Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
When I was primary school age, I loved superhero comics, but they were too expensive to buy all the time. So, I started creating my own superhero comics book series, with superheroes all based in my neighbourhood. I was not very good at drawing, but I did enjoy the stories, and would entertain myself whenever I wanted a comic book to read.

Why did you choose the themes in your book and were you aware of them from the start?
I chose the theme of political corruption when I started writing the book, because the title came to me while I was reading a news article about political corruption. I also knew at the beginning that I wanted to focus on the theme of international relations. The other major themes of the book, (family, self-determination, and the environment), evolved while I was writing, and they fit perfectly into the story.

How difficult was it for you to write this book? Did you face any obstacles?
It was relatively easy to draft the outline of the book. I had been putting down thoughts on paper for some time before actually focusing on the story. So, once I started writing I was able to incorporate many of these writings into the story. But the actual craft of writing a crime novel was difficult. I did not study creative writing, so skills like pacing, point of view, and building tension were hard to incorporate into the story. But I had great editors who guided me through that journey, and they helped me understand the craft.

Do you always write in this genre or do you like to break out of the box?
I have written outside of crime fiction and espionage novels. I have published a non-fiction book and articles on international relations and sustainability. In fiction, I have written some short stories that focused on family tension, and I have published a children’s picture book addressing sustainability.

What are your writing habits or idiosyncrasies?
I walk around with a pen and paper to capture any thoughts that pop into my head at any time. I don’t write in a linear manner at the beginning, thinking instead about pivotal moments that could take place at different times of the story, or about interactions between characters. Then, when the story starts forming in my head, I draft the outline, incorporating the various thoughts that I had written down. Sometimes the thoughts don’t fit, but many times, they fall into place quite easily.

What would you do differently next time?
Find a quiet place to write and develop a writing routine.

With hindsight, what would you say to yourself as a fledgling writer?
Keep at it. You will get there. Stay true to yourself. Don’t lose your voice. Enjoy as much of the writing journey that you can.

If you worked with a professional editor, what was the experience like?
I worked with a professional editor, and it was an incredible experience. She helped me to dig deeper and produce the best version of the story that I could. She was very encouraging and provided helpful insight throughout the entire collaboration. I enjoyed working with her very much.

What’s next for your writing?
I am currently writing my second political thriller which I hope to complete next year. I am also working on other Children’s Picture Books on sustainability.