Almost like being in love
So, here I'm, amidst the vast oceans & endless skies with almost no internet access and back again with my books. I'm missing you. And I'm happy in that missing. You know why? Coz I know you love me and I'm in love with you pretty girl. I hope you'd read it and realize how much I think of you.
Sometimes all I've to do is pick a book, get lost from all that's real and picture you and me together and when I'm doing that we aren't talking, no ma'am, we are not. Instead we are lying down on our back, under a tree with a book in your hands, your head resting in my lap and my fingers brushing your hairs while the other hand is tucked away under yours resting just above your breasts so that I can feel your heart beat pulsating under my palm. You're reading to me all the love spilled in those pages while I watch your mouth forming those words and wonder what you'd do if I kiss 'em, softly.
See, I told you I'm a dreamer.
Let me love you, like I always do. Like I do when I'm lost in stories spilled in ink on paper of a love story and let me believe that for you I'm real like you're to me. Because I've known reality up very close and personal & when we are faced to it we don't like it much, I didn't. But then I'm not a ppl person. You know what I think? I think that when you'd know that I'm real not some guys oceans apart from you, you'd not love me. so, when I'm in those words I let go of reality and almost, almost feel your love on the wind that blows tracing my face. My chest expands with all that love and somehow I know you must be feeling it too.
Hence I do the best. I read and I read & then read some more coz that's where there's love which is love for me, all heart breaking & hauntingly b'ful. Just within my reach & yet I don't reach out for it coz I know how cruel the reality is & how fragile my hope is.
I don't want to stop now, coz all what I'm feeling will never cease to stop and make me wonder about all that is love, so I close my eyes, remember your eyes, your sparkling mischievous, pretty eyes and I smile.
I'm reading, reading, reading & reading
And somewhere b'ween all that I'm dreaming
Of you
With me
Smile for me, there, oceans apart and I will see it in the waves calling out for me seductively.
Say my name, like a prayer, redeeming me, freeing me of my ghosts and making my soul eternally bound to you.
Smile, like you want to cry in my arms and say "Damn, but I love you" & let me dream, oh let me dream about this when I'd sleep tonight.
(To be Contd..)
Monday, 29 December 2014
Friday, 26 December 2014
32 Seconds by Johanna K. Pitcairn
So rather than face the troubles that torment her, Julie decides to run away from her old life and start fresh somewhere new. But her parents aren’t on board with the plan, and she soon finds her bank accounts frozen and her wallet empty.
With just seventy-five dollars and a full tank of gas, the troubled teen is far too stubborn to turn around and head home. So what’s a girl to do?
What Julie doesn’t know is that her travels are about to take her somewhere unexpected—a place where she’ll be forced to come face to face with the ghosts of her past in order to secure her future.
A tale of redemption, hope, and freedom lost and found, 32 Seconds is a thought-provoking exploration into the human spirit and the nature of forgiveness.
Available on Amazon
Random Fun Facts:
1) To trigger my inspiration, I binge on Netflix. I pick shows from any genre, and study the dialog and the plot. I also watch video game walkthroughs on YouTube. It's a great help to develop my characters.
2) I can't remember the last time I've had a bad case of writer's block. Plotting helps eliminate that issue.
3) My biggest pet peeves: misspellings, grammatical errors, and inconsistent formatting.
4) Julie Jones has named her car "Bubble", and when she swears, she says things like "shizzle", "shizzle nizzle" or "crapola in a peanut butter jar".
5) The original title for the first draft of the story, before it became 32 Seconds, was Death by Chocolate.
6) Julie Jones loves In&Out burgers, and strawberry milkshakes.
7) Julie is also a surfer. Her favorite beach is the one in Oceanside, CA.
8) I'm a cat lover. I have four cats, and they all distract me from writing by taking turns and lying on top of my laptop.
About the Author:
Johanna K. Pitcairn has dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood--authoring her first novel at the age of nine, and countless poems, stories, and screenplays by the age of seventeen. Later, rather than pursuing a career as a director and screenwriter, she decided to go to law school, driven by her father's opinion that "writing does not pay the bills."
Ten years later, she moved to New York City, which inspired her to go back to the excitement, wonder, and constant change of being a writer. Pitcairn is a huge fan of psychological-thriller novels and movies, and delves into her hopes, fears, friends, enemies, and everything in between in her own writing.
Contact the Author:
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Normal Days #35
Keep me in your heart for a while
What was I thinking? I'm not the guy with whom reality will be friendly. I'm the guy who is happy reading the books, dreaming of the love which is always unattainable but in my fantasies always true and with me. I'm the guy who lives in the fictional world & believes ppl mean what they say. I don't know how many more lessons I'd need to understand that I'm not normal & frequency of my thinking is way lower than the most intelligent ppl out there. Here I believe miracles happen, double rainbows shine across the horizon, unicorns exist and there's still love among the hearts of others. That some souls are there who love unconditionally, without any restraints and complications. Just love.
What was I thinking?!
So here I'm, not playing the innocent victim just mad at myself that how much of a bigger liar I'm. I say I don't expect anything and yet I hope others will give up their time for me. They'd not lie to me & when I'd want 'em to lie to me they'd tell me the truth. They sure have so many rules about everything. Thanks to the Almighty I'd leaving behind all this on Saturday. And I know they all will forget about me. I'm sure that won't be a problem for I'm not worth remembering anyway. I'm also ready for all the blames and names which they'd toss at me. This ain't the first time but I'll make sure this is the last. I don't like confrontations and trust me I seriously loathe the word "sorry". I'm sick and tired of hearing it when ppl hurt others just for fun. Well I did say I'd make 'em smile. May be this is the way it is done where they are.
Hence I'll return back to the books, I'll be heart broken for sure but nothing a few great historical romances and Bryan Adams, Dido & all great music won't fix. When in doubt stick to the basics, don't they say that. So, the prodigal sun returns where there he feels most at home. A world where he dreams and cherish the fantasies coz the world is too cruel for him. And while the world admires the reality I avoid that b'ful lady like a mirage, ironic isn't it?
I'm hurt and good thing is as I'd be gone this Saturday and when I'd be back I'll be nothing just a name in ppl memory.
Though I've to admit it was good while it lasted
do svidaniya :)
(To be Contd..)
What was I thinking? I'm not the guy with whom reality will be friendly. I'm the guy who is happy reading the books, dreaming of the love which is always unattainable but in my fantasies always true and with me. I'm the guy who lives in the fictional world & believes ppl mean what they say. I don't know how many more lessons I'd need to understand that I'm not normal & frequency of my thinking is way lower than the most intelligent ppl out there. Here I believe miracles happen, double rainbows shine across the horizon, unicorns exist and there's still love among the hearts of others. That some souls are there who love unconditionally, without any restraints and complications. Just love.
What was I thinking?!
So here I'm, not playing the innocent victim just mad at myself that how much of a bigger liar I'm. I say I don't expect anything and yet I hope others will give up their time for me. They'd not lie to me & when I'd want 'em to lie to me they'd tell me the truth. They sure have so many rules about everything. Thanks to the Almighty I'd leaving behind all this on Saturday. And I know they all will forget about me. I'm sure that won't be a problem for I'm not worth remembering anyway. I'm also ready for all the blames and names which they'd toss at me. This ain't the first time but I'll make sure this is the last. I don't like confrontations and trust me I seriously loathe the word "sorry". I'm sick and tired of hearing it when ppl hurt others just for fun. Well I did say I'd make 'em smile. May be this is the way it is done where they are.
Hence I'll return back to the books, I'll be heart broken for sure but nothing a few great historical romances and Bryan Adams, Dido & all great music won't fix. When in doubt stick to the basics, don't they say that. So, the prodigal sun returns where there he feels most at home. A world where he dreams and cherish the fantasies coz the world is too cruel for him. And while the world admires the reality I avoid that b'ful lady like a mirage, ironic isn't it?
I'm hurt and good thing is as I'd be gone this Saturday and when I'd be back I'll be nothing just a name in ppl memory.
Though I've to admit it was good while it lasted
do svidaniya :)
(To be Contd..)
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Normal Days #34
Mama I'm coming Home
Today I was listening to a song in Hindi about mothers & suddenly I realised my mums won't be with me always & that thought left me with fear. I'm scared. For my whole life I've known only one person who has been a constant in my life, my mother. I mean every mother is great. Though some might differ from my point of view and blame their mothers for something but as my mama use to say, it is enough that she has brought us into this world, given us a life. We shouldn't be asking for more.
And even after 27 years of my life I still ask my mother everything. Does that make you to judge me? Please do, go ahead. I'm not ashamed that I seek advise from my mums about almost every thing & I think mothers are above God even, so I don't mind asking for her help every now and then. She knows me better than me. And may be coz I've the best mums in this universe I respect all the mothers and girls for that matter. I've always said that I'm in favour of career oriented girls and all but when you're a mother that trumps all other career.
Being the only one beside God who can give birth to a life this word alone is enough to make every single soul in this universe to bow down for you. What satisfaction any career can give you other than listening to a sound of a voice calling you 'ma'. I respect every independent girl out there but when you think of your career and everything else but your family, I must say it feels like you're settling for, I can't even say second best coz being a mother is a blessing, you can't put anything on the same level ever.
I do wish that every girl in this world is blessed with b'ful kids in her life coz no love in this world is as selfless as mother and child.
To all the mothers out there **bows down**
(To be Contd..)
Today I was listening to a song in Hindi about mothers & suddenly I realised my mums won't be with me always & that thought left me with fear. I'm scared. For my whole life I've known only one person who has been a constant in my life, my mother. I mean every mother is great. Though some might differ from my point of view and blame their mothers for something but as my mama use to say, it is enough that she has brought us into this world, given us a life. We shouldn't be asking for more.
And even after 27 years of my life I still ask my mother everything. Does that make you to judge me? Please do, go ahead. I'm not ashamed that I seek advise from my mums about almost every thing & I think mothers are above God even, so I don't mind asking for her help every now and then. She knows me better than me. And may be coz I've the best mums in this universe I respect all the mothers and girls for that matter. I've always said that I'm in favour of career oriented girls and all but when you're a mother that trumps all other career.
Being the only one beside God who can give birth to a life this word alone is enough to make every single soul in this universe to bow down for you. What satisfaction any career can give you other than listening to a sound of a voice calling you 'ma'. I respect every independent girl out there but when you think of your career and everything else but your family, I must say it feels like you're settling for, I can't even say second best coz being a mother is a blessing, you can't put anything on the same level ever.
I do wish that every girl in this world is blessed with b'ful kids in her life coz no love in this world is as selfless as mother and child.
To all the mothers out there **bows down**
(To be Contd..)
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Normal Days #33
My Paper Heart
Everyday when I open my eyes, even before I'm up I hold on to the dreams of you. That time when you're here with me even in my fantasy I believe that we are together. The moment when I open my eyes I still have a smile on my face & I wonder what it'd have been like to wake up next to you everyday for rest of my life. But then as they say you can't always get what you want, so I do the next best thing. I try to memorise you, to remember you.
Memories have a funny way to vanish, don't they? One day you remember every thing in a vivid detail and the next you start losing fragments of it a lil day by day shredding some of it someday then losing a big chunk the next. No matter how hard you try to hold on to 'em they slip away like sand. But when you wish to let 'em go, somehow they get stuck on your palm, like ocean sand & they travel with you no matter where you go.
I stand still when I look at someone looking like you, my heart beating fast and I pray it better not be you but when I realise that ain't you it breaks my heart lil more. So, I'm here amidst words, hoping one day you'd read 'em, finding me that some part of me will never let you go and I'll keep screwing up every good thing. One of these days I'll find a way to get out of this blackhole. Or become more of it, wallowing in self pity and self loathing.
One of these days
(To be Contd..)
Everyday when I open my eyes, even before I'm up I hold on to the dreams of you. That time when you're here with me even in my fantasy I believe that we are together. The moment when I open my eyes I still have a smile on my face & I wonder what it'd have been like to wake up next to you everyday for rest of my life. But then as they say you can't always get what you want, so I do the next best thing. I try to memorise you, to remember you.
Memories have a funny way to vanish, don't they? One day you remember every thing in a vivid detail and the next you start losing fragments of it a lil day by day shredding some of it someday then losing a big chunk the next. No matter how hard you try to hold on to 'em they slip away like sand. But when you wish to let 'em go, somehow they get stuck on your palm, like ocean sand & they travel with you no matter where you go.
I stand still when I look at someone looking like you, my heart beating fast and I pray it better not be you but when I realise that ain't you it breaks my heart lil more. So, I'm here amidst words, hoping one day you'd read 'em, finding me that some part of me will never let you go and I'll keep screwing up every good thing. One of these days I'll find a way to get out of this blackhole. Or become more of it, wallowing in self pity and self loathing.
One of these days
(To be Contd..)
Friday, 21 November 2014
Normal Days #32
Weight of the World
I don't know why but I think whenever I start writing on my blog my thought processes always start when I'm in shower. Strange, right? And when I come out half of my thoughts are just vanished like steam. My thoughts there are running a mile and may be that's the only place I think of the real problems / difficulties. The things which I run away from generally.
Reality always has been a different dimension for me. People I know say pretty words to each other on face and words seem like spilling out like they don't weigh anything. This might be one of the most incoherent write for me as like always I've no idea what's going on around me. Too much is happening and I just wanna sit down lay my head in your lap and feel the warmth of your touch as you run your fingers in my hair. I want you to tell me everything is going to be fine coz I don't have much confidence in myself but your confidence in me is all my power. But if you will look in my eyes, my face cradled in your palms and a sweet kiss there's nothing I won't do.
And I'd no idea here also I'd dream of you. You're always with me, haunting me, captivating me with the memories which are the only thing I've left of you and then there's this yearning which never goes away. And suddenly the weight on my shoulders has nothing to do with the problem of realities. It has always been my made believe world in dreams where you're still with me. I tried to let go of you but I think what I would have if not them? Better to be incomplete than hollow, right?
Bring back me to life
(To be Contd..)
I don't know why but I think whenever I start writing on my blog my thought processes always start when I'm in shower. Strange, right? And when I come out half of my thoughts are just vanished like steam. My thoughts there are running a mile and may be that's the only place I think of the real problems / difficulties. The things which I run away from generally.
Reality always has been a different dimension for me. People I know say pretty words to each other on face and words seem like spilling out like they don't weigh anything. This might be one of the most incoherent write for me as like always I've no idea what's going on around me. Too much is happening and I just wanna sit down lay my head in your lap and feel the warmth of your touch as you run your fingers in my hair. I want you to tell me everything is going to be fine coz I don't have much confidence in myself but your confidence in me is all my power. But if you will look in my eyes, my face cradled in your palms and a sweet kiss there's nothing I won't do.
And I'd no idea here also I'd dream of you. You're always with me, haunting me, captivating me with the memories which are the only thing I've left of you and then there's this yearning which never goes away. And suddenly the weight on my shoulders has nothing to do with the problem of realities. It has always been my made believe world in dreams where you're still with me. I tried to let go of you but I think what I would have if not them? Better to be incomplete than hollow, right?
Bring back me to life
(To be Contd..)
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Normal Days #31
I want you to want me
Today, I'm feeling a lil low. Hence the urge to look up the heavens and smile. Today if someone will make empty promises I'll believe those too. It has been one of those days when I'd believe in all lies. The materialistic world, as much as I want to live in dreams, comes crushing all my hopes. And then I stand alone amidst faces which once I knew looking at me like I'm stranger and I wish if there's anyone whom I can call mine but then toughen up saying at least I've myself. No matter what I won't give upon me and love is still an enigma which is always just out of reach.
I've always believed in love but somehow the emptiness of these words isn't unknown to me either. I'm actually aware of my indecision about this fickle emotion and may be I've been looking for love in all the wrong places. So, instead of letting ppl use that to their advantage I'd rather stay aloof from that for a while. But some promises I've made to myself I'll see 'em through & let all of the feelings go away. It is better to live in dreams where everything is good, there's love without any exchange and there are smiles.
So, here I'm, believing that you love me even when I know that you don't but it hurts a lil less when I dream that you do. And please let me dream. I think I'm more in love with the idea of love than the love itself.
Once again I've succeeded in making this another one of my blabbering write. Where's the substance?
May be tomorrow is a better day.
(To be Contd..)
Today, I'm feeling a lil low. Hence the urge to look up the heavens and smile. Today if someone will make empty promises I'll believe those too. It has been one of those days when I'd believe in all lies. The materialistic world, as much as I want to live in dreams, comes crushing all my hopes. And then I stand alone amidst faces which once I knew looking at me like I'm stranger and I wish if there's anyone whom I can call mine but then toughen up saying at least I've myself. No matter what I won't give upon me and love is still an enigma which is always just out of reach.
I've always believed in love but somehow the emptiness of these words isn't unknown to me either. I'm actually aware of my indecision about this fickle emotion and may be I've been looking for love in all the wrong places. So, instead of letting ppl use that to their advantage I'd rather stay aloof from that for a while. But some promises I've made to myself I'll see 'em through & let all of the feelings go away. It is better to live in dreams where everything is good, there's love without any exchange and there are smiles.
So, here I'm, believing that you love me even when I know that you don't but it hurts a lil less when I dream that you do. And please let me dream. I think I'm more in love with the idea of love than the love itself.
Once again I've succeeded in making this another one of my blabbering write. Where's the substance?
May be tomorrow is a better day.
(To be Contd..)
Friday, 14 November 2014
Normal Days #30
Fade to Black
So what, I just show up after 6 months & start writing/venting out again. Well, I guess it is better to write here than scare away the friends. I was thinking to do it more often but when you stay away from someone or something for a lil long you start avoiding them, start dreading what you'd say when you'd meet & hence one day you become strangers. The good thing about these blogs or journals or any other things like these is they don't leave you. They don't avoid you.
I know I've no idea what am i writing but I need to write this coz I want to say whatever things I want to coz being in social atmosphere for long I might be behaving like some normal ppl but I know general population doesn't like me much & the feeling is mutual. I'd rather be alone, with books on some island than amidst the crowd & try to mix with 'em. I've been trying to do that for last 6 months but I've known since long it was futile & in the end it was the same. I'm still socially awkward.
But I've learned a lot these past six months actually. I've learned how to detach myself from a asocial gathering, if not physically then mentally. I might sound like a I'm all over the place with these random blabbering and this is what I exactly want. I want to express everything which is on my mind. I should have done it sooner though. Fading to black amidst the crowd isn't the way to get accepted & I'm done being that way. Let the alter ego of me take over & I can watch the destruction from afar, as an innocent bystander.
Feels good to write after all these days. I won't promise but I'll try to be a regular here. This is me & anyone I wanna be here, amidst the white of the paper & black of the ink (in this case typed word on screen). Wait for me :)
(To be Contd..)
So what, I just show up after 6 months & start writing/venting out again. Well, I guess it is better to write here than scare away the friends. I was thinking to do it more often but when you stay away from someone or something for a lil long you start avoiding them, start dreading what you'd say when you'd meet & hence one day you become strangers. The good thing about these blogs or journals or any other things like these is they don't leave you. They don't avoid you.
I know I've no idea what am i writing but I need to write this coz I want to say whatever things I want to coz being in social atmosphere for long I might be behaving like some normal ppl but I know general population doesn't like me much & the feeling is mutual. I'd rather be alone, with books on some island than amidst the crowd & try to mix with 'em. I've been trying to do that for last 6 months but I've known since long it was futile & in the end it was the same. I'm still socially awkward.
But I've learned a lot these past six months actually. I've learned how to detach myself from a asocial gathering, if not physically then mentally. I might sound like a I'm all over the place with these random blabbering and this is what I exactly want. I want to express everything which is on my mind. I should have done it sooner though. Fading to black amidst the crowd isn't the way to get accepted & I'm done being that way. Let the alter ego of me take over & I can watch the destruction from afar, as an innocent bystander.
Feels good to write after all these days. I won't promise but I'll try to be a regular here. This is me & anyone I wanna be here, amidst the white of the paper & black of the ink (in this case typed word on screen). Wait for me :)
(To be Contd..)
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Incantation Paradox Book Tour
A horrible car accident destroys Dolores Reynard’s life. But instead of waking up in a hospital bed, she awakens in a teenager’s body. Soon, she discovers she is at the heart of the murderous mystery surrounding the death of Mona, the young girl whose body she occupies. Caught between an evil greater than she ever imagined and a wizard who heals her tattered heart, she is forced to play a dangerous game of intrigue in the hopes of finding a way to return to her previous life.
Will magic be her ally, or will it lead to her demise once and for all.
Book Links:
Some Fun Facts:
- When behind the veil Dolores' true form materializes, losing Mona's looks.
- When I first wrote the book, I wrote it in first person, but Eric kept calling to me and I had to rewrite it in third person limited just so I could find out who he really was.
- Through the various drafts, the protagonist changed name from Mara to Dolores.
- In my mind Dolores was going to fall in love with Richard, but she had different plans and fell in love with Jason.
- The original title of the book was Trapped in a Nightmare, but when I googled the title another book had claimed the title so I called the novel Incantation Paradox.
About the Author:
Although born in the United States, Annamaria Bazzi spent a great deal of her childhood in Sicily, Italy, in a town called Sciacca. Italian was the language spoken at home. Therefore, she had no problems when she found herself growing up in a strange country. Upon returning to the states, she promised herself she would speak without an accent. She attended Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computers with a minor in Spanish.
Annamaria spent twenty years programming systems for large corporations, creating innovative solution, and addressing customer problems. During those years, she raised four daughters and one husband. Annamaria lives in Richmond Virginia with her small family where she now dedicates a good part of her day writing.
Contact the Author:
2 Digital Copies of Incantation Paradox is up for grabs.
Saturday, 5 July 2014
An Interview with Falguni Kothari
Fairytales don't end with True Love's Kiss, they begin with one...
Diya Mathur (aka Beauty), celebrated supermodel and Party Princess of India, is adored by everyone. She works hard, plays hard, and has the biggest shoe fetish on the planet. But after she purchases one baby bootie, Diya's reputation is in ruins. There's only one place to escape the rumours - Texas, under the protection of her lifelong friend, and secret love, Krish Menon (aka the Beast).
Financial whizz-kid, CFO and entrepreneur, Krish is a brooding workaholic with a charisma that still brings Beauty Mathur to her knees. He has no idea, of course! They've shared a bond since childhood - a special friendship that thrives on sparring, teasing and goading - but with Diya back in his life and under his roof, Krish's latent desire for her explodes. And when he finally admits to the secret that has never allowed him to commit to any woman - especially Diya - everything changes. Krish might finally realise how much he wants his Beauty. But he won't get her until Diya has tamed her Beast.
Book Links:
Falguni Kothari is a non-traditional homemaker who accidently tripped on a misplaced soccer ball and fell down the writer’s rabbit hole. Having no more experience with the whole writing/publishing shebang than being a voracious reader and movie buff, it more than surprised her that she could, in fact, write a full-length novel.
Now, several manuscripts down, when she is not trying to find a way out of her many domestic duties or cajoling her Latin dance coach to compose a rumba on Bollywood music, she is found embroiled in some or other scandal—sorry, creating stories—on her ever-faithful laptop.
She’s authored Bootie and the Beast, It’s Your Move, Wordfreak! and Scrabbulous Impressions, a short story. She rumbas across a whole smorgasbord of Social Media daily and loves to connect with most living things.
Interview with the Author:
- Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! Thanks for having me on your blog, Vishal. To answer your question in the simplest of terms, I am a woman, author, daughter, wife, mother, dog-lover and general domestic-crisis solver.
- How and when did you decide to get into writing?
How? It was by accident, I swear.
When? In 2009, I believe.
The story goes like this: I was vilifying my brain with my un-ambitions—this according to my mother. Though, I didn’t think anything of the sort. I was after all attending PTA meetings and ladies luncheons and kitty parties. I was busy! Anyway, she nagged me into “doing something for myself” and I decided to take some online university classes. Why? Well, because I’m sort of a nerd. I love books, and discussions about books, and debates about life and philosophy and the state of Man and his environment…so, I’m a nerd and I couldn’t think of a better way to “do something for myself”. I took a class called Romance Writing Secrets on a lark, just because it sounded so fun…and it was! I began writing It’s Your Move, Wordfreak! as part of my final class assignment. So, I guess my mother was right?! Horrifying thought, but true in this case.
- How much research goes into a book for you?
A good bit of my book-writing time goes in research. I am quite anal about the details I write into my books, such as, Beauty Mathur from Bootie and the Beast is a supermodel and I will want my readers to know and understand exactly the kind of things a model has to deal with personally and professionally; from fans, family pressures, paparazzi, gossip, contracts, agents, thoughts, lifestyle—everything. Same goes for a financial analyst or CFO, like Krish. I am neither a CFO nor a model, and to write those characters with any kind of authenticity means I must do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions to the right info source. Same thing for the setting…I have never been to Dallas and had to research its environs to suit my novel’s purpose.
- Tell us a bit about your debut Novel - It's your move, Wordfreak!
It’s Your Move, Wordfreak! is a contemporary romance in which the protagonists, Aryan Chawla, aka Wordfreak, and Alisha Menon, aka Worddiva, first meet and subsequently fall in lust with each other via a game of online Scrabble. The novel starts after the fact, when Wordfreak has convinced Worddiva to meet with him for real.
- Bootie and the Beast is your latest release, how is it different from those in its genre?
Well, I’ve been told that my writing style, my language and content are not typically “romance.” I have written Bootie and the Beast with romance as its premise and fairytales as its theme, so I can’t claim it’s different from its genre. But every writer brings his or her style into the story and I guess mine is effervescent in its romance (I’m quoting there) with real life issues underscoring my prose. I also don’t believe in dumbing down a book or its protagonists just because it’s a “simple romance.” I do not believe in shortchanging my readers. I want my readers to enjoy the book as well as learn something new from it…be it a new world or a new word.
- Who is your favourite character and why? Does he/she have any of your personal traits?
In Bootie and the Beast, if I had to choose between Diya and Krish, I would say Diya only because she is so NOT me. The only thing I believe Diya and I have in common is our “free-thinking” of certain societal issues and our belief that “Men are not equipped to deal with life’s vicissitudes.”
- Getting published is a long process, which part of it is your favourite?
1) Signing the contract and
2) Receiving the first-look at the cover and typeset of the novel. Oh. My. God! I am literally flying in space on those two days. And on the days I receive royalty/advance payments.
- Has life changed for you after being published?
Of course! I have gotten more confident in my writing. A whole new world has opened up for me: public speaking, giving interviews, giving advice to those who ask for it, promotional events, educational events… Best of all, my mother can no longer scold me about “doing nothing constructive with your time, whatsoever.”
- Who has influenced your writing style and how?
Hm, if I had to pick four authors who have maybe not influenced me so much as they inspire me to write and write and write are: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Nora Roberts/J D Robb and Diana Gabaldon. I’m a huge, huge fan of these accomplished individuals.
- What would be your writing tip to the wannabe authors?
Pick a spot. Sit down. And write. Just write, even if its rubbish. It will eventually lead to something worthwhile.
- If you find yourself on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
That would depend on how long I’m deserted on said deserted island. Let’s go with I’m there for good with no hopes of rescue...
1) An indestructible tent for shelter.
2) A supply of matches to easily build an everlasting fire.
3) Shah Rukh Khan. (Clothes optional.)
- Which celebrity would you like to be stuck with in an elevator?
Um. Read #3 from previous question. Although, recently, I’ve been fangirling Tom Hiddleston like crazy. So he would be a good option for the elevator adventure too.
- What are you working on right now?
My work-in-progress, dubbed LUHU, is an unconventional romance in which my three protagonists will do anything for each other, including sacrificing their own happiness to make the other two happy. I’m not very far in the story, so only have a vague idea of how it ends. Consequently, I’m waiting for some news on another manuscript—Book 1 in an urban fantasy series. Lets all cross our fingers (and toes) for that one. I have huge hopes for that series.
Contact the Author:
Tour Schedule
01st July - Laura Greenwood - Book Review
02nd July - Niyati Mavinkurve - Book Review
03rd July - Rae Quigley - Guest Post
04th July - Namrata - Interview
04th July - Lynn Thompson - Guest Post
05th July - Nikita - Book Review
05th July - Vishal - Interview
07th July - Anubha Agrawal - Guest Post
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07th July - Linzé Brandon - Book Review
08th July - Sherry Fundin - Guest Post
08th July - Elizabeth McKenna - Interview
09th July - Jenn S - Book Review
09th July - Dee - Interview
10th July - Divya Prata - Book Review
10th July - Parinitha.urs - Book Review
11th July - Mindy Wall - Book Review
11th July - Heena Ahuja - Book Review
12th July - Dr Sanchit Bhandari - Guest Post
12th July - Shree Janani & Dhivya Balaji - Book Review
12th July - Penny Estelle - Guest Post
14th July - Rachelle Ayala - Interview
14th July - Annamaria - Guest Post
14th July - Maria Durst - Book Review
15th July - Paula - Book Review
15th July - Atmika - Book Review
01st July - Laura Greenwood - Book Review
02nd July - Niyati Mavinkurve - Book Review
03rd July - Rae Quigley - Guest Post
04th July - Namrata - Interview
04th July - Lynn Thompson - Guest Post
05th July - Nikita - Book Review
05th July - Vishal - Interview
07th July - Anubha Agrawal - Guest Post
07th July - Chantel Rhondeau - Interview
07th July - Linzé Brandon - Book Review
08th July - Sherry Fundin - Guest Post
08th July - Elizabeth McKenna - Interview
09th July - Jenn S - Book Review
09th July - Dee - Interview
10th July - Divya Prata - Book Review
10th July - Parinitha.urs - Book Review
11th July - Mindy Wall - Book Review
11th July - Heena Ahuja - Book Review
12th July - Dr Sanchit Bhandari - Guest Post
12th July - Shree Janani & Dhivya Balaji - Book Review
12th July - Penny Estelle - Guest Post
14th July - Rachelle Ayala - Interview
14th July - Annamaria - Guest Post
14th July - Maria Durst - Book Review
15th July - Paula - Book Review
15th July - Atmika - Book Review
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Whole Latte Love by Rachelle Ayala
Free spirit Dylan Jewell appreciates the delightful universe of women who vie for his attention. His goal in life is to do good, make happy coffee, and help the homeless.
When Carina moves in, she insists on rules of conduct to quell her instant attraction to Dylan. But when her boss asks her to turn Dylan into a businessman, she can’t think of a reason not to take advantage of his hospitality.
Their chemistry is white hot, but Dylan refuses to play Carina’s game, unable to understand how he can fall in love with a woman who puts profits in front of people. When Carina realizes Dylan isn’t budging, she risks all to gain a single night with him. Will her gambit backfire or will Dylan discover Carina’s true heart before she runs away with his?
Set in Berkeley, California, Whole Latte Love is an opposites-attract romance mixing bluesy rock music, hot, steamy love scenes, and financial shenanigans.
Rachelle is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, an active member of the California Writer’s Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.
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Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Metamorphing by Kunal Pancholi
About the Book
28THAPRIL, 2000: Flight No. 9x4876 bound to Srinagar has crash landed into the Everest Base camp. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the flight mysteriously went off the radar for few minutes and missed its landing. All passengers are feared dead… except for three bodies that are yet to be recovered.
8THDECEMBER, 2050:This, without doubt is the most gruesome murder in recent times. Early this morning, an unidentified woman was found mutilated at the western gates of the abandoned Victoria Terminus Station in Mumbai. Authorities report her head was … well … semi-decapitated and she was drained of all her blood. The shocking part - the crime scene was devoid of any signs of blood spatter…
ROHAN: He was shorter than the shortest girl in school; he had to be ahead in the game!
RUDRA:A man without a past, coaxed into a murder investigation; will he ever grasp the true nature of the crime?
A thrilling tale about two men bound by an untraceable yet undeniable fate - One running away from his past, another unaware of his own.
The Book Trailer
Lesser Known Facts About the Book:
- There is a very strong / intense story of love that is present throughout the book.
- 'Metamorphing' as such is not a real word, rather not a word that is used in the sense that it is supposed to mean (Metamorphosing). I had to spell it out to all publishers while making my submission for the book that I am aware of this fact and I was only playing with words. Was worried that I could get rejected at the mention / sight of the name of the book itself!
- A sneak peek into the college life of a student of Criminology - Learning the ropes of detection, deduction and crime scene investigation.
- There is a Vampire in the book!
- As of now its a trilogy with two parts.
- At one point in time, one part of the book was supposed to be based in the 1900s.
Author’s Profile
Kunal Pancholi graduated from SRCC Delhi in 2001. He completed his MBA from NMIMS Mumbai in 2006. Previously, in his professional career he has worked with banks, co-founded READO - an audio book publishing company and done a marketing stint with a film production company in Mumbai. Currently he heads Sales & Marketing at a technology start-up. He lives in Chennai with his wife, parents, sister and grand-mom.
Interact with him
Twitter I Facebook Page I Website
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Normal Days #29
I'm in Love with a Girl
Right now I've no idea how am I feeling? I'm suddenly drained of energy, motivation & all the god things. May be I need to go out & watch the majestic Persian Gulf for sometime. Thank God for some supply vessel which stop by for provision & materials I get to go out on deck otherwise I'd never see the deck or platform.
& like many lost days I still have no idea what am I saying. I'm just missing someone very close to my heart. She's like moon, for whom I can only wish for never reach out & touch. I see her shining in my heart & lighting up the darkest corner of my hearts, almost making me believe in myself & my love. Almost. But then I know me very well, I'm known to screw everything up whether or not I'd want to, it just happens. Feels like I'm jinxed or something. But I've already shared all those sorry tales so many a times, even I'm bored of myself.
Good thing is, I can be my moronic self here. I need some inspiration, I need you to set me on fire so that I can write through my words, just for me hidden away in some sanctuary of my mind to let you know that for me you're the most b'ful girl. I will love you like no one has loved you, like I've never loved anyone before.
Let me paint skies for you
& may be it is all a dream,
lay down with me
look at the stars
& tell me if you see
your reflection
& my love shining
for you
in the nights & whole day
& let me dream that it is true.
(To be contd..)
Right now I've no idea how am I feeling? I'm suddenly drained of energy, motivation & all the god things. May be I need to go out & watch the majestic Persian Gulf for sometime. Thank God for some supply vessel which stop by for provision & materials I get to go out on deck otherwise I'd never see the deck or platform.
& like many lost days I still have no idea what am I saying. I'm just missing someone very close to my heart. She's like moon, for whom I can only wish for never reach out & touch. I see her shining in my heart & lighting up the darkest corner of my hearts, almost making me believe in myself & my love. Almost. But then I know me very well, I'm known to screw everything up whether or not I'd want to, it just happens. Feels like I'm jinxed or something. But I've already shared all those sorry tales so many a times, even I'm bored of myself.
Good thing is, I can be my moronic self here. I need some inspiration, I need you to set me on fire so that I can write through my words, just for me hidden away in some sanctuary of my mind to let you know that for me you're the most b'ful girl. I will love you like no one has loved you, like I've never loved anyone before.
Let me paint skies for you
& may be it is all a dream,
lay down with me
look at the stars
& tell me if you see
your reflection
& my love shining
for you
in the nights & whole day
& let me dream that it is true.
(To be contd..)
Friday, 2 May 2014
Scars
I've been reading books & I've few great friends here at www.goodreads.com who always inspire me to find love which seems surreal. Right now I'm reading a book which inspired this write. I know I'm good at nothing, I am always struggling, with words, with emotions, with ppl. I'm in constant fear that someday you'll realize I'm husk of a man & you'll leave me for one who's worthy of your love. But in my heart I'll keep loving you like I always do. I've scars baby & they run deep, keep away from me I'm not the man you think I'm.
So here it goes, the good thing is unlike me, the guy in the book is loved. Hope someday you'll love me too. Or not..
Baby I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
if I bare my soul to you
I'm going to keep you away
from my demons & me
But then,
if you love me enough
may be they will leave me alone
& I'll sleep one night
without nightmares
with dreams of you
with me
Or not..
coz baby I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
of my demons & me
See here,
this heart
it is falling hard for you
I may keep you away
but love still flows through
I'm known to give up
'Till when you'll fight
to not give upon me
coz baby
I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
of my demons & me..
So here it goes, the good thing is unlike me, the guy in the book is loved. Hope someday you'll love me too. Or not..
Baby I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
if I bare my soul to you
I'm going to keep you away
from my demons & me
But then,
if you love me enough
may be they will leave me alone
& I'll sleep one night
without nightmares
with dreams of you
with me
Or not..
coz baby I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
of my demons & me
See here,
this heart
it is falling hard for you
I may keep you away
but love still flows through
I'm known to give up
'Till when you'll fight
to not give upon me
coz baby
I've scars
that run too deep
you'll be scared
of my demons & me..
Normal Days #28
I Remember You
The memories always have a funny way to bring you on your knees & leave you at your most vulnerable. It has been a year & a month when I left India to work in Arabian gulf for ADMA-OPCO offshore division & when I look back I feel a lil content but I know it is not what I see myself doing in a long run. Granted, the beauty here is good & love is spread all around me & I'm working in oilfield where normal population can't come, it gives my pride necessary boost & I never cease an opportunity to gloat about it either. I know it sound shallow but as I'm the same so it doesn't matter. I've heard worse.
I've met exceptional ppl & like always it always hurts when we depart. Our platform's safety engineer left for a new location & he's a kind of man I admire. I'm not ppl friendly & the sentiment is reciprocated by most of the ppl around me but still there are few ppl whom I admire a lot & he's one of those.
I wish him all the best & may he get back to our barge soon coz I'm a selfish guy & I need what lil friendly faces I can have around me.
(To be Contd..)
The memories always have a funny way to bring you on your knees & leave you at your most vulnerable. It has been a year & a month when I left India to work in Arabian gulf for ADMA-OPCO offshore division & when I look back I feel a lil content but I know it is not what I see myself doing in a long run. Granted, the beauty here is good & love is spread all around me & I'm working in oilfield where normal population can't come, it gives my pride necessary boost & I never cease an opportunity to gloat about it either. I know it sound shallow but as I'm the same so it doesn't matter. I've heard worse.
I've met exceptional ppl & like always it always hurts when we depart. Our platform's safety engineer left for a new location & he's a kind of man I admire. I'm not ppl friendly & the sentiment is reciprocated by most of the ppl around me but still there are few ppl whom I admire a lot & he's one of those.
I wish him all the best & may he get back to our barge soon coz I'm a selfish guy & I need what lil friendly faces I can have around me.
(To be Contd..)
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Normal Days #27
Have Love Will Travel
This time I'm exhausted, the work is hectic & it takes my mind off you. Some part of me wants to forget everything because it is better to give up on everything, every dream & every expectations then watch them falling apart. But no matter how hard I want to try I can't give upon hopes. I don't want my mind off you. I don't want to miss the pain. I don't want to miss the feeling of loneliness. Work will always be there but given a chance I'd rather bury myself with words spilled over books taking me away to you than boring my eyes in useless technical data.
I don't know what I'm writing. I'm at a loss & suddenly devoid of feelings. I'm feeling scared though, I think in the long run I'll lose you. My job profile & the distance is always going to ruin things up not to mention I've to fight myself too as I'm a colossal fuck-up but no matter what I'm not going to give up on my dreams. I'm too screwed up to think something good is waiting for me. I am always looking for some shoe to drop & just like that you'll be gone from my life.
And the place I'm at doesn't help a bit. So many love stories spread around me ocean yearning for horizon, moon spilling over ocean, sun shining down on sea whole day. What I'm supposed to do ignore everything & all these b'ful love stories? I'd live in dreams than reality where there's no place for these emotions, where I've to be practical & act professional.
What if being in constant state of dream is my profession? But I know given my trait I'd give upon dreams also.
Was it a confusing write? Well I'm all over the place anyway.
May be tomorrow is a better day.
(To be Contd..)
This time I'm exhausted, the work is hectic & it takes my mind off you. Some part of me wants to forget everything because it is better to give up on everything, every dream & every expectations then watch them falling apart. But no matter how hard I want to try I can't give upon hopes. I don't want my mind off you. I don't want to miss the pain. I don't want to miss the feeling of loneliness. Work will always be there but given a chance I'd rather bury myself with words spilled over books taking me away to you than boring my eyes in useless technical data.
I don't know what I'm writing. I'm at a loss & suddenly devoid of feelings. I'm feeling scared though, I think in the long run I'll lose you. My job profile & the distance is always going to ruin things up not to mention I've to fight myself too as I'm a colossal fuck-up but no matter what I'm not going to give up on my dreams. I'm too screwed up to think something good is waiting for me. I am always looking for some shoe to drop & just like that you'll be gone from my life.
And the place I'm at doesn't help a bit. So many love stories spread around me ocean yearning for horizon, moon spilling over ocean, sun shining down on sea whole day. What I'm supposed to do ignore everything & all these b'ful love stories? I'd live in dreams than reality where there's no place for these emotions, where I've to be practical & act professional.
What if being in constant state of dream is my profession? But I know given my trait I'd give upon dreams also.
Was it a confusing write? Well I'm all over the place anyway.
May be tomorrow is a better day.
(To be Contd..)
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Normal Days #26
Back to you
Here I'm again, amidst the vast ocean, crashing waves, rising sun, glowing moon & thoughts of you, only you. I don't know why but when I'm here & like you said "in middle of nowhere" I feel you closer to me. May be this idea I've in my head where you'll love me someday is not far fetched here where I see ocan waving around in search of love too. I feel his restlessness & unease. I know it may seem endless to most of the ppl but when he looks out for his love he knows no matter how magnificent others think of him he's still lost & may be that's why he keeps crashing around.
And his lover, horizon, well she's endless too & no matter how many times I say it but their love story is all b'ful. It amazes me everytime. I know my love for you is the same. You're like a horizon one which is out of my reach every single time. No matter how hard I try but there are many more guys out there better than me, worth than me & who am I, I'm no one.
But then I wish & wish for us to be altogether & wish with all my heart & suddenly I'm the ocean with vastness & yet empty without you. I yearn fro you in moonlight & burn without your touch when sun is up. I dream that you're thinking me of too. But then it is a wistful thinking. I know I'm not even worht your memory but a guy can dream, right? I just hope that my dreams are not shattered by reality once I get back home.
Let me dream a lil more, yeah?
Here I'm again, amidst the vast ocean, crashing waves, rising sun, glowing moon & thoughts of you, only you. I don't know why but when I'm here & like you said "in middle of nowhere" I feel you closer to me. May be this idea I've in my head where you'll love me someday is not far fetched here where I see ocan waving around in search of love too. I feel his restlessness & unease. I know it may seem endless to most of the ppl but when he looks out for his love he knows no matter how magnificent others think of him he's still lost & may be that's why he keeps crashing around.
And his lover, horizon, well she's endless too & no matter how many times I say it but their love story is all b'ful. It amazes me everytime. I know my love for you is the same. You're like a horizon one which is out of my reach every single time. No matter how hard I try but there are many more guys out there better than me, worth than me & who am I, I'm no one.
But then I wish & wish for us to be altogether & wish with all my heart & suddenly I'm the ocean with vastness & yet empty without you. I yearn fro you in moonlight & burn without your touch when sun is up. I dream that you're thinking me of too. But then it is a wistful thinking. I know I'm not even worht your memory but a guy can dream, right? I just hope that my dreams are not shattered by reality once I get back home.
Let me dream a lil more, yeah?
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Memories
There is always something about her, she always made me to dream big and maybe that's the reason I still love to dream. So, here's to you darling and for the memories we created.
She
painted my heart,
With the red of her lips,
Making it permanent through my skin,
On to my heart beats.
Saying, "I want world to know I live here."
I held her close,
so close
our hearts were beating together,
with the same pace,
slow,
slow,
and then getting on fire,
I let her show me I'm hers,
She let me find me in her,
I searched for love in her eyes,
It was all in there, infinite
eternal,
Her eyes had everything for me,
I knew I will never let her go.
Tonight, amidst these celestial bodies,
I feel like sky,
vast, infinite, with so much of people around me,
yet alone, like infinity more so ever.
She left me next day,
what she doesn't know
the mark of her lips are still impressed on my heart,
With the red of her lips,
Making it permanent through my skin,
On to my heart beats.
Saying, "I want world to know I live here."
I held her close,
so close
our hearts were beating together,
with the same pace,
slow,
slow,
and then getting on fire,
I let her show me I'm hers,
She let me find me in her,
I searched for love in her eyes,
It was all in there, infinite
eternal,
Her eyes had everything for me,
I knew I will never let her go.
Tonight, amidst these celestial bodies,
I feel like sky,
vast, infinite, with so much of people around me,
yet alone, like infinity more so ever.
She left me next day,
what she doesn't know
the mark of her lips are still impressed on my heart,
she
didn't take 'em away.
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