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.
2) 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.
3)
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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
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.
