendship, and determination to expose a ruthless killer and save another stray dog named Browny.
What makes the novel particularly fascinating is that one of its key incidents is inspired by a real event. After reading about the incident in a newspaper, Shoumik conducted his own research and discovered facts that differed significantly from the original reporting. That discovery eventually became one of the novel’s most important twists.
Awards and Recognition
Cry of Dogs has received significant acclaim, earning:
- Young Adult Book of the Year
- 2nd International Children’s Book Awards 2026
- Aesop’s Tale Certificate of Honour
Another of Shoumik’s books, Brain Benders, has also made a meaningful impact. The NGO Bhumi uses the book as a tool to encourage children’s curiosity, scientific thinking, and interest in learning.
Balancing Writing and Life
For Shoumik, the greatest challenge is not inspiration—it’s time.
Between a full-time corporate career, household responsibilities, and caring for his dog, finding uninterrupted writing time can be difficult. There have even been occasions when he has taken leave from work to focus entirely on completing a story that demanded his attention.
When asked about his writing routine, he admits there isn’t one.
Some days he writes in his favourite coffee shop. Other days, he steals moments from an otherwise busy schedule to bring ideas to life. His writing process is flexible, adapting to wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.
Books That Shaped Him
Shoumik’s literary influences span genres, cultures, and generations.
Some of the books that have had a lasting impact on him include:
- The Kite Runner — Khaled Hosseini
- The God of Small Things — Arundhati Roy
- Sam Wyndham Series — Abir Mukherjee
- I Am Pilgrim — Terry Hayes
- A Bridge Across Forever — Richard Bach
- 1984 — George Orwell
- The Catcher in the Rye — J.D. Salinger
- Catch-22 — Joseph Heller
- Shantaram — Gregory David Roberts
These works have influenced his appreciation for powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful themes.
Beyond Writing
While writing remains his greatest passion, Shoumik’s creative interests extend beyond literature.
A former professional photographer, he enjoys capturing stories through images as much as through words. He is also an enthusiastic traveller and enjoys long drives accompanied by good music.
These experiences continually enrich his perspective and contribute to the authenticity of his storytelling.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Shoumik offers simple yet practical advice for those hoping to write their own stories:
“Write what’s in your mind. Write honestly. Your first job is to finish the manuscript. Editing comes later. Write extravagantly, but edit like frugal.”
His philosophy encourages writers to focus on creativity first and refinement later.
What’s Next?
Readers have plenty to look forward to.
Shoumik is currently working on:
- A closed-room fair-play murder mystery with the Kolkata Literary Society
- A rewritten version of Banaras
- A sequel to Cry of Dogs, which will take Ron and Yash into a parallel universe
These upcoming projects promise the same blend of mystery, imagination, and engaging storytelling that readers have come to expect from his work.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of every story Shoumik De writes lies a simple goal: to leave readers feeling delighted while also reflecting on the message behind the narrative.
Whether exploring mystery, adventure, friendship, or social issues, his stories remind readers of the enduring power of courage, compassion, and human connection.
From coffee shops to crime mysteries, Shoumik De continues to prove that great stories can emerge from everyday life—and that storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect people and ideas.
