Page 22 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee is a heartwarming, humorous tale of discovery and resilience. Eleven-year-old Poppy Ray's journey into the messy, rewarding world of veterinary care is both charming and enlightening. With unforgettable characters, valuable life lessons, and a dash of adventure, this beautifully written story is perfect for animal lovers and young dreamers eager to explore the joys and challenges of ambition.
and familial discovery, she has captivat-
ed readers across the globe. Her writing transports us effortlessly—from gripping psychological thrillers under her pen name, A. J. Banner, to the enchanting charm and hopeful narratives in her works under her own name. Whether she’s weaving intricate tales of suspense like Dreaming of Water or In Another Light, or delighting her audience with emotionally resonant, magical realism in Haunting Jasmine and Looking for Bapu, Anjali’s storytelling mastery is nothing short of remarkable.
In this engaging interview, Anjali reflects on her dual identities as an author, the inspirations behind her unforgettable characters, and her groundbreaking experience of seeing Looking for Bapu adapted into the heartfelt film Anu. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an ardent fan, her words bristle with wisdom, passion, and the sheer joy of craft. Prepare to be inspired by Anjali’s perspectives and her unwavering dedication to storytelling.
What inspired you to start writing novels that blend family secrets, suspense, and psychological drama?
I started my career addressing themes of family, culture, and personal transformation in novels like Maya Running, Looking for Bapu, and Haunting Jasmine. These stories all contain
22 II NOVELIST POST
From Family S ecrets To Psychological Thrills
Anjali Banerjee Blends Suspense, Emotion, and Magic Across a Versatile Writing Career
Anjali Banerjee shares insights into crafting emotional suspense, her dual author identity, the influence of her heritage, the P acific N orthwest's inspiration, and the joy of seeing her novel adapted into film.
elements of magic realism. As my writing evolved, it seemed only natural to add more suspense to the mix. Inspired by authors like Joy Fielding (See Jane Run), A.S.A. Harrison (The Silent Wife), Emma Chapman (How to
Be a Good Wife), and others, I tried my hand
at psychological suspense with The Good Neighbor, a novel written under the pen name, A. J. Banner. Harper’s Bazaar called The Good Neighbor “a book that could be the next Gone Girl,” and the novel stayed at #1 on Kindle for 34 days in a row. I had fun writing that book, so I wrote five more novels under the same name. I’ve always loved stories that keep me guessing, and I hope to surprise readers with unexpected twists and turns.
How does your background and upbringing influence the themes you explore in your books?
As the child of immigrants who grew up in India and worked hard to become successful in their professions in North America, I understand the need for diligence and self-discipline. I’m also sensitive to people who might feel like outsiders straddling two worlds, never quite belonging in one place. Characters in my books often feel a little different from others but also seek belonging. For example, in In Another Light, Phoebe Glassman feels like a misfit, spending all her time as a mortuary makeup artist, working in isolation. But she longs for human connection and to find some hope and love in her life.
As someone who writes under a pen name for psychological suspense, what are the challenges and benefits of having dual identities as an author?
BAy Carly Preston London
njali Banerjee is a literary
force to be celebrated. With her rich tapestry of novels that span themes of love, mys- tery, psychological intrigue,
Her accolades speak volumes, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to blend atmospheric settings, layered characters, and profound emotional depth. The Pacific Northwest comes alive in her pages, serving as both a character and a backdrop, its rugged beauty and mystic allure shaping the tone and spirit of her
novels. She doesn’t just tell stories; she invites readers on transformative journeys, revealing the complexities of human experience with compassion, elegance, and thrilling complexity.
It has been wonderful to have two identities. Some authors have three or four or even five! The name denotes the genre. My A. J. Banner books fall squarely into the psychological suspense genre (a prime example might be The Twilight Wife, a Publishers Weekly bestseller), while my Anjali Banerjee books transport
the reader into idyllic settings with tales of love, hope, and change. I plan to combine
all the elements — suspense and a mystical, hopeful love story — in my next novel. While
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
INTERVIEW