Coming from a conservative family, Kia Abdullah (pictured) married a man she had met only once. But illustrating a determination that is become her defining characteristic, she walked out of the marriage after only two days.

That quiet determination also comes through in her writing; she’s the author of her second novel: a dark, sexual, often violent psychological crime thriller. We ask her about the book and whether it’s based on her tumultuous life.

You can also meet Kia at a book signing this Saturday 12th Dec. Details at the end.

What made you want to write this book?
I felt a lot of pressure to conform to the tradition of Asian writers writing about being Asian. Some beautiful books and stunning writing have come out of that tradition, but it has also been quite restrictive.

I felt that Asian writers couldn’t get published if they were writing sci-fi or horror or crime or any type of genre fiction; that it had to be sweeping literary novels or books linked to their heritage. I wanted to see if I could break through that. Luckily, I found an independent publisher that was brave enough to take on my project – one that didn’t say, “Let’s change Allegra’s name to Aisha”.

Are you worried about the reaction of Asians to Child’s Play, which, in many ways, is more explicit than your first novel?
The short answer is no.

Really?
Most controversy within the Asian community stems from a feeling of being misrepresented. Whether it’s homosexuality in My Beautiful Launderette or adultery in Brick Lane or sex and drugs in some other novel, people disapprove because apparently those things don’t happen in their community.

Child’s Play doesn’t discuss the Asian community – or any community – so I don’t think it should attract the same criticisms.

Having said that, a number of people had a problem with the sex scenes in my first book because I’m Muslim and female. I don’t make a habit of re-reading my hate mail but I do keep it and some of it’s really nasty. What I always say is that words are just words – they only have as much power as you give them. A lot of people still need to learn that.

You said earlier the main character in your first novel was loosely based on you. What about Child’s Play’s Allegra Ashe?
Allegra is fiercely independent, to the point where it almost goes 360 degrees back to being needy. I think that’s something I, and a lot of modern women, suffer from. We feel this intense need to prove our independence, particularly those of us brought up in a patriarchal culture.

This need, rather than symbolising maturity and ability, just exposes insecurity. It’s something I think many people will recognise in Allegra. It’s certainly something I recognise in myself – something I’m working on.

What would you say are the top five essential qualities in a successful writer?
Talent: Writing talent is so completely intangible so it’s difficult to know if you are good. Join online critiquing communities or ask a friend to pass your work onto a non-mutual friend. You’re more likely to get honest feedback from a stranger.

Tenacity: You have to persevere and you have to be tough. I once read a bad review – which really cut to the bone – and had to get up the next morning and chase other reviewers when really I was thinking, “I’d rather let the book disappear into the ether than read another review like that”, but you have to remember that you can’t please all the people all the time. You have to believe in yourself, keep your head up and carry on.

The ability to network: Gone are the days when a writer would sit in a darkened room, churning out a manuscript and then sitting back as the publishers set the publicity machine in motion. You have to network, make contacts, read book blogs, interact on social networking sites, and publicise yourself. I hate saying this but you have to build a brand.

Being realistic: A very small number of authors live off book sales alone. Most have to supplement their income either via a day job or by freelance writing and editing, speaking engagements and consulting. I always advise aspiring writers to read this fantastic article by Sathnam Sanghera.

A love of writing: Ask yourself this: “If I knew for certain that I would never get published, would I give up writing?” If the answer is yes, you have some thinking to do.

What’s next for you?
I’m having a book signing just after the release in December and then I’m having some rest! I can’t quite face starting my next novel just yet so I’m going to focus on the journalism side of things more. But first – some rest!

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Child’s Play is released this week and is available on Amazon.co.uk
www.kia-abdullah.com

Meet Kia at her London book signing: Saturday 12th December 2009, 2pm, Idea Store Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BU