An Interview with Vickram Bachan

I am from Toronto Canada, I love creative writing and have been writing for most of my life. I write poetry, short stories, children’s story book, and I have some novels in progress. I have won several prestigious awards and honour for my work in the education community.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

While I have several works of poetry collections, novels, and children’s books in progress, this particular book has taken me eight years to put together. You wouldn’t think a collection of twenty poems would take so long, but I wanted to take my time until I got it just right. I prefer to take my time and create quality work for readers to enjoy. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020, I finally had the time to sit down and focus on completing it. While the circumstances were unfortunate with the global illnesses, I was grateful for the time. I am still making revisions here and there after having it turned down by several publishers. Amidst all the chaos going on around the world, I wanted to make something that would spread the message of hope and peace, and be a beacon of light in these dark times, and that is what this collection of poetry aims to do.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I played around with a few ideas for the title before finally settling on Cloudy with a Chance of Hope. It wasn’t necessarily easy, but it didn’t take forever either. I did a blind poll with some of my close friends, and they all felt this should be the title as it fit best.

Describe your dream book cover.

I am no artist when it comes to drawing or painting, I have tried it and it’s not really for me. While I can’t create it myself, I do have a very clear image of what I would like the cover of this book to be. I would like it to be the planet earth in the shape of the peace symbol floating in space, surrounded by stars. The title and my name would be in bold golden letters. Simply yet beautiful, and echos the theme of the poems in the collection.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Peace” by O.A.R, “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, “Who Says” by Selena Gomez, “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I often reread my favourites, this not only comforts but helps me escape to fantasy worlds full of magic and wonder, temporarily leaving the chaos of our reality behind. My favourite books and series to read are Harry Potter, The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked in education, which has inspired some of the ideas for some of my children’s books. Not only is it a new adventure working in schools with students everyday, but their antics often help build on my ideas. Plus I also know what they love to read, so I know that if I am given an opportunity for my books to be published, I already have an audience waiting.

Something that my readers wouldn’t know is that I have won several prestigious awards and honours for my work in the education field.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Even since I was about six or seven years old I have had the desire to create stories and entertain, even though my spelling was horrible and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing as a kid, I wanted to create books. After my second grade teacher introduced me to the Harry Potter series, I was hooked on literacy and finally started to learn how to read. This was also how fantasy became my favourite genre and I always new I wanted to create my own fantasy novel series, which is currently in progress, though in very early stages.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I can write just about anywhere just as long as it’s quiet, which is mainly at home. But I also like to go out and observe random things going on, which can help to inspire ideas.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I don’t envision a perfect reader, there is no such thing as “perfect” I only use that word as a metaphor or simile to express satisfaction with something. All my books are for EVERYONE to enjoy. What I hope all readers take away is the message of hope, peace or a good life lesson. I love creative writing, and when I put a finished piece out into the world I know not everyone will like it, but I only hope that people who do like it will enjoy reading my writing just as much as I enjoyed working on it.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.