Ask the Author: Elizabeth Varadan

“As a kid, I was a Nancy Drew fan. We moved into a house that had a hollow space behind one wall in my bedroom. I always wondered what was behind the wall.” Elizabeth Varadan

Answered Questions (9)

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Elizabeth Varadan One fine afternoon in May, Nila Ackroyd took the lid off the long box that had been delivered from a secret admirer. She was never seen again.
Elizabeth Varadan I would go to Victorian England in the late 1890s, and I would want to be a sleuth.
Elizabeth Varadan Mr. and Mrs. North. I like the idea of a husband & wife teaming up to solve mysteries.
Elizabeth Varadan Hi, Sucheta,

Yes, actually, I am a Sherlock fan. I've read the stories and 4 novels many times, as well as some pastiches and fan fiction. I really like the characters of Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. The idea of writing about a case that involved Sherlock was sparked when I visited my brother and his wife in England and they took me to the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London.
Elizabeth Varadan Writer's block is such a weird term, isn't it! It's not like someone is blocking you from what you want to do. In my case, when a book isn't moving, it's a sign I need to either do some more research or re-think my characters. Meanwhile, somewhere in the back of my head, writing is still going on.
Elizabeth Varadan Inventing worlds and then learning how to make them seem real to others. Put that way, it sounds a little neurotic, doesn't it! But there's such a pleasure in using words to invent a place that resonates with readers.
Elizabeth Varadan Read books you love and examine them for why they elicit such a response. And then write. Keep reading up on the craft, no matter how long you've been writing. You never can be too aware of what makes a memorable book. And, of course, persist. But persist in an informed way. Know your craft. Know your market.
Elizabeth Varadan Quite a few things can inspire me. I've been inspired by dreams, by reading a really great book, or by reading an article or book on the art and craft of fiction.
Elizabeth Varadan I had finished writing a children's mystery and, since I love to read adult cosy mysteries, I just decided to write one. I've placed it in another country, so it's calling for a lot of research, but it's been worth the work and I've met a lot of new friends.

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