Not just guests—stories check in too.
Title: The Capital Tales
Author: C. S. Ramachandran
ISBN: 9789373353449
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
About the author: C. S. Ramachandran (Ram), a seasoned hotelier with a passion for storytelling, who has taken his early steps. into the literary world. His journey in the hospitality industry, enriched by interactions with multicultural guests and team members fuelling his love for stories. As an only child, books were his faithful companions during the quiet nights. This companionship continued into his adulthood, with books accompanying him in physical and audio formats during his extensive travels and drives.
Question – What inspired you to write The Capital Tales?
Answer – My journey as an author truly began with my first book, “The Rising”, which was a deeply personal experience for me. The encouragement and constructive criticism I received after its release not only motivated me but also sparked a desire to explore a new theme that has always intrigued me: the untold stories that surround us every day. As a hotelier, walking through hotel corridors, I often found myself wondering about the lives and experiences of the people I encountered. “The Capital Tales” is born from that curiosity. This book is a collection of ten short stories, each weaving together elements of intrigue, mystery, romance, and humour, all set against the vibrant backdrop of The Capital hotel.
Question – How did your experience in the hotel industry help you in creating these stories?
Answer – My experience in the hotel industry has naturally influenced ideas behind the stories in this book. Over the years, I have experience or heard countless moments and stories, which could have subtly influenced the themes and characters. Additionally, the narrative style of several movies and series inspired me to structure the book in a similar fashion, with multiple recurring characters, ranging from guests who make fleeting appearances to hotel staff who reappear across different stories. These interconnected characters collectively bring to life the rich web of relationships and encounters that define the unique world of The Capital hotel.
Question – Are any of the characters in the book based on real people you met during your career?
Answer – The stories in “The Capital Tales” are largely products of my imagination which could have been influenced from experiences. They do not point to any real-life individuals or events. However, there is one story in the book that stands apart, as it is inspired by an actual experience I encountered. To acknowledge this, I have included a note in the postscript of that particular story, expressing my thanks to the real people whose actions and experiences served as a inspiration for its creation. That was also the fastest written short story as I penned it down the following day after the event. Their influence is specifically mentioned, as a way of thanking them for inspiring the narrative.
Question – Which story from the book is closest to your heart, and why?
Answer – While I hold every story in “The Capital Tales” close to my heart, the one I hold dearest is the story mentioned above. Its significance stems from the fact that it is based on a true event, making it very personal to me. Writing this particular narrative was a difficult endeavour, as I was determined to present it authentically and capture its essence just as it unfolded but with the right sprinkle of fictional elements. The connection to real experiences made the process both personal and rewarding, ensuring the story would always remain close to my heart.
Question – While writing the book, what was the most challenging part for you?
Answer – Crafting this collection of ten short stories, each spanning a different genre, proved to be a more challenging task for me, than I envisaged it while starting off. The process undoubtedly placed considerable stress on my storytelling capability. There were numerous moments when I found myself contemplating whether to abandon the idea of compiling a short story book altogether, as the project consistently pushed me to my creative limits.
Question – Did you ever witness any real incidents in hotels that later became part of these stories?
Answer – As I mentioned earlier, the stories in “The Capital Tales” are primarily the creations of my imagination, though they may have been subtly influenced by my experiences or stories I heard. The characters and events depicted throughout the book are not direct representations of real people or specific incidents from my life. Of course, there is that one particular story within the collection that holds a special significance for me, as it stands out from the others due to its origin. This story is inspired by a real-life experience that I personally encountered, setting it apart from the rest of the fictional narratives in the book.
Question – The book has humour, romance, suspense, and mystery. How did you balance all these elements?
Answer – Initially, a mix of multiple genres was not part of my original plan when I began writing this one. However, after completing the second story, the thought occurred to me: why not weave something like this together? This thought prompted me to pause the writing process for an entire month. During this break, I sat down and remapped the storyboards and characters to suit the new direction and genres. My hope is that readers appreciate and enjoy this creative endeavour.
Question – Who is your favourite character from The Capital Tales?
Answer – While every character in “The Capital Tales” holds a little bit of significance for me, there are two who stand out. Kabir is a favourite owing to his remarkable journey of career growth, reflecting the aspirations and challenges that many encounter in their professional lives. On the other hand, Karambir’s story is one of resilience, and I deeply admire the strength and perseverance he demonstrates throughout his narrative. Additionally, I feel a special connection to one character in the book who I think carries certain aspects of my own personality. Friends and close associates who are familiar with me will be able to identify which character this is, as elements of my own experiences and nature are woven into that portrayal.
Question – As a first-time author, what emotions did you feel when your book got published?
Answer – When my book was published, it was a set of mixed emotions. There was genuine happiness and excitement at seeing my work finally in print, a dream realised after much effort. At the same time, I also felt a sense of anxiety, wondering how readers would receive the book and what their feedback would be. The anticipation of public response made the moment both joyful and nerve-wracking, as I awaited to see how my stories resonated with the audience.
Question – What message or feeling do you want readers to take away from your book?
Answer – Through my book, I hope to play a small role in inspiring the readers by encouraging them to pursue new experiences. I wish for them to embrace the excitement and challenge of stepping outside their comfort zones, whether in their personal or professional lives. I want them to experience the change, which I believe, unfolds gradually. It happens slowly that its transformation becomes visible only over time. Eventually, one realises how these small steps have led to a completely new version of oneself, shaped by the willingness to try something different and the courage to persist.
Question – Do you write every day? What does your writing routine look like?
Answer – Given the demands of my work schedule, I find myself unable to commit to writing every single day. Instead, I developed a flexible approach that allowed me to capture inspiration whenever it arises. Whenever an idea for a plot line, a new character, or even a quirky line for the book comes to mind, I make it a point to immediately note it down in the notes app on my phone.
Typically, I set aside a few hours during the weekends specifically for writing and reviewing my work. This dedicated time allows me to expand on the ideas I have collected throughout the week and make necessary edits to my previous writings. This routine ensures that I continue to make progress on the book, even if it is at a steady, unhurried pace.
Question – Which authors or books have influenced your writing style?
Answer – I wanted to keep my book simple and easy to read, aiming to create a format that would be accessible to readers even while they are on the move. My hope was for the book to serve as a companion on the move, providing engaging stories that do not demand prolonged attention spans or complex interpretation.
The inspiration for this approach comes from my admiration for several admired authors, particularly those celebrated for their short stories. I have been a long-time fan of the works of Jeffrey Archer, O. Henry, Isaac Asimov (especially his Black Widowers Club mysteries), Agatha Christie, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, and Satyajit Ray. These writers have influenced my narrative style, encouraging me to craft stories that are concise, and always enjoyable for readers no matter where they choose to read.
Question – If The Capital Tales is adapted into a web series or film, who would you imagine playing the key characters?
Answer – The thought of seeing my characters brought to life on screen is defintely a dream for me. If The Capital Tales were to be adapted into a series, I would be especially delighted to see Pratik Gandhi or Vikrant Massey take on the role of Kabir Kapoor. Both actors possess the depth and versatility that, I believe, would do justice to Kabir’s character.
For the character of Karambir Singh, I imagine Jaideep Ahlawat or Vijay Sethupathi stepping into his shoes. Their remarkable talent and screen presence would be ideal for portraying Karambir Singh’s complexities and nuances.
Given the wide range of characters in the story, and if resources and budgets permitted, I am confident that there would be an appropriate role for each of my favourite actors. The idea of assembling such a talented ensemble cast is both exciting and inspiring, and fuels my hope that one day these characters will find their way to the screen.
Question – Are you planning to write a second part or another book in the future?
Answer – Writing is something that I am keen to continue pursuing. Whether it will be a published attempt, hinges on the feedback I receive from the readers for this one. Their feedback is invaluable, as it helps me understand what works and what needs to be corrected.
Regardless of whether my future writing sees publication, I find the process itself deeply rewarding. Writing offers me an opportunity to push my creative boundaries, providing a meaningful outlet amidst the distractions of today’s digital world. It is an activity that not only nurtures imagination but also encourages discipline and reflection, qualities that I wish to cultivate further.
Question – What advice would you like to give to new writers who are just starting their journey?
Answer – Starting your writing journey is as simple as jotting down your thoughts. Don’t stress about perfection in the initial drafts. Focus on getting ideas onto the page first and then improve them through editing and feedback from trusted friends or family.
My biggest struggle was with sharing my work than with writing itself. It is a dauting step, but one that is essential for growth. Whether your writings are published or not, writing develops creativity, discipline, and self-reflection, all of which contribute to personal growth as an individual.
