In If Shadows Could Tell, Aurora Steller's journey is gripping. What inspired her character and the small-town setting?

I had this thought of a girl meeting and interacting with a stranger at a funeral ― all without realising that he was the one being laid to rest.
The idea fascinated me, and wrapping the mystery beneath the beauty and tranquility of a sleepy little town, only added to the allure and thrill. As for Aurora, that name stuck in my mind as the representation of renewed hope, light, and justice. I felt I just had to write the journey of this intelligent, compassionate, and courageous being, as she gets tangled in the twists of fate and ends up solving a mystery she never thought she was meant to.


Fading in a Hade blends supernatural elements with mystery. How did you balance these genres to maintain suspense?

I love stories with twist endings. Hence, as a writer, I tend to weave that same thrill into my thrillers. With Fading in a Hade ― the twist came to me first. Building around that core, I crafted an eerie atmosphere with the gradual introduction of the supernatural elements to make the fusion of both genres feel natural, seamless, and almost inevitable.


Your background includes digital painting and graphic design. How do these artistic skills influence your storytelling?

Be it through words or brushstrokes, there's nothing more amazing than creating something that inspires others to think, feel, question, and believe.
My artistic background adds the perfect mix of imagination and creativity to my stories, making the magic of storytelling even more magical.


The Unrelated Murders was recognised by Juggernaut SELECTS. What was your creative process for this psychological thriller?

The Unrelated Murders was my first thriller short, written for a Juggernaut Books contest I discovered just days before the deadline. With little time on hand, I literally rushed through the creative process, brainstorming several plots before settling on a thriller involving multiple, seemingly 'unrelated' murders, tied together by a deeper and far more complex link. Winning the contest and being recognised as a 'Juggernaut SELECTS Author' was an incredible honour that encouraged me to continue on my writing journey.


In Addressed To Her, you delve into sci-fi mystery. What challenges did you face merging science fiction with suspense?

Merging sci-fi and suspense felt like bending the rules of reality while fighting to stay ahead of it. The most challenging part, however, was keeping the emotions real and relatable without giving too much away from the start. Throughout the story, I aimed to maintain a constant sense of urgency, emphasizing how time was perpetually slipping away.


Your poetry features in Sea – an anthology of poems. How does writing poetry differ from crafting mystery narratives?

Writing poetry is about capturing a fleeting thought or feeling and diving deep into its pure and complex emotional core. It's more personal and heartfelt. But mystery thrillers are more like puzzles ― crafted with suspense and twists to keep the readers both intrigued and captivated. Poetry lets you admire a blooming rose; a thriller makes you wonder if it's a trap.


Living in Kolkata, how does your environment influence the themes and settings of your stories?

Honestly, it doesn't. With its rich cultural heritage, my city emanates a beautiful, poetic vibe of intertwined history and modernity. And the most interesting stories, they say, can be found around you, only if you are attentive enough. But even if the most amazing tale is just around the corner, I'm always the one who would pass right by without noticing. I'm that unobservant, even though I never realise it. For my stories, I'm always super focused on each and every intricate plot detail and narrative precision, but if I ever get tangled in a real-life mystery, I'll probably miss all the clues and turn out to be the worst detective!


Is there a story or project you've recently poured your heart into that you'd like to tell us about?

Lately, I've been working on a new mystery novel that delves into the complexities of the human psyche ― shaped by fear, guilt, repentance, and above all, love. As always, it will feature a twist ending, one that I hope will leave you saying, "That was definitely worth the read". The book is set to release later this year, and I can't wait to share it with my readers.


What key advice would you offer aspiring authors aiming to write compelling mystery or thriller novels?

Write the story you would love to read. A good mystery thriller isn't just about twists and turns; it's about a story that resonates with something deep within us. The most memorable mysteries stir both the mind and heart.