Interview With Author Jass Aujla
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in India and migrated to Canada when I was two. As a child, I loved
reading—in a way losing myself in books helped me escape the reality of a rough
childhood—but reading also sparked my passion for creative storytelling. Today, I share
my writing life with a 25-year professional career in the corporate environment. I’ve been
fortunate to have several poetry and microfiction pieces published in six anthologies. And
I’m thrilled to be releasing my debut novel, Next of Twin, this May 2023.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Next of Twin is a suspense thriller about identical twin sisters Anjali and Riah, who were
born in India and separated at birth. Thirty years later, Anjali is a successful business
owner and married to Michael, a wealthy lawyer. Riah is a skilled con artist and thief.
Each twin wants what the other has.
The idea for Next of Twin came from my curiosity about twins and my love for suspense
novels. I was fascinated by an article about twins getting away with murder because of
their shared, near-identical DNA—and I wanted to explore that in my book. I also wanted
to write a story that kept readers guessing until the very end (and maybe even after).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, sometimes finding the time to write and make progress on a manuscript is difficult
as I share my writing career with a full-time job in the financial sector. I overcame that
challenge by writing ninety percent of the first draft of Next of Twin during my daily
train commute from the suburbs to work in the city of Toronto. This is definitely a tactic
that I plan to use for my future novels as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a total fangirl of the greats like Mary Higgins Clark and Sidney Sheldon. I also enjoy
Canadian authors like Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, and Shari Lapena. And more
recently, I cannot get enough of other suspense-thriller authors like Catherine Steadman,
Ruth Ware, and Tarryn Fisher.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m very much focused on prepping for the launch of Next of Twin in May.
However, I did find a few moments recently to jot down high-level plot points for my
next suspense thriller. This one will have a more ethereal feel to it and will delve deeper
into the concept of a soul living and dying in alternate universes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best website is https://jassaujla.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, it’s important to—just write! Don’t wait for
the perfect idea or the perfect moment, just begin putting words on the page. Treat your
first drafts like lumps of clay that you will eventually mold into an art piece of words!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Show, don’t tell.” —No explanation needed and this one that never gets old.
What are you reading now?
Indestructible (How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life)
By Nir Eyal and Julie Li
What’s next for you as a writer?
Honestly, I’m just enjoying where I am currently as a writer—bringing my first book
baby, Next of Twin, into this world! And I’m sure whatever comes next will be great!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. A “How to Survive on a Deserted Island” Guide
2. “The Sun Also Rises” by Hemingway
3. A journal of blank pages—hopefully the Universe will throw in a pencil!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jass Aujla Author Profile on Smashwords
Jass Aujla’s Social Media Links