Monday, December 31, 2018

2018: The Year that was... A Note of Gratitude

In a few hours, we will ring in the new year.
And it is the perfect time to bid adieu to a wonderful year that gave me so many great memories to cherish.
It was a year where I learned a lot as a writer and as an individual. 


Right from the beginning, my plan was to write and publish more novels and short stories than I had done in 2017.
I accomplished that in the following manner.

Feb 1: Published 'His Sunshine Girl'on Amazon and it went on to become a #1 BestSeller and gave me a lot more readers than ever. Its success gave me the confidence to plunge myself into completing the next manuscript I was working on.


Feb 16: My short story Happily Ever After got published on Juggernaut Books. It is among the popular books on Juggernaut in its category Love, Sex and Romance though my book is a sweet romance. 


April 9: My short Story 'Dear Meera' got published on Juggernaut books. It is one of my favourites and is one of the popular books on Juggernaut in the books listed in the 'Áll Access' option.


June 14: My novel 'The Princess and the Superstar' was published on Amazon. It has been my most successful novel till date and went on to become #1 in Romance category on Amazon India. 


July 4: Another short story, 'Her Many Lives' went live on Juggernaut books. It was based on my past life regression experience with a lot of fiction thrown in.


July 28: Conducted a short story writing workshop in association with Juggernaut books at Atta Galatta. It was a very interesting experience. 



August 6: The next short story that got published on Juggernaut books was 'Fangirl'. It was a story which had developed from a contest prompt to write a flash fiction which went on to become a short story. It is one of my favourites till now. 


August 28: I republished 'My Red Knight', a previously published short story in an anthology as a short read on Amazon. It went on to become #1 Best Seller in Historical Fiction on Amazon India.


Nov 26: Completed my first NaNoWriMo Novel 'Remember When' and was declared a winner. I am currently polishing and editing it. Hoping to publish it by late January. 



Dec 1: Book Launch event of 'Jest Like that', a humour anthology I am part of compiled by Shinie Antony and published by Atta Galatta, happened at Bangalore at Mimansa@Foxtrot. It was a fun event and my short story 'The Wedding Night'garned quite some laughs when I read aloud an excerpt from it. The best thing was that I met with some of the best authors and people I adore.



Dec 18: Published 'A Christmas in London', a Christmas romedy on Amazon. It is currently the #1 hot new release in humour category on Amazon India. 


I had always wished to write a Christmas romance and this was a dream come true. 

Met many of my author friends at various events and also at planned meet-ups. Loved meeting Paromita, Sudha Nair, Reet Singh and Saiswaroopa. Looking forward to meeting the rest of my gang of Wrimos who have been such an inspiration to me. 

With author Sudha Nair

Another exciting thing that happened in 2018 was reconnecting with old friends. Met many school friends, college friends after connecting with them via Whatsapp and Facebook.

The year that passed was indeed very exciting. I had not set any specific goals. But I achieved more than I wished for. That itself gives me so much happiness.

Personally, I was able to gain closure on many things that happened to me in the past and let go of all things that no more served me.
It was also the year where we moved into our own nest. After months of searching, we finally found the apartment that suited us. 

It is with utmost gratitude that I am bidding adieu to 2018. You have been kind and wonderful.

Dear 2019, be as nice as your predecessor. I hope you guide me to become a better writer and individual.
Thank you, Universe, for all the blessings.

How was your 2018?


Thursday, December 27, 2018

BookSpotlight: Vyom by Tripti Bhardwaj

An excerpt from Chapter 1- Vyom: The Sky of Success:

‘For Vyom, its aim is paramount and we’ve been striving to achieve it, every day, every time, every moment,’ Chancellor Jaywardhan Rathore was declaiming about a memorable day in Vyom Hall of Vyom Institute. ‘We will die protecting our world, our country and our people and endeavouring a true victory. Victory of peace over war, of truth over falsehood, of trust over treachery, of hope over despair, of courage over cowardice and of unity over every weakness raising hindrances to a better future.’ He gestured to a man in uniform, who had a powerful physique, sitting next to him. ‘I heartedly welcome my dear friend, Major General of Vyom’s army, Sagar Mittal, to our institute to celebrate this great moment.’
Vyom Hall was witnessing the presence of professors, scientists, officers and all groups of students: Buddha, Shukra, Vasundhara, Mangal, Brihaspati, Shani, Arun and Varun. 


Jaywardhan continued, ‘A century ago an organization named Vyom, the sky of success was founded with a sole aim. For achieving it we must realize our duties, our responsibilities towards our world and country. We must feel that the people we live among, their safety is our prime duty, their happiness is the source of ours. Today is a glorious day for all of us, as a family, as a team.’ 
Everyone perked up.

Jaywardhan Rathore in his early fifties, with a set of rectangular glasses and black-white moustache, had an efficacious personality. A gentle person of firm determination. He’d started his career as an Assistant Professor in Vyom Institute. His hard work and passion brought him to its highest post. 

Vyom Institute was a spacious-green campus, had forty main multi-storey buildings, Bhavans, with three wings each, and a head office. All the bhavans were scattered forming twelve concentric ellipses, Parikramas, around the head office. A group of smaller structures collectively known as Sanrachana situated between the sixth and the seventh parikrama included canteens, auditoriums, arenas, stadiums, sports clubs, guest rooms, cyber cafés, etc. Vyom Institute was more or less constructed like the solar system, eight planets replaced by forty bhavans, the asteroid belt by Sanrachana and the sun by the head office.  

Tonight the entire campus was sparkling with decorative lights and streamers vying for attention. Open corridors and courtyards were adorned with shimmering curtains, flowers and rangoli, embellishing the ambience. Everyone was savouring the rollicking festival to their heart’s content. Colourful water, dancing at melodious music, was jetting out of the fountains making every feet move rhythmically. But Jaywardhan’s heartbeat had gone out of rhythm. He was in conversation with someone in the Chancellor’s Cabin through his wireless single earphone, a concerned look on his face, ‘What? But how did he branch out, Ali?’ 

Ali’s voice came from another side, ‘I’m working on it, Mr Chancellor. But he’s scheming to get DTM’s system for sure.’
‘You take care of yourself. He must not come to know that you work for us.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Ali. ‘I’ll keep you updated.’
‘Vyom farewell.’ Jaywardhan disconnected his earphone. Ali’s words had set him thinking. Murmuring to himself, he paced up and down his cabin. 
His thoughts were distracted as Damini Rathore, his wife and a scientist, elegantly dressed in a beautiful cotton-printed sari and tying her black hair in a bun, entered.She asked, ‘Did Ali get anything about Vikrant lately?’
‘No, no-thing. Everything is...’ Jaywardhan looked away. ‘Anyway, it’s time to go to the hall.’
‘What’s the matter, Jay?’ Damini looked straight at him, his expression troubling her deeply.
‘I’m fine. You don’t worry,’ Jaywardhan’s voice grew weaker.
‘So it’s definitely about him, isn’t it?’ Damini turned him towards herself, sensing his inner turmoil. 
Jaywardhan removed her hand from his arm. ‘Vikrant’s ambitions are exceeding, Damini. If we don’t stop him now, he will ruin everything.’ 
Damini stood still, great anxiety enveloping her face.
Jaywardhan took a deep breath and motioned his eyes to a framed painting hanging on a wall behind his chair showing a range of red mountains with the sun floating on a river. ‘I’d made a promise to sir and I will keep it at any cost.’ 
A tiny flashlight on a sapphire metallic belt tied on his wrist blinked green. Coming out of his memory, Jaywardhan saw a name on a small screen fixed into it, touched the screen and said through his wireless single earphone, ‘Yes, Yash?
Assistant Professor Yash Chauhan’s voice came through it, ‘Mr Chancellor, the celebration is about to begin. We’re expecting both of you.’ 
‘We’re coming, Yash. Vyom farewell,’ replied Jaywardhan, taking a quick look at Damini.
As Jaywardhan rang off, Damini spoke, ‘But our.....’
‘We’ll talk later.’ Jaywardhan made for the door. ‘You’re coming, aren’t you?’ 
After a momentary pause, ‘I am,’ answered Damini.
Vyom Institute, a part of Vyom Organization was situated on Niketan, one of the eight islands collectively known as Vyomdweep in the Indian Ocean. Vyom Organization primarily worked for the national security, had its headquarters in India’s commercial capital, Mumbai and its offices in almost all the countries of the world. Every year, new batches of twelfth pass students who desired to be a member of Vyom Institute were called in Vyom Headquarters. They had to pass a rigorous but transparent multilevel selection test, Vyom Eligibility Entrance Test- VEET, and show their skills, capabilities and determination. If they passed all the levels, they were welcomed in Vyom Institute.


Blurb:

Vyom: the sky of success, a global organisation, promotes international cooperation and strives to establish world peace. One of its parts, Vyom Institute primarily works for the national security and provides its students the skills, knowledge and training to fulfil the responsibilities to their country.
Vyom Institute faces challenges when its ex-member, Vikrant Kapoor, desperately searches for the Royal Weapon which had been hidden in the past.


Vyom's submarine, Mandakini, is attacked. Manasvi -55, a chip connecting two time machines, is stolen from Vyom's Museum. World's two advanced humanoids stand against each other.
Chancellor Jaywardhan Rathore and his team find themselves in a deep trouble created by someone present among them. To get the answer what the Royal Weapon is and reach it before Vikrant does, five students from the institute, Prithviraj Malhotra, Kanak Singhania, Samrat Chopra, Kabeer Khan and Aavishkar Arora, journey through time. They encounter unimaginable situations in their quest which lead them to Ananyaakashganga, the Royal Weapon's Haven.
A fierce combat is fought where a brother leading an invincible army finishes a 700-year old unfinished business.
A teacher is murdered.
A father wishes his son to be dead rather than cursed.
A tablet unfolds a way to the ultimate destination.
A time machine is chased.
A mask reveals a horrible carnage.
An armour becomes the reason of its bearer's defeat.
A code deciphers a warning for the enormous destruction.
Welcome to the world of VYOM.



About the Author:


Tripty Bhardwaj is a scriptwriter, an anchor, a newsreader and a teacher. She is a Master's degree holder in Physics and a Bachelor's degree holder in Science as well as in Education.

She has worked with Doordarshan as a scriptwriter and an anchor in the shows 'Geet Bahaar' and ‘Geet Gunjan' for two and a half years and as a newsreader in an agricultural based show ‘Krishi Darshan' for three years.

Tripty has always been a voracious reader of a variety of literature especially science fiction, mythology and thriller and mystery. Being a creative and self-motivated writer, she always tries to formulate her writing in a meaningful and logical manner. She successfully turns her framework of mind into simple and understandable language.


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Friday, November 30, 2018

On Writing 'Because I Promised' : Anupriya Gupta

Today on 'On Writing' we have Anupriya Gupta, who debuted as a novelist this month with 'Because I Promised.'

In her own words, Anupriya belongs to that generation of Idiots (the proud ones though), who did their engineering first and then decided on what they actually wanted to do. She completed her MBA in Human Resources and worked in the corporate world for 8 years, before taking a professional break.  A mom by day and a reader/writer by night, Anupriya is a die-hard romantic. She can be found in the dot-com world at her blog www.mommytincture.com, which contains her ranting about her experiences in her various roles as a mother, daughter, wife and foremost a human being, all churned together.  It is also her outlet to the world where she doles out loads of gyaan on self-improvement and relationship management.



Welcome to 'On Writing', Anupriya.






Was becoming an author always your dream or was it a particular event or incident that gave birth to the author in you?

Well, there were two things that happened in two different points of time. A decade back, Mills&Boons published some dozen titles with Indian Authors. I was so thrilled at the prospect and wished that someday I will have the patience and talent to write a romance novel myself.
Around 7 years later, when I was expecting my second child and realised that soon I will have to leave my job, I frantically jumped into the world of blogging. The motive was to get into something that would help me keep sane once I would be almost homebound.  And then one of my fellow bloggers (it would be more appropriate if I called her my mentor too) informed me about NaNoWriMo challenge. It was then, that I decided that I had to cater to my 7-year itch of writing a novel.

How important are the names of the characters in your books to you? Do you spend agonizing hours deciding on their names?

Oh yes! I want the names to be different and draw the reader’s attention. Also, it should suit the character sketch. But it has so happened almost everytime I have to decide the name, they occur to me in a flash, while in the bathroom, or driving my kid to school etc. And yes, I have a list of favourite names in my repository. I visit the same when I need names for my supporting characters. 

What is your writing process like? Do you write every day? Is there a favourite place to write?

I try to write every day. That’s the only way I can keep in touch with the numerous ideas that keep swarming in my head. Past one year, I have really really been writing a lot. Around 100 blog posts, an ebook (around 26k words) and my latest release (60k words) all of it has been churned out in last one year. In this time, I have learnt a lot and I see that my relationship with words has improved a lot. So I am not complaining.
No, I don’t have a favourite place to write. Though I prefer a secluded room in my home with just me and my laptop. But when ideas strike, I just open Google Keep on my mobile and type my mind out.

What is different about Because I Promised’?

A couple of things actually, though it is a romance saga at its core, it is more like a journey of a young girl from the time she is a teenager to her becoming a young adult who has set out to achieve something professionally too. There are contrasting shades to her personality that make her intriguing yet realistic. At some points in the plot, you might get so frustrated with her that you may want to put some sense into her head for acting unreasonably. While at others, you will appreciate her for being extremely level-headed and mature.
Another aspect of the story is that a significant plot point includes and throws light on the life of the transgender community in our country. I hope the readers find it interesting and appreciate it.

Who is your favourite character in the book and why?

It’s like asking a mother, who is your favourite child. It would be very unfair of me if I were to name one character. Instead, I would talk about the equations between various characters. There are some very strong connections of friendship, sibling love, parent conflict among the characters.  The one I would like to mention here is the relationship between Varnika (my female protagonist) and her transgender friend Ulfat Bi.  From the time they meet, they share a warmth between them and as the story progresses, Ulfat Bi turns out to be Varnika’s friend, philosopher and guide. It’s a very feel-good equation.

Which do you prefer as a reader? EBook or Paperback?

Oh! Now, this is a catch-22 question. Nothing can match the smell of a paperback and the feel of holding a book in my hands. But then I have two hyperactive kids loitering around the entire home. The idea of ebook sounds cool in my circumstance because I don’t have to be worried about a book being torn. And it’s a little less luggage while travelling with kids to my hometown Chandigarh. I can read a few pages whenever I can extract a couple of minutes to myself in the airport playroom, or during the flight when the kids doze off.

One thing that goes in the eBooks’ advantage is that there are so many nice eBooks by self-published authors. Many of these books are excellent reads and are extremely enjoyable. So yes eBooks have a plus there. But both paperback and eBook are now an integral part of the reader in me.

How long did it take to finish writing ‘Because I Promised’?

The first draft got completed in 30 days straight. Then I hibernated for almost 4 months, before getting back to editing it. It took me three months to get the manuscript to a level where it was fit for printing. Editing took a lot more time than the initial draft. But I have learnt quite a few lessons about writing and editing in the process. Hope they help me when I get to working on my next book.

How important do you think is marketing in today’s world for any book?

Very Important! One cannot stress enough on the significance of marketing. But the channels have changed over time. Social media plays a very significant role today in marketing the books. One can reach out to a lot more people through SM marketing initiatives. And once your book makes a mark, then it's like a chain reaction. Your book is sure to find an audience.

Please share a passage or quote from ‘Because I Promised’for our readers.



As they travelled back home in their car, Varnika looked straight ahead into nothingness. She felt a hand over hers and turned to look at a smiling Beena. Varnika took her arm and moved closer to her mother to place her head on her shoulder. With every experience in her life, she only came to the conclusion that nothing can supersede the love of your family. Yet, she felt a sudden pang in her heart; took her mobile out of her bag and dialled a number. She heard an automated reply that informed that the number is out of network coverage.
She wondered if Sushant was genuinely out of network coverage or if he had blocked her number. She shook her head and smiled for her mother’s sake who was clearly revelling in her daughter’s achievement.

What are the three tips you have for readers of this interview who are aspiring writers?

1.       Never wait for the perfect idea to strike you. Sometimes what you set out to write turns out very differently when you actually put it out on the Word Document.  So you never know how your final story will transpire until you type it out.  You can edit an imperfect manuscript later.
2.       Read a lot. Do not compromise on reading while you are writing. Reading is the only activity that will keep your writing cells active. I tend to read everything that crosses my eye- newspapers, magazines, interviews everything. You never know what you read today, might become a muse or a plot point for your story in future. Reading is basically research for your writing on the go.
3.       Question each and every word you write. That’s in the editing stage. See if you can tighten your language. Use a more appropriate and simple word, instead of a jargon.  And tell a tale that people will carry with them for long.

Thank you! I wish you the very best for your future endeavours.



Monday, November 26, 2018

On Writing: Diwakar Pokhriyal - Sapne, Sach aur Udan

Today on 'On Writing' we have award-winning poet and writer Dr Diwakar Pokhriyal.

Dr Diwakar is a writer by passion. He has completed his PhD, PG and B.Tech. in Power/Energy and is working as Technical Head in Asmi Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai. He has written one Novel, 14 poetry books and 1 Short story collection. He is also a part of more than 100 poetry anthologies with poets around the world. He has been entered into 'Limca Book of Records 2017' for writing 50 different forms of poetry. He has also won 'Aagman Young Talen Award 2014'. His various author interviews are available on social media. 

Welcome to 'On Writing' Dr Diwakar.

  

Connect with Dr Diwakar via his Facebook Page 



Was becoming an author always your dream or was it a particular event or incident that gave birth to the author in you?

I don’t know the exact answer to this, but I was writing since my school days. I read a lot of comic books during my childhood and maybe that made me write. I started writing during one of my English Literature period out of fun. There was no pressure or a particular event that changed me as a writer or inspired me to be a writer.

How important are the names of the characters in your books to you? Do you spend agonizing hours deciding on their names?

Not exactly, I tried to make names more common that can be relatable easily. The story revolves around 5 individuals and while reading the stories the reader can relate with them as they will sound familiar to them with either of their friends of themselves or someone they must have come across.

What is your writing process like? Do you write every day? Is there a favourite place to write?

I write whenever I get time to write. I try to write every day, but at times not able to follow the daily commitments to self regarding the same. But one thing is sure, and that is, I do write in a day or two ranging from two lines poetry to 2000 words short story. As I write both in English as well as Hindi, it gives me an additional way to express my feelings and ideas in two different languages.
I scribble in papers, mobile, laptop or whatever I have at that point in time. With the use of Laptop, I mostly write in Laptop because due to my official work, I have become more friendly towards writing in Laptop and another advantage is that I can edit easily and of course save paper! 


What is different about ‘Sapne, Sach aur Udan’?

The only thing different about ‘Sapne, Sach aur Udan’ is that it is no different than what we face in our lives, it is connected to our lives or our friends or someone living nearby us.  This story reflects what we are becoming or what challenges we face while chasing our dreams. The story actually reflects the life of most of us, who face challenges from outside or inside in our journey. I have tried to make this story as real as possible. The key message that I wanted to pass on to the readers is that teamwork and respecting dreams are very vital to living a happy life. 

Who is your favourite character in the book and why?

This is actually the hardest question. As a writer, I can’t differentiate between the characters because everyone depicts a lifestyle or thought process that gives you a new horizon to explore. I love all of my characters.

As a reader again my interest or experience will make me fall in love with different characters, for example, those who are religiously following their dreams and not able to follow it might like the character of DV, if someone has a broken heart, then they might like the character of Rohan or Ritika. Those girls who are facing the patriarchal mentality and want to break free might like Neeti and Girls that are modern and on their own might like Aks. So the characters are all different.

Which do you prefer as a reader? EBook or Paperback?

I have no problems with reading EBook or Paperback, but I must admit that both have their own emotional impact. I mean touching a hardcopy or Paperback gives you a feeling of connectedness with the book or the story. On the other hand, the EBook gives you the freedom to carry it anywhere and everywhere wherever you can take your mobile or laptop.


How long did it take to finish writing ‘Sapne, Sach aur Udan’?

It took me exactly 3 months to complete the 1st draft of the Novel and then 1 year and more to sign the publishing contract.

How important do you think is marketing in today’s world for any book?

Marketing is very vital for the author. The review of the book will only come to the author when someone will read it. In the present era we have different types of readers (writers too), I mean to say there are readers who will read book after going through reviews, then there are readers who only like to read classics, then there are readers who will read the book if they heard about it from their friends and also there are reader who will pick up the book of the new writer.
So to reach different kinds of readers, varying marketing strategies the author has to deploy. Hence, this marketing aspect is very vital. It is not the only thing but certainly a very important thing for a book to reach the sea of readers and for an author to grow.

  
Please share a passage or quote from ‘Sapne, Sach aur Udan’ for our readers.



“मम्मी, मुझे क्रिकेट खेलना है, डीवी ने कहा|
तो जा, खेल ले,मम्मी बोली|
पर मैं तो कॉलेज जाता हूँ,डीवी तीखे स्वर में बोला|
तो कौन सा एहसान करता है, वो तो सब जाते हैं,मम्मी के स्वर भी तीखे हो चले थे|
आपने तो कहा था कि नौकरी लग जाएगी तो खेल लेना,डीवी बोला|
तो ढूँढ लेना ऐसी नौकरी जिसमें तुझे खेलने का समय मिल जाए,मम्मी हँसते हुए बोली|
लेकिन अच्छा खिलाड़ी बनने के लिए बचपन से सीखना पड़ता है," डीवी ज़ोर देते हुए बोला|
बेटा वो किस्मत वाले और पैसे वाले होते हैं. तुमसे 50 पर्सेंट से ज़्यादा नंबर लाए नहीं जाते. कॉलेज में दाखिला भी मुश्किल से मिला है और क्रिकेट खेलने की बात करते हो,मम्मी व्यंगात्मक लहजे में बोली|
"इसका मतलब आपने मुझसे झूठ बोला था,” डीवी को अब गुस्सा आ रहा था|
जब बच्चों को सच दिखाई नहीं देता, तो ऐसा ही करना पड़ता है,”वे बोलीं और अंदर चली गई|
मैं नीचे जा रहा हूँ,डीवी ने  चिल्ला कर कहा और बाहर निकलने लगा|
इतनी रात को कहाँ जा रहा है?"  मम्मी चिल्लाई |
खेलने,डीवी बोला और निकल गया|
तू वापिस , फिर देखती हूँ तुझे,मम्मी गुस्से से बोलीं लेकिन डीवी उन्हें अनसुना करते हुए निकल चुका था|

डीवी का दिमाग़ बहुत  गरम हो चुका था. उसे क्रिकेट खेलना बहुत पसंद था और अब तक उसे लग रहा था कि नौकरी लगने के बाद शायद वो आराम से खेल पाएगा,  लेकिन आज जब उसकी रवि से बात हुई तो उसे ये एहसास हुआ कि खिलाड़ी तो वास्तव में बचपन से मेहनत करके ही शीर्ष तक पहुँच पाते हैं|  जो भी नया खिलाड़ी खेलने  आता है उसकी उम्र 18-20 साल होती है. वो तो 19 साल का हो गया था. डीवी चलता जा रहा था, बिना ये जाने कि उसके कदम उसे कहाँ ले जा रहे हैं|


What are the three tips you have for readers of this interview who are aspiring writers?
1)       Read
2)       Write
3)       Market


              You should read a lot and write a lot. If you are an aspiring writer, then writing is the basic necessity despite you have a publisher or not, you write good or bad, you have that spark or not etc. All these questions will be answered only when you will have enough writing material with you. When you will write, you will understand your own thought process and what you need to improve on them. So keep writing, reading and an eye on marketing too.

Thank you, Dr Diwakar for taking the time to interact with our readers. Wishing you the very best in all your future endeavours.

Get Dr Diwakhar's book from Amazon: