Vidhi Chauhan knows how to write a page-turner murder mystery. The author of Love, Murder, and Ambition, a twisted tale of deceit and murder mystery. She spoke to News World Inc about crime thrillers, inspiration, and her favorite recent read.
NWI: How was writing a murder mystery different from writing some other genre books such as romance, adventure, and so on?
It takes a lot of creative thinking to write a murder mystery. One must create the story such that it is not predictable to the readers. I spent a lot of time thinking about the various characters and how to fit them in the novel. Unlike a romance or adventure novel, murder mysteries are not always linear. So, one must sometimes write the ending and then see it from the eye of the readers. That’s what makes it interesting.
NWI: How did the idea for this murder mystery come to you? How did it evolve as you were writing?
Me and my husband were discussing that I must write a novel. My husband suggested that a murder mystery novel is a challenge to write but once you finish it and read back, it sounds more than a romance novel. That’s when I decided to write this novel.
NWI: Your novel uses alternating chapters in several different points of view to reveal the truth about a twisted character. Do you tend to envision the story from one perspective first, or do all of these perspectives come to you along the way?
Well, I always envision the story from one perspective only. This is how I wrote the novel. Once the novel reaches a critical stage, I decide to look at it from several other perspectives.
NWI: In your opinion, what makes a great murder mystery? What are some of your favorites?
A great murder mystery should be an enjoyable read. The characters should be strong and vulnerable. It’s their vulnerabilities that make readers to believe that any one of them could be suspect. Some of Agatha Christie’s are my favourite.
NWI: What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I don’t have a typical schedule. However, I do make a habit to write for at least three to four hours daily. On weekends I spend half a day writing.
NWI: What books or authors has been your greatest influence?
The Secret by RhondaByrne
NWI: What’s the best thing you’ve read recently?
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
NWI: What are you working on next?
A murder mystery. A story of a Serial killer.
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