In Words Alone Ain’t Enough, Author Praveen Katiyar reimagines the age-old wisdom of the Panchatantra through 52 witty, wise, and wonderfully woven tales. From boardrooms to schoolyards, royal courts to modern jungles, talking animals and eccentric humans navigate everyday dilemmas—pride, fear, friendship, deception—making moral lessons timeless, relevant, and entertaining. This debut collection is both a celebration of storytelling and a masterclass in the power of language, designed to delight readers of all ages
Q1: What inspired you to write this book, and how did the idea come to you?
My fifth-grade teacher once said, “Words are powerful only when used aptly.” Ever since, I’ve been fascinated by how a single word can heal, hurt, or transform. My stories evolved from my love for talking animals, which I often wrote about on my blog. Reimagining classic fables felt like a natural progression—a way to weave wisdom into stories that speak to the human heart.
Q2: Can you share insights into your writing process? Any rituals that help your creative flow?
Writing in English, my chosen language, was never easy. It came with hours of study, torn notebooks, and persistent practice. My secret ritual was long walks in the nearby forest, where solitude helped me rediscover rhythm and flow. Creative flow comes when memory meets silence and the mind surrenders to words.
Q3: Are your characters based on real people or purely from imagination?
They’re a mix. Many are inspired by Panchatantra and Aesop fables, while others draw from real people—friends, mentors, fragments of myself. Together, they balance myth and memory, reason and reflection, offering a fresh take on timeless archetypes.
Q4: What themes do you explore, and what messages do you hope readers take away?
The book explores the relationship between language and life—how words shape thought, emotion, and truth. I hope readers gain not just a love for stories but also a deeper sensitivity to language and the power of expression.
Q5: How did you create the rich world of your book?
The world blends imagination with observation. Panchatantra served as a historical compass, while everyday life shaped realism. Rivers, forests, and cities echo both ancient fables and contemporary life, making the world feel mythical yet familiar.
Q6: How do you balance originality with genre expectations?
Originality lies in reimagining the familiar. I reinterpret moral tales for modern readers, blending depth with delight. Poetic prose, proverbs, and idioms give these lessons a fresh heartbeat—bridging tradition and contemporary curiosity.
Q7: How did you maintain pacing and momentum in the narrative?
I treat each story like music, letting tension rise and resolve naturally. Variation in tone and tempo—quick exchanges, reflective pauses—sustain curiosity, while wordplay and dialogue keep readers engaged.
Q8: How does your book connect with contemporary audiences in today’s fast-paced media world?
In a world of fleeting trends, this book offers structured imagination. Sentences are crisp, rhythmic, and meaningful, reviving moral storytelling while entertaining and educating readers of all ages. It’s a guide, a companion, and a celebration of learning and imagination.
Rediscover the magic of words and the wisdom of fables. Grab your copy of Words Alone Ain’t Enough today and embark on a journey where every tale teaches, entertains, and inspires.
