About The Author
Prerna writes books and articles on a diverse spectrum of fiction and non-fiction subjects. Having turned her addiction to reading into a profession, Prerna started her new career at the ripe age of 40+. Drawing upon decades of experience and real-life events, she weaves a web with her favourite fibre – words, leading her readers through various situations, emotions, and locations across countries, continents, and culters.
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Also Read: When Designs Meet Drama: Book Review of The Designer by Prerna Gulrajani
Interview
Q) What inspired you to write The Designer? Was there a specific moment or story that sparked the idea?
Well, there’s always that moment when you know that this is the story I want to tell. But it’s hard to pinpoint it. Having said that, I’ve always been fascinated by the crazy absent-mindedness that characterises creativity. I think the craziness comes from the fact that they can think out of the box. That’s why their work is unique. But then to do that … at some level, they disconnect with the practical aspects of life. This is what I wanted to bring out in my story of Darshana Patel.
Q) The book beautifully blends courtroom drama with emotional family dynamics. How did you balance these two elements in the narrative?
I have always believed that life is all about balance. As someone once told me, there are three sides to everything – the good, the bad, and the balanced. And that’s what I’ve tried to show through Naidu’s character.
Q) Dee’s journey is filled with trust, betrayal, and rediscovery. Is her character based on anyone in real life?
No. While I don’t deny that real-life characters do inspire me, when I write, I write from the heart. At that moment, whatever character is playing in my mind becomes the character I am writing.
Q) What was the most challenging part of writing The Designer?
When you are creating an intricate plot with multiple characters, there are lots of challenges, from tracking the plot and maintaining authenticity to creating personas and attributing emotions. It is challenging – but it’s fun.
Q) Did you always know how the climax would unfold, or did it evolve during the writing process?
It evolved as I wrote. I wasn’t even sure how the case would close or who would be the culprit.
Q) How long did it take you to complete the book—from idea to final manuscript?
I can’t say exactly. I sometimes work on multiple stories, so it’s hard to say how long this or that book took to write.
Q) Do you plot your stories in advance or do they unfold organically as you write?
I do visualise a broad story structure when I begin writing. Without that, it’s impossible to begin. I mean, I know the story I want to write. But as the details evolve, this can change.
Q) Were there any scenes or characters that didn’t make it into the final version?
Umm… not in this one. But I did have to restructure another book that I wrote after I was about 10 – 12 chapters in because I felt that there was something off about it. Something that was not sitting right. (I don’t mind sharing that it took some time to write that one – Watchout Kiddo, and I think it turned out quite well even if I say so myself.)
Q) Pushkar and Chhavi are incredibly well-drawn characters. What inspired their backstories?
Thangapally Naidu, is the concurrent character in my Empathetic Lawyer series. This time I thought, why not give Naidu some competition? Or help? That’s what inspired Chhavi. And Pushkar, well, I wanted to portray the typical Mumbai ka chokra. A second-generation migrant.
Q) If you had to pick one character from The Designer that you relate to the most, who would it be and why? Did any of the characters surprise you as you wrote them?
Not a surprise really, but the character of Sandeep Duggal … I had imagined a romance there, but that didn’t happen. As for relating to one character, all my characters are dear to me. I live them as I write them.
Q) The book is full of emotional highs and lows. Was there a particular scene that was emotionally difficult for you to write?
Not difficult as in disturbing. But yes, the betrayal by a close friend was – is – deeply disturbing. That’s what the epilogue is all about. Regret. So, if you’re reading the book, don’t forget to read the prologue and epilogue.
Q)How did you come up with the idea of combining the fashion industry with a courtroom drama?
Every industry has its flaws. Every business has legal challenges. With Fashion being unregulated and considering the glamour associated with it, the stakes are much higher than elsewhere. That’s what attracted me.
Q) What made you choose the title The Designer? Did it always have this title?
Well, ever since my first book in the legal courtroom drama genre, I’ve had this idea of writing about the pitfalls in the various industries. I’m hoping to name my books accordingly. Hence, The Designer. There’s The Insider and two upcoming titles – The Custody and The Agent – though these titles are not closed yet.
Q) Did you face any creative blocks while writing this book? How did you overcome them?
Creative blocks are an integral part of a writer’s life. The only way to overcome them is to give yourself time to overcome it.
Q) Which books or authors shaped your love for storytelling?
I’ve always loved words. English was my favourite subject even in school. And being an avid reader, story is in my DNA. Some of my favourite authors include Erle Stanley Gardner and Sidney Sheldon.
Q) If The Designer were turned into a movie or series, who would you cast as Dee, Pushkar, and Chhavi?
Dee? Sumona Chakravarti. Chhavi, Jenifer Wignet, or maybe Sarmishta Acharjee. Pushkar, I don’t know… Maybe someone who can portray the angry young man like Big B did?
Q) A message for all the readers.
Nothing can replace the Solidarity that family provides.
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