Grilling Thriller Authors: Q&A with Rupa Mahadevan

In this series, I carry out hard-hitting interviews with psychological thriller authors, where I ask them… just a bunch of silly questions, actually. This month, it’s Rupa Mahadevan‘s turn in the hot seat.

Which emoji do you use most often?

Definitely, laughing out loud. I do so many silly things that I’d probably cry if I didn’t laugh at myself first.

If your writing muse were an animal, what would it be?

I already have one. A squirrel – specifically Miguel, my breakfast buddy. On the days he joins me, I know it’s going to be a productive writing day. There’s even a squirrel in my debut novel, NINE DOLLS, inspired by Miguel.

What’s your go-to karaoke song? (Bonus points if it’s terrifying.)

Right now, it’s Snowman by Sia. It’s haunting, and the lyrics are absolutely to die for. As a wordsmith, lyrics are king in any song—and vocals are the queen that knows exactly when to lift or drop the king. Sia’s song has both.

How do you celebrate small wins in your writerly life, like finishing a draft?

I’m terrible at celebrating small wins. Between a full-time job and young kids, I’m usually exhausted by the time I reach the end. These days, it means telling family and friends. And if I’m feeling energetic, maybe a small Instagram post. I really should do better.

Is there a true crime case or real-life mystery you’re deeply fascinated by?

Too many to count. I’m a true crime documentary junkie. That said, anything involving a child cut too deeply; cases like Madeleine McCann stay with you. I don’t think I could ever write fiction involving children… but never say never.

My current WIP, with the working title THE WOMAN ON THE FERRY, is inspired by one such true crime case.

What are your non-book-related hobbies?

I love to dance. I trained in Indian classical dance as a child and now enjoy free-form and Bollywood dance. I also love travelling to new and exciting places. I live for the next holiday, and when I’m not on one, I’m definitely planning it.

You discover a random door. Where are you hoping it leads?

Somewhere beautiful, sunny, and exotic. I want chaos: busy streets, chatter, the smell of street food, some culture and live music. That’s my idea of heaven. A little mess is fine; life is messy.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (writing advice or life advice)?

The best writing advice I’ve received is really two pieces rolled into one: Read like a writer and write like a reader.

• Read like a writer: When you find a passage you love, reread it and work out what makes it special, and then try to bring that magic into your own writing.
• Write like a reader: Create the kind of story you’d love to read. It makes the process more enjoyable, and it shows on the page.

Tell us about your latest novel in one sentence.

NINE DOLLS, my debut, award-winning psychological thriller, follows a friendship reunion in a remote Scottish manor house during Navaratri (Hindu Festival of dolls), that quickly turns dark when the dolls start moving, and the secrets start tumbling.