As an author, I’ve often wondered what my characters would do if they stepped out of the pages of my book and into the real world. Imagine Ravi from Love Swipe Blackmail wandering around a lit fest, glancing nervously at his phone, trying not to look suspicious. It’s a thought that’s as funny as it is unsettling. But here I am, gearing up for the Apeejay Kolkata Lit Fest 2025, and I’ve realized that in some strange way, a dating app and a lit fest might not be so different after all.
Give me some rope here.
Both are bustling with energy, filled with intriguing characters, and brimming with potential for unexpected connections. The difference? One involves swiping left or right, while the other involves navigating through author panels and book signings. But let’s face it; both have the potential for drama.
Picture this: A hypothetical dating app, “LitSwipe,” designed exclusively for lit fest attendees. Instead of bios that say, “Love dogs and long walks on the beach,” you’d get, “Love R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi but secretly dream of Amish’s Meluha.” Matches could be made over shared love for obscure poetry or heated debates about literary tropes. Ravi would have a field day.
Of course, it wouldn’t be all sunshine and cherry blossoms. There’s always that one person who tries to flex by quoting Tharoor out of context, much like the blackmailer in my book who overestimates the combines intellectual prowess of Ravi and his friends. And let’s not forget the awkward moments, like when you’re mid-conversation, and someone spots their favorite author and bolts (no hard feelings, right?).
Back to reality, though. As I prepare for my panel discussion, I can’t help but wonder about the similarities between Love Swipe Blackmail and the lit fest experience. My book dives into the complexities of relationships, trust, and the dark side of digital connections. A lit fest, on the other hand, is where we come to celebrate the written word and human connections. But beneath the surface, both are about uncovering truths and navigating the sometimes messy, and at others, the beautiful intricacies of life.
And let’s not ignore the irony: as an author of a thriller involving a dating app, I might be the only person at the fest paranoid about someone checking their phone too often. Is it because they’re engrossed in a juicy panel, or is it because they’ve swiped right one too many times?
Jokes aside, I’m thrilled to be part of the Apeejay Kolkata Lit Fest 2025. It’s a space where stories come alive, where readers meet the minds behind their favourite books, and where, just maybe, someone might pitch me the idea for Love Swipe Blackmail: The Musical. (I’m kidding. Or am I?) So, if you are a fan of Indian thriller authors then join my panel with Shenaz Treasury and Ramona Sen on January 12 to discuss Love Swipe Blackmail and much more. The panel will delve into the evolving landscape of Indian suspense novels, exploring how they captivate readers with twists, turns, and relatable characters. Let’s talk thrillers, twists, and all things books. Just don’t ask me for dating advice, unless, of course, you want tips from Ravi.
