Blogchatter Author Interview Series-Rehana Sultana

Posted by On November 21, 2023 3 Comments
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Rehana Sultana

Dr. Rehana is an Avid reader, book reviewer and writer. She is a General Surgeon by profession who found her everlasting love in books and writing. She loves reading historical fiction, contemporary, women’s fiction and translated books. She loves juggling between her various roles as a doctor, reader and writer.

Few of her poems have been published in various anthologies and her short story was recently published in ‘The Blogchatter Book of Thrillers’ by Readomania. Besides, She works as an Assistant Professor in the department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery in her hometown, Pondicherry.

1. Hey Rehana, first of all congratulations for your story published in the Blogchatter anthology. What attracts you towards writing thriller stories?

Hi Samata. Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure writing back to your questions. Thriller, I would say, is not my go-to genre. However, I find it to be more engaging than other genres, and the mystical element that comes with it has the capacity to leave the readers asking for more.

2. In your story ” Against My Window Pane” are there any real-life incidents linked and if yes, can you please share some facts about it. If not, then how did this plot come to your mind?

Yes, the story was inspired by a real-life incident that shook the medical fraternity years ago when I was an intern. The chilling story of how a young pregnant doctor was killed mercilessly by one of her patient’s husband has been haunting me ever since it happened. I wanted to write about it someday in a way that spoke about the reality of doctors’ lives and mental health. I had to tailor the ending of the story to suit the theme to make it more interesting.

3. As per you what are the features of a good thriller story and why? Who is your favorite thriller writer?

I think a thriller should have an ending that one can hardly predict. It should be hard-hitting while also spitting facts and should be able to stay in the minds of the readers even after a long while. Some of my favourite thriller writers are Erin E. Adams, Dr. Hamna Labeeb and Harshali Singh.

I enjoyed Sidney Sheldon’s books as a teenager and love Murakami’s fantasy thrillers as well.

4. What inspires you to write and when do you usually write in between your busy schedule of life?

Mostly, it is by setting myself a goal for word count per week. I try to compensate for the lost time by writing during the weekend or when it’s free. I try to engage in writing challenges and keep in touch with other writers to keep up. The inspiration for writing comes from everywhere, especially ordinary people and women around me and their stories.

5.What are your other passions in life?

I am a general surgeon, and I found my career through my passion for it. I enjoy working as a full-time doctor apart from writing. I have recently found a love for travelling too.

6. What tips do you wish to give to budding authors?

My only tip would be to write it down as and when it hits their minds and not to stop or be intimidated by the other great works out there. I would love to tell them to go on despite being nervous about it because no one knows; it might even turn out to be a best-seller.

7. Short stories and Novels: which one you will choose to write if choice is given?

Novel, for sure. I am someone who enjoys reading a chunkier book as compared to a quick read. But when it comes to writing one, it might get a little too overwhelming. But then, I love adding words to a story as much as possible rather than making it more straightforward.

8. Which type of books do you love to read other than thrillers?

I love historical fiction and anything that is women’s and literary fiction. I love to read translated works as they carry a spectrum of books to be explored. Recently, I have come to like mythological retelling as well.

9. Is there any plan of writing a solo book in the coming time?

Yes, I am working on not one but two books. One is in the process of editing and getting ready to be published, while I am still trying to complete the other. I wish they both reach more readers and get accepted as well. They both are women’s fiction, and I hope they do justice.

10. How do you rate yourself as a writer?

As a reader and book reviewer myself, I would say anything more than three on five is great. I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses as a writer so far and think maybe a 3.75 will do. I have a lot more to improve, and hopefully, I will be able to do it in the future.

It was pleasure reading your questions and answering them and hope to connect with you in the future as well. Thank you so much.

 

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