About the author

After spending most of his career in state education, Champak Chauhan gave up full-time work to focus on writing crime fiction, writing as CV Chauhan.

His first thriller, 'The Dance of Death' introduces DI Rohan Sharma, who lives and works in the vibrant and diverse city of Leicester, a place that is his spiritual and cultural home.

As regular readers in the genre will know, there are not many protagonists who are of Rohan Sharma's background, although there are one or two notable exceptions.

Champak wanted to write about an ordinary detective of South Asian origin who is trying to make a positive difference within his home city.

But Rohan Sharma also faces articular challenges, both in his personal and professional life. He is a complex, erudite individual who straddles a multi-dimensional world and this is evident in many aspects of his life.

The second thriller featuring DI Rohan Sharma, 'Shattered Dreams', was published in March 2023 and third book in the series was published early August 2024.

All of the books can be read as 'standalone' thrillers and they are fast-paced and full of tension. Champak's website is cvchauhan.com and his Amazon page is https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0B6QB8L86/allbooks.

Lesson Summary

The conversation between Morgen and Champak revolves around the process of getting published as a writer. Champak shares his journey of writing a debut crime novel, going through multiple revisions with an independent editor to refine the content and secure a publishing deal for a three-book series despite facing rejections.

• The dynamics between authors and publishers are highlighted, emphasising the collaborative nature of the relationship.
• Topics such as cover design, marketing, and reader interactions are discussed in the conversation.
• The text delves into diverse reading interests, the editing and writing process, reader engagement, and the use of dialogue in crime fiction.
• Chauhan draws inspiration from historical events and locations for his books, aiming to educate and entertain readers with a fast-paced plot.

The conversation also covers the importance of persistence, professional editing, and finding the right publisher to bring a book to market.

References are made to authors like Geoffrey Deaver, Lee Child, and Sophie Hannah for their contributions to the literary world.

Champak Chauhan's background, writing journey, and the significance of conducting thorough research for writing are also discussed.

• Mentions are made of literary festivals and networking opportunities, such as CrimeFest in Bristol.
• Chauhan's focus on introducing unique characters and perspectives in crime fiction is underlined, drawing from his background and experiences.
• Discipline and planning are emphasised for aspiring writers, with encouragement to pursue writing regardless of age.