The Literature Times: Congratulations on the release of The Woman Outside My Window! How does it feel to see your book published?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: It feels great to hold the book I worked so hard after in my hands. There’s this nervous excitement in knowing that people will read the book I spent so much time on.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write a gothic psychological thriller at such a young age?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: I was 12 when the idea first came to me. I loved the rain, the clouds–the gothic undertone so I used it in my story. I love thrillers but I love it even more when it is character-based over plot-based. I wanted to display the struggles that go beyond the plot and into the psyche because that’s often where the conflict begins.
The Literature Times: Clementine Carrington is a fascinating protagonist. What inspired her character?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: Clementine is a self-insert personality-wise. I wanted to write a character that was different from usual main characters–bold, confident, flashy because I feel like there isn’t much representation of these characters, especially as central ones.
The Literature Times: The novel explores mental health, trauma, and social stigma. Why were these themes important for you to write about?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: Because I feel like there’s a lot of stigma around these topics, which I hate. I feel like removing taboos and increasing awareness are necessary elements of society. There is nothing shameful about struggling.
The Literature Times: Youngman’s Villa has a haunting atmosphere. How did you create such an eerie setting?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: Drawing inspirations. Especially while observing dark weather, I collected my ingredients. Images worked–from Pinterest or Google but mostly it’s about capturing what’s within. What I see beauty in and expressing the beauty like how it is in my soul.
The Literature Times: As a 16-year-old author, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing and publishing this book?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: Staying on track with my schedules. Since I’m a student I have to manage both school and writing. Sometimes it was overwhelming and I also procrastinated.
The Literature Times: Which character in the novel do you relate to the most, and why?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: Clementine Carrington. As I said that personality-wise she is a self insert. For I am also more on the timid side, I enjoy literature and I am soft-hearted. Much like her, I too struggle with expressing my negative emotions sometimes, fearing confrontation.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers take away after finishing The Woman Outside My Window?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: I want the emotions to stick with the readers. To tell the fellow outcasts that one day they’ll find their people.
The Literature Times: Are you currently working on your next book or any other writing projects?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: I’m working on another anthology, consisting of some of the poems I wrote between 2022 to 2026.
The Literature Times: Are you active on social media? How can readers connect with you and stay updated on your work?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: I’ve an Instagram account–@theoutcastwrites. I post about my writing there.
The Literature Times: Where can readers purchase The Woman Outside My Window?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: It is available on all online platforms–Amazon, Flipkart, Google Play, Google Books and LLPStore paperback.
The Literature Times: Thank you for answering our questions. Is there a message you would like to share with your readers and aspiring young writers?
Saptaparnee Adhikary: I hope you’ve enjoyed the book, and its substance.
Everything in the media might seem picture perfect but it is a lot harder in real life. It makes us feel overwhelmed. When we fail to keep up, when we feel like we’re falling behind because we do not follow the ideal that seems to be set up by all the people who seem to have it all figured out…
Like we do not read enough or reach a particular word count by the end of the week.
I am trying to accept it myself, to appreciate myself for what I do, also while trying to be my best. There’s a delicate balance in this and it is ok if we lose it, we can get up again, take breaks when we have to.
Book Order Links:
- Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9349168294
- Flipkart: https://www.flipkart.com/product/p/itme?pid=9789349168299
- Kindle: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0HBCKY5ZM
Saptaparnee Adhikary is a 16-year-old poet and novelist from West Bengal. She published her debut anthology, ‘Blooming Verses’, in 2022. She writes about outcasts navigating mental health issues and societal stigma. Find more about her poetry and novel on her Instagram @theoutcastwrites.
