Meera, a fledgling writer who is in search of a story that can touch millions of lives.
Vivaan, assistant branch manager at Citibank, who dreams of travelling the world.
Kabir, a café manager who desires something of his own. Nisha, the despondent café customer who keeps secrets of her own.
Everyone has their own story, but what happens when these four lives are woven together?
Pull up a chair in Kafe Kabir and watch them explore friendship and love, writing their own pages of life from the cosy café to the ends of the world.
Everyone Has A Story is the debut work of Savi Sharma. She
is from Surat & co-founder of a motivational media blog ‘Life &
People’. The author finds a story in everyone’s life & that’s how was
inspired to write this story. You can catch up with her at www.savisharma.com
The story is about two characters & how they accidently
became each other’s stories. Meera is our female protagonist who wants to write
a book but can’t search a story interesting enough to write about while Vivaan is
our male protagonist who is the youngest assistant branch manager at Citibank
with a dream to travel around the world. There are 2 more characters, Kabir
& Nisha. Our protagonists meet each other for the first time at the cafe
where Kabir works, listening to an author. Meera gets to know about Vivaan how
he wanted to escape to explore the world while Vivaan came to know Meera’s
dream to write a book which can move readers. That was the exact moment when
Meera decided she has got her story. But there’s a secret deep down which has
broken one of our protagonist beyond repair. Maybe some stories can’t be
completed after all! Read this book to know more!
This book is simply about one thing, “Everyone has a story”.
It is a beautiful portrayal where the author conveys that there are numerous
stories all around us just waiting to be told. I liked the fact that the author
decided to include very few characters in her book & they have been
sketched so well into words that I can’t believe they aren’t real & don’t
forget its her debut work. The title as well as the cover is just beautiful. In
all a must read!
Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes’s, Me Before You, My Last Love Story is a heartbreaking and poignant tale about the complexities of trauma and whether love can right a wrong.
***
I, Simeen Desai, am tired of making lemonade with the lemons life has handed me.
Love is meant to heal wounds.
Love was meant to make my world sparkle and spin.
Love has ripped my life apart and shattered my soul.
I love my husband, and he loves me.
But Nirvaan is dying.
I love my husband. I want to make him happy.
But he is asking for the impossible.
I don’t want a baby.
I don’t want to make nice with Zayaan.
I don’t want another chance at another love story.
Falguni Kothari is a New York-based hybrid author, and an amateur Latin and Ballroom dance silver medalist with a semi-professional background in Indian Classical dance. She writes in a variety of genres sewn together by the colorful and cultural threads of her South Asian heritage and expat experiences. When not writing or dancing, she fools around on all manner of social media and loves to connect with readers.
My Last Love Story is her fourth novel.
You can stalk her @
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In a nation that reveres women as goddesses of wealth, knowledge, power and infinite energy, there are a few who have gone on to prove why. Not only have they carved a niche for their talent, but have also inspired and empowered many others in the process.
This book brings forth the stories of twenty women entrepreneurs who have struck a perfect personal-professional harmony, and a chord with their immediate consumers. Their innovative ventures encompass a varied range of services – from supporting victims of acid attacks, to providing free skin care solutions; from online retail of lingerie, handmade bags and fashion accessories, to eco-friendly products of everyday utility; from pet care products, to quirky merchandise; from empowering folk artists, to providing clinical assistance to those going through tough times; from image consulting to house hunting; from arty solutions, to innovative marketing and corporate communication; from creating happy readers to making religious ceremonies simpler – these entrepreneurs have opened avenues formerly unexplored.
Superwomen is an interesting journey of how they played all their roles to perfection, aligning their families with their ambitions, showing the world their true mettle.
Super Women is the debut book of Prachi Garg published by
Srishti Publishers, she describes herself as a true blue Mirandian & is an
entrepreneur herself. She is an alumna of Great Lakes Institute of Management
& has co-founded Ghoomophiro.com & Anmoluphar.com. She is a passionate
writer & traveller.
The book is a collection of 20 detailed inspirational
stories of different female entrepreneurs who wanted to make their own identity
in this world & had a knack to follow their heart. Each chapter consists a
story of a super woman, their journey to achieve their dream, the difficulties
they went through & how they see their success. It also emphasizes on how
they harmoniously balanced their social & business lives & fulfilled
their ambitions. It covers a vary of ventures from religious & astrological
ventures to animal care related venture.
It can’t be denied that there are still many people in the
society who discourage women to fulfil their dreams & this book is a
reality check for such people. All 20
chapters prove one thing for sure that women can have it all & they will
have it eventually, there’s no stopping them. The language used is extremely
simple & interactive, the cover could’ve been better but the title is to
the point. Read this book to inspire yourself & follow your heart, also you
can gift it to educate those orthodox people living in stone age. Get it now!
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About Awakened
Ruby Iyer must save her city, save her friend, save her very soul from being destroyed and only sexy cop gone rogue Vik Roy can help her. Except Vik has a secret; one that will turn her world upside down. Can she still trust him? Criminals run the streets of Bombay. Jam-packed with the worst degenerates. The city is a shell of the pride and joy it used to be. Ruby knows something must be done, but it isn't until her best friend is kidnapped that she knows that she and she alone must save city, save her best friend, save her soul from total destruction. Armed only with Vik, a sexy cop-turned-rogue they are about to embark on a road they may never return from.
What they say:
"Laxmi's stories get you from the very first sentence and never let go" - Rebecca Hamilton, USA Today Bestselling Author
"...A novel that presents so much more than a singular, easy path." - D. Donovan, (Midwest Book Reviews)
Awards
Finalist, 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
2015 Readers' Favorite
Finalist, 2015 IAN Book of the Year Awards
Finalist, 9th Annual Indie Excellence Awards
Excerpt
His tongue flicks out to touch his lips. Can he still taste blood?
His eyes flick to my lips, down to my throat, my breasts, lower, lower still. I'm close enough to see the golden flecks in his eyes shine. Smell that hard man smell of his which tugs at me. Heat from him spools towards me hitting me squarely in my chest, pulling at my stomach, churning my guts and I shudder.
His eyes widen, and as if unable to help himself, he lowers his mouth brushing my lips once, twice, thrice. Teasing me, nibbling at me, caressing my lips till I feel the heat inside twist and glow, till the lighting tree on my back sizzles, sparking fire.
I moan and reaching up capture his mouth with mine, thrusting my tongue against his; and feel the shock run through him.
He's still just for a second, then he's leaning into me, on me till I am surrounded by him, his touch, his skin, that cinnamon smell of his, which is so Vik. Heat from his body pushes at me, begging to be let in, holding me captive and I feel a trickle of sweat running down between my breasts. Breath coming out in short bursts, I strain against him, trying to free my shackled arms, but he doesn't let go. He also doesn't stop there.
His mouth lowers to my throat, pushing aside the bathrobe till he bares the curve of my shoulder, then bites me, lightly.
My heart slams against my rib cage at that, my eyes flutter shut and I bite my lips to stop myself from crying out. At the pain trembling down to my belly.
He kisses the skin, licking his tongue over the exact same spot and this time I shiver, but he's already trailing his lips down to my breasts. His hand grips the flare of my lips and this time, I moan aloud as his fingers splay out over my belly.
And it's as if the sound gets through to him, for he's suddenly leaning back.
My eyes fly open and I look up at his face, want to trace his lips, run my fingers through his hair and once again I arch my back, push against him and this time he lets me go.
Even as I watch a shutter comes down over his eyes and they lose that bright glow I'd seen there just a second ago.
I know then, he's going to leave and walk away and I can't let him go.
Not now, not when I can tell he's feeling something for me.
When my insides are churning as if this is the only thing that matters. When the emotions overwhelming me wipe out all that has happened before this, making me feel clean. When I don't care who he is, or where he comes from or what his real relation is to Dr B. When something inside me senses that deep at his core, where it matters, he is honest at least as far as whatever 'this' between us is concerned.
I want him.
And I want to make him want me.
Make him show me how much he wants me.
About Laxmi Hariharan I am fascinated by the unseen in the real world and in relationships. I write fast-paced urban fantasy romances, with a paranormal twist. My stories feature intense love-interests, kickass heroines, moody heroes and surprise plot lines. I enjoy nothing better than getting under the skin of my characters and especially when they surprise me. Married to a filmmaker and fellow author, I live in London and am the proud owner of a mononym twitter handle @laxmi. Receive a free starter library of my books when you sign up to my newsletter http://bit.ly/NewsletterLH
With one million words of romantic paranormal fiction, this boxed set will light up your night with sexy shifters, hot vampires, wickedly cool witches, gargoyles, and so much more —take your pick!
For a limited time, you can enjoy books from today's NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling authors!
When purchased separately, these books cost over $50! But they are yours today for less than $1.
This set is only available at this price for a limited time, so order your copy before it's gone forever!
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An anthology of writings from a cancer survivor whose therapeutic writing will guide, inspire, and heal your soul. She lays bare all the aspects of private suffering yet points out how she overcame each challenge with grit, determination, and a healthy dose of childish delight and wonder. Profound thoughts narrated in a simple language. Her words and wonderful ability to blend with her surroundings, yet stand out by absorbing the essence of it all; will challenge you to look at life through a rebel's twinkling eye. Journey with this nature-loving, soul-searching, deep-thinking powerhouse. See what it feels like to touch rock bottom and build a solid foundation for a life made on her terms. A truthful story that continues to redefine the norm and gives you a glimpse into the life of a true survivor.
When I Fell in Love with Life is an anthology of writings
from the writer Geetha Paniker who is a cancer survivor herself. The author is
originally from Anthikad but lives in Chennai, she’s a retired school teacher
but still considers god & nature her teachers. She has a unique ability to
find beauty around even when she is pain.
Reading this book is like sharing the difficult part of the
author's life & how she accepted it with courage & dignity. The book is divided in 81 small
chapters each having unique moments of her life shared with us. Most of the
chapters are enhanced with beautiful quotes & poems which surely helps this
book to bring it on another level.
When I started to read this book I had no idea what to
expect from it but after I read the first chapter itself I was sure that this
book isn’t just by a cancer survivor but by a strong woman with a spirit to be
admired. The author has described her journey with such simplicity that it will
surely make an impact on you. Her way of accepting her situation & living
her life to the fullest is surely an example to all how we should treat such
difficult times. The cover as well as the title is beautiful as well as the
language is easy to connect with. A must read for ALL!
Mahi had hit the rock-bottom. All she wanted to do now was to start over and lead an uncomplicated drama free life in her hometown, Hyderabad. But unfortunately, some people never forgive or forget, and hold on to their grudges for a very long time.
A former nerd who hates her and wants her gone...
Samrat, a highly successful entrepreneur was Mahi's former classmate and current neighbor. Mahi had effectively ruined his higher educational prospects with her false allegations. She along with her similarly mean friends had also made his sister Ananya's life miserable during their college days. And to make matters even more complicated, Ananya is married to Mahi's first love, Sidhu, whom Mahi had callously left behind to marry a person of her parent's choice.
Watch the sparks fly...
When Mahi and Samrat butt heads at every turn, they are caught up in a fierce, but unwanted attraction that leads them into an exciting wild fling with no strings attached.
But what would happen when one of them is no longer happy with their arrangement, and begins to demand more, wanting everything...
A humorous, heartwarming, sexy story of redemption, friendship and love.
Mahi sighed. "Samrat, I've already told you that I'm not that mean and aggressive girl from our college days anymore." Samrat didn't want to agree with her because that would mean that he will have to acknowledge that to himself. "Don't forget rude and immature along with being a liar." Her eyes flared, and she snapped out at him. "You were an arrogant ass, who has always felt superior to me with your holier-than-thou attitude. I would never like someone like you Mahi," she imitated him mockingly from the night fourteen years ago. Samrat was taken aback and a little shocked at the reminder. "But I guess one of things that didn't change about me is that I've still got a temper and some pride left," she said calmly. Samrat felt disgusted at himself for acting like some throwback cultural police. Women's dressing was the last thing he ever bothered with or even cared about. Mahi saw the disgust on his face. And that was her final straw. She began walking determinedly towards the door and then locked it. "What are you doing?" he asked, feeling slightly wary. She watched him, while walking slowly towards him with an exaggerated swing to her hips. "You are right. Maybe, I haven't changed. Maybe you are right to fire me for 'inappropriate behavior'," she whispered sultrily. When she was close enough, she held his shirt collar ends with both her hands, and dragged his head down towards her. Samrat could have easily resisted, but his brain was no longer functioning. He felt hypnotized and was staring at her bright red lips, expecting her to kiss him. But he just felt her nuzzle him around his neck and shoulders. After a few seconds, she pushed him away with a devilish smile on her face. "Now you can fire me. I'm sorry for what I did to you and Ananya all those years ago. But for your behavior towards me in the past three months, you can go to hell and stay there! You're so full of shit with your reasons to find fault with me and to fire me," she hissed and stormed out of the door. Samrat had no clue of what she had done, until he checked himself in the phone camera. He was shocked to see red lipstick kissing marks all over his pristine white collared formal shirt. He had a few meetings coming up in a few minutes and no spare clothes or even a jacket to cover up. He also wouldn't be able to pass through the office spaces without the red lipstick marks showing on him like beacons. He should be outraged, or even furious, but what he felt was something different. He kept telling himself several times that he was simply staying close to Mahi because he was trying to find a reason to fire her, which he now did. But at the back of his mind, even he knew what the real reason was. The signs were there all along, which he had been ignoring. He was slowly getting obsessed with her. With her playfulness, her smiles, and also because of seeing her regularly at his workplace and near his home. He had been going to work regularly, and sitting there thinking about her, wanting to see her all the time. The great inventor and entrepreneur known for his practical and cool headed ways, was almost wild with jealousy over harmless interactions or hugs. And it was jealousy over the woman who had almost ruined his life. Samrat cursed viciously. Again. ***** Mahi was upset and mad when she left the office building. She informed her team that she wasn't feeling well and would take rest of the day off. They would soon know that she was fired for inappropriate behavior. "Maybe, he'll even throw in assault charges. For the dirty sinful slut daring to touch his esteemed holiness," she muttered as she got into her house. She thought she was finally settling into a good schedule. She had a great job that she enjoyed. And after work, she visited her aunt almost every day at her new place. She met Rajeev there most of the times when he visited his mom. He got a great job offer in the city that he took up. Rajeev left a message on her phone asking her if she was free in the afternoon. She replied back that she was at home and would be making Singapore street noodles that he really liked. As she lay on the bed, she realized that even with the job and a routine, something was still missing. She was missing having friends and some major companionship. Even when she was trapped in an abusive relationship, she had always liked socializing. Dinesh had tried to isolate her, and keep her from making any meaningful attachments. So she had only ended up with very few acquaintances during the past fourteen years. She couldn't do anything about the companionship because she didn't want to go through another drama episode in her life. Either she hurt the men who loved her or they hurt her. But she could do something about friends. She socialized with her coworkers as much as possible during the working days, but they were all so young, and even if they weren't, everyone seemed to be busy with their own personal lives. She needed some friends from her age group, and someone who could connect with her way of thinking and actions. She had never made any long lasting friendships in her earlier childhood, since she was called 'naughty' and a 'bad influence'. But soon she had learnt how to control and then temper her behavior near the right people, making some really good friends in college. When she got married at twenty-one, she had to give up her friends as one of the promises she made to her then-newlywed husband. Sighing loudly, she thought of her gang from her college days and missed them like crazy.
Hello I am MV Kasi and I am a romance addict. :-) When I am not working in a full-time job or taking care of my family, I sneakily read at least 3 or 4 romance books of all possible genres within a week. I love reading books that are witty, humorous, heartwarming, hot and definitely with a happily-ever-after. After sinking my teeth into hundreds of books over the years, I had an aha moment one day and started writing my first romance book. For three months straight I worked day and night until finally, I finished it. Then of course, I re-read what I wrote, cringed and deleted most of it and started over again. Finally, I had a version of it ready that I was satisfied with (somewhat). But after getting positive feedback from well-meaning friends and family members, I decided to self-publish it on Amazon. Although my story takes place in India, featuring Indian characters, I'm hoping that it can be enjoyed by readers all around the world. Especially since romance has no boundaries when it comes to a sizzling one featuring a sassy heroine and a hot alpha hero.
Once upon a time, you believed anything was possible. You
never got tired of being happy. Once upon a time, you knew no fear. You never
got tired of doing what you did. Once upon a time, all aspects of your life
were perfect & blissful. Once upon a time, you were the source.
But over time, things around you didn’t seem to make sense.
So you set yourself apart from the source trying to understand the world &
how it works. Days, months & years passed by & the source was lost.
But that does not mean the source doesn’t exist. The
Superhero Soul has been designed for a purpose- to take you back to being the
source.
If there are closed doors in your life, this is the key. If
it’s treasure you seek, this is the map.
Everything you once knew, the Superhero you once were.. Re-Discover!
The Super Hero Soul is written by Dilip Bathija, apart from
being an author he is also a human-artist, entrepreneur, speaker &
humanitarian. His workshops are held in more than 40 cities around the world
every year. He believes that each individual has tremendous potential to
achieve everything & anything & that is the reason he wrote this book
to help us realize our inner super hero.
As the tag line of the book ‘Quest for inspiration,
happiness, success & greatness’ suggests this book is exactly a collection
of 9 chapters each with different sub-topics where the author covers every
subject which is essential for each of us to remember if we want to achieve excellence.
As a self help book The Super Hero Soul urges &
motivates you to find your super hero soul which we aren’t able to see most of
the times. All the topics are to the point & doesn’t wander around to
stretch for the sake of it. The chapters also include appropriate quotes by
famous personalities to enhance the impact. All the tricks mentioned are
extremely helpful & are easily applicable in real world. Loved the cover
& title as well. Readers should ofcourse give it a try to find their inner
super hero soul.
'The seas will devour the glorious city of Dwaraka.
People will forget your name and your Gita!
May the world perish!
May the world perish!'
With this cruel curse on Krishna, Queen Gandhari plunges mankind into the unspeakable evil of the Kali Yuga.
It is up to Pradyumna to try and reverse the dire prediction. To journey into terrifying realms, confront Yama and Shiva, and to vanquish the Kali demon. In order to do so, he must shed all that holds a mortal back—his arrogance, his fears, his baser instincts… He must lead his people out of the swirling vortex of greed, disease and misery. And there is one powerful weapon still…the secret surrounding Pradyumna’s origin.
Will he uncover it in time to fight off the cataclysm?
Usha Narayanan had a successful career in advertising, radio and corporate communications before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of The Madras Mangler, a suspense thriller, and Love, Lies and Layoffs, a light-hearted office romance. The Secret of God’s Son is the sequel to her bestselling book, Pradyumna: Son of Krishna, which was published in July 2015.
When she’s not juggling travel, writing and interviews, Usha reads everything from thrillers to romances, provided her cat isn’t fast asleep on her Kindle. She would love to hear from her readers here: author@ushanarayanan.com
“Usha Narayanan has taken a quantum leap . . . to the outright spine-tingling narrative from the leaves of a time before. This book is Indian writing coming of age" Femina
"Like the best of our mythological tales, this too, is a multilayered one . . .There is valour, there is cowardice, there is glory, there is shame, there is sex, lies and deception" The Hindu
"This engrossing tale takes readers on a mythological saga" Times of India
Karan Pratap Singh is on the brink of winning the Amateur Boxing Championship, when in a moment, he loses it all. His fall from glory seems fuelled by ruthless arrogance and an out-of-control anger management problem. That, however is just symptomatic of a deeper issue. Buried under layers of his fractured subconscious lies a childhood secret he cannot come to terms with.
Sonia Kapoor is a beautiful, volatile young woman with a secret that torments her at night but a secret that she feels no guilt for.
When fate throws Karan and Sonia together in Mumbai, their personal demons and pasts collide and stir up trouble in their fragile and uncertain present. But, is redemption possible without forgiveness?
Dancing with Demons is a fast-paced action drama of love, loss and resurrection.
1. Tell us a little bit about your background. When did you start writing?
My journey into the world of storytelling began way before I graduated with honours in English literature and was offered scholarship by the university. The early formative years took me into the world of the Panchatantra and classic English literature while I also watched my mother paint. At the same time, I got introduced to the joys of adventure sports too since my father was in the Armed forces. On hindsight, I think these early influences shaped my storytelling ability, albeit in a visual way.
I read voraciously through my teenage years and graduated to Booker prize winning novels quickly. I think reading good literature is hugely instrumental in widening mental horizons and giving the reader an ability to comprehend complex characters, their emotional and physical graphs, along with a unique insight into the geo-political landscape of the times the novel is set in. All of this is a fantastic bedrock and training ground for good writing.
I started experimenting with poetry and short stories initially, and a lot of the early writing during my childhood happened under the open sky in my garden, lying on the grass, dreaming about heroes, action and adventure.
At the age of twelve, I had written what might now be called a Novella. It was about the daily exploits of a girl and her group of friends and how they explored a new part of the nearby jungle every day, in search of wild animals, thrills, and adventure. It was autobiographical of course and my delighted parents had it printed and bound into a small book. They treasure it to this day.
Studying English literature in college helped me enormously in comprehending and interpreting works of literature and soon after, I started to write book reviews for national newspapers. I also wrote short stories every single day during those college years and I think that has helped me hone my craft.
I realize now that writing a drama set in the world of combat sports, which most critics have called visual and action packed, is no accident. Dancing with Demons is a sum total of all my early influences and experiences.
2. How would you describe your book Dancing with Demons? What prompted you to write a book on boxing?
‘Dancing with Demons’ is a gripping romance drama set against the backdrop of combat sports in India. It is the story of two fallen souls who must vanquish their inner demons to become the people they were destined to be. When the story begins, Karan Pratap Singh, an angst-ridden boxer and the mysterious and volatile Sonia Kapoor are angry and emotionally damaged by their pasts and when fate throws them together in Mumbai, their personal demons and pasts collide and stir trouble in their fragile and uncertain present. "It was some night. Thunder and lightning playing, chasing one another like two furtive, carefree lovers, oblivious to the havoc they were wrecking. Sonia put her hand out of the window as the bus started to hurtle down the highway, to Mumbai. A sliver of lightning fell on the trees just ahead of them, setting a large bush on fire. Then thunder roared again... Perhaps this was an appropriate setting for what was to follow...two tumultuous lives on a head-on collision course.”
This book explores if redemption is possible without forgiveness and also delves into the depth and unsaid connection that Karan and Sonia have with each other. In fact, Sonia’s poems in the novel throw light not only on self-love and forgiveness but also on the passionate and intense relationship that these two anti-heroes share.
“I know I’m not easy to love
On somedays there’s no God above
And maybe it’s a messed up world
Into which we have been hurled
And maybe I remind you of you
So Love yourself darling, to love me too”
Overcoming one's limitations or demons is essential in order to fulfill one's true potential. That is the real core of this story. The good thing is, millions of people find a way to battle and overcome their inner demons. So there is hope for everyone and 'Dancing with Demons' is about that hope. It's about the light at the end of the tunnel.
This novel is a fast-paced story of love, loss and resurrection for both Karan and Sonia.
3. What prompted you to write a book on boxing?
I was brought up in an army background that exposes you to adventure and the outdoors very early on. Having studied in various army schools across India, I trained in karate, horse-riding and attended adventure camps. Camping, trekking, hiking along with all the unforgettable misadventures shaped my love for the outdoors.
As a teenager, I watched live boxing matches as well. They fascinated me no end. Two men beating the hell out of each other while spectators egged them on. I noticed that every time a boxer bled in the ring, the audience cheered even louder. Human reaction to violence only shows how deep and primal that instinct is and this totally fascinated me back then. I started to watch boxing championships on the internet. Soon I was following the sport like a fan and started going for the big fights to Madison square garden while I was studying filmmaking in New York. I met boxers and coaches out of curiosity and interest. I spent time inside boxing gyms and also started to train and spar.
Personally, I love the raw athleticism in this sport and the fact that it is a skillful craft, needing strategy and forethought . Also, when the boxers fight, it is almost like a dance in the ring, lyrical and rhythmic, and that has drawn me to it visually as well. Given my exposure and interests, I think the stage to write Dancing with Demons, was set long ago.
4. What inspires you to write?
A lot of things actually but my mother’s abstract paintings have been my greatest inspiration. Almost nothing inspires me more than a work of art, even a great piece of music for that matter. The outdoors and the sight of a rising sun sometimes triggers the need to put pen to paper. Since I enjoy observing life and am particularly fascinated by human duality and contradictions, I spend a lot of time creating complex and flawed characters and then throwing them into a world I am familiar with. The writing that follows is automatically organic and un-manipulated. Ultimately for me, it’s almost always about exploring and learning something new through the process of creation.
5. And do you ever have a writer's block? What do you do to get rid of it?
I am very passionate about the stories I want to tell and on most days I don’t feel the block but when I do, I think discipline helps. I’ve realized through personal experience that showing up in front of that laptop every single day is the only way to beat it.
6. Who are your favourite writers and poets and have they in anyway motivated you to be better at your craft? If so, how?
My favorite writers are Rohinton Mistry, Ian Mcewan, Maya Angelou, Kiran Desai, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Samuel Beckett, John Donne and T.S Eliot, to name a few. The unparalleled quality of their writing is a huge motivation for any young storyteller and I’m no exception. Like I mentioned earlier, my journey into the world of writing began with reading good literature and I strive every single day to better my craft.
7. Apart from writing what are your other interests?
I enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports, photography, watching plays and music of all genres.
8. You are also a filmmaker, how do you juggle between both the crafts?
The first step for a Writer-Director like me is to put an interesting story in place and once that is accomplished, then it’s all about visually interpreting and executing it.
As a filmmaker, I think I am lucky to have a unique advantage by virtue of being a novelist too. It has given me a deeper understanding of story, characterization, plot, subplots, genres, mood and tone, all of which are an essential part of building an engaging narrative, be it for a movie or a novel. I also have greater understanding of the source material (the novel) and the training to adapt it for the screen. Infact, I have already finished adapting ‘Dancing with Demons’ into a screenplay and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
Although Cinema and literature are principally two different mediums, both aim at telling an interesting story well and despite their own unique challenges and audiences, I think it is possible to straddle them equally well if one has the talent, passion and training for storytelling.
Personally, I fell blessed that I am able to juggle between these two crafts and I’m having a lot of fun doing so.
9. Finally, what is your next novel going to be about and where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I write every single day and am sure the next story will find me soon enough.
The journey for ‘Dancing with Demons’ is still on and my full focus and energies at the moment are on directing the film.
I am a filmmaker-novelist and that’s all I know, so that’s where you’ll find me even five years down the line.
