Interview with Tasmin Turner, Author of The Missing Diary

What’s the story behind the story? What impressed you to write down The Missing Diary?

I used to be impressed to write down “The Missing Diary” throughout my time working for a world group in Kosovo between 2013 and 2019. The expertise of residing and dealing in such a novel atmosphere, with its fascinating ethnic and non secular combine, tremendously contrasted with my life in New Zealand. I used to be touched by the resilience and open-hearted nature of the Kosovar folks residing in a post-conflict setting and struggling for his or her existence for the reason that battle with Serbia.

My ebook is about in a fictionalized Kosovo, which, throughout and after the battle, was administered by the United Nations and assisted by numerous worldwide organizations. To keep away from pointing fingers at particular organizations, I created a fictional entity referred to as the Organization for International Development and Coordination. With a background in regulation and a profession spanning practically 30 years in coverage and authorized positions inside worldwide organizations, I made a decision to mix my fascination with regulation, worldwide coverage, and peacekeeping to share my experiences and insights by fiction.

Although the ebook’s settings are primarily based on my private experiences, the characters and occasions are purely fictional. Kosovo’s distinctive standing as a state not universally acknowledged and its hybrid authorized system, combining worldwide and native legal guidelines, creates a compelling backdrop for each good and evil to thrive. The protagonist, Caitlin “Kit” Chase, is a younger lawyer from New Zealand who finds herself in Kosovo, unprepared for the conditions she encounters. As Kit discovers her personal values and the significance of justice, she additionally uncovers her braveness and dedication to struggle for her beliefs. Kit’s impulsive nature and reluctance to comply with instructions make her an efficient investigator, fixing circumstances others can’t however she usually will get into bother within the course of.

“The Missing Diary” is the primary ebook in a trilogy that goals to entertain and encourage readers by the vivid world of crime in Kosovo. The second ebook, “The Price of Justice,” is in its superior levels, and the third, “Explosive Reprisals,” is at the moment in progress. A attainable fourth ebook can be being thought-about. As a piece of girls’s fiction, “The Missing Diary” explores the challenges confronted by skilled girls as they stability non-public {and professional} lives. Kit’s romantic life supplies a backdrop for the prison investigation plot, whereas she navigates her world and discovers her life targets.

I wrote the primary draft of this ebook whereas residing in Kosovo, which allowed me to immerse myself within the environment. However, it wasn’t till I returned to New Zealand that I had the time to finish the novel. Writing “The Missing Diary” has been an enlightening expertise, and I hope it should captivate readers as a lot because it has captivated me.

If you needed to decide theme songs for the principle characters of The Missing Diary, what would they be?

A becoming theme music for Kit Chase, the principle character within the Crime Scene Kosovo collection, can be Christina Aguilera’s “What A Girl Wants” as a result of the music captures Kit’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As she navigates by complicated conditions and learns to face up for her beliefs, the music’s theme of discovering one’s voice and wishes resonates with Kit’s character growth.

A becoming theme music for Sergei Sokolov, the Russian intelligence officer, from the Crime Scene Kosovo collection, can be “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. The music’s orchestral and highly effective sound displays Sergei’s complicated and multifaceted character, whereas the lyrics contact on themes of energy, ambition, and a fall from grace, which resonate with his intriguing and enigmatic persona.

What’s your favourite style to learn? Is it the identical as your favourite style to write down?

My favourite style to learn is a mix of thriller and crime detection, with components of romance and horror intertwined. I significantly get pleasure from incorporating supernatural facets into the tales I learn. Interestingly, my preferences for studying and writing genres are fairly comparable, as I discover each participating and immersive, permitting me to discover numerous themes and narratives.

What books are in your TBR pile proper now?

Currently, my to-be-read (TBR) pile consists of an intriguing combine of genres and authors: “Wanderlust” by Lauren Blakely – a recent romance novel “To Dream of the Dead” by Phil Rickman – a supernatural crime detection story “The Curse of the Pharaohs” by Elizabeth Peters – a historic thriller set in Egypt “Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson – a groundbreaking cyberpunk novel “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle – a basic assortment of detective tales “Scandalous Risks” by Susan Howatch – a compelling story of private and religious exploration.

What scene in your ebook was your favourite to write down?

My favourite scene to write down within the ebook was the extraordinary struggle scene between my foremost character and one of the first antagonists, a former Kosovar policewoman who has turn into a prison confederate. I totally loved researching numerous approaches to crafting struggle scenes and incorporating them into my writing. This pivotal second within the story serves as a turning level for my protagonist, as she realizes the significance of enhancing her health and self-defense expertise. The scene additionally highlights the character’s rising consciousness that issues don’t at all times unfold as anticipated.

Do you could have any quirky writing habits? (fortunate mugs, cats on laps, and so forth.)

I do have a couple of quirky writing habits. My workplace is sort of cluttered, and I’ve plans to broaden it will definitely. I work surrounded by a number of laptop screens and my cherished crystal assortment. To assist me get by some of the more difficult scenes, particularly the romantic ones, I get pleasure from taking part in appropriate background music. This creates the right ambiance for crafting the varied moods and feelings all through the story.

Do you could have a motto, quote, or philosophy you reside by?

My private motto and philosophy, which I wholeheartedly embrace, is “Per aspera ad astra,” which interprets to “Through hardships to the stars.”

This quote embodies my passionate way of living and studying, reminding me to remain dedicated and pushed within the face of challenges, as they finally result in progress and success.

If you could possibly select one factor for readers to recollect after studying your ebook, what wouldn’t it be?

If there may be one takeaway I hope readers bear in mind after studying my ebook, it’s the empowering message which you can obtain something in case you imagine in your self and decide to it wholeheartedly. Embrace your inside power and dedication, and do not forget that with perseverance, you’ll be able to overcome obstacles and attain your targets.