Author’s Background: Author Lakshman Koundinya has been writing for over a decade, creating characters and stories inspired by experiences whilst travelling around the world. After publishing a collection of short stories ‘A Cornucopia of Short Stories’, he has written his debut novel ‘In the Midst of Murder’, juxtaposing Adelaide’s multicultural landscape with its dark underbelly.
Neel Preet: Firstly, Congratulations on your book, “In The Midst Of Murder!” Well, can you please share your experience about making your work come into the form of book!
Lakshman Koundinya: Thank you. I have been writing for over a decade, but the idea of writing a novel came to me around 5 years back when I used to go to the library with some like-minded friends and just sit and write. That’s when the idea for the story popped into my head, although it was at the beginning of 2020 that I started writing it seriously. The pandemic put the brakes on it, but my new year resolution for 2021 was to write every single day until I finished writing the book, and that’s how I completed it. It took me over a year to get feedback from my buddies and edit the book properly.
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this book? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?
Lakshman Koundinya: I am an avid reader of the Murder Mystery genre and I always wanted to write my own novel in this genre. It was not easy, but I took it up as a challenge.
Neel Preet: Your book title, ‘In The Midst Of Murder’ is very catchy! So, can you please explain the reason for going with this book title to the readers?
Lakshman Koundinya: Thank you. The protagonist in the book is a crime fiction writer himself and finds himself fascinated by the mystery of murders that are supposed to have taken place in a city that’s totally new to him, among people he hardly knows. It was difficult to come up with a catchy title that was not already taken but I finally ended up with this title. The reader immediately knows from the title that it is a murder mystery.
Neel Preet: While writing the book what was your mind-set? What are some of the learnings that you gained from this work of yours?
Lakshman Koundinya: I used to go to the local library every weekend to write but I didn’t have the discipline to write every day. That’s when I read the book ‘Atomic Habits’ which was a real life-changer because I learnt that it’s not too difficult to develop the habit of writing (or any other habit for that matter) every day if you spend some time daily writing, even if it is just for a few minutes. That’s how I learnt to be disciplined, so I was able to finish writing my book. I feel ready now to write my next book.
Neel Preet: A part from suspense & thriller, in which other genre would you like to contribute?
Lakshman Koundinya: Adventure is another genre that I would like to explore in the future. Basically, I like to write what I like to read.
Neel Preet: After reading this book, I’m greatly impressed & I want you to explain us that which segment of readers are you targeting with the book?
Lakshman Koundinya: Anyone who loves the mystery or crime thriller genre will hopefully like and appreciate this book.
Neel Preet: Next, I want you to tell us about some of those writers, who had inspired you!
Lakshman Koundinya: I have been inspired by several different writers over the years but some of favourites include JK Rowling, Anthony Horowitz, Keigo Higashino, Arthur Conan Doyle, Tana French and of course, it all started with Enid Blyton.
Neel Preet: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!
Lakshman Koundinya: Reading is a wonderful thing where you go on this magical journey through time and space. It is a great distraction from the monotony of life. I would love to see a lot more people placing their smartphone aside and getting back to reading again.
Neel Preet: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Lakshman Koundinya: I am thinking of another murder mystery but set in India this time. If it’s not a mystery, it will be an adventure/thriller.
Neel Preet: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. All the very best to you for future and your book too!
Lakshman Koundinya: Thank you! Hope you enjoy this book.
