Featured Interview With Ken Doyle
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Ken Doyle was born in Bombay, India, into a family with Portuguese and Anglo-Indian roots. He moved to the USA for graduate studies and currently lives in Milford, Delaware with his wife, daughter, and dog. One of his early short stories, written at the age of sixteen, was selected for inclusion in an anthology of Indian science fiction. These days, Ken’s writing spans several genres, including literary fiction and science fiction for young adults.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing ever since the early years in grade school but started to consider a career as a writer in my teens. I published my first short story at 13, and wrote nonfiction for a few magazines as a teenager. One of my short stories, written when I was 16, was selected for an anthology of the best science fiction by Indian authors. I knew my career would involve writing, but I wasn’t sure exactly what form it would take.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
That’s a tough call. I’d have to say Charles Dickens, as I have enjoyed every novel of his that I’ve read. His characters are masterpieces, and his very immersive description and setting has no equal among contemporary authors. Other favorites include Isaac Asimov, William Gibson, Scott Westerfeld, Jhumpa Lahiri, Vikram Seth–and, of course, JK Rowling!
I read a variety of genres and styles. My early favorites were science fiction and fantasy, but I also enjoy multicultural fiction and literary fiction.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My debut collection of short fiction, Bombay Bhel, was released last eyar. The title is based on a popular street food called “bhel puri”. Like the food, the book blends a variety of ingredients to serve up glimpses of life among the Goan and Anglo-Indian communities–minorities in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The interlinked stories are set in the late twentieth century, before a wave of anticolonialism crested across India and resulted in the city’s rechristening as Mumbai.
I enjoy writing short stories–they’re a much-underappreciated art form. This collection took me almost two years to write, revise, edit, and polish. I’d love to write full-time but, at present, my writing time is restricted by work and family obligations.
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