Moitrayee Bhaduri: Keep writing what you love, and do not worry about criticism
Moitrayee Bhaduri is an author, screenwriter, and content specialist. She has written two crime thrillers: The Sinister Silence (Srishti Publishers, 2015) and Who Killed the Murderer? (TreeShade Books, 2019).
Moitrayee also works as a content consultant with various organizations, writes scripts for TV shows, and conducts writing workshops.
She loves reading, writing, and watching cricket. She divides her writing time between Mumbai and Kolkata.
Exclusive Author Interview
Q. Characterize yourself in one word?
Passionate
Q. Please describe what the story/book is about in one sentence.
‘Who Killed the Murderer?’ is a psychological thriller set in Mumbai, that traces ex-supercop Mili Ray’s journey as a private detective, as she investigates the brutal murder of a TV actress in a beauty parlor.
Q. Briefly, what led up to this book? What were you writing (and getting published, if applicable) before breaking out with this book?
When I started writing ‘Who Killed the Murderer?’, I was working on the script of a feature film.
Though screenwriting is very different from novel-writing, the learning helped me make several edits to my book, to make the narrative more engaging.
Q. What has been your biggest achievement?
My ability to stay self-motivated. Writing can get monotonous sometimes because writers mostly work alone.
I keep exploring different forms of writing while working on my manuscripts to stay enthused, relevant, and happy.
Q. Looking back, what did you do right that helped you break-in?
When my first book, ‘The Sinister Silence’ was published (Srishti Publishers, 2015), it received rave reviews from readers and reviewers across the globe. I was on top of the world. Then came my first 1-star rating. It broke my heart!
I have written a fabulous book that everyone has loved! How can someone write such a terrible review? – was my first reaction. I looked up reviews of brilliant books penned by world-famous authors and was amused to find that they receive a lot of flak from reviewers too!
I realized then that it doesn’t matter how good or bad the reviews are, what matters is that people are reading my book and sharing their feedback! And it would be strange if everyone liked my books!
So, I decided to keep writing what I love, and not worry about criticism. That has helped me in my journey as a writer.
Q. Did you have a platform in place? On this topic, what are you doing to build a platform and gain readership?
No, I didn’t have any platform when my first book was published. I was not very active on social media. I worked in the IT industry and wasn’t connected with people in publishing or the media.
However, my publisher, friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers were very supportive when my first book released. Book launches, social media promotions, along with participation in literary fests and other events helped spread the word about the book further.
That’s helped boost my readership.
Q. Favorite book?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Q. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
I love dogs more than humans.
Q. Future of SALISMANIA.com through your eyes?
The future is definitely very bright and prosperous for SALISMANIA.com, already a popular website. Your professional approach, attention to detail, and the enthusiasm with which you work is commendable.
I see the portal growing from strength to strength in the days ahead. For a team so talented and committed, I wish you abundant success with your innovative endeavors, always.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When TV actress Shagun Seth mysteriously dies in a beauty parlour in Mumbai, her mother slams murder charges on Shagun’s banker husband Chetan Seth.
Chetan’s family suspects that he is being framed and requests private detective Mili Ray to investigate. As Mili and her lawyer-associate Gatha start work, Chetan is released on bail.
Soon after, Shagun’s mother is killed! Is Chetan responsible for these murders? Mili probes deeper and unravels shocking secrets buried beneath Shagun’s world of glitz that leave her baffled.
An insecure boyfriend, an estranged husband, an opportunist colleague, a cunning TV producer – Shagun was surrounded by Haters. Even her twelve-year-old son didn't want to see her alive.
Why did everyone hate Shagun? While meandering through dysfunctional family upheavals and dark showbiz sagas, ex-super cop Mili Ray also struggles to tame her own internal demons.
Will she be able to solve her second case as a private detective or succumb to pressure and hang up her boots? "Who killed the murderer?" is a gripping psychological thriller that will hook you right from the first page.
PUBLISHER: TreeShade Books
PAGES: 214
GENRE: Crime, Thriller & Mystery
WHAT TO READ NEXT: Who Killed the Murderer? by Moitrayee Bhaduri