MUMBAI
Author says writing thrillers is extremely challenging and one should believe in what he/she writes.
Born and brought up in Pune, children’s television producer Manjiri Prabhu has transformed herself into a full-time writer and film-maker. With the love for writing since the age of 7, she has had six of her novels published till date. Her novel, The Cosmic Clues was selected as a ‘Killer Book’ by Independent Mystery Booksellers Association, America.
The Astral Alibi was honoured as a Notable Fiction Book 2007 by the Kiriyama Prize. In conversation with Shweta Dandekar, Prabhu talks about her latest novel The Cavansite Conspiracy and why Pune is an ideal setting for a thriller novel.
Your new novel The Cavansite Conspiracy was recently published. What inspired you to write this novel?
The Cavansite Conspiracy is a romantic thriller about the theft of a rare cavansite from The Crystal Museum of Minerals in Pune. This cavansite is full of metaphysical powers that has left everyone puzzled.
Koyal Karnik, a lecturer working in Hamburg, Germany, arrives in Pune to attend her best friend’s wedding. However, somehow she gets caught up in the cavansite theft and is accused of murdering her friend.
With the help of her ex-boyfriend Neel, she runs like a fugitive and travels across countries to solve the mystery. I had a lot of fun writing this novel as it has all the elements of a Bollywood masala film — romance, mystery, suspense and action. Also, there is a small social message, which is in a way an integral part of the mystery.
Why do you think Pune is an ideal setting for a thriller novel?
I was born and brought up in Pune. There is so much scope in this city. It has the right locations with lakes, rivers and hills surrounding the city, and old landmarks make the city rich with culture. Even though people here have the right attitude, they are neither too conservative nor too forward. I view Pune as a raw, uncut version of Paris. It has a river that runs right through the city, dividing it into two parts and yet, it does not have the polish that Paris has, which makes it even more exciting.
What attracts you to writing thrillers?
I grew up reading Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie books and I was influenced by them heavily. All I wanted was to either become a writer or a detective. We are four sisters and one brother and as kids we had formed a detective club. We would ride on our bicycles in the lanes of Pune and follow any person we found suspicious.
Our mother even conducted treasure hunts for us. There is just something about mystery that captures my imagination. Besides, writing thrillers is extremely challenging. You should be able to surprise the readers and yourself.
What is your advice to budding writers?
There is a writer in everyone, but I believe that one should be a writer only if you really want to be one. You must have a unique story to tell. There is a famous saying, ‘Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration’. This is so true when it comes to writing. Rejection too is an important part of the process and you just have to believe in yourself and your writing.
Delhi: All primary schools closed, classes shifted to online mode due to rising pollution levels
BIG trouble for Anil Ambani, criminal charges against his Rs 14422 crore company over...
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 producer calls Singham Again team 'unfair' after the box office win
From Play to Pay, Gaming Is Big Business And A Genuine Professional Prospect
Leasehold vs Freehold: Exploring Options for Expats and Investors in Dubai
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Disney complete Rs 70352 crore media merger, to be headed by...
Badshah lands in legal trouble, case registered against rapper for...
GRAP III imposed in Delhi: What is allowed, what is banned amid 'severe' air quality
'Throwing me in deep end': Ricky Ponting takes fresh dig at Gautam Gambhir over Virat Kohli remarks
Revolutionizing Inventory Management in the Cloud Era: Pradeep Kumar’s Strategic Innovations
Delhi: AAP's Mahesh Khichi elected mayor as party defeats BJP in MCD polls
Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP 3 to be imposed in national capital from Nov 15, strict ban on...
WATCH: Inside Rinku Singh's Rs 3.5 crore luxurious house with rooftop bar, private pool
Renowned Yoga Guru Sharath Jois passes away at 53 after suffering heart attack
NASA alert! Giant 'God Of Chaos' asteroid set for close approach to Earth, may trigger astroquakes
UPPSC protest BIG update: RO-ARO exam postponed, PCS prelims to be held in one day
This man earned more money than Mukesh Ambani and world's richest man Elon Musk in one day, he is...
'World's best....': Japan vlogger's reaction to Bengaluru airport goes viral
Sania Mirza named Sports Ambassador of THIS city, not Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur
Shloka Mehta turns heads in sleek white gown at Tira store launch, see pics
Amid Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai divorce rumours, Jaya Bachchan surprises everyone with...
IND vs SA: Arshdeep Singh goes past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become Indian pacer with most....
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani’s luxury retail chain opens new store at...
PM Modi to receive Dominica’s highest national award for...
Shraddha Kapoor says people with big foreheads are…
'Busy making...': Kanhaiya Kumar sparks row with remarks on Devendra Fadnavis' wife; BJP hits back
'Full baarati vibes': Vietnamese man's epic 'nagin dance' steals show at Mumbai event
Tilak Varma credits THIS player for his century against South Africa, says 'He gave me...'
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2024 to be released today at upsc.gov.in, check direct link to download
'Be prepared for...': Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma REACTS to Rs 50 crore defamation case
Saudi, Iran: Cautious dance toward détente?
Anushka Sharma shares glimpse of Children’s Day special dish for daughter Vamika, son Akaay
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why
Land drug trafficking patterns in North-Eastern Region
Shillong Teer Result November 14, 2024: Know updates on lucky winning numbers
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT offer for Jio users: Get unlimited validity for 84 days at just Rs...
Delhi air quality dips to 'severe' category as AQI nears dangerous...
Bigg Boss OTT-fame Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh receives extortion threat
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…