Q&A with WE Singh – Author Interview

There’s something instantly intriguing about W.E. Singh, an author who blends rich imagination with a grounded, thoughtful voice that feels both accessible and deeply considered. In this Q&A, we get a closer look at the mind behind A Djinnfernal Conspiracy, exploring the inspirations, challenges, and creative sparks that brought this ambitious urban fantasy world to life. Singh’s passion for storytelling shines through, offering readers a glimpse into not just the book, but the journey behind it.

Honest, reflective, and refreshingly down-to-earth, W.E. Singh opens up about the realities of writing in today’s literary landscape, the layers within their characters, and what it truly means to build a saga from the ground up. Whether you’re an urban fantasy fan or an aspiring author, this conversation is packed with insight, authenticity, and a genuine love for the craft.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I grew up all over the world; Pakistan, India, Taiwan, Brasil and the UK and as an adult, I have lived in Japan, Lebanon, Dubai (don’t ask), Spain (ditto), China, and now Thailand. My favourite colour is purple. I’m half-Indian but look Lebanese. I’m British but I don’t watch football or drink beer. I’d rather be too hot than too cold, but I harbour a secret desire to move to Iceland.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

You laugh, but islands, deserted or otherwise, have developed a great allure in recent years. So, a healthy supply of chocolate (dark and probably with almonds), a dog (technically not an object, I know, but indulge me), and Lewis Dartnell’s The Knowledge

Who is your biggest role model?

God. There are thousands. Generally, people who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe, no matter the consequences. By way of example, Hypatia of Alexandria, Boudicca, Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, Francesca Albanese, Bhai Mati Das Ji, and Steve Biko

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

Ahhh, I’m 57, so I have a lot in many different genres. I’ll mix-and-match. Let’s say my favourite book is Santa Evita, but my favourite author is Ursula LeGuin.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

I prefer physical books, but because I move countries a lot, for the last 8 years, I’ve been almost exclusively an ebook reader. It’s a more comfortable way to read epic fantasy, but I miss paper.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

This year, it’s full-time, as I have taken 24 months off to finish my trilogy. I’m currently 7 months in, and Book 2 comes out on June 2nd (I just started preorders today), and I’m aiming for Book 3 to be out by the end of August. I also have a spin-off novella featuring two of the characters from the series (Nanna Stridsoks and her ‘sister’ Jan) and plan to write at least two more in that series and then sell them alongside the trilogy. At the moment, the first spinoff (The Khartoum Caper) is only available to subscribers to my monthly newsletter, and is accessed here or through my website.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Jump right in. I’m a Pantser. I start with a core idea, often no more than an opening line/paragraph, a piece of dialogue, or even an ending, and let the story tell me where it wants to go. I think with my fingers and inevitably end up in unexpected places. Of course, that also means extra layers of revision when I finish, to plug plot holes, introduce facts or characters properly, and ensure the story makes sense.

Where do you like to write?

Boringly, at a desk. Though in a pinch, I can manage a café.

What do you like most about writing?

The invention. Loosing myself in the flow. Coming back to a piece I’ve written months or years later and being amazed that it was written by me.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

My PS5. Oh, and paying the rent. But for now, I’ve got that latter issue under control. Sort of.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I was a journalist for over 20 years, so my first five books were non-fiction. As was my first self-published book, a travelogue based on a 470-km walk from one end of Lebanon to the other in 2016 that I used to talk about Lebanese culture and history, as well as my (then) 18 years in the country.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Read. Widely. Not just your genre. Be selective, though. Don’t question yourself or your abilities. Don’t take advice from people who’ve only written one book (or worse, none). Write the very best book/article/SMS message you are able. And remember, most stories really begin to shine in the edits.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I currently have one novel published (A Djinnfernal Conspiracy) and a non-fiction book under my real name about that walk through Lebanon (In the Footsteps of Baal). The second novel in the trilogy, A Djinn and Bear It Situation, comes out on June 2nd. Then there’s another novel that is currently sitting on my laptop that may (or may not) be published once the series is done. My favourite is always the latest one.

How long did A Djinnfernal Conspiracy take you to write?

Three months. But I also spent two months thinking about writing it (but not really about the story) before I actually sat down and made it happen.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

The soul-crushing insecurity, self-doubt, and constant encounters with people who will never read any of my books and who inevitably ask me why I don’t have a Trad publishing deal. No, I’m just kidding. Or am I?

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