B S Dara, an Engineer by profession, possesses a profound love and dedication for Reading and Writing. With a professional career spanning over a decade that involved extensive travel to different countries, he has had the privilege of engaging with individuals from diverse nationalities and cultures. These experiences have greatly broadened his understanding of human nature and various perspectives on life.
From a young age, he relished playing Sunday cricket amidst the tombstones in the graveyard and indulged in activities like wielding his slingshot and climbing trees.
His fondness for reading was kindled by the romantic subgenres of Mills and Boon, igniting a relentless passion for literature. On a journey that has led him to realize his dream of becoming a published author, he has penned his inaugural book, The Insatiable.
TBE: What inspired you to write “The Insatiable”? Were there any real-life events or people that influenced the story?
B S Dara: As an author, I have always been very deeply influenced by the difficulties faced in human relationships. When it came to writing a story for my novel, I felt compelled to explore aspects of love, passion, betrayal, and crime—especially when they arise from the intense desires of an unchecked mind. This exploration is portrayed by my captivating protagonist, Daniele Luciana, whose character reflects her complex journey in her relationships through her fleeting encounters of romance, passions, undying ambitions and hence the consequences. My story is purely a work of fiction.
TBE: The character of Daniele Luciana is complex and morally ambiguous. How did you approach crafting her character and her motivations?
B S Dara: Unbridled desires and ambitions often lead individuals down a destructive path, and the world is filled with examples of this reality. As a writer of romance and tragedy, I created my protagonist, Daniele Luciana, to be stunningly beautiful, which naturally draws the attention of those around her in the story. This allure makes it easier to reveal her darker side, which unfolds gradually and culminates in a powerful revelation at the end. Through her complexities, I aimed to illustrate how external beauty can mask internal turmoil and moral ambiguity.
TBE: The novel deals with themes of betrayal, greed, and the consequences of one’s actions. What message or insight did you hope readers would take away from exploring these themes?
B S Dara: The core message I want to convey to my readers is that our relationships are both loving and precious. Betrayal in close relationships, especially of such magnitude, can lead to harrowing difficulties and, in this story, culminates in a brutal end. I hope readers reflect on the fragility of trust and the severe consequences that can arise from betrayal, emphasizing the importance of valuing and nurturing our most important relationships.
TBE: There are several unexpected twists in the plot. How did you go about planning and structuring the story to build suspense and surprise readers?
B S Dara: The storyline was clear in my mind from the outset: it follows a passion-filled romantic journey of my flamboyant protagonist, Daniele Luciana, who harbours a darker, more dubious past. To lead her to a tragic end, driven by her uncontrollable amorous propensities and greed, I focused on weaving the narrative smoothly. This allowed me to plan and create unexpected twists that would keep readers on their toes, balancing suspense with the emotional depth of her character’s journey.
TBE: The legal proceedings play an important role in the novel. What kind of research did you do to accurately portray the courtroom scenes and legal manoeuvring?
B S Dara: This aspect of writing has been particularly exciting for me. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with top international barristers and distinguished law firms, which has provided me with invaluable insights into the legal framework surrounding such matters. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding of courtroom proceedings and the difficulties of legal manoeuvring, enabling me to portray these scenes with authenticity and precision.
TBE: Family relationships, particularly between Daniele and Laura, are central to the story. What interested you about exploring these complicated family dynamics?
B S Dara: As a writer of intense romance, I was drawn to the character of Laura Veneto, a young woman who deeply loves her family but is shattered by her mother’s betrayal. This complexity is further enriched by her relationship with a handsome young man who happens to be her mother’s lover. This dynamic provides a compelling foundation to explore family relationships, particularly about the strong bond in a mother and daughter relationship. Through their interactions, I aimed to highlight the emotional turmoil and challenges that arise within familial ties.
TBE: The novel touches on some dark subject matter. Was it challenging to write about these difficult topics? How did you approach them sensitively?
B S Dara: Yes, introducing the darker aspect of the story—planning and executing a crime by a mysterious mastermind was indeed the most challenging part of the story. To tackle this, I engaged in extensive reading of mystery and crime literature, which helped me weave a narrative that fits seamlessly within the context of “The Insatiable.” My approach involved balancing the intensity of these themes with a thoughtful exploration of the characters’ motivations and emotions, ensuring that the darker elements were treated with the sensitivity they deserve.
TBE: What was your writing process like for this book? How long did it take you to complete it from initial idea to finished manuscript?
B S Dara: I have an uncurable passion for reading and writing. My writing journey for “The Insatiable” therefore, has been quite enjoyable and memorable for me. It took me about five months to complete the manuscript, primarily during quiet nights while my wife, Ravinder was away recovering from health issues. Throughout this time, she has been my steadfast supporter, encouraging me to pursue my writing. Her belief in my potential served as a powerful motivation, driving me to create something that would make her proud—something she always knew I could accomplish.
TBE: Are you working on any new projects currently? Can readers expect more suspense novels from you in the future?
B S Dara: Yes, I’m currently developing a new project centered on themes of romance and tragedy. In this story, I aim to take my readers on a blissful yet mystery-filled journey through a different dimension of human relationships. It will explore the joys of love alongside the suffering that can arise from human errors in judgment, faltering trust, suspicion fuelled by many circumstantial events. Readers can certainly expect more romantic and suspenseful narratives from me in the future.
TBE: If “The Insatiable” were to be adapted for film or television, who would be your dream cast for some of the main characters?
B S Dara: For the adaptation of “The Insatiable,” I can envision Liam Neeson as Detective Piero Trotti. Angelina Jolie would be perfect for Daniele Luciana, portraying both her beauty and mysteriousness. Ezra Miller would bring an intriguing energy to the character of Leo Renzi, while Chloe Grace Moretz would be my choice for Laura Veneto, capturing the nuances of her character beautifully.