How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls is my debut novel. It is the first book in the Ruby Roy comedy mystery series. So, right now this book is my baby and its extremely close to my heart.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
The final chapter with the resolution and the uncovering of the murderer was the hardest to write. As a mystery writer, it’s very important to provide adequate justification and rationale for why the perpetrator did what they did. And also tie up all the loose ends in terms of crime scene, suspects, clues etc. So, that chapter was challenging and took time, but it needed to be that way, so that my readers are happy with the conclusion. CLICK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
I would say the first few chapters when I was establishing Ruby’s personality and background were the most fun to write. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Ruby Roy and Detective Chris Jones who bears an uncanny resemblance to Chris Evans in chapter three. When you read the book, you’ll understand why. But that was my favorite chapter in the book.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I’m currently working on the second book in the Ruby Roy mystery series which is titled “Ruby Roy and the Hawaiian Mystery.” At the end of the first book, Ruby and Cleo plan to head to Hawaii. But little do they know what lies ahead there. That’s all I can say. I have also included an interesting prologue for the second novel in the last few pages of the first book. It’s quite a cliff-hanger and I encourage readers to check it out to get a tease of what lies ahead.
What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
Overall, my book didn’t change too much since the first draft. I would say, thanks to my editor, I have rephrased sentences and made my writing more concise and tighter. But the idea and the content of the chapters have largely remained the same.
What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?
The primary purpose of this book is to spread smiles on people’s faces. The book is inclusive and has a lot of diversity in characters, including LGBTQIA characters. And one of the messages or takeaways from the book is to be compassionate and loving towards others.
What inspired the idea for your book?
I have been in love with cozy mysteries since the age of six when I got my first copy of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. So, I always knew that I would be writing a mystery novel someday. During the pandemic, I realized how challenging life was for people around the globe. That’s when the idea of creating a comedy-mystery, infusing humor in the dark and grim mystery genre came about. And given I am an assistant professor of color at a university near the Falls, I thought why not write a mystery series about a female professor of color turned amateur sleuth. That’s where the idea of Ruby Roy came about.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
I believe my book would appeal to all readers who are young at heart, but in particular women (anyone above the age of 13) and those who have enjoyed Agatha Christie’s works or have loved Bridget Jones’s Diary. I would say Ruby is a combination of Bridget Jones and Miss Marple.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
For my debut novel, I didn’t need to do as much research as it was so strongly based on my own background. I’m located in upstate New York. I work at a university and interact with colleagues with diverse backgrounds. But for the forthcoming Ruby Roy book, “Ruby Roy and the Hawaiian Mystery”, I plan to use primary research from my travels to Hawaii and the help of my friends from there to build my novel. CLICK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON
How important was professional editing to your book’s development?
Extremely important. I would strongly advise any writer to not publish a book without professional editing. A writer is too close to their own work to recognize issues with it. So, you do need professional assistance, preferably an editor who can do line, copy and developmental editing to ensure your book meets the highest quality and standards once published. It’s highly embarrassing when readers point out typos in books in their reviews and these days readers are extremely discerning. So, you need to make sure you are proud and satisfied with your final product.
What was your hardest scene to write, and why?
The hardest scene was the final scene when the killer is revealed. I cannot go into details without giving spoilers. But needles to say it was very emotional and when you hear the reason behind why the murders were committed, I believe people might even sympathize with the perpetrator. But that’s all I can share without giving the mystery away.
What characters in your book are most similar to you or to people you know?
Ruby is largely based on me. Both Ruby and I love cozy mysteries, are risk averse, afraid of heights and enjoy Bollywood films. Cleo is based on my husband. But all the other characters at Baron University are figments of my imagination.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It took me around a year to write the book. I started writing the book in 2020, then I got busy with my research and teaching responsibilities at the university. I picked up pace in 2021 during the pandemic when I was able to work remotely from home. And I had the final manuscript of the novel done by December 2021. Of course, the book went through multiple revisions after that. CLICK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The book is primarily about Ruby Roy, the goofy, adorable professor turned sleuth. So, I knew I wanted her to be part of the title. And then there are some murders that happen near the Falls. I just combined those two factors and came up with “Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls,” which is an accurate description of the book.
Would you and your main character get along?
Ruby Roy is based on me. Akin to Ruby, I’m also an assistant professor at a business school in upstate New York. I’m also married to a French-Canadian man. My dad is a diplomat and I have two beautiful cats just like Dr. Roy. So, there is no doubt that we would get along like a house on fire!
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
Well as Ruby Roy is based on me and Cleo is based on my husband, I would just be myself with them. But if I were to meet Detective Chris Jones, who resembles Chris Evans, I would probably be too much in awe and shock to utter any words. Akin to Ruby in the novel, my mind would probably wander into a Bollywood daydream sequence with the detective.
Learn More about Rima Ray on her website www.rima-ray.com
