Interviewing Aman J Bedi
Helloooo!
I recently reviewed the frenetic and action packed Kavithri by Aman J Bedi a really good story, where a young woman at the bottom of a society that refuses to allow her to progress embarks upon becoming a fighter and bodyguard to the precious mages that protect it. It has magic, intrigue and examines themes of colonial oppression and its aftermath. It was a pleasure to invite Aman to the blog to find out more.
How do you like to booktempt people into reading Kavithri?
For the experienced fantasy reader: KAVITHRI is an adult fantasy with shades of Gideon the Ninth, the drive of Evan Winter’s Rage of Dragons, and elements of Netflix’s Arcane — a steampunk reimagining of post-colonial India that draws on modern Indian history along with my own upbringing in the region.
For the beginner or non-fantasy reader, I would describe it as an underdog story where we follow a down-on-her-luck railway porter on a journey of self-transformation. There’s magic, action, and despite going to some dark places, plenty of humour.
We are so used to seeing magical adept people become mages it is fascinating to see someone instead become a fighter and bodyguard. What made you choose this role for Kavi?
I am a huge fan of heroic fantasy (especially of the David Gemmell variety). I love stories with characters who — beaten, bloodied, at the end of their tether, but — just refuse to fall. Turning Kavi into a fighter also allowed me to make the story grittier, more violent; Kavi could get into scraps and fights where her courage and resilience could really shine through. It was just more fun to write.
In Kavi’s society she is very much at the bottom of the heap due to her heritage. The story explores such prejudice and the issues that can lead to as well as how colonisation plays a role too. Was this a theme that you wanted to delve into?
I didn’t set out to delve into it. But as story progressed and Kavi began to develop as character it naturally bled into the narrative.
The story’s pace and action is non-stop. What for you makes a good action scene and how do you plan them out?
It always starts with a POV character. The reader needs someone to ground them and for whom they can actively root for. Once you’ve established that you can add stakes that could range from Will they achieve their goal? to Will they even survive this? or anything that’s relevant to the story and character motivations. And finally, clarity in the writing. There is no need for flowery language in an action scene. Keep it simple. Break up the description with your POV character’s internal monologue or dialogue, and you’ll be good.
What else can we look forward to from you in the future and where can we find out more in this weird world of social media?
The sequel to KAVITHRI is scheduled for release in March next year. You can find me on Instagram: @amanjbedi and Twitter: @amanjbedi where I’ll post updates when I can.
If there was one book, not your own, that you wish you could get everyone to read what would it be and why?
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie. It changed the way I read books and helped me find my voice as a writer.
