Author Interview
Interviewed By – Sameeksha Manerkar
Nitya Ravi
Author of the books – “What the eyes see” and “The Woman Within”
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.
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 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.
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.
𝟑. 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.
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.
𝟒. 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.
people. In a way it spreads awareness.
𝟓. 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.
to underline the importance of a healthy childhood and importance of timely treatment for
issues pertaining to the mind.
𝟔. 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.
writing it.
𝟕. 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.
version of it covering any plot holes or characters holes and ensuring all ends are tied.
𝟖. 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.
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.
𝟗.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.
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.
𝟏𝟎. Lastly tell us, 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.
the writing process.