ON WRITING THE FORENSIC CRIME THRILLER “MURDRUM”

Author Interview: Dr. Sohil Makwana

Dr. Sohil Makwana works in the Deptt. of Pharmacology at GMERS Medical College, Dharpur, Patan, Gujarat. Apart from being a doctor, he is a fashion photographer, humorist, assistant director, screenwriter, fitness expert, and debut novelist. He enjoys clubbing the science of art and the art of science in his stories. He has recently come out with his debut novel “Murdrum: The Probe Begins”, which is a high-tech crime thriller based on criminal psychology. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his book, his writing journey, his favourite books and authors, and much more. Read on!



Please tell us more about Dr. Sohil Makwana as a person.

Introvert, thinker, determined, disciplined, and focused. Earlier I was an angry young man, but now I have transformed myself into a calm and peaceful person. I have great patience. I like to grow slowly. As I believe that slow and steady wins. I am hardworking, but selectively lazy. And lucky too, with the blessings of God.



You recently shared two photographs of yours on social media, showing you completely drenched in sweat after wearing a PPE suit. After that, you are also being called ‘The Viral Doctor’. What do you think about that?

Yeah. I got a couple of names after my picture got viral. Some people called me ‘The Viral Doctor’. I feel good about this. I never expected the photograph would be viral all over the world. I have a fan following in Turkey, too. I have observed that most of the people who had gone viral have become history. People forget them. I don’t want to become history. I want to stay in people's minds all the time via my stories and my novels.



Has writing always been a part of your life? Or did you chance upon it later on and then instantly fell in love with it?

No, I had never thought that I would be an author. I’m a technical guy. I was the student who had mastered physics and maths, and I was poor in languages. In my school days, I never enjoyed writing. I like logic over description. And that’s why you’ll find logic and science in my writings. But, yes, I was always inclined towards storytelling. I had a proclivity towards becoming someone unique and a multitasker. I wanted to learn filmmaking, but I didn't want to leave my profession of medicine. A writer can write from anywhere, and he can still be a part of filmmaking. That idea led me to learn screenwriting, and later, I started loving writing as I had a hunger to tell unique and novel stories. Also, I think that I have new stories to tell as I club the art of science and the science of art.



Please tell us more about your book “Murdrum: The Probe Begins”.

“Murdrum: The Probe Begins” portrays the life of Komal Rathod, who is working as an intern in the CBI. There, she is only assigned the task of data collection. Nevertheless, Komal strives to convince her egoistic officers about the presence of a wicked criminal in Mumbai. Her only aim is to grab the sinister serial killer who leaves no clues behind, and she also utilizes various high-tech incredible forensic investigations for this. But, this tech-savvy killer knows his job inside out. Then, their cat and mouse game begins. So, it’s an adrenaline rush high-tech forensic crime thriller.



How did the idea of writing this book originate? When did you start writing this book and how long did it take you to finish it?

I was reading about real-life serial killers and on learning about their psychology, I was astonished. It was then that I thought about writing a fiction inspired by true events. I was aware of the advancements in forensic science, and I just logically clubbed some real-life events that I knew about, and that’s how “Murdrum” was born. I started researching in May 2020, and it took me around nine months to finish both the volumes of “Murdrum”. The novel’s sequel “Murdrum 2” has also been completed.



What kind of research did writing this book entail?

Research is not difficult nowadays, as almost everything is available on the internet. I visited the library twice to read some facts about criminal psychology, which I could not find on the internet. My notes are the secret behind my writing. I keep writing interesting or unique gospels in my notes. I have a huge collection of bizarre events, facts, and characters written down in my notes. In other words, multiple stories run in my mind 24x7, and the research is always on for all my stories simultaneously.



While writing this crime thriller, how did you balance out the aspects related to forensic investigations and criminal psychology for readers more informed about such things, while also making it an easy read for a general audience unfamiliar with the more technical aspects?

It is a writer’s job to dilute a strong element of complexity into an easier one that readers can easily guzzle with its great taste, but of course, without getting confused. I think I have mastered that craft. I explain complex events with simple examples. I took reviews about the book from readers who were housewives or arts graduates. They could easily understand all the high-tech forensic investigations. Readers should read the book if they want to know how I did this job exactly.



What challenges did you face while writing this book?

The writing came to me in a flow. I faced no turbulence. I faced some sleepless nights, though. But that is a part of writing, I think.



What, according to you, is the recipe for a perfect suspense thriller?

Novelty. That is the first ingredient. Your content should be innovative. Readers love to know facts by reading fiction. Second – reveal all the information gradually. Third – avoid fillers. Every page should have something new. Let readers think and prove them wrong by giving a logical twist. If you can add multiple layers to your story, it will be an added advantage. I have written twelve scripts of films and web series. In a short time, I have mastered the art of grabbing the readers’ attention. I play with the minds of the readers. The same happens in “Murdrum”. I got exactly what I wanted my readers to think. Read “Murdrum”. It is a chest full of surprises.



Can you recommend five books from any genre, for our readers to add to their reading lists, that you particularly cherish?

These are “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Ignited Minds” by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, “Prithivivallabh” by Kanaiyalal Munshi, “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, and “Awakenings” by Oliver Sacks.



What are you working on next? Are there any exciting new projects that our readers should look out for?

I have forty or more stories in my notes. Most of them are psychological thrillers or dramas based on neuro-psychology or neuro-ophthalmology. I have also finished writing twelve scripts already. I would be releasing new stories every six months.



There are many new writers and poets who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?

I have met many aspiring writers who want to write, but they do not write. I would like to address them that they should start writing. Whatever you have in your mind, just start penning it down. Gradually, you’ll learn the craft. Everything takes time. If you are not getting any publishers, go for self-publishing. Write for yourself.



Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?

Never quit. If plan A fails, work on plan B. But do not change your goal. Everything takes time. I give priority to persistence over intelligence. Slow and steady wins.