Shehan suggests meeting at a place he describes as, "Not the swankiest joint but I'm thirsty."

"If you had met me in December, I was in a completely different mood," says Shehan smiling as broadly as he possibly can, to erase any doubt about his current state, "I was this one hit wonder considering getting a full-time job back in advertising." 

The one hit that he refers to is his Commonwealth Prize winning novel, Chinaman, The Legend of Pradeep Mathew.

Writing a second novel proved to be harder than he'd anticipated. He made a few attempts while in the midst of having kids and they turned out to be too messy for his liking, so he discarded them.

But just in time for our meeting - we're connected to the universe like that - Shehan's fortunes have taken a turn for the better. He's just signed with Penguin for his second novel, titled 'Chats with the Dead' and it has already been shortlisted for this year's Gratiaen, Sri Lanka's premier literary award show. Also, a children's book has been picked up by a publisher. And, there's more, he's also signed the option with an international studio for Chinaman, the TV show.

All that talent won't be wasted writing client dictated copy. Phew!

Shehan started writing many years ago. He'd come home from work and write into the night. His first novel, The Painter, was shortlisted for the Gratiaen Prize, but he wasn't really into it and didn't pursue its publication with any real conviction.

To write his second novel, 'Chinaman, The Legend of Pradeep Mathew' Shehan took time off from advertising. He wanted to research it and give it his full attention.

It was worth the extra effort. Shehan's novel about cricket and Sri Lanka ended up winning the Gratiaen Prize. And an unedited (unless you counted the suggestions from friends and family) self-published novel was released into the world with little fanfare and expectation.

Shehan sent out letters to publishers outside Sri Lanka, hoping the book would interest someone. After nothing for a while, Random House, India picked it up and put a proper editor on the job.

A shaped-up novel was released and won the DSC Prize for South Asian literature and the Commonwealth Prize. Shehan was whisked away on a world tour, attending lit fests and signing books.

In hindsight, he feels he should've started work on his next book instead of participating in the fanfare. It slowed down the momentum he'd built up with his first book and it wasn't easy getting back into the zone again.

This time, he's determined not to rest on his laurels. Shehan's already started work on a third novel. He's also writing a few more kids' books. And is even thinking about getting into business.

The scare of a full-time gig in adland can be very motivating.