1. When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a writer?
I loved writing since childhood and contributed stories and poems to my school and college magazines. But the thought of becoming an author came much later, while working with an IT company.

2. What were the highest and lowest moments in your journey as a writer?
I would say that the lowest point in my writing journey was when multiple publishers rejected my first book. I was dejected and heartbroken. The highest point was when Srishti Publishers selected the manuscript and helped me get a dream debut with ‘The Sinister Silence’. It felt great to hold that first book, an inexplicable experience. Since then, the journey has been a mix of highs and lows.

3. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I like to write for long hours at a stretch. Sometimes that helps me get a lot of writing done. But on other days, I am able to write very little or nothing at all. That is frustrating but I still sit down to write daily, regardless of the result. Having a writing routine is very important; else I tend to procrastinate.

4. You’re represented by The Book Bakers literary agency. Could you tell us about the role they’ve played in your literary journey?
I’ve known Suhail Mathur for a long time, much before I signed up with The Book Bakers literary agency. Suhail encouraged me to write true-crime and helped me sign 2 commissioned deals with Rupa Publications. I am super excited about the projects, especially because Trinoyoni, a book based on India’s first known female serial killer, will be published this year. Suhail is a good friend and a great human being. He is always looking for new initiatives to keep authors motivated and engaged. TBB is not just a literary agency, but an extended family for authors.

5. Do you think women writers face greater challenges? If yes, how?
I would like to believe they don’t but unfortunately, they do. And it’s not just women writers, but women in general. Gender bias and stereotypes are so deep-rooted that it is appalling. I’ve interacted with REAL people who don’t read crime-thrillers written by Indian women! However, such challenges only strengthen our resolve to write more. After all, a good book will always find its audience.

6. Who is your favourite woman writer and why?
My favourite writer is Agatha Christie. I wouldn’t love her any less if she were a man. Writing whodunits with such class makes her a legend. She has immortalised characters like Poirot and Marple.

7. Are there any subjects which are particularly close to your heart, or any special causes that you would like to contribute to through your writing?
I enjoy writing psychological thrillers and creating intriguing characters. A cause that I try to support in my own little way is ‘preventing cruelty towards animals’.

8. They say, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword”. What do these words mean to you?
I completely agree! The sword can kill but the pen helps the writer leave a legacy through his/her writings.

9. If not a writer, what would you have been?
An Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

10. What are your future literary projects that we can look forward to?
2 non-fiction books based on true crime represented by The Book Bakers.
New books in the Mili Ray series and the Inspector KP Singh series.

Rapid Five!

Your favourite holiday destination.
Goa, Paris
Your favourite food and beverage.
Surmai fry, Coffee
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate
An interesting book you’ve read recently.
Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy
Your go-to-person at 3 am.
My best friend