In conversation with Thee Alladeen

“We are all stories, some roar and shout back to the world, others just end oblivious.” – Thee Alladeen

Congratulations on your debut book, what inspired you to write “Esmeth,” and how did the initial idea for the story develop in your mind?
Thee Alladeen: Thank you for your kind wishes. .Psychological thrillers have always captivated me, and the suspense of murder mysteries like ‘And Then There Were None’ by Agatha Christie, ‘The Girl on the Window’ by A.J Finn, and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ by Thomas Harris has been a constant thrill. Despite harboring a long-time aspiration to write, the courage and time never aligned until after the successful completion of my French language exam in March 2023.

Living in and around Chandigarh provided me with a firsthand insight into the lives of individuals ensnared in their own thoughts, battling addictions, and grappling with traumas. It was during this time that the seeds of inspiration for my story were planted. The unique experiences and perspectives from this locale have become the foundation upon which I built my narrative.

Esmeth is portrayed as an intricate character with drug-induced memory lapses. Can you share your process of developing such a complex protagaonist and exploring her psychological state?
Thee Alladeen: It was indeed challenging to create a character as complex as Esmeth. It involved extensive research and interviews with individuals impacted by drug-related memory issues. These real-life experiences shaped Esmeth’s persona. The goal was authenticity, and insights from interviews contributed to her depth. I also learnt about hypnosis and the possible ways an individual as introvert as Esmeth could use to try and revive her memory.

The broader purpose of creating such a character is is to reveal the insidious nature of drug consumption, turning individuals cynical and inducing negative thoughts, impacting mental, emotional, and physical health.

The novel touches upon themes of obsession, deception, and blurred realities. How did you decide to delve into these themes, and what messages or insights do you hope readers will take away from the book?
Thee Alladeen: Well! It’s a great question. Sometimes, we become obsessed with things, people, and ideas, and in the urge of accomplishing them, we go to the lengths of deceptions and inhumanity. I believe that we all have experienced this at some point in life to a certain extent. Ethan becomes obsessed with Esmeth and watches her day in and day out, leading to heinous repercussions.

Insomnia, overthinking, and drug consumption can result in a blurred understanding of what we see and what we want to see. I hope readers take away an understanding of the complexities behind obsession and the importance of prioritizing mental health over secondary goals in our lives.”

Ethan plays a crucial role in the suspenseful narrative. What inspired the creation of Ethan’s character, and how did you approach crafting a character with concealed motives and obsessive behavior?
Thee Alladeen: In my view, a character is a fusion of the writer’s personality and the diverse personalities that surround them. Personally, I find inspiration in true-crime stories and historical figures like Napoleon and Hitler. Delving into the psychology of serial killers has always piqued my curiosity, leading me to explore the motives and reasons behind criminal acts.

Ethan, in this context, evolved into a character embodying obsession and a desire to help, yet bold enough to traverse extreme lengths to fulfill his motives. His complexity reflects my fascination with the intricate aspects of human nature, especially when influenced by intense obsessions and motivations.

Now residing in Ontario, Canada, and with “Esmeth” as your debut novel, what are your aspirations for the future as both a language instructor and an author? Do you have plans for future literary works?
Thee Alladeen: Certainly! I derive satisfaction from both teaching and writing, and I am committed to putting in the effort to obtain more certifications and recognition as a language coach in Canada, aiming to advance my career. Alongside this, I’m actively exploring activities at libraries and opportunities for budding authors to connect with established writers, learning more about the craft from their experiences.

Currently, I am immersed in the creation of my second book, with a strong determination to produce even better content. Anticipating the reviews and responses from my readers, I welcome constructive critiques as they serve as invaluable feedback for a budding author, offering opportunities for improvement and the creation of superior work.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing? Who is the author you most admire?
Thee Alladeen: Coming from a non-literary background, I wasn’t initially exposed to the world of literature. My journey into reading began in 2015 when I moved to Chandigarh and connected with fellow readers who shared similar interests. It was during this time that I stumbled upon Paula Hawkins’ ‘The Girl on the Train,’ and it left me utterly speechless. I was captivated by the writing style, and that novel marked a turning point for me in embracing reading as my primary hobby since then, I’ve expanded my literary interests and found joy in the works of authors such as Agatha Christie, Michael Faudet, Elif Shafak, and Dan Brown. Reading has become a passion, and I relish engaging in discussions about books with fellow enthusiasts.

Where can readers order copies of ‘Esmeth’?
Thee Alladeen: Now accessible in India, the US, the UK, Canada, and several other countries, readers can easily place orders through the Literature’s Light website, as well as on popular platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Google Play, and Kindle.

Are you on social media? How can our readers reach you?
Thee Alladeen: You can connect with me on Instagram, where I am most active under the handle @an_urge_to_explore_. For email communication, you can reach me at theealladeen@gmail.com. Additionally, I share my literary adventures on Goodreads as Thee Alladeen. Feel free to connect and explore with me!

Thanks for your time! It was a pleasure talking to you about your book. I wish you best of luck for the future!
Thee Alladeen: You’re very welcome! I’m grateful for your kind words. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Literatures Light Publishers for being a constant source of support throughout my book publishing journey. I hope your reading experience with ESMETH is as enjoyable as the pleasure I had in writing it.

Also read: Press Release: Esmeth by Thee Alladeen