Tag: thrillers

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Evolving As A Thriller Writer

It’s been  over two years since my debut novel, “ It Can’t Be You”( Cedar, 2010)  was published.  Since then I have written and had published an anthology of short stories titled, ” He Sees Everything & Other Short Stories” (Smashwords, 2011) and another thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13.” (Mahaveer, 2012.)

I started writing full-time rather late in life, as you might know. I was 59 when my debut novel was published. I had spent most of my working life, over 35 years,  as a Human Resources and Talent Management specialist, firstly in the corporate sector and later for a decade as an entrepreneur and independent consultant.

It was perhaps inevitable that I would be frequently asked if I had written about “People Management” or ” Organizational Development” and things of that kind. Indeed most people were shocked when they came to know that I had written fiction, and even more shocked when I told them I wrote thrillers.

I guess the urge to write thrillers came from my reading interests as a kid. I was a major fan of James Hadley Chase, Ian Fleming, Alistair MacLean, Frederick Forsyth, and Jack Higgins, to name but a few. It was natural therefore for me to attempt to write a thriller first.

What makes me, or anyone else like to write thrillers? I liked this interesting article by Matt Richtel in the New York Times. I thought about it and I can say I don’t think I had any such experiences as Matt had which influenced me to become a thriller writer.

 

 

 

"Lucky For Some, 13"

LFS13 reviewed in Indian Book Reviews

“With a little bit of trimming here and there, and a good run-through over some details, this book can be one of the best in its genre in the country. Prem Rao has the making of an interest-creating thriller writer.”

I am happy that my second thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13” was recently reviewed in the popular site Indian Book Reviews.

Please do leave your comments on their website. Thank you.

"Lucky For Some, 13"

Characters in “Lucky For Some, 13.”

If you have read my second thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13” released in December 2012, you might like to try this quiz I have put together for you about the characters in “Lucky For Some, 13” on Goodreads. 

In earlier posts, I have introduced you to some of the characters here and here.

But where do these characters come from? The author’s mind and what he/she has observed over time. You may remember someone you knew years ago or someone who you met recently. It could be someone you know or merely some one you caught a fleeting glimpse of. That’s what makes crafting a character so fascinating for me.

Here are some snippets and thoughts that went into my mind while creating these characters:

  • At a wedding reception, I saw an American lady with mehndi on her hands and dressed in a sari. She actually carried it off very well and you will find some of this in a description of Alice Hatchman.
  • To make Mohini a stronger character, I had to tone down Dash’s character in describing their relationship. He has his own strengths but they do not include physical combat!
  • Many of the aspects of life for the “support staff” in luxury apartment complexes such as the drivers, nannies and the like come from my own observations and stories I have heard.
  • I like to think that all my characters are totally believable and there is nothing unrealistic about even one of them. I lay great emphasis on having credible characters, be they in ” good” or “bad” roles.

If you haven’t read “Lucky For Some, 13” yet, order it from Flipkart, where it is currently sandwiched between titles by Lee Child and Karin Slaughter to be #631 out of the 17857 titles listed in the category: Suspense & Thrillers.

"Let The Dead Stay Dead", On Writing: Resources for Writers

Editing “Let The Dead Stay Dead”

A writing project I am currently engaged in is the editing of my third thriller, “Let The Dead Stay Dead.” I found it quite fascinating to return to this manuscript which had been put on the back burner in October 2012. You may recall that I had written the first 50,000 words for “Let The Dead Stay Dead” during NaNoWriMo of 2011. Continue reading “Editing “Let The Dead Stay Dead”” →

"Lucky For Some, 13"

Interview in “The Hindu”

A friend called excitedly to say she had seen the article in Coimbatore, as did later a cousin from Chennai. We had of course seen it in the Weekend edition of Metroplus in The Hindu of December 14, 2012. I speak of my interview in The Hindu, one of India’s most reputed newspapers, about my new thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13.” Continue reading “Interview in “The Hindu”” →

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Novel Writing Tips

I could feel the tension ease palpably as the book launch function of my second thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13” came to an end recently. It was also the time to summarize a few key learnings which might be of use to budding writers, if not to other writers. “Writing a 87,000 + word novel is pretty easy, its writing the less than 200 word back cover copy that is tough,” I quipped. There’s a lot of truth in what I said. Ask any author.

Continue reading “Novel Writing Tips” →

"Lucky For Some, 13"

Off To A Good Start!

I am delighted that the invitation to the launch of my second thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13” has been released by Reliance TimeOut. The Guests of Honour will be Mr. & Mrs. Unnikrishnan, parents of the late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Ashoka Chakra. This will be on December 1, 2012 at Reliance TimeOut @Mantri Square.

In the meanwhile, as is the norm these days, on line sales are on, pardon the pun! It was very gratifying to see that LFS13 ranks #1 among the “New Releases” in Amegabooks, where it is still available for a very reasonable Rs. 98/- Really, at that price, it is a steal!

 

 

Invitation for Book Launch
"Lucky For Some, 13"

Here’s The Cover!

I am awfully excited to present to you the front cover for my next thriller, “Lucky For Some, 13” .

To my mind, the front  cover should give potential readers some idea of what lies between the covers of the book.  It should grab the attention of the potential reader. It should make the potential reader want to see/read more. Continue reading “Here’s The Cover!” →