Shevlin Sebastian has been a journalist for over three decades. He has worked in major publications such as The Hindustan Times (Mumbai), The New Indian Express and The Week (both in Kochi) and Sportsworld (Kolkata). Shevlin has published over 4,500 feature articles on subjects like history, spirituality, literature, films and sports. His blog, ‘Shevlin's World', has received over 23 lakh hits. He has also published four novels for children.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background as a writer?
> I grew up in Kolkata and studied in St Xavier’s School and later college. I have been a journalist for over three decades. I worked in Sportsworld magazine of the ABP Group in Kolkata, The Week magazine of the Malayala Manorama Group in Kochi, Hindustan Times in Mumbai, and the New Indian Express in Kochi.
I also had a stint in DC Books in Kottayam in their English children’s imprint. I have also published four novels for children, before ‘The Stolen Necklace’. Throughout I have written and published short stories, while doing my journalism.
2. What inspired you to write ‘The Stolen Necklace: A Small Crime in a Small Town’? Is there a particular story or event that sparked the idea?
> A friend of my agent Anish Chandy saw a news story and forwarded it to him. Since it was a Kerala-based story and I live in Kochi, Anish forwarded it to me. I immediately found it an intriguing story.
3. Could you provide us with an overview of the book? What can readers expect from it?
> It was of a man, VK Thajudheen, who was falsely accused of stealing a gold necklace and went to jail. The problem was that the CCTV image which the police had received made it seem it was Thajudheen. So, for no fault of his, Thajudheen had to spend time in jail. However, a proper investigation by the police would have spared him this ordeal.
They could have checked his mobile phone location during the time the crime took place. They would have realised that Thajudheen was far away. The book details how Thajudheen fought back and won justice for himself.
4. The title suggests a small crime in a small town. What attracted you to explore this theme? What do you think makes small-town crimes intriguing or unique?
> The subject attracted me because it was a Kerala-based story. I believe every crime, whether it is in a small town or big city, is unique. Just like all human beings are unique.
5. Are there any specific characters or incidents in the book that are based on real-life experiences or people? How did you approach blending reality and fiction in your storytelling?
> The entire book is nonfiction. All events actually took place. I did not blend reality and fiction. But I used fictional techniques of making a scene come alive, like using vivid descriptions, but the scene actually took place. I wrote it in novel-style to make it interesting for the reader.
6. Crime fiction is a popular genre. What do you think sets ‘The Stolen Necklace’ apart from other crime novels? What makes it a compelling read?
> The most important difference is that this is a true account. The events which I describe actually happened. That is why it is a harrowing story. The sad news is that if it can happen to a middle-class person like Thajudheen, it can happen to you or me.
7. What kind of research did you undertake while writing this book? Did you come across any surprising or interesting facts during your research process?
> There is one chapter called ‘False Cases all over India’, in which I did extensive research. What came as a big shock for me was that even in an advanced democracy like the USA, there were many false cases.
8. How did you approach creating the atmosphere and setting of a small town in your writing? What techniques or elements did you use to bring it to life for readers?
> I used fictional techniques, like using the five senses when setting up a scene. It was important that when readers read the book, it triggered images in their minds.
9. As a writer, what challenges did you face while working on ‘The Stolen Necklace?’ How did you overcome them?
> The challenge was to write a coherent and gripping narrative that would engage the attention of the reader from page 1 onwards. I hope I have achieved that.
10. Do you have any plans for future books or projects? Can you give us a hint about what readers can expect from you in the future?
> Yes, there are plans for more books. But I would prefer to remain reticent till something concrete happens.
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