1. Hi Kainaz! Could you tell us a little about yourself. How and when did you start writing? 

Thanks for having me. I am from Mumbai and a topper from St Xavier’s college, Mumbai where I majored in Sociology and then went on to work with Magna Publications. I got the job by storming in and convincing them that I was capable even though they were looking for an experienced writer and not a 19 year old. I began writing books when I was barely 7. And my first book was ready a year later. Inspired by Enid Blyton.

2. You’re represented by India’s leading literary agency, The Book Bakers. Could you tell us about the role they’ve played in your literary journey?

Suhail was my knight on shining paper as I say. I had a tough time with a previous agent, who signed me on but delayed the project for all kinds of reasons which made no sense. Being new in the field, you don’t know how to handle such things. Now I do. Being with Suhail and his authors group gave me the confidence that yes, everything is possible and there is always a solution and people will believe in you. And that you are not meant to pack your bags and give up like you were asked to.

I had almost lost hope when Suhail of The Book Bakers was kind enough to take me on. Our journey has made us understand each other more and be transparent.

And where there is understanding and open communication between an agent and an author, they create magic. And that’s what we have done together.

I respect the fact that he makes each author feel special. He gets them a deal. He encourages all genres. He gives authors and poets creative freedom. Who does that? Very few people.

3. I loved your book ‘Who wants to marry Kai Juicewalla’. It has a very quirky title. Where did the idea of this title come from? 

We were debating between two names. Finally this one got accepted. There were many titles in my mind, when it occurred to me that this was the question everyone around me was asking themselves and each other for a long time. WHO?

4. When did you think about penning down your memoir? How hard was it to be candid and to tell all?

I think a few years ago, when I realised that all my stories are far more interesting and enthralling than others. I have been fortunate to have been in professions that brought glamour, scandal and a chance to travel the world.

There is always drama, adventure and something or the other happening in my life. Even now.

People would always say, why don’t you make a book out of all your crazy tales? As a flight attendant, the escapades never end.

It wasn’t hard to put down. I have always spoken without inhibitions and I don’t care for what others say or think. Though my life was never an open book, I finally decided to bare it all and shoot the doubts and confusions about my private life once and for all.

I am rarely self-conscious, so most of the bold stuff was pretty easy to spill out. The hard part was recalling the childhood moments where I struggled and faced setbacks.

5. You have a very vivacious personality that is as heart warming as it is fun. In a world that’s becoming increasingly cynical, how do you keep the positivity quotient high?

That’s a myth, I have to be honest. I am a pendulum. Vivacious is one side to it. I can be extremely cynical, moody and sensitive too.

The fun part I think is my Parsi genes; by nature most of us are jovial and warm. Also, when I am in a social setting I try to keep things positive as I feel that’s the least I can do, rather than muck someone’s day up with a sour face or negative talk.

But I am not such a positive person overall. Even if I come across as one, it’s not consistent.

6.Tell us about your writing process? Are you the structured sort or do you go with the flow?

Flow…. I am not structured in my mind , even otherwise, so it’s all with the flow.

I tried structuring once and I couldn’t write a word. I am spontaneous with a wild imagination and get bored easily, so structured doesn’t work with me.

To give an example, I helped my young nephew arrange the decorations on the Christmas tree. He is a Virgo and he structures, plans and there is a method to everything he does.

He was so upset that I wasn’t using symmetry and just putting the pieces anywhere I fancied.

7. You recently spoke about marriage and relationships at a literary event. Do you think the marriage scenario has gone through a paradigm shift over the decades? Between Gen X, Y and Z, what has changed?

It’s changed for sure. Our gen is probably the last holding on to the straws that value commitment. Most of our parents were full of courage and patience.  They stuck to their spouses, no matter what. On some level we still want that kind of marriage, the one that lasts. For the sake of our children if nothing else. We are the in-betweens.

But the gen after us, they won’t take any bullshit, kids or no kids. No compromise. If it’s not working, they will accept it faster and move on.

This is just from my observations.

8. Life today is competitive and cut-throat, and the literary industry is no different. Is it possible to find true friendship and support in this industry and how easy was it for you to make a place for yourself?

You want honesty? Then here it is:

True friendship I don’t know, good friends maybe. I think everything is give and take. You and me will support each other because we are putting in that effort together. If one of us stops doing it, in the literary sense, would we go on? I don’t think so, maybe for a bit but then we will fizzle out. So it can never be 100 percent from a sincere place.

It also depends on when they started out and published, if it’s around the same time, it could get complicated. Actresses are not friends, actors neither….

There are exceptions of course in every field.

I would go as far as saying, if we are to be friends, we should forget we are authors. Also it depends on the genre we write. If you are into historical fiction and I would never pursue it come what may, we are much more likely to support each other and be happy with each other’s success.

The only way to make a place in any industry is to focus on your own work and create your  own space by being original. Also never oversell, this is the biggest mistake authors make. I refuse to praise and flatter anyone unless I am convinced it’s deserved.

9. What’s next on the cards? When can we expect to read your third book?
Next year. Hopefully.

Rapid Fire Round:

Facebook or Insta? The better medium to express oneself?

Facebook and share- so it automatically goes on Insta and vice versa.

One great thing that social media has done for you.

I don’t have to meet people face to face to be connected to them. Bliss

Travel solo or with family?

Family but I end up fighting.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Switzerland. London. Italy

A Hollywood actor who makes you weak in the knees?

None as such but I did like Colin Firth at one time. Gerard Butler and Bradley Cooper perhaps.

Kainaz Jussawalla in 1 word.

Enigma