Jerome Shelton Alexis is a dynamic storyteller known for blending suspense with social realism. With an engineering background and a passion for observing human behavior, Jerome crafts fast-paced thrillers rooted in real-world issues. His debut novel, The Central Thief, highlights the chaos of corruption, conscience, and survival in modern society.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write The Central Thief: Decoding of the Devil? Was there a particular real-life incident or influence behind the story?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Well, many people believe their personal information is safely locked away in their wallets or minds, but that’s no longer the case. In fact, recent statistics revealed that nearly 276.8 million individuals had their health information stolen in 2024 alone. That really struck me a chord. I started to wonder where does all that stolen data go? What happens next? That curiosity led me to dive deeper into the issue, and what I uncovered became the foundation for this story. The answers I found are embedded within the narrative itself.
The Literature Times: Aaron Wyatt is such a compelling protagonist. How did you go about developing his character and inner conflicts?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Aaron reflects many young people in India – driven, ambitious, and full of potential, yet constantly held back by corruption in both corporate and government systems. His struggle is their struggle, and that’s what makes his journey so relatable.
The Literature Times: The book explores corruption and betrayal—what message do you hope readers take away from this story?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: We’ve become so used to corruption – whether it’s favoritism in corporate promotions or having to bribe just to get a driving license. The system is broken both professionally and personally. My story asks a simple question: are we going to keep accepting this, or are we finally ready to stand up and fight the injustice that’s affecting our lives?
The Literature Times: What was the most challenging part of writing a high-stakes thriller like this?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: The biggest challenge was keeping the tension real without losing the emotional depth. In a high-stakes thriller, it’s easy to focus only on the action, but I wanted the stakes to hit on a personal level too, so readers feel the urgency and the heartbreak.
The Literature Times: Did your background in engineering or analytics influence how you structured the story or built the plot twists?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Engineering perspectives influenced part of the story for asking the question on why we study the exotic course for getting a job that is nowhere related. Yes, because survey information says that nearly 60 to 80% of graduates don’t get the job that is related to their studies.
The Literature Times: Are there any authors or books that influenced your writing style or approach to this genre?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Chetan Bhagat has been a major inspiration for me. His writing style – simple, accessible English paired with engaging plots, really draws readers in. It makes you turn the pages effortlessly and feel connected to the characters, which is something I aim for in my own writing as well.
The Literature Times: The novel blurs the line between right and wrong—was this moral ambiguity intentional? What were you hoping to explore with it?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Absolutely, it was very intentional. Life rarely offers clear lines between right and wrong, and I wanted the story to reflect that complexity. I hoped to explore how emotions, circumstances, and personal values shape our choices, even when they don’t fit neatly into “good” or “bad.” That gray area is where the most powerful stories live.
The Literature Times: Can you share your writing process—are you a plotter who plans every detail or a pantser who lets the story unfold naturally?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: I’m more of a pantser. I like to let the story unfold naturally, it keeps the process exciting and allows the characters to grow in unexpected ways. I do have a rough outline, but I enjoy the surprises along the journey.
The Literature Times: What was your favorite scene or moment to write in The Central Thief, and why?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: One of my favorite scenes to write was the big reveal near the climax. The tension, the emotions, and the shift in perspective made it so thrilling to bring to life. It was the moment everything came together, and I loved crafting that twist.
The Literature Times: What can readers expect from your next novel? Will it follow a similar theme of justice and intrigue?
Jerome Shelton Alexis: Yes, the next novel is a continuation of The Central Thief. There’s still so much more to unveil, unanswered questions, deeper layers of the characters, and twists that take the story to a whole new level. Readers can expect even more intrigue, emotional depth, and a journey that dives further into the themes of justice and consequence.
