Monday, November 25, 2024

Sequel to the HM Murders is ready

Writing here after a long time. 

I was busy finishing the sequel to The Hawa Mahal Murders. The title will be revealed later, and I promise that the sequel is as exciting, if not better than the HM Murders. One of the criticisms I faced about the HM Murders was that there were too many characters. I loved them and felt they were important, my intention being to make it as real as possible. But I get the reader point of view. In the sequel there are fewer characters. Sub-plots are present and they add depth to the story. Like the HM Murders, it's not a run-of-the-mill mystery. There is a deep exploration of the characters' minds, including that of the villain/s.

The story is about a female detective, a single parent, trying to earn a living. Risking her livelihood and her life, she disappears into a small town to investigate a murder/s. The story is not plot-driven. Nor was The HM Murders. I let the characters take me where they wanted to go. There was suspense and dread in it for me as well. 

The novel has been a long time to write, because of three things. One, I write slowly. Two, ageing parents, and three, travel. 

But it’s done and I am satisfied. I am satisfied with the story and the premise, and also because there is closure at the end, not just for me, but for the characters, Smita and Jai. I enjoyed being with my favourite characters on their onward journey. Saying goodbye to them was hard. 

Work has started on a third book. It's non-fiction. At the same time, my mind is swirling with ideas for a third novel. I want to create new characters for this one. 

Another thing I want to do is to get on social media because have I been an abject failure in that area. I am starting anew with Bluesky. I like the hope it symbolises. This is my handle there: 

@njkulkarni.bsky.social

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