Ajinkya Bhasme's Blog
August 22, 2019
An interview with Bookoholics
I BELIEVE THAT WORDS AND STORIES HAVE AN AURA. AUTHORS ARE MERE MEDIA TO CONVEY THESE TALES.
The Bookoholics: It is stated that the book When the Devil Whispers is inspired from a real case, how did you write the characters? Was there a lot of research involved?
Ajinkya Bhasme: Oh yes! 4 years of insanely frightening research. I lived in the neighbourhood for a few days to get the feel of the place of the crime. There were many horror stories that surrounded that place as a result of a deep psychological anguish. The people are still dealing with the horrors of knowing what happened. They don’t open up with honesty that easily. It took time and patience to befriend them and really understand the story. Unlike journalism, my intention was not to speed up facts and report, my intention was to hear their part in this grim tale. 4 years is a long time, you know I could get another graduation from IIT in those 4 years 😛
The Bookoholics: How did your book affect your personal and professional life?
Ajinkya Bhasme: I am a method writer so I get quite involved with my characters. I also visited the prison in the book twice under a pseudonym to feel the vibe. And trust me, I’ve seen a lot of darkness in my life, have been scared of ghosts, but the moment I stepped inside that place, it felt like I would no longer be capable of feeling happy ever again. The true horror stories are not under our bed or in the closet, they exist among us. I was deeply disturbed, but the story had to be told. My colleagues have always supported me in my writing, right from my juniors to my CEO, everyone always keeps encouraging me. And that enabling atmosphere not only helps me do well at my regular job, but also deal with writing dark material in a positive manner.
Check the full Interview here
The Bookoholics: It is stated that the book When the Devil Whispers is inspired from a real case, how did you write the characters? Was there a lot of research involved?
Ajinkya Bhasme: Oh yes! 4 years of insanely frightening research. I lived in the neighbourhood for a few days to get the feel of the place of the crime. There were many horror stories that surrounded that place as a result of a deep psychological anguish. The people are still dealing with the horrors of knowing what happened. They don’t open up with honesty that easily. It took time and patience to befriend them and really understand the story. Unlike journalism, my intention was not to speed up facts and report, my intention was to hear their part in this grim tale. 4 years is a long time, you know I could get another graduation from IIT in those 4 years 😛
The Bookoholics: How did your book affect your personal and professional life?
Ajinkya Bhasme: I am a method writer so I get quite involved with my characters. I also visited the prison in the book twice under a pseudonym to feel the vibe. And trust me, I’ve seen a lot of darkness in my life, have been scared of ghosts, but the moment I stepped inside that place, it felt like I would no longer be capable of feeling happy ever again. The true horror stories are not under our bed or in the closet, they exist among us. I was deeply disturbed, but the story had to be told. My colleagues have always supported me in my writing, right from my juniors to my CEO, everyone always keeps encouraging me. And that enabling atmosphere not only helps me do well at my regular job, but also deal with writing dark material in a positive manner.
Check the full Interview here
