Jasmine Juneja started her career as an HR consultant with one of the leading outsourcing companies. Thereafter, she went on to conceptualize a recruitment firm in the heart of Delhi, providing an assortment of services to fortune 1000 companies for over 5 years. After which she took a sabbatical to pursue her hobbies and other interests. Dabbling in the beauty industry and winning accolades along with a wide pool of client base, her urge to focus on intellectual development remained unfulfilled; since her heart lay in reading and writing all along. During this time, she felt her path strayed from her true course. In order to stay connected with the world of words and to pursue an unrelenting dream, she completed her Masters in English Literature while working with an overseas education firm.
Official Website: https://jasminejuneja.com/
Interview with Author Jasmine Juneja
1. The Literature Times: “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” comes across as another striking creation from your pen. Did you have plans to write this book from the beginning, or was it an idea that struck you later?
Jasmine Juneja: The seeds of putting thoughts on paper were sown right in childhood when I began reading. However, getting reviews from friends, family and even unexpected people who enjoyed my articles and saw (some) depth in random subjects I wrote, gave me the nudge. Nonetheless, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to write a book on, initially; because it had to be a story that resonated and compelled me to think. An avid follower of growing crimes and brutal shape it has taken over the years, kept me hooked onto news, articles, series and movies. When I learnt about the practice—that has been mentioned in the book—taking place in certain parts of the country, the ground beneath my feet shifted and I felt that this story needed to be told. At the same time, it had to be told in way that it captivates the readers, appals them, horrifies them but also educate and inform of what is happening beyond our walls of privilege. So, yes, I had the plot in mind.
2. The Literature Times: Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your book, “Mystery Behind the Disappeared”?
Jasmine Juneja: Like I said, “the practice.” I was going through articles on crimes, and this particular episode of a woman who vanished in thin air made me ponder that even in this century, when women are being educated and going out to work are still so vulnerable struck a chord with me. The idea of a woman being objectified, exploited, and consumed as a product horrifies me. But more than that, it terrifies and angers me to think that if someone is not safe in a developed city as Delhi, the situation must be far grimmer in smaller towns and villages. A voice had to be raised; the matter just could not be swept under the rug anymore. It had to be out for people to know the dark side of our reality, because only when we start talking about it, we shall find remedial actions.
3. The Literature Times: How did you go about creating the characters and their development throughout the story? Since they all are distinct, what inspired the characters in “Mystery Behind the Disappeared”?
Jasmine Juneja: Years and years of observation, of human behaviour, psyche, ideologies and, of course, the prevalence of the infamous class structure. The people I’ve used are everyday people, the ones we interact with on a daily basis—some simple, some smart, some empathetic, but some outright manipulative and devious. Though, we have made progress and seen changes on some levels when it comes to class structure, since everyone at their own individual level is working hard to uplift themselves nonetheless, the changes are so minute as compared to our population that unless it’s addressed properly, the change shall remain insignificant. Therefore, it was intrinsic for the story to have realistic characters, with real life problems and challenges, and reflect how we deal with them.
4. The Literature Times: Can you talk about the themes and messages you wanted to convey through your book? Did “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” give you plenty of space to express all your ideas? Or they would follow in any sequel?
Jasmine Juneja: Through this book, I have been able to highlight and address a small part of the problem. I’m sure a single book can neither encompass all ideas nor solutions but it provides the platform to get the debate started. And when that begins to happen, transformation through stricter laws and enforcement agencies is channelised. To answer the second part of your question, I have a plot for the sequel in my head, but it’s entirely on the readers to decide whether they want the sequel or not. And through their love and support I shall be able to decipher and move forward accordingly.
5. The Literature Times: “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” extends its base to a universal form since it relates to current events or larger societal issues. Do you agree to this?
Jasmine Juneja: Yes, it isn’t a story of one individual but of many victims who will see themselves at various levels. That’s what makes the book all the more urgent and to be told in every nook and corner of the world. In fact, I’m certain that the issue discussed isn’t prevalent just in India but across the globe, where women are objectified as commodities rather than creatures to be loved and nurtured affectionately. To encapsulate it succinctly, the book is going to appeal individuals with a heart.
6. The Literature Times: Can you discuss your writing process and how you approached structuring “Mystery Behind the Disappeared”? Did it require frequent revisions?
Jasmine Juneja: Like any other work, one must polish and clean continuously to produce a presentable piece. I followed the process diligently. First, I wrote the synopsis of the main plot, you may call it the skeleton. Then I fleshed out characters that took the story further. But what really worked for me was the discipline of writing every day and meeting the set word limit. There were times when I wrote irrelevant things, because the idea was to let my fingers jot down every single thought, relevant or irrelevant. Once the first draft was ready, I went back to the story and started cutting out characters and parts that were not needed. Then came refining the language, sentence structure, grammar, pace, etc.; and it all took multiple revisions before submitting final draft.
7. The Literature Times: How do you see “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” impacting readers, and what do you hope they take away from it? Did you have any specific objectives while writing it?
Jasmine Juneja: As an avid reader of mystery and thriller novels, my first and foremost objective was to entertain my readers. At the same time, and more importantly, they must gain knowledge and information about what is happening around them, why it’s happening and how they can protect themselves by remaining vigilant; which I believe is possible through questioning and trusting your instincts. Having said that, I also want to propound on the power of human ability to right the wrong. It’s the biggest take away I want the readers to believe in.
8. The Literature Times: Are there any specific literary or artistic influences that can be seen in “Mystery Behind the Disappeared”? How did you manage to maintain distinctness even when writing in a popular form of literary writing?
Jasmine Juneja: I believe every author has a distinct style of writing and storytelling. No two authors can write an absolute identical story even if you give them the same plot; they will come up with unique versions where one could be fantastic while the other outstandingly mind-blowing, or it could be just the opposite—a complete crap. I read books on vast subjects but specifically enjoy spiritual, feminist perspective, mysteries and thrillers, and anything inspired by true events. Though I really like Agatha Christie’s writing, I’m also very fond of Indian authors. When I’m book shopping I’m never biased. I try authors (old & new) by opening the book and reading whatever page pops up, if that holds my attention, I take it to the counter and rush to the nearest coffee shop to read.
9. The Literature Times: How do you see “Mystery Behind the Disappeared” fitting into the larger literary canon or genre?
Jasmine Juneja: Since it’s a reflection of society, and the subject and characters are found in our every life, they are believable and relatable. Despite that, the book isn’t entirely literary fiction as it’s not building on one character(s). I’ll be happy if it’s acknowledged as a literary fiction, but it fits the fictional mystery genre more than anything else. At least, that is what I’m assuming.
10. The Literature Times: Can you talk about any challenges or obstacles you faced while writing “Mystery Behind the Disappeared?
Jasmine Juneja: Any work of labour comes with its own challenges and this was no different. There were times when I was stuck with the writer’s block; in those moments I took coffee breaks followed by some binge watching on OTT. I also did a lot of research and jotted down pointers to include in the book lest I forget. But for the most part a nice morning walk worked wonders for me. That was the time I was alone with myself where I did most of the thinking and sought solutions. Moreover, following a strict timetable allowed me to complete the book in time.
11. The Literature Times: Just out of curiosity, can you share in brief about your works following “Mystery Behind the Disappeared”?
Jasmine Juneja: Being a mystery-thriller fanatic, I shall whip up something in the same genre for now. Simultaneously, I intend to address societal problems and shall bring forth real problems in my stories where I try and seek solutions. If a solution is not sought immediately in the book, then at least it shall get the debate started, which in turn shall help us maintain our guard to minimize crimes at all possible levels.
12. The Literature Times: It is interesting to note how you managed to remain objective about each character even when speaking for them through them in “Mystery Behind the Disappeared.” How did you maintain this objectivity?
Jasmine Juneja: You must put yourself in the shoes of each character and think from their perspective. Try to analyse what you would do if you were in that position, and the answers shall come to you automatically. When you begin to get a sense of their personality, your action and behaviour will be dictated by that persona. That is exactly what I did.
13. The Literature Times: I hope that this collection breaks records in royalty collection. Wishing you luck!
Jasmine Juneja: Amen! While I also hope that it gets made into a movie or series someday. (laughs!)
