‘Welcome to Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff, Usha!’ says Nikita as she reels out her quirky questions. Read on and tell me what you think!

Q1. Tell us something about yourself.

I was born near Madras and have lived in Madras most of my life ― except that it is now called Chennai. Of course, my first book, a suspense thriller, had to be named The Madras Mangler.

I studied in Presentation Convent, Church Park, which perhaps accounts for my ease in writing in English, and my career as a writer. Then followed two Masters degrees, in English Literature and Education.

Q2. In one sentence, what is your book about?

Five feisty girls and a hot hero face up to a psychopathic killer, taking you on a rollercoaster ride that is chock-a-block with chills, thrills and wit.

Q3. What inspired you to write this book?

The sheer joy of creating something from my own imagination, anchored in the reality of the world that women confront every day.

Q4. Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m aiming for smooth, sassy, and simple – with huge dollops of fun. Ultimately, I want you to keep turning the pages till you reach the end, and ask for more!

Q5. How did you come up with the title?

The killer in my novel is evil, obsessed and unstoppable. He is also the lynchpin holding the plot together. The title had to reflect this, and grab you by the throat! Alliteration works well and I played with quite a few options ― Campus Killer, Sicko Strangler and Chennai Casanova. And the winner was of course The Madras Mangler.

Q6. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

When you pick up a novel, you want to be entertained, not to be lectured. Hence my goal is to make the book unputdownable. Of course, there is a subtle message in it for girls of today: Don’t compromise. Fight for your right to lead a fulfilling life.

Q7. What was your technique when planning your plot and characters?

I started by creating the starry-eyed girls who are stepping out from their homes for the first time, into the big, bad world. Then the serial killer cannons into their lives and I had to plot and scheme to keep two steps ahead of him and the reader!

Q8. What do you love most about writing?

The infinite possibilities of creating a world where I am the creator, the protector and the destroyer. Nothing can equal the thrill!

Q9. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not really. I spent months agonizing over every detail and polishing every word. Maybe I’d think differently after I’ve written ten books. I’ll have to wait and see.

Q10. What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

A thriller is really tough to write. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle with a hundred thousand pieces. Plots, subplots, clues, red herrings, forensics, research, suspense, twists and cliffhangers ― everything must mesh together to form a perfect picture.

Q11. Do you see writing as a career?

Except for four years teaching English at junior college level, I have always been a writer ― for ad agencies, radio, corporate communications, websites ― and now as a novelist.

Q12. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I find it difficult to write about the darker side of life. I have to push myself, as I know that the villain must be super-smart and ruthless in order to make his battle with the hero exciting. Finally, when my writing makes me shiver, I know I’ve succeeded!

Q13. How did you get your first break at getting a novel published?

I started writing the novel without knowing anything about getting it published. Once it was done, I began googling publishers and their contact information. Query letters, synopses, follow-up ― I took it one step at a time. I got a few rejection letters and then, ‘Snap!’ Leadstart Publishing sent me a contract. After a few iterations with the editor and the cover artist, my novel appeared in bookstores and through online stores.

Q14. What are the 5 things that you learnt in your journey of getting your novel published?

Make sure your query letter and synopsis grab attention. Polish your manuscript till it is the best it can be. Do your research. Follow-up after the requisite interval. Have faith in yourself and your writing.

Q15. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing, keep reading, keep your mind open to opportunities, and don’t ever give up. Good luck.

Q16. What are your current projects?

A romcom that is a cocktail of fun and fizzy elements like power, politics, love, hormones and hangovers, set in the colourful media world. And second, an action thriller set in mythical times, with a full blast of adventure, romance, magic and divinity.

Q17. Where can people find you on the Internet?

You can read my blogs and contact me at www.ushanarayanan.com. I love responding to comments and feedback. Follow me at www.facebook.com/writerusha and www.twitter.com/writerusha. Check out my book trailer and videos at www.youtube.com/writerusha.

Thanks for talking and sharing so much with us, Usha. Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff wishes you the very best for the future and hope that your book entertains readers worldwide!

Interested? Buy the paperback on Flipkart or Amazon.in. Or download an ebook from these sites or a host of others.