Rima Ray, author of the comedic mystery series Ruby Roy, is an Amazon #1 Bestselling author. Throughout her childhood, she grew up in Kuwait, Qatar, India, the Philippines, Japan, Canada, and the US. Even through travel, she completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Cornell and Ph.D. from McGill University. Today, Rima lives in New York as a professor and author. Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls is her debut novel, and currently she is working on the next two books of the series. Today, we’re privileged to ask Rima Ray some questions about her writing process and herself!
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
The hardest part for me is remaining disciplined while writing. So, back when I was working on my debut novel, I had a rule that I needed to write one page every day. I have a day job as a professor, so it was not always easy as I have academic research, teaching, and service obligations. But I pushed myself to keep that routine, and that’s largely how I was able to complete this book.
One thing though that I have tried to maintain to keep me motivated is having fun while I’m working on a book. So, little things make a difference—such as setting up my writing space and making it look aesthetically pleasing, getting some snacks that I enjoy, putting on music that I like, sitting on my favorite chair, and slowly relaxing into a rhythm as I write. I feel it’s very important that an author is enjoying the writing process, as that’s when true creativity emerges. If you are pushing yourself to meet a deadline or you’re stressed or unhappy, you’re not in the kind of mindset that will benefit a book—at least, I don’t think so.
What songs are most played on your Ipod?
I enjoy upbeat songs that cheer me up and keep me in a positive frame of mind. My most played numbers are Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, Venus by Bananarama, I Just Can’t Wait to be King from The Lion King, Levitating by Dua Lipa, Rowdy Baby from Maari and several other foot-tapping Bollywood numbers.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
My critique partner is my editor, Rachel. She has been by my side from the beginning. Also, my husband has been a great sounding board.
What book are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Mr. Quin as part of my mystery book club on Instagram.
How did you start your writing career?
I started writing after graduating from my PhD program at McGill. My first project was a script titled Old Glory which is currently in consideration for a few screenwriting competitions. Then during the pandemic, I had some time to work on my debut novel as I was working remotely from home. That’s how Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls came about. My goal with my book was to spread some joy and happiness and bring some much-needed smiles on people’s faces during these challenging times.
Tell us about your next release.
My next release is a continuation of the Ruby Roy mystery series. I’m currently working on the second book in the series titled Ruby Roy and the Hawaiian Mystery which should be ready for release by next year. I also have an idea ready for the third book which is tentatively titled Ruby Roy and the Fishy Affair in Kolkata. So, for those who enjoyed the first Ruby Roy mystery, there’s a lot more coming.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The main message in my novel for readers to be happy. With this book, I had one clear vision and mission in mind—to spread joy and happiness to everyone who reads it. I worked on this book during the global pandemic and one thing that the pandemic has taught us is that life is precious, and we should enjoy every minute of it. Also, I want readers to takeaway the message of empathy and love for all. This novel is inclusive and honest and with its underlying themes of love, kindness, and empathy, I’m confident that this book will be relatable for people from all walks of life
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have written only one book, but plan to write more. Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls is the first book in the Ruby Roy mystery series. And of course, my debut book is my baby and it’s special because it’s the first. But I’m sure I’ll be attached to all my books. So, it’s going to be hard to pick between my creations moving forward.
If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
That’s a good question and thanks for asking. I would pick either Mindy Kaling or Mayim Bialik in the role of Ruby Roy. Ruby Roy is of mixed race, half Indian and half white. Mindy would obviously justify that pick because of her South Asian origin. I have learnt she is also half Bengali and Ruby Roy’s father is also Bengali. Now coming to Mayim, in my mind, she would also be a perfect choice for Ruby Roy as she is a real life academic like protagonist and myself. Both actresses are fantastic and talented, so either of them could pull of this role. And here’s keeping my fingers crossed that these two beautiful women come across my book someday soon.
How long did it take to complete your first book?
It took about a year to finish the book. I also went through several drafts of revision with my editor. So, thanks to her input, I’m happy with the final product. And while the pandemic has been devastating for all of us, it did allow me to have some time to sit at home and finish the book as I worked remotely as a professor.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
I have several authors that have inspired me. The biggest inspiration in the mystery genre (since my book is a cozy mystery) are the great authors of the golden era of detective fiction, Agatha Christie, PD James and Arthur Conan Doyle. I am also inspired by South Asian female authors such as Jhumpa Lahiri and Mindy Kaling. It’s wonderful to see women who look like me share their unique stories and perspectives. I also love Ray Bradbury, Kazuo Ishiguro, Satyajit Ray and Judy Blume.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
There is no one favorite part. I love everything about the writing process. But, I feel sad that I have discovered professional writing in my late twenties unlike some of my favorite authors that got to publish novels much earlier in life. Because I spent most of my early twenties pursuing my academic degrees, finishing off my doctorate to become a full-time professor. And after all these years to be able to write and publish mysteries, which happens to be my favorite genre, is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.
I feel so much joy putting my thoughts into words. It excites and sometimes keeps me up at night to think of the next twist in the story, shape the usual suspects, establish motives et al. The days that I’m writing my book, I can’t wait to hit the keyboard in the morning and bring my ideas to life. And the fact that readers get to savor my creation is a huge honor for me. The ultimate icing on the cake.
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Hilarious, Unique, Exciting, and Adorable (and I hope the readers feel the same way).
Find the author
Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls
Dr. Ruby Roy is a twenty-nine-year-old, goofy, warm, and absent-minded professor in her third year at Baron University, located a few miles from the Falls. A plus-size woman of mixed Indian and Canadian roots, cursed with an overactive imagination stemming from watching too many Bollywood and Disney films, Ruby is struggling to make her mark and stay out of trouble. It doesn’t help matters that she keeps stumbling into a series of embarrassing incidents, even as she desperately tries to keep her superiors in the College happy.
Unfortunately for Ruby, things take a turn for the worse when she discovers her Chair’s dead body in his office. But who could have killed him? And why? Suddenly all the Poirot, Marple, Sherlock Holmes, and Father Brown books she loves reading seem to have come to life as she finds herself in the middle of a real-life murder mystery. And with the murderer on the loose, no one is safe. With the help of her husband, Cleo, her very own Watson, Ruby tries to solve the mystery before she is next on the killer’s list!
Amazon #1 bestseller
Readers’ Favorite 2022 Silver Medal Winner in Humor/Comedy
