Subhechcha Ganguly 
Arijit Goon is a corporate leader, and he finds solace in creativity. He is an award-winning author and has been writing since two decades. He has also conceptualized for an award-winning regional film.His novel ‘The Cloning Conspiracy” has won him the award of ‘Best Emerging Author-Fiction’ and he was recognized by The FOX Story India as one of the Top 50 authors in India.He is currently focusing in historical and mythological thrillers. Let us know more about him in this interview.
Q1) Since when did you start having interest in writing? Tell us something about your writing journey.
Ans : It was since the day I became a father, that I realized that I could express myself in words.
I wrote a letter to my new-born (For her to read when she becomes self-dependent). It was way back in 2006. That letter gave me the confidence to express myself more and more and I took the support of words to pour my heart out. Thereafter my journey as an author began. Probably that was destined.
I initially started with short stories, touching the subtle chords of human emotions.
With each passing year, I evolved as an author, crossing Milestones and learning in each step. My confidence and self-satisfaction grew multifold. My style of work got me the opportunity to conceptualize for a regional movie which in turn went to win awards in US Film festivals.
It was after this that I focused more on converting my concepts to novels. That gave birth to ‘The Cloning Conspiracy’.
Q2) How did the idea of “The Cloning Conspiracy” come to your mind. Tell us more about the plot of the book. Also share the link to the book.
Ans : It was during the COVID lockdown period, when I was working for another novel/concept, that the idea of ‘The Cloning Conspiracy’, came.
Thanks to my wife for that. She was fiddling with her mobiles exploring different sites, when she notices, that when she read any subject of specific interest, advertisements or suggestions of similar sites or subjects popped up subsequently. Her remark was ‘It is so interesting that when I look at a site, FB or google suggests me a similar one inadvertently. As if they are following my searches’.
This struck me and made me imagine a plot, that if we are followed by technology, how interesting or devastating can it be. Immediately I clubbed Communication Technology with the Bio-Engineering aspects of Human cloning, did some research on both and developed the plot.
The story is woven on the lesser-known facts about Human cloning and how dangerously it can be used. In the backdrop it has an International Political conspiracy, a consortium formed by a few nations to rule the world. It was only the Indian mind who succeeded to develop a Human Clone of the current PM and that formed the base of the plot to rule the country.
Please find the link of the book below. You would love reading it.
Q3) Tell us something about your hobbies . Have you mastered the art of managing your hobbies and your passion by now or you are still finding ways to do it?
Ans : I have been into many things since childhood, but never did I define or restrict any of those as “Hobbies”. Never felt like. It was mostly activities which I enjoyed doing.
In my childhood, I used to play a lot during my free time, even at the expense of my studies. Something we all in my generation did. I also learned guitar which inculcated the musical aspect within me. I am a die-hard fan of Kishore Kumar’s songs and gradually as I grew, I discovered the singer in me. The training in guitar helped as a base to have a good musical sense. Even till date I humm Kishore’s songs in groups and events. Something I feel is very close to my heart.
Reading and writing came at a later stage. Early 2000 to be precise. After I passed my Engineering and entered the professional world.
Ever since I started writing, everything else has taken backstage. I read a lot of books in my free time and write too. This gives me energy and steam to slog on the weekdays where I have my corporate hat on.
I have realised that writing is that factor which has helped me to have a proper ‘work-life’ balance.
Q4) From preparing the draft of the book, to selecting the cover page to publishing it , it is a process that requires total scrutiny and involvement. Tell us about your experience and were there any hardships that you faced in the process?
Ans : I agree it’s a lengthy process. But it’s a wonderful journey too. It’s like growing your own child where you are possessive about each stage.
I believe that if the concept (and research work wherever needed) is crystal clear to you, penning down becomes comparatively easier. So was it with me too. Once I had the concept, I had invested humongous time in researching on the topic. Afterall, I had chosen a thriller on ‘Human Cloning’ which needed extensive research and intricate detailing. None of the facts can be written wrongly. Thanks to my beta reader Supriyo, who helped me immensely in the process.
In the process, I learnt a lot about the lesser-known facts of cloning and even human brain. Eventually only 20% of the research work was pumped into the plot. At times, I was lost and at times, even the plot took lead in itself. I had to pen down unplanned twists, which the plot demanded. I loved it!
The biggest challenge for me was to blend the facts with fiction. I was worried and sceptical about putting too many scientific facts which may eventually kill the creative essence of the story. The characters, I feared may get lost in the hardships of Human Cloning. I am glad, eventually that did not happen. The fiction and facts complimented each other to make the novel a success. At least my reviewers say so.
The cover was designed in discussion with my publisher. It had to have the ‘Cloning’ angle and a dark Conspiracy part. I am happy it has it. The story also has Global involvement, especially in the Conspiracy part, therefore the hand as shown in the cover, represents that ‘Global Involvement’ factor.
Q5) There is a large section of the youth who thinks of writing their solo book but lack the courage to do so. What is your advice to them?
Ans : My biggest message and request is to follow your heart.
Don’t let fear or lack of confidence dominate and suppress the creativity within yourself. Pen down your feelings. Pen and paper are still mightier than any gadget. Hence, use it to connect with literature.
Read more to know more but have your own style of writing. Don’t fear criticism, rather use it to improve. Do justice to the characters of your novel and please DO NOT think of the word count while writing. Aim to express yourself and win the hearts of your readers. Believe me, your creations are something that you will cherish forever. It is your baby!
Cheers and all the best!
