Author's Interview!

1. How did you come up with the idea for this book The Woman Within?

The book has what I call the ‘main suspense’. It started with a ‘What if’ question I applied to a particular situation. It gave birth to the idea of this book. I unfortunately cannot delve more into it. It might kill the suspense for those who haven’t read the book.

1. Was it difficult to write a psychological thriller?

Iam a sucker for thrillers especially psychological thrillers whether be it in the form of books or movies. Writing ‘The Woman Within’ was therefore not a difficult feat but it was essential to ensure that the readers were kept intrigued until they reached the main suspense of the book.

1. Were there obstacles you faced while writing The Woman Within?

Fortunately, there weren’t any. I had time and the space. All that was required was focus and dedication. I started writing the novel during the COVID pandemic to distract myself from the real-world horror happening around me.

1. What was your first thought when you sat to write this book?

I do not remember having any first thoughts as such. A wonderful idea struck me and I just wanted to put it to paper

1. What was the most fun scene to write in The Woman Within?

I don’t think there are any fun scenes per se in this book because it’s a psychological thriller which has a good share of darkness.

1. Was it difficult to write the two main protagonists?

I wouldn’t say it was difficult to write them but they kept changing from what I first envisioned them to be. As you start writing, characters take a life of their own and sometimes the story and the character of the protagonist/antagonist changes accordingly.

1. If you were forced to live the rest of your life as one of your characters who would it be?

I think I would pick up Anju ma, Zia’s aunt.

1. Who is the favourite character out of these two Abid and Zia?

Both are dear to me because they were born out my imagination. Said that, I like Zia for her imperfections and for being aware of them.

1. Would you and your main character Zia get along?

Yes, I think we would though I might not approve of her impulsiveness.

1. What's the thing you're either proudest of about your newest novel, The Woman Within, compared to your last one, or the thing that sets it apart from them?

My first book ‘What the Eyes See’ is a book of short stories. My current book ‘The Woman Within’ is a novel. That is the main difference between the two books. One thing Iam proud about ‘The Woman Within’ is that majority of the readers were not able to guess the suspense in the story.

1. What part of being a novelist do you dislike the most? Re-writes? Book promotion? Pushy bloggers?

Rewrites. I tend to get a bit anxious when I rewrite. I have these doubts of whether Iam in anyway altering the flow or feel of the story and if Iam doing the right thing changing certain aspects of the story or a character. Also, am not a big fan of book promotions.

1. How much ‘world building’ take place before you wrote ‘The Woman Within?

There was not much of world building for this book. It is set in Bangalore and Kottayam.

1. What's the most challenging part about writing a thriller as opposed to any other genre?

I don’t write many genres but I believe the most challenging part about writing a thriller is ensuring the reader has an edge of the seat experience and keeps turning the pages.

1. Writers also tend to be avid readers. What type of book do you like to read for pleasure?

There was a time I used to read romance and general fiction and non-fiction. But for the past many years I have been mostly into sci-fi, thrillers and sometimes fantasy books.

1. What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?

I don’t think I had anything like that in mind while writing this book. In a way my book tries to underline the importance of a healthy childhood and importance of timely treatment for issues pertaining to the mind.

1. What characters in your book are most similar to you or to people you know?

The characters in my book are an amalgamation of people I know, my imagination and of people I have read or heard about.

1. How long does it normally take you to write a book from start to finish?

The first draft from 3 to 6 months.

1. Do you have family and/or friends proofread your novel, or did y on your publisher’s editorial staff?

It’s the publisher’s editorial staff.

1. What current novelist do you feel is underrated or deserves to be more well known?

Alice Feeney. I believe she is not well known in India. She writes amazing thrillers.

1. Why this title ‘The Woman Within?

You will understand it once you read the book.

1. What interview question have you not been asked yet that you wish had been asked – and what’s the answer?

Can’t think of anything now.

1. Do you feel psychology as a genre is tricky to pull off since the different emotions portrayed are multi dimensional?

Yes, it is a tricky genre but something Iam comfortable writing and exploring.

1. Do you feel that in a country like India people usually refrain from addressing childhood traumas?

Yes. I also believe that it is changing though at a snail’s pace.

1. Do you feel retaining skeletons in one's closet can cause disturbing psychological changes in the long run?

I am not a certified psychologist to comment on this but I will tell you what I feel from what I have seen and heard with regards to few people I know. It might not cause disturbing psychological changes for each and everyone but I believe in some cases even though a person might be functioning normal, he/she will have this skeleton in in the closet clacking away and disturbing their mind with certain issues and they wouldn’t even know that it is the skeleton that is causing them these issues .That it just has to be taken out and taken care of which means speaking to a good therapist/counselor.

1. Is empathy /sympathy the only way out to deal with those affected emotionally?

Empathy is always good. It makes us better human beings.

1. Do you feel that sometimes the way people withdraw after a trauma can be dangerously intimidating?

When our loved ones withdraw to themselves for any reason, I believe it’s a matter of concern and not intimidation.

1. What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?

The part where the kids had to deal with abuse and trauma. To be frank, I did not enjoy writing it.

1. How did you develop the plot and characters of this book?

What I had was an amazing idea for a psychological thriller with a great suspense. I call them the seeds with which I started writing. Once I started writing and watering it with my imagination, the rest of the plot and characters developed on its own.

1. What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?

The first draft is me putting my idea and story into paper. What comes later is the polished version of it covering any plot holes or characters holes and ensuring all ends are tied.

1. What is one thing would you like to see more/less of in the psychological thriller genre?

Maybe more of stories that focus on certain mental illnesses and disturbing behaviors of people. In a way it spreads awareness.

1. Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

Yes, I did think about it in the beginning but later decided against it. I did not find a need to hide behind a fake name.

1. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

That is something every author must be prepared for and so was I. But said that, when it is right there staring at your face, it can be difficult to digest. It does affect me – no doubt, but not for long.

1. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

Good narration. If the narration is not good, everything including the characters and plot will fail.

1. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

I will tell you about what I do not need and that is my phone! It is a deal breaker when it comes to remaining focused.

1. Was writing a thriller taxing?

No, it wasn’t.

1. What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I usually try to write in mornings after having my breakfast and sending my kids to school and incase I cannot, I write in the evenings.

1. What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

Coffee

1. What is your kryptonite as a writer?

I tend to procrastinate and is something Iam working to get rid of.

1. What risks have you taken with your writing that has paid off?

I was told that horror/ dark stories would not sell but I did not pay heed to it. I was ok if it did not work because I wanted to write something I felt good writing about. I cannot write for what the market demands. It will make the story and the book look forced and fake. I stuck to writing dark stories and until now I haven’t regretted it. Doesn’t mean I won’t switch genres tomorrow. If a great idea strikes me of any genre and I really want to tell it, nothing can stop me.

1. If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?

That is a very tough question to answer because Iam sure the readers will have their own images when they read my book.

1. How long did it take to write the book?

3 months to write the first draft followed by many months of rewriting and editing.

1. What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?

Get a good editor and have lots of patience – it will all work out eventually.

1. What are you reading now?

Room by Emma Donoghue

1. What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?

I admire and respect Stephen King a lot and try to follow what he says about writing and the writing process.

1. How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

I have a few ideas. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal anything much other than that one of them is dark thriller with a bit of fantasy.

1. Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

‘What the Eyes See’

1. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

Two. TWW is my first novel. As of now that is my favorite.

1. What time of the day do you usually write?

Mornings.

1. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Good narration, believable characters and dialogues

1. How did you become a writer?

I was interested in storytelling since I was a kid and loved making up stories and getting my friends to enact the same. With time I started writing short stories and even plays for college functions. It was just a matter of time that I sat down and wrote a book which I did almost 10 years back. That novel is still unpublished. Then in 2019 I published my book of short stories.

1. Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Writing can be an emotionally fulfilling experience if it is something that you enjoy doing. I feel completely in control and at peace when I write. What is emotionally draining and stressful is marketing your book especially when you are a new author.

To aspiring writers, all I have to say is just do the deed first. Write down that story that’s bursting in your head to be shown to the world. The rest comes later.

1. How do you deal with poor reviews?

I usually get over it quick. Else I go for a walk, a drive or spend time with my kids or close friends.

1. When you’re writing an emotionally draining scene, how do you get in the mood?

I just write it. There are no prior preparations for the same.

1. Describe your perfect book hero or heroine.

Someone imperfect whom normal people can relate to.

1. How do you do research for your books?

I rely a lot on what I read in books and on the net and even talk to people who can help me with certain topics.

1. Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

No, it isn’t. I would love for it to be my full-time career but I believe being a new author, it will take some time until I can just write to pay my bills.