What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
The story came to me fully formed while I was in the shower! I quickly jotted down all the key plot points and wrote it in 2 months. Once an idea comes knocking, my mind doesn't rest till the story is written. I like reading the mystery genre and I wanted to write a story about never fully knowing a person's struggle. As a mental health counsellor, I wanted the character's internal struggles to be highlighted without taking center stage. This is my first mystery/thriller book.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
I love this question! If the cast of Solitary Suspect had their own Spotify playlists, the contrast would be wild. On the surface, Theodore’s life starts as a cheerful, upbeat song, maybe 'Mr. Blue Sky' by ELO, considering his dream career, his best friend Stuart, and his adorable Shih Tzu, Soho. But as the story progresses, his theme song abruptly glitches into 'Somebody’s Watching Me' by Rockwell. For his wife, Tara, I’d pick something grounded, like 'Stand By You' by Rachel Platten, because she represents the stability Theo is so desperately trying to hold onto. And just for fun, Soho the Shih Tzu definitely gets 'Bad to the Bone'. Every dark thriller needs a little comic relief!
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I like to read many genres; my favourite being conspiracy fiction, cozy mystery, and new age/philosophy. As a multi-genre author I have written metaphysical/transformational fiction, non-fiction (short stories, affirmations), sci-fi romance and a mystery/thriller. An alternate history novella is also ready to be published and a children's picture book is in development.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Book 4 and 5 of the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate and Daniel Mate Manifest by Roxy Nafousi Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles Course of Destiny by Nandini Dhanani The fight I Never Asked For by Zoha Beig The Negotiation Cheat Sheet by Abhijeet K. Vadera
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favourite scene in the book is the opening scene, which is also the closing scene/end of the the book. The structure of the book is such that it tracks back to the very moment of how Theodore died. I loved writing in this way as it keeps the reader guessing and brings the timeline to the forefront while keeping the mystery alive.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I had a lovely room with a stunning view of the Melbourne skyline which kept me motivated, entertained and provided the expanse I needed for my thoughts to wander and turn into words. I am fairly old school. I type on Microsoft word and make notes in my journal and on my phone when I am on the go. All I need is a quiet place with space and time to think without distractions.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
My email signature reads: Perseverance only fully releases its reward when a person refused to quit! I first started writing in 2013, abandoning many drafts till I restarted in 2019. I haven't looked back since. By 2024, I had written 10 books. Solitary Suspect is the 9th one to be published. I have persevered until I cracked different genres, getting the help I need from my editor and feedback from my proofreader and beta readers. The process of writing is a long drawn, often solitary process. To see my work come to fruition at the end fuels my creativity.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
My books are about self-discovery for the reader while they read the genre, whichever one it may be. I would like readers to remember my books as a safe space for them to reconcile themselves with the stories of the characters they resonate with. I want them to take away the duality of life; its layered complexity and our complete lack of control.
