‘Deadlines vs Bloodlines’ by Afreen is set in Tokyo’s underworld, that brings together crime, suspense, ambitions, love, and revenge in a contemporary world where power reigns supreme; with criminal aspirations and schemes on the high. With shades similar to Japanese hits such as Stray Dog and Shoplifters, the book makes for an entertaining thriller where all loose ends tie up together in the end to give a wholesome reading experience. For lovers of Japanese literature and movies, this book comes as a pleasant surprise from an author new to the genre. With sharp characters and a succinct plot, it’s an easy read for anyone seeking edge-of-the-seat thrill bringing the Japanese diaspora alive.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you choose this genre and what’s the story behind the title?
‘Deadlines Vs Bloodlines’ is a story about two women forced to make impossible choices. It’s about navigating relationships, questioning long-held traditions, and deciding what truly matters—careers, family legacies, or the undeniable pull of their feelings for each other. At its core, it’s a story of destiny—not the kind we meticulously plan, but the kind that unravels in ways far beyond what we could have imagined.
It explores the weight of history, the struggle of letting go of what we can’t control, and the realization that nothing in life is ever truly stable. Change is inevitable, and sometimes, it comes when we least expect it.
I chose to write a lesbian romance-thriller because I wanted something different. Most of the lesbian romance novels I’d come across focused on coming-out stories or professions like singers, writers, and doctors. Crime books existed, but they were mainly detective mysteries. I did find some crime boss series, but they felt underwhelming. I wanted to write a thriller that delivered genuine shock value, something that would keep readers on edge, guessing what would happen next.
The title came after distilling the essence of the book. Some early editors thought it was too complex or a mouthful, but no other name truly captured the heart of the story. ‘Deadlines Vs Bloodlines’ represents what drives the characters in the beginning—duty, ambition, family—but as the story unfolds, their priorities shift in ways they never expected.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
One day, a friend and I were discussing the books we had recently read, exchanging thoughts on what stood out and what felt repetitive. During that conversation, she casually mentioned how interesting it would be to see a female crime boss with a lesbian lover. The idea immediately struck a chord with me. There was something thrilling about the concept—something I hadn’t really come across in the books I had read. That initial spark set the foundation for this story, but as I began writing, it naturally evolved beyond what we had originally imagined.
Since the book is set in Japan, I had to dive deep into research about the culture, traditions, and locations. At first, I didn’t prioritize the details as much, thinking I could fill in the gaps as I wrote. However, an editor advised me early on that authenticity was key, especially for a story that wasn’t set in a fantasy world. Any inconsistencies could break immersion and make the story feel unrealistic. That feedback pushed me to refine my approach.
I spent a lot of time studying maps, familiarizing myself with different cities, and understanding how daily life flows in Japan. I also delved into the history of the Yakuza—how their hierarchy works, their traditions, and the evolution of their influence over the years. I read about their codes of honor, the significance of certain rituals, and how their presence has shaped different aspects of society. The research process was intensive, but it was crucial in making the book feel as real and immersive as possible.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
I had no prior experience in writing a full-length novel. Before this, I had only written short stories, which felt much easier to manage. When I started this book, it was on a whim—I sat down and wrote the entire book in 50 pages in a single day. But when I looked back, I realized the story lacked depth. The characters’ arcs weren’t fully formed, and crucial details were missing.
Since I hadn’t prepared properly, I made a lot of mistakes. I had to reread and rewrite for months, constantly refining and reshaping the narrative. It was a long, sometimes frustrating process, but it also became a valuable learning experience. Writing this book taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of structure. Looking back now, I’m proud of how it turned out.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced the book?
Not really.
5. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
Editing played a huge role in the writing process—mostly in teaching me the art of spotting my own mistakes after I thought I had fixed everything. I went through so many rounds of edits that at one point, I was convinced the words were rearranging themselves just to mess with me.
After reading the manuscript for what felt like the umpteenth time, I finally hit a point where I thought – If I read this one more time, I might actually rewrite the entire thing again. That’s when I decided it was time to just publish it and see how people felt about it. Because honestly? If I kept tweaking it, I might have never stopped!
6. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
As for my next project, I’m finally taking on something my friends have been pushing me to do for a while — writing a story centered around an Indian character. It’s a challenge I’m excited to explore, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me! The book is already written and currently in the editing stage. It’s a deep dive into intense relationships, focusing on the protagonist’s journey as she discovers love in ways she never expected. I don’t want to give away too much just yet, but this one is especially close to my heart— I feel very strongly about the story, and I can’t wait to share it.
7. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
I started by handing out copies of my book to friends and family, not with the goal of making money, but simply to share the stories that had been swirling around in my head. For me, it was about bringing these fantasies to life and seeing if others found them just as fascinating.
I’ve never been much of a social media person—I prefer to keep things private—but I quickly realized that in today’s digital world, engagement is key. So, I brought on a team to help with promotions, and we’re working on building a social media presence along with a soon-to-be-launched website. Let’s just say, I’m learning to embrace the chaos of online publicity!
8. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, such as work and family?
I have a full-time job, so writing happens whenever I can steal a moment — but if I had my way, I’d be writing full-time. It’s what makes me happiest and is the best stress relief I could ask for. Honestly, sometimes it feels like my actual job is just an obstacle between me and my writing. I’m hoping that changes over time. Fingers crossed!
9. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
I want readers to fully immerse themselves in the lives of Akira and Yuki—to feel every high, every heartbreak, and every moment of tension. More than just following their journey, I hope readers put themselves in the characters’ shoes, questioning how they would have reacted in the same situations and what choices they might have made.
Most of all, I want this book to keep readers on edge, eager to turn the next page, never quite sure what’s coming next. And, of course, to experience the raw, intense, and deeply erotic nature of their love—because that, too, is an essential part of their story.
10. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
Just go for it—there’s nothing to lose by trying. You might regret what you’ve written, but you can always learn, improve, and refine your craft. Writing is a process of constant growth, of learning and relearning. And if you find that storytelling is where your passion lies, never stop spilling the words onto the page.
Afreen is a writer, a dreamer and storyteller, captivated by the seductive and intoxicating desires that shape human experiences, particularly when it comes to women. She finds excitement in capturing the raw, electric pull between characters, crafting moments that ignite passion and stir deep emotions. For her, writing is more than just putting words on a page—it is about creating stories that take readers on unforgettable journeys, sparking curiosity, excitement, and intense feeling. Whether through heart-pounding suspense or a slow-burning romance, her goal is to make every story deeply felt.
Soak into the LGBTQ romance thriller ‘Deadlines Vs. Bloodlines’ now
