Sarah Kushairi is a clinical pharmacist and lecturer from Malaysia who never quite shook off her childhood dream of becoming a writer. Armed with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and an MSc in Clinical Pharmacy from University College London (UCL), she splits her time between the world of pharmaceuticals and storytelling. At twelve, Sarah ambitiously started her first Harry Potter-inspired novel. Two chapters in, she decided to “come back to it later”—she never did. But her love for writing found other outlets. Her health and beauty articles have appeared in Malaysian newspapers, and she’s shared her expertise on TV and radio. Her personal piece “Tudung Mana?” was featured in the anthology Hijab: Everyday Stories of Muslim Women from Singapore and Beyond (Helang Books, 2023). When Master’s coursework at UCL became overwhelming, Sarah turned stress into creativity, self-publishing her first travelogue Snippets of Travels: Musings and...
Chirasree Bose is a celebrated Indian author known for her gripping storytelling and unique ability to weave relatable characters with thought-provoking themes. She has penned three highly acclaimed fiction books: Done With Her…, Mrs. Basu’s Uncensored Familism, and There’s Blood on Your Heart.
Her debut novel, Done With Her…, achieved remarkable success, earning her a spot among Amazon’s bestsellers and the accolade of being the “second most popular debut author of India” in 2019. The book’s suspenseful narrative and emotional depth resonated deeply with readers, marking a strong entry into the literary world.
Chirasree’s second book, Mrs. Basu’s Uncensored Familism, brought her storytelling prowess to a lighter yet impactful genre. A humor-infused drama, the novel won widespread acclaim for its witty critique of societal norms, touching on family dynamics and cultural expectations with equal parts humor and heart. Its clever commentary made it a favorite among readers across India.
Her third book, There’s Blood on Your Heart, showcases her versatility, delving into darker, intense themes, further solidifying her reputation as a masterful storyteller. Chirasree continues to captivate audiences with her evocative narratives and fearless exploration of contemporary issues, making her a significant voice in modern Indian fiction.
1. What is the first book that made you cry?
Chirasree Bose : Lucid Dream by Swati Singhal.
2. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Chirasree Bose : I wouldn’t say an outright no. Maybe their approach toward writing a story would be radically different from mine. Perhaps they can come up with more stats and deeper research into a plot than a lot of writers usually offer. They might even be better non-fiction writers.
3. What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
Chirasree Bose : Taking loads of money in the name of publishing a book while also giving out meagre royalty amounts.
4. What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Chirasree Bose : A Thing Beyond Forever by Novoneel Chakraborty (Can’t tell if it’s really under-appreciated).
5. How do you select the names of your characters?
Chirasree Bose : Based on the nature of the characters and also that of the plot.
6. If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Chirasree Bose : I’d love to paint (maybe also something to do with traveling) for a living.
7. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Chirasree Bose : I hide secrets (nothing to do with the flow of the story though) that no one but only I myself can find. * haha*
8. Do you Google yourself?
Chirasree Bose : Sometimes, especially after I have published a new book.
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