One of the pioneers of Nepali journalism, Kishore Nepal started his writing career in 1966. The author of four books, including the recently launched Media: Siddhant, Sutra Ra Prayog, Nepal is already well on his way to publish another book, titled Rakshas Ko Geet, in the next two months. The Post’s Alisha Sijapati caught up with the veteran to talk about his love for books and writing. Excerpts:   

How did you first come to love books?

I was always a book lover. I was a political cadre when I was very young and I actively participated in political campaigns too, which led me to imprisonment for about seven months. During that time, I read all the books that were in the prison library—for reading was the only way for me to pass the time. At that time, I read biographies of popular political personalities—such as Vladimir Lenin, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. And then the habit just grew. However, before I started my political career, I read a lot of Indian detective novels by authors such as Ved Prakash, Colonel Ranjit, and Om Prakash, among others. 

How did you shift your base from being a political cadre to a journalist/writer?

There came a point when I realised that I could not be revolting and going for campaigns all the time. I knew that I had to do something better. Everyone has different roles to play in making a country better and I took up writing. There are ways to make people hear you and I knew through my writing I could connect with people and change the way things are politically. 

What was the last book you read and how did you like it? Which book are you planning to read next?

I recently read Chirharan written by Neelam Karki (Neharika). The book is based on the Mahabharata era. She has given a certain fictional twist to what is written in the Mahabharata. I had fun reading the book. There are plenty of books that I plan to read; however, I am looking forward to read Manjushree Thapa’s latest, All of Us in Our Lives. I hope it’ll be a good read.

Which author do you deem your biggest influence?

Albert Camus has always been a huge inspiration for me. His book The Rebel is my all time favourite. There was this particular line that I will always remember and it really did make an impact in my life: “I rebel, therefore we exist.” I was in my youth when I read that and for me, it is still very iconic. 

You have authored a total of four books already. Which has been your favourite? Who is your target audience?

I don’t have any as such. I am still not satisfied with my work. For me, the only book I went close towards satisfaction was Mero Samaya—my memoir. I have written my life story and about our country in detail. And I somehow feel that I have done justice to my profession as a journalist with this book.  Readers who can spend money on buying books and who are well-read are my target audience. However, I feel my books would resonate more with the audience in the eastern Nepal than it does with readers from the west. 

What is the most ideal time for you to write?

I write from five to nine in the morning. I think it is the best time to write as I can focus. I am very particular about my time during mornings. During those hours, I switch off my cell phone and focus on writing. 

Your latest book—Media: Siddhant, Sutra Ra Prayog (Theories, Sources and Practices)—released a month back. How has it been received?

I have not monitored it properly. But as far as I have heard, the book has been received well, especially with media professionals.

About your forthcoming book Rakshas Ko Geet: what is it about?

My forthcoming book is completely different from my previous books. It’s a collection of short ‘essential’ essays, some old and some new. The essays in this book record the incidences from my own life.

What is good writing for you?

A good writer should make a strong and deep impact among readers so that readers will never forget about it. My friends tell me I have the capability of observing each and every single detail in my writing. 

While you were a journalist, what particular beat did you enjoy the most? What is your favourite genre?

Since the beginning of my career I have always had an interest in politics and rural development. I enjoy going to rural areas for days and bring stories that are unheard of and I don’t enjoy city-centric articles—the Nepali media still has much to explore. I also tried my hand at entertainment beat while working with Kantipur and hence started Saptahik. It was for the youth and to connect with them. It was a fun and interesting genre to explore. Regarding books, I like philosophy, and biographies. I am a big fan of Samuel Huntington. I don’t have a favourite genre, specifically. I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction, but I prefer non-fiction a little more.