C.G. Salamander was all smiles at the recently-concluded Bangalore Comic Con as the launch of his first book, Palm’s Foster Home for Peculiar Stories was one of the highlights of the event. A young writer, Salamander’s book is a compilation of three stories: Gayatri and the Church of the Holy Vegetables , Nigel the Last Brit in India and Aliens, Dinosaurs, Porcupines .
“The book is a collection of episodic short fiction. It belongs to the comic fantasy genre,” says Salamander, “The reason why I wanted to dabble in this genre, because in India, it is not well explored. Writers such as Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett are known for this genre.”
He adds that it took him about six to eight months to complete the book. Salamander graduated in electronics and communication engineering from NIT, Allahabad. But he adds: “To be completely honest, my degrees are purely ornamental. It hangs awkwardly in the living room, and sometimes, we stare at each other, like a couple of estranged friends.”
Salamander began writing full time, since 2012. “I have scripted three comic strips. Three of my graphic novels will be published. My short stories and comics have appeared in various short story anthologies and in some literary and pulp magazines. I read and write as much as possible.”
When asked how ideas for his stories come to him, Salamander is quick to point out: “Writers are often afraid to answer that question because if you ask where one’s writing comes from, the idea might go away,” he smiles. Salamander hails from Chennai. “I live so in the outskirts of Chennai, that I am considering identifying myself a Bangaloorian!”
The comic book and graphic novel scene in Chennai, says Salamander, is quite good. “You have strong players like Blaft and dedicated independent artists and writers who are trying to get into the genre.”
Palm’s Foster Home for Peculiar Stories is a Jellyfish Publications and is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Gangaram’s book bureau in Bengaluru.
