WriterStory Interviews of Writers
Moitrayee completed Master of Arts in History from Jadavpur University. She also earned Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford. Also A in History from Loreto College, Kolkata. She is currently working as a content consultant with organizations in the IT space. She has previously worked with IBM India, Oracle India, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and MphasiS-HP. She quitted her full-time job to complete this book. She was elected Editor for e-Author 2.0, a national talent search contest for budding authors. Let us know more about her writing.
What inspired you to start writing?
In my childhood, my mother made text-books interesting by teaching me through stories. That inspired me to write stories too. There was never a dearth of topics. I guess, that’s how I started writing.
What did you like to read when you were a girl?
I enjoyed reading Sukumar Ray, Rabindranath Tagore, and Enid Blyton. I loved adventures – specially the ‘Five Find-Outers’ and the ‘Malory Towers’ series. I also liked Nancy Drew mysteries.
What is the greatest challenge in writing a book?
Writing is easy if you enjoy it. However, the main challenge starts once you complete writing the book. Getting published and marketing the book are huge challenges that every writer faces.
How much research do you do before writing the book?
Research is an ongoing process. I read a lot and continue researching on topics vital for my book all the time.
What motivated you to write the book “The Sinister Silence”?
A strong woman protagonist. I have met and admired several strong and decisive women who excel in their chosen professions: Software engineer, actor, domestic help, photographer, pilot, doctor, author, musician, homemaker etc. So I created my protagonist – private detective Mili Ray keeping in mind the qualities that women identify with or desire to develop. Mili Ray is not a superwoman – but she makes a difference with her intelligence, courage, and determination. She has an uncanny ability to solve twisted cases.
Can you tell us more about your latest book “The Sinister Silence”?
Set in Mumbai, The Sinister Silence is an edge-of-the-seat thriller that traces private detective Mili Ray’s journey through a mysterious case that poses new threats every time she inches closer to her goal.
How did you come up with the idea of writing crime thriller fiction genre book?
I have always been a fan of detective novels and murder mysteries. I love epic characters like Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, Feluda, and Byomkesh Bakshi. I wanted to read more Indian detective stories with women protagonists. So I decided to create one. I find the intelligent detective vs. shrewd villain contest very interesting.
Who are your favourite authors?
Paulo Coelho, Agatha Christie, Pearl S Buck, Amitav Ghosh, J.K Rowling.
How much time do you dedicate to writing on a daily basis?
Sometimes, I write all day and on other days it might be less than an hour. But it is good to have a daily target.
What words of wisdom would you like to give to aspiring writers?
If you want to be a writer, start with a book. The more you read, the more you evolve as a writer. Most importantly, if you have a dream, go get it.
You can buy her book now:
