Callin the Shots!
As Frankfurt Fair showed, Indian writers have found a receptive audience in Europe German publisher DTV has bought the rights of Shobhaa De's, Starry Nights
VT LIFE :: VIJAY TIMES :: SUNDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2006
PUJA GOYAL
THE past 10 years have seen a radical change in the quality of Indian writing but more obvious changes have occurred in the last five years. Today, there is a marked change in terms of content, manner and clarity in Indian fiction. Initially, Indian writers would write for themselves and pay less importance to the reader, but now "writers keep their readers in mind," says Kapish Mehra of Rupa & Co. Extensive exposure to the international market has ensured that the Indian writers' now write to cater an up-market reader. Zai Whitaker's book Kali and the Rat Snake was recently bought by Draupadi Verlag. She reiterates that the existence of the internet is one of the main reasons of growth in Indian writing.
While European markets are taking to Indian literature, the American market is still to feel the heat. Zai adds, "Maybe it's because American market is more self- contained, and European countries are more interested in experimenting with other writings." The Frankfurt Fair is the venue to strike such deals. It has become the playing ground for Indian publishers and writers. A sudden upsurge in Indian writing amongst foreign publishers has opened new avenues. Writers like Zai are glad, "For a writer, it is always a satisfying thought to know they are reaching out globally. But it gives more satisfaction when my book is read and understood locally. One of the happiest incidents was when I met few children on the train and they said they had enjoyed reading my book."
Vikram Chandra, Shobhaa De, Kiran Nagarkar and Man Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai have become household names. Hemu Ramaiah of Landmark says, "Though Indian fiction is becoming popular, and I would still say that it is Indian non-fiction like philosophy, self- help books etc, are big!" German publisher DTV has bought the rights for the translation of Shobhaa De's Starry Nights. As if this was not enough, now foreign publishers are also buying the rights of books which are yet to be written, because of the credibility the writer has been able to establish in the global market. De in an interview to a journalist reveals, "DTV wants to buy rights to whatever I write in the next 20 years."
There were times when a writer in India had to struggle to get his dÈbut work published. Today, it's a huge fashion statement to read Indian writing. Writer Altaf Tyrewala's debut, No God In Sight, a collection of short stories, has been translated by German publisher Suhrkamp. In spite of this, many writers and publishers think, Indian writing can do better. We need new stories now and new writers; because once this fascination with Indian writing is over, we will have nothing more to offer. We have to now put our heads together and ensure that this is not just a fad; but an on-going trend in Indian writing.
VT LIFE :: VIJAY TIMES :: SUNDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2006PUJA GOYAL
THE past 10 years have seen a radical change in the quality of Indian writing but more obvious changes have occurred in the last five years. Today, there is a marked change in terms of content, manner and clarity in Indian fiction. Initially, Indian writers would write for themselves and pay less importance to the reader, but now "writers keep their readers in mind," says Kapish Mehra of Rupa & Co. Extensive exposure to the international market has ensured that the Indian writers' now write to cater an up-market reader. Zai Whitaker's book Kali and the Rat Snake was recently bought by Draupadi Verlag. She reiterates that the existence of the internet is one of the main reasons of growth in Indian writing.
While European markets are taking to Indian literature, the American market is still to feel the heat. Zai adds, "Maybe it's because American market is more self- contained, and European countries are more interested in experimenting with other writings." The Frankfurt Fair is the venue to strike such deals. It has become the playing ground for Indian publishers and writers. A sudden upsurge in Indian writing amongst foreign publishers has opened new avenues. Writers like Zai are glad, "For a writer, it is always a satisfying thought to know they are reaching out globally. But it gives more satisfaction when my book is read and understood locally. One of the happiest incidents was when I met few children on the train and they said they had enjoyed reading my book."
Vikram Chandra, Shobhaa De, Kiran Nagarkar and Man Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai have become household names. Hemu Ramaiah of Landmark says, "Though Indian fiction is becoming popular, and I would still say that it is Indian non-fiction like philosophy, self- help books etc, are big!" German publisher DTV has bought the rights for the translation of Shobhaa De's Starry Nights. As if this was not enough, now foreign publishers are also buying the rights of books which are yet to be written, because of the credibility the writer has been able to establish in the global market. De in an interview to a journalist reveals, "DTV wants to buy rights to whatever I write in the next 20 years."
There were times when a writer in India had to struggle to get his dÈbut work published. Today, it's a huge fashion statement to read Indian writing. Writer Altaf Tyrewala's debut, No God In Sight, a collection of short stories, has been translated by German publisher Suhrkamp. In spite of this, many writers and publishers think, Indian writing can do better. We need new stories now and new writers; because once this fascination with Indian writing is over, we will have nothing more to offer. We have to now put our heads together and ensure that this is not just a fad; but an on-going trend in Indian writing.
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