How was it launching a book live on the net?
It's a good initiative to have a live telecast on the net. But the questionremains as to how many people are actually able to access it on the net.Nevertheless, it's had a good initial response. Live webcasting is all apart of the new media and it should be welcomed.

Who was behind the idea of launching it live on the net?
I was nowhere in the picture. It was a tie-up between wahindia.com and thepublisher. They thought that the book would get some publicity, andwahindia.com an event to cover.

What inspired you to write The Gin Drinkers?
Well, at Outlook, I was given a journalistic assignment on Dalitintellectuals. I interacted with a lot of Dalits and became aware about howthe caste factor operates. In fact, journalists covering Indian issues can'trun away from caste. So I decided to write a novel.

What is the gist of the story?
It is basically about relationship between six characters, one of whom is aDalit fighting for knowledge.

Why have you focussed on caste?
Being in this field for the past eleven years, I have realised that onecannot run away from the clutches of caste. Whether it is wooing votersduring election campaigns or villagers segregating themselves on the basisof caste. Even newspapers nowadays carry matrimonial advertisement underdifferent caste heads. Caste has become a very intrinsic part of the societyand we can't escape from it. So I thought why not write something relatingto it.

Did writing a novel prove to be a hurdle at work?
Not really, initially I started off slowly. It took me two years toaccomplish the book, though. But then I took a year off at the end.

What has been the contribution of your husband, Mr RajdeepSardesai?
He supported me technically. He was a great help at computers and in fixingthe printer. And, of course, with the kids, taking them out frequently sothat I could work in peace.

Has he been of any help in the content of the novel?
No, he is hardly interested in the print medium. He is more electronicsavvy. But I must mention Ms Renuka Catterjee, editor-in-chief of HarperCollins, who has been of great help. She did excellent editing of my copy.

Are we going to Sagrika Ghose more as a writer in the future?
It all depends upon if and when an interesting idea clicks my mind.

Moreover, many great journalists are writers, too. It is just a matter ofcoming across a good idea.

Why are journalists increasingly making a foray into the field ofwriting?
I guess that's the best way to express yourself. There is no harm incompiling the experiences one gains and letting the world know about it. Andbelieve me good journalists make great writers.

Do you think Vikram Chandra's The Srinagar Conspiracy, which was releasedaround the same time as The Gin Drinkers, will affect the response to yourbook?
These are entirely two different books based on different themes. It's thereaders interest that will decide the fate of the books.