The Literature Times: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Shadows We Fear? What sparked the idea for this chilling tale?
Vedika Pal: I’m an ardent fan of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew, as well as a die-hard fan of horror movie franchises like The Conjuring, It, and Annabelle. Yet, I hadn’t found a book that merges both of these genres and is set in India. Hence, I decided to write a novel that offers thrill, drama, horror, and suspense, all within the Indian context.
The Literature Times: How did your personal experiences and background influence the themes and characters in the novel?
Vedika Pal: The plot and setting of my novel are heavily influenced by a school trip I took last year to a village in Karnataka. We spent three days there without any phones or devices, which initially seemed like a disaster, but turned into an unforgettable experience. The village setting, the school premises, fields, and trees are inspired by that village. The night setting, in particular, with its eerie silence and flickering lanterns, added a layer of suspense that I translated into my novel.
My characters are inspired by people in my life. Aera is a reflection of myself—jovial, sarcastic, and protective of Paakhi. Lucas, on the other hand, is the opposite of the boys I’ve met, embodying traits I found intriguing. Paakhi, thoughtful and analytical, mirrors my best friend. Rashi and Nakul are based on real people I met in the village; their friendliness and manners left a lasting impression on me.
The Literature Times: The setting of the remote village is almost a character in itself. How did you approach creating such a vivid and eerie atmosphere?
Vedika Pal: Setting descriptions have always been my forte in creative writing, a skill I credit to my dad. When I was in grade 5, we would lie in bed, select a random topic, and write stories together. He would challenge me to describe each house, tree, and lake in detail, painting vivid images in our imagination. This practice honed my ability to create immersive settings, and for The Shadows We Fear, I drew on those childhood exercises to craft an eerie, atmospheric village.
The Literature Times: Your story features a group of friends facing terrifying challenges. What inspired you to center the narrative around these three characters, and how did you develop their individual personalities?
Vedika Pal: I wanted to explore the dynamics of friendship under extreme stress and fear. Centering the narrative around Aera, Lucas, and Paakhi allowed me to delve into different aspects of human nature and how people react to terror. Their personalities developed organically as I wrote, each bringing unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the story. This blend of characteristics helped create a balanced and relatable trio that readers can root for.
The Literature Times: Suspense and horror are central to your novel. What strategies did you use to build tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats?
Vedika Pal: I used a combination of pacing, cliffhangers, and descriptive imagery to build tension. Gradual revelations and foreshadowing played key roles in maintaining suspense. I also paid close attention to the timing of horror elements, ensuring that each scare felt earned and impactful. The eerie village setting itself contributed to the atmosphere, with its dark, shadowy corners and unsettling silence.
The Literature Times: In your bio, you mentioned your transition from diary writing to creating a full-length novel. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in making that transition?
Vedika Pal: One of the biggest challenges was moving from writing short, personal diary entries to developing a cohesive and engaging plot over the course of a novel. Keeping track of character arcs, subplots, and maintaining consistency was a learning curve. Additionally, balancing detailed descriptions with narrative pace was crucial to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them. but even during times when I felt like giving up and everything up front seemed blurry, my mom encouraged me to keep going. Perhaps that is why the shadows we fear was even born.
The Literature Times: Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any particular rituals or routines that help you in crafting your stories?
Vedika Pal: I don’t have a strict routine. I write when inspiration strikes and I feel extremely motivated. Often, this happens at night when the world is quiet and I can immerse myself fully in the story. While I don’t force it, I do find that setting the right mood with music or a comfortable space helps get the creative juices flowing.
The Literature Times: Your novel blends drama, crime, and horror. How do you balance these different elements to create a cohesive and engaging story?
Vedika Pal: Balancing these elements required careful planning and structuring. I ensured that each genre aspect—drama, crime, and horror—had its own space to develop while interweaving them seamlessly. The crime element provided a logical backbone, the drama added emotional depth, and the horror kept the tension high. By focusing on character-driven storytelling, I was able to maintain cohesion and keep readers invested.
The Literature Times: What role did your English teacher play in shaping your writing career? Are there any specific lessons or advice from them that you still carry with you?
Vedika Pal: My English teacher played a significant role in nurturing my love for writing. She encouraged me to explore different genres and provided constructive feedback that helped me grow as a writer. One lesson that stands out is our literary analysis sessions, where she taught us to look beyond the surface of the text and understand the deeper meanings and themes. This skill has been invaluable in crafting complex, layered narratives in my own writing.
The Literature Times: Looking ahead, do you have any new projects or ideas in mind? What can readers expect from you in the future?
Vedika Pal: Absolutely! I am always brimming with new ideas and currently working on my next novel. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I can say it will continue to blend genres in a unique way and will be set in a completely different environment. Keep watching out for updates on my upcoming book!
