‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’. How did the book happen?
- I always wanted to write about a Domnican Nerd cause I come from a Dominican African diaspora, where there is a huge thing about masculinity. In India, there is a balance. A macho dude could be an engineer dude. But how its perceived in in my place is a ‘nerd’. I think I wanted to write about the alien concept of a nerd and masculinity.

How much of ‘you’ is in this book?
- Very little, actually. People don’t believe me, but my first book was autobiographical and the second is not. It does not mean that its completely impersonal, my weirdness is still there.

You have this one character, ‘Yunior’, who not just appears in this book but in some of your other works too.
- He is just a fun alter ego. A fun tool for me. Cooler, Smarter and Braver than I am. He contradicts the fascination of a boy being a boy. A simple muscled mask.

How do you see the relation between Literature and Cinema?
- The primary motive of a writer today is Cinema and Television. An average writer has seen more than read. The two are much closer than they ever were, from themes to strategies. These days allot of books are just scripts. And Cinema has become far more ranging in pulling literature.

Do you think Books adapted into Movies do justice to already existing good literature?
- Not really. Most films have not done a good job. US Latino is utter rubbish. And the chances are that they will be trash for most Cinema.

Your favorite Adaptation.
- Pixote. It has to be seen! Babenco’s work is being spoken of in the Dominican society. 127 Hours is a great adaptation.

Do you watch World Cinema?
- Obsessed! I first wanted to be a Script Writer.

Any favorites?
- I like experimental films. Chris Marker, Walter Salles, Satoshi Kon. Kon’s Millennium Actress is the most honest portrayal of Japanese drama. Its about a film in a film.

Quick pointers for upcoming Writers.
- A) Everyone is going to be giving you advices.
- B) This is a society that tells you to be fast, but slow down.