Friday 28 December 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH NIHARIKA JINDAL

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:09

AUTHOR'S BIO :

Niharika Jindal is a 26-year-old writer from Ahmedabad. After spending four years studying Psychology in Claremont McKenna College, California, she returned to India clueless about her next step. She started with a few stints in HR, during which she met her husband on an arranged coffee date, and it was love at first sight.
After many drives and dinner dates, Niharika is happily married. However, her fairy-tale was cut short when she developed a chronic back condition – which she has been battling ever since. Constantly pestered by family and friends to do something in order to take her mind off the pain, Niharika’s saving grace came in the form of reading, her favorite childhood pastime. She decided to give writing a shot. Penning Wake up, girl! has been the most pleasurable experience, and made her realize her true passion in life!
In her free time, Niharika can be found reading, listening to romantic songs, having cold coffee, shopping online, catching up with old friends, doing physiotherapy, and watching TV shows on repeat with her husband.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

The idea to write a book came to me at a point in my life when I was going through an extremely rough patch. I was mostly bed ridden, and on a lot of pain medications. The one thing that kept me happy and distracted through this period was a good story - be it in the form of books, TV shows, or movies. One fine day, the idea to write my own book got stuck in my head, and I began writing! It was a total spur of the moment decision.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

In all honesty, once the story of my book was set in my mind, I didn’t face many issues. It wasn’t very hard for me to put it down on paper.
I  was always very clear that I wanted to go ahead with a literary agency, and so once I signed on with The Book Bakers, the process of getting published wasn’t difficultt at all.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
 
I came to know about The Book Bakers through a friend.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

The Book Bakers helped through every step of the publishing process. While the waiting game can get extremely frustarting, having The Book Bakers on my side just made the process easier and reassuring. The fact that they communicate and inform the author about each new development sets them apart.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

This is a tricky question. I guess I see literary success for myself by the number of readers I have.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Well, my next manuscript is already with The Book Bakers, so now it’s upto them to work their magic!

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

My message to aspiring authors would be to just be patient! The key is to not let the slow process of signing a contract and getting published get to you.

BOOK NAME : WAKE UP, GIRL! 

PUBLISHER : BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB : 

 You know your mother has always been very clear about getting you married at the right age, and now that you’re back, she wants to get the job done.
Naina is back from the US. After four years of living on her own. A natural rebel, she has had some fairly life-altering experiences which Mum and Dad would not approve of at all if they get to know. But will her spirit and her stand be enough to fight the forces of parental pressure and heckling aunties baying for her nuptials?
Back in the bosom of her conservative family, Naina cannot even begin to imagine the turn her life is going to take. It’s wedding season, ad she must now be married. Because every self-respecting upper-middle-class family in India does that, right? Marriage at the ‘right age’ to the ‘right family’…whether she likes it or not.
Naina’s worst nightmares are about to come true. What hits her within a week of being at home completely changes her world and her life as she embarks on a journey that will define her and provide her an education that only life can.
Ayaan, Rohan, Akshay, Shiven. Who will it be? Will she even have a shot at romance, being with someone she loves, irrespective of his caste, respectability or bank balance? She will have to summon all the chutzpah within to fight for herself. For her notions of love and living.
Will she succeed? Like a chrysalis unfolding, will Naina, too, emerge with her wings unscathed?


BOOK REVIEW : WAKE UP, GIRL !

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:51
BOOK NAME : WAKE UP, GIRL !

AUTHOR : NIHARIKA JINDAL

LITERARY AGENCY : THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER : BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BLURB :

You know your mother has always been very clear about getting you married at the right age, and now that you’re back, she wants to get the job done.
Naina is back from the US. After four years of living on her own. A natural rebel, she has had some fairly life-altering experiences which Mum and Dad would not approve of at all if they get to know. But will her spirit and her stand be enough to fight the forces of parental pressure and heckling aunties baying for her nuptials?
Back in the bosom of her conservative family, Naina cannot even begin to imagine the turn her life is going to take. It’s wedding season, ad she must now be married. Because every self-respecting upper-middle-class family in India does that, right? Marriage at the ‘right age’ to the ‘right family’…whether she likes it or not.
Naina’s worst nightmares are about to come true. What hits her within a week of being at home completely changes her world and her life as she embarks on a journey that will define her and provide her an education that only life can.
Ayaan, Rohan, Akshay, Shiven. Who will it be? Will she even have a shot at romance, being with someone she loves, irrespective of his caste, respectability or bank balance? She will have to summon all the chutzpah within to fight for herself. For her notions of love and living.
Will she succeed? Like a chrysalis unfolding, will Naina, too, emerge with her wings unscathed?

MY REVIEW :

"Wake up, girl!" by Niharika Jindal is a book that will inspire you. The blurb of the book makes it clear that it tells the story of the main protagonist, Naina's struggle. The title of the book is perfect as it encourages girls to wake up before it's too late. I also liked the beautifully designed cover that does full justice to the novel.
The book begins with Naina's struggle in Boston. Belonging to a typical Indian family, Naina finds living in Boston in her initial days there, very difficult. While she was returning to India for her holidays, she meets Ayaan, her mentor, at the airport and develops a friendly bond with him that later turns into a relationship. But one day, when Ayaan hears Naina talking  with her mother over the phone, he decides to leave her. Naina, under family pressure, is now obliged to meet boys of her parents' choice, forcing her to abandon the dreams she had for herself. This causes great turmoil in her life.
I recommend this book to everyone, irrespective of age groups. The language of the book is lucid, and the characterisations and narrative brilliant.
I loved reading 'Wake up, girl!'

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Niharika Jindal is a 26-year-old writer from Ahmedabad. After spending four years studying Psychology in Claremont McKenna College, California, she returned to India clueless about her next step. She started with a few stints in HR, during which she met her husband on an arranged coffee date, and it was love at first sight.
After many drives and dinner dates, Niharika is happily married. However, her fairy-tale was cut short when she developed a chronic back condition – which she has been battling ever since. Constantly pestered by family and friends to do something in order to take her mind off the pain, Niharika’s saving grace came in the form of reading, her favorite childhood pastime. She decided to give writing a shot. Penning Wake up, girl! has been the most pleasurable experience, and made her realize her true passion in life!
In her free time, Niharika can be found reading, listening to romantic songs, having cold coffee, shopping online, catching up with old friends, doing physiotherapy, and watching TV shows on repeat with her husband.

RATING : 5/5


BOOK REVIEW : UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:48
BOOK NAME: UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART

AUTHOR : ADITYA NIGHHOT

LITERARY AGENCY: THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER : FINGERPRINT PUBLISHERS

BLURB :

Two brutal murders and the murderer is on a killing spree. Bloodshed is all over his mind and he spares almost no one. The police are on to their toes but can just expect for the worst outcome. Will they succeed in catching the murderer before he creates havoc in the city?
Inspired from real life incidents, the best romance book of the year award winning novel is all about friendship, hatred, lust, justice and emphasizes on true love.
Alok is a nerd can be the best of friends. Rohit, although aimless in life is amongst the girls’ favourite. Aisha, the eye candy of the college is a perfect example of beauty with brains. Kriti is shy and reserved but could be the girl a guy would actually love to date. Neha can be a guy’s best friend or a worst nightmare.
What if their predictable lives come down like a house of cards? Would they still stand upright? Would they fight back or get lost into a void of pain?

MY REVIEW :

Have you ever read a book that you did not want to put down?
If the answer is no, then read UNTIL LOVE SETS US APART by Aditya Nighhot, a medical student, currently pursuing MBBS from one of the premier medical colleges of India.
The first thing one notices is the attractive and novel cover of the book. The blurb, the title, and the cover create an impression in your mind about the book, but the plot of the story, which is about four friends that later, after a trip to Goa, become a group of six, is nothing like you could have ever imagined.
This book is sure to take you down memory lane of your college days. The author has portrayed the characters, incidents quite beautifully, and the narrative is simply brilliant.
The book tells us the story of the friendship between Rohit and Alok. It also tells us the story of how love blossoms between Rohit and Aisha, how they both overcome the obstacles of parental opposition, etc, and just when they are set for marriage, an ordinary day, meant for shopping, turns their life upside down and spirals it out of control  
The unexpected turns, changed situations, and how happiness turns into disaster will shock you. The book promises to take you through a range of emotions to make you laugh, cry, feel angry, and be shocked- all at the same time, which makes it perfect material for a Bollywood blockbuster.
In one word, the book is UNPUTDOWNABLE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Aditya, aged 21 is a medical student, pursuing MBBS from one of the finest medical colleges of India. He is the bestselling author of the Romance-Thriller Novel ‘In the Blink of An Eye’ – now to re-release under Fingerprint Publishers. The book won the Best Romance Book of the Year Award and was the number one bestseller on Pustakmandi.com and amongst the top 50 bestselling novels on Amazon for a long time.
Aditya’s debut novel U n Me…It’s Complicated!!! was originally written as a hobby with limited copies printed for friends, family, and a few close readers. But, the positive reviews he received encouraged him to write another novel. He is currently working on his next.
He is also a screenwriter, a professional photographer, an avid reader and is fond of music. As a twenty-one-year-old student, he feels that he can connect to the emotions of the youth and tries to express the same through his books.
Aditya enjoys interacting with his readers via his book and social media and always responds promptly. Connect with him on social media networks.
Instagram: @adityanighhot

RATING : 5/5



BOOK REVIEW : KNOTTY AFFAIRS

NEWS OF BOOKS 18:45
BOOK NAME : KNOTTY AFFAIRS

AUTHOR : DR. CHIRAG BAGADIA

LITERARY AGENCY : THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER : BLOOMSBURY INDIA

BLURB:

A land of countless customs, few things in India get bigger than a big fat wedding event. A marriage is a celebration which brings families and friends together. The ceremony ends with the tradition of the bride leaving her parents’ home and moving in with her husband. The groom always has a choice—he can either stay with his parents or stay separately. However, for the bride her ‘home’ is now a strange place.
Meet Aakash, a young dental intern, who falls in love with Kashish. However, what he doesn’t know is that winning her heart was never going to be easy. Kashish is firm—nothing, not even their romance, will come in between her parents and her.Cut to four years later.
Akash has fallen in love with Aneri, the only daughter of her parents. But is he ready to challenge the existing customs for his love? Is he prepared to go to any lengths to see that his love does not shed another tear?
Take this tradition-defying journey with Aakash, Kashish and Aneri as they dare to delve deeper into the web of love and relationships. Warm up to their crazy antics which will leave you wondering— why can’t this be my story?

MY REVIEW :

KNOTTY AFFAIRS by Dr. Chirag Bagadia is a book not only about a love story but it deals with the most important issues and traditions of Indian society. The blurb and the title conveyed what the story was about and the beautiful cover complimented it perfectly.
The book starts with Aakash, a dentist by profession meeting his old friend, Vishakha. The book is divided into three parts with all the parts being interlinked.  It tells the story of how Aakash meets Kashish during his college days and how love blossoms between them. It is a serious affair and even though they try their level best to convince their parents, they fail.
Later, Akaash meets Aneri, a girl whom his parents have chosen for him, but just as they get ready to marry each other, Aneri reveals her dilemma to Aakash; she feels guilty about leaving her old parents alone after her marriage.
After much brainstorming, Aneri and Aakash come up with a solution to this problem but will it be accepted by their parents or by society?
The book talks about the main problems of Indian society and will compel the reader to ponder. The language is lucid, the plot is well constructed, and the narrative is smooth wherein all the characters have been given equal importance. The final suspense is exciting.
Overall, the book is an enjoyable and thought provoking read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Dr. Chirag Bagadia is a Mumbai-based dentist who runs his own private clinic, Moonsmile Dental Care and Multispecialty. He has completed his BDS from YMT Dental College in 2008 and holds an MA in Yogashashtra from Somaiya College. When he is not busy designing smiles for his patients, he works as a yoga consultant, catering to high profile clients on a personal basis.
His debut novel, Knotty Affairs is a powerful story questioning the roots of Indian marriage. A heart-warming tale about friendship, love, family, and everything in between, this book is a result of his long-standing aspiration and acute interest in creative fiction-writing.

RATING : 5/5



Monday 24 December 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH USTAD GHULAM MUSTAFA KHAN & NAMRATA GUPTA KHAN

NEWS OF BOOKS 03:37


AUTHOR'S BIO :
Namrata Gupta Khan was born and raised in the city of dreams, Mumbai. She is a commerce graduate from Mumbai University. She started working while still in college and over a period of twelve years, built a career in customer service and sales with one of the largest telecom companies of India. Namrata runs her own event management firm, NR Talent and Event Management Company which organizes events in India and overseas.  She is passionate about health and fitness and believes that one can always work towards changing one's physical and mental well-being and personal growth Writing has always fascinated her, and feels fortunate that she has been able to finally accomplish it. This is her debut.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is a renowned Hindustani classical music artiste and his story needed to be penned in an autobiography. When I became a part of this culturally rich family as a daughter in law, I found myself in the unique position of being a member of this family as well as someone who could give a fresh look with words in co-writing this autobiography with him.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is a Hindustani classical music maestro, he is also my beloved father-in-law whom I call Papa. Despite being so talented, he is a man of few words. The biggest challenge was to get him to open up and share his life experiences, his achievements, his moments of pride and glory as well as his disappointments and struggles.
How does one compile the autobiography of a man who is so self-effacing, so modest and so untouched by glitz, glamour or by his formidable accomplishments, that he doesn’t feel the need to tell his story to the world, or sometimes even to his own family? How does one expect a man, who does not consider himself a celebrity, to talk about his achievements and the honours that have been bestowed upon him? In order to do justice to his huge life experiences and to make it fit in a book of limited words that would inspire generations to come, the research and endless attempts for him to open up to me without any inhibitions was challenging and equally rewarding for me.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS? 

We had other publishers who approached us and wished to do an autobiography of Ustadji with me. My husband Rabbani Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Ustadji’s son, got in touch with Suhail Mathur for some other work and he happened to be from The Book Bakers. And that’s how ‘TBB’ became our literary agent.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

The Book Bakers got us connected to one of the biggest publishers “PENGUIN”, and it has been a wonderful experience to be associated with The Books Bakers.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

Success can mean different things for different people. For some, it can be in buying a new house/car. For some it can be feeding your family and providing a roof over their heads, and for some when they have achieved immense fame or power which makes them untouchable. Success for me is making a difference to someone else’s life. At the end of the day, if I see that my work has helped someone get employed, or someone has been able to provide for their family because of my assistance, or if I have inspired someone to lead a better life, I feel that I have achieved success. After all, each day when I wake up, my prime goal is to strive my hardest to do my best in whatever way to enable others in reaching the next level in their lives, irrespective of how big or small that step is. At the end of the day it leads me to sleep peacefully and motivates me enough to wake up and try harder. After all, success also implies that you don’t give up. Right?

6. When can we expect your next book?

Maybe next year.

7. What are Ustad Ji views about the book?

My daughter in law Namrata brought out the candid side of my life.She has written about the man behind the music, the struggle of my life, experiences, and travels which have made me the man I am today. She has beautifully penned the insightful stories of my musical journey, my marriage and my family.
I am extremely humbled by the amount of love and prayers showered upon me and my work by my beloved fans. I hope this book inspires a sense of positivity, perseverance, and love among the readers. It is an uplifting and balancing act of words put together in soothing sentences by Namrata” he added.

8. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

* Start small. Writing short stories is a great way to do that. Writing a good short story forces you to create and develop a character and take a plot from beginning to the end, in a limited number of pages. Each chapter is basically a short story.
 * Write things down. It’s helpful to jot ideas down for stories, bits of conversation you overhear, observe the people and situations around you, interesting situations you learn of, and character names you create. Keep a little notebook for this purpose and put it on your bedside table at night. Don’t trust your memory. That great idea you thought of just before going to bed will probably be gone by the morning.
* Seek advice from other authors.

BOOK NAME: A DREAM I LIVED ALONE
PUBLISHER: PENGUIN



BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB :
Watch Out Music Lovers, a book for music connoisseurs and sangeet sadhaks. In this world of commercialisation comes an Inspirational Ustad, a legend, our very own Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan sahib. "The Artist and Guru par excellence " where he defines and justifies the true meaning of Indian Music, Culture, and Tradition.
The book speaks about his journey towards success with his experiences, and his struggle against politics. Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan narrates his life's story. From practicing music in a graveyard as a young boy, to teaching students, who became stalwarts of the music industry. His journey is as lyrical and spiritually enriching as his evergreen songs. 
The octogenarian has nourished his family with love and care, even in his absence. Guru to A.R Rahman, Hariharan, Shaan, Sonu Nigam, and many others, yet he is humble and modest about his own achievements. Captured in its essence by his daughter-in-law Namrata Gupta Khan.  
A Dream I Lived Alone is a heart-warming story of love, riyaz, dedication and life of the maestro of music, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

ORDER THE COPY FROM :

Monday 3 December 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH RADHIKA SACHDEV

NEWS OF BOOKS 04:49




AUTHOR'S BIO:

Radhika Sachdev is an independent journalist, who has held senior, editorial positions with leading news banners -Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Financial World, The Pioneer etc. She currently runs her own ad agency, Write Solutions (www.writesolutions.co) from Mumbai. My family comprises of a 78-year-old dad, and a 16-year-old daughter, two people, at two ends of the age spectrum.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?
I’ve been an editor and ghostwriter to many celebrity authors. My late mother, Asha Sachdev, never quite liked the description, “Ghostwriter,”for what I did for a living “When are you going to write your own book?” she would ask in exasperation, and my stock answer was, “When I feel it stirring in me.” Little did we both realise then, or we wouldn’t have wished for it, that it would take a liver transplant, and my close brush with death, for this book to take birth, and begin to grow inside me, with a life very much of its own.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
The biggest challenge was writing from the discomfort of my hospital bed on the small screen of a Samsung Galaxy phone. Confined to my room for almost two months, post-surgery, where I was not allowed to interact with anyone, except my 24-hour nurse and attendant, I had very little to sustain my sanity with, except to write, and that’s what I did. It started as a daily blog series on LinkedIn, which got re-run on Times Of India blogsite, until I got this book offer.
The core of the book took shape during these two months of confinement in my super sanitized recuperating room, from where I not just wrote, but also negotiated with my clients and carried out my agency business.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS? 
Through a friend and author, Oswald Pereira.  

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?
Suhail landed me this deal with Fingerprint, and I am extremely thankful to it.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
I am working on my second – Everyday Survival – from my favourite Launchpad, LinkedIn, where I am very active. Let’s see, where this journey takes me.

6. When can we expect your next book?
Hopefully, within six months, as its almost 3/4th done.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
Feel, feel deep inside you, and something might just pop out. Writing a book is very much like giving birth to a baby.

BOOK NAME: SECOND GO
PUBLISHER:  FINGERPRINT PUBLICATION


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Penned in real time, from the hospital bed while battling for life, on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone's 4x2 inch keypad, the only device allowed to the patient in her super-sanitized recuperating room, this book necessarily follows a hybrid format of medico-psycho thriller, interspersed with SMS chats, transcripts of medical records, and other workings of an addled mind, overcome by sickness, yet determined to pull through.
It’s a first-hand account of a liver transplant recipient’s journey in India, chronicled from the patient’s perspective in vivid detail as a series of dramatic events unfold in her life, completing the cycle from sickness to health, despair to hope.
Finally, it also tells the story of a single mom and a single earner of the family, her strong bonding with her adoptive daughter and her family and friends’ support. The author hopes that this book gives courage and direction to a lot of liver transplant patients who die every year in India, waiting for a cadaveric organ donation. You can find more on the book here – www.radhikasachdev.in.

BOOK REVIEW: 25 ESSENTIALS TO HAPPY LIVING

NEWS OF BOOKS 03:56
BOOK NAME: 25 ESSENTIALS TO HAPPY LIVING

AUTHOR: PREETI PATHAK

LITERARY AGENCY: THE BOOK BAKERS

PUBLISHER:  VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS

BLURB:

Have you ever experienced or explored true happiness? Have you ever felt hesitant to share or express your happiness with others? Have you felt anxious and torn apart within yourself or with others without reason? Are you looking for peace, positivity, and purpose? If yes, “25 Essentials to Happy Living” will enable you to explore true happiness and how to achieve it! It touches upon a basket of emotions and attitudes present in our heart and mind. With Preeti Pathak’s effective guidance and experiences, you will be able to truly comprehend positivity, emotions and a de-stressed life. A check point for you to pause, reflect and even change all that is harmful to you and your loved ones. Read ahead, to let this book shine the light within you for a contended and beatific life.

MY REVIEW:

25 Essentials to Happy Living by Preeti Pathak is a self-help book for everyone. The well-designed cover of the book is serene and the blurb of the book is thought provoking. The author has asked a few questions in the blurb and if the answer to all those questions is a yes, then this book is a must read for you.
The book consists of twenty-five chapters and each one makes you think. The author begins the book by explaining What Is Life and how every human feels a pause in their life and how willingness to learn is the mantra to live. The second chapter on Stress Management deals with stress, a very common phenomenon that affects each human every day, and explains how to deal with it. There is a chapter on dealing with Money Matters and another on Anger. I re-read this chapter because I suffer from anger issues myself and I must admit that it helped me a lot.
There is a chapter named Ego which explains how ego is the veil of delusion. How to Improve Our Communication is another important chapter of this book. The chapter on Divine Friendship explains the basic meaning of life and the chapter on How To Overcome Possessive Nature has a beautiful poem in it and explains why possessiveness arises. The last two chapters, In Search Of A Spiritual Guru, and What Is Spirituality, explain the importance of the Guru and self-realization.
Each chapter of the book ends with Love and Light from the inimitable, Paramhansa Yogananda.
I feel some lines and quotes from this book could be noted down and hung across the wall of one's room as a sort of a philosophical ready reckoner. Reading this book will give many answers and provide the much-needed peace of mind. I highly recommend this book to everyone. You may want to read some chapters again and again and use this delightful book to enhance your quality of life.
Happy Living, everyone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 25 Essential to Happy Living, Preeti Pathak’s book was launched at Pune International Literary Festival in September, 2017. Writer and Life Enricher, Preeti’s writing encourages and inspires her readers to be happy in all life situation.
Confidence, love, faith, compassion and belief in own self are the fundamentals to understand own attitudes, emotions and their impact on own physical, mental and emotional health. An avid reader with a passion for writing, Preeti’s purpose in life is to seek freedom and help others find theirs through her writings and workshops.
Preeti conducts workshops for youth and adults to facilitate Regrow, Regenerate and Realign life for a happy and anxious free living. Her workshop operates on 4 pillars namely, Awareness, Acceptance, Action-Plan and Amelioration. 
Through experiential workshops she draws light on well-being by practice Meditation, Yoga and Healing.
“Freedom is but a state of mind. All problems originate from us and their solutions also lie within us.” 
To learn more about Preeti’s work and philosophy log-on to www.empyreal.in.

RATING: 5/5



Sunday 18 November 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SEEMA PUNWANI

NEWS OF BOOKS 00:24


AUTHOR'S BIO:
Seema Punwani is a marketing professional who learns negotiation skills from her teenage son. She juggles life as a single mum, working adult and now a student of creative writing as she pursues her Masters at LASALLE College of the Arts. She was born in Spain, grew up in Mumbai and now lives in Singapore. When not providing strategic counsel to marketers, writing grade-worthy essays or grappling with issues of raising a teenager, she can be found on the beach in Bali re-reading a Jane Austen classic. Cross Connection is her debut novel.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Cross Connection is a story that was originally inspired from my life but then took a life of its own. Some of the crazy dates mentioned in the book have actually happened to me, some are an exaggerated version of the truth and many are completely a figment of my vivid imagination. I wanted to probe on the real-life issues about finding love. Not the Mills and Boon and fairy tale kind, but within the parameters of real life. Not everyone gets it right the first time. And people still find their soulmate after divorce or through dark phases of their lives, like depression. The book aims to explore love in these territories.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

Most writers face similar challenges, and writing while maintaining a full time job is a key one. And getting published means getting used to facing rejections and being patient and resilient.
For Cross Connection, I had an additional specific challenge. The book is written from the female and male protagonists point of views. First you hear the story from Sama, the female protagonist. And then you read the 2nd half of the book- The other side of the story- from Zehn, i.e. the male perspective. This part aims to fill the gaps and resolve the issues raised in the first half of the book. It was tough to write the same story from two unique voices and also keep the freshness of the story and avoid redundancies.
I truly believe that the urban life is not as easy for men as we make it out to be. Expectations are high on all fronts. He needs to be the main breadwinner, but also be the perfect husband who plans date nights and must be a hands-on parent who picks up his daughter from ballet after playing cricket with his son. I wanted to give a voice to the insecurities that men face today.
The book is about real people finding love while facing real life issues. The characters are flawed and not picture perfect. The story also talks about still taboo topics like divorce and depression. Sama and Zehn are both looking for that second chance to make things right. Like many of us. Some of you may relate to that eternal search of a soul mate. And I can promise that one or more of these crazy dates would’ve have happened to each one of you. Some of you may have found the love of your life in them. Many of you may be slightly dejected but still looking. Whatever your experience has been, it’s always heartening to know that in this vast universe you are not alone.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS? 

Through friends in the literary scene.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

Suhail Mathur at The Book Bakers was extremely sincere. And he was relentless in his pursuit to find me a publisher. The process took long, but ultimately, The Book Bakers got me what I needed.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

To be widely READ not just bought. And also to find appeal with the male target audience. As I have tried to represent their point of view in the book.

6. When can we expect your next book?

I live in Singapore and my next book is based in an International School in Singapore and follows life of seven friends from puberty to parenthood.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Never stop reading. Especially when you are writing. Read genres different from what you are writing about. And one tip that works for me- 500 words before 8 am. Sounds daunting, but it will bring the discipline to your writing. Wish you all the very best! Keep at it!

BOOK NAME: CROSS CONNECTION

PUBLISHER:  VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
A woman’s version is seldom the same as a man’s. She looks for the subtexts of emotions (while decoding emoticons) and he is interested in the facts as they stand. Love may exist, but it sometimes cannot bridge these gaps. Written from the point of view of the two protagonists, Sama and Zehn, Cross Connection is a tale about the eternal quest for true love...second time over.
Once married, twice shy, Sama is trying her hand, and her heart, at love and relationships. In her mid-30s, she re-enters the dating world, to find that all the rules have changed. A romantic old soul, she believes that her soul mate Zehn, will find his way back to her. Her pragmatic side makes her try all options- from matrimonial websites to blind dates and online chatting to dating agencies.
Zehn met Sama in college and has never been able to get her off his mind. However, every time their paths cross, the timing is always wrong. Stuck in a loveless marriage, he keeps drawing back to Sama, but fate has other plans for him.
Neither can ignore the chemistry and connection that is so overpowering.  But in today's world where even hope has a shelf life, how long can Sama and Zehn wait for that opportune time?

Saturday 3 November 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PREETI PATHAK

NEWS OF BOOKS 21:01


AUTHOR'S BIO:

“Life is a journey with work always in progress leading to personal growth on spiritual & non-spiritual planes.” 


Author of 25 Essential to Happy Living, Preeti Pathak’s book was launched at Pune International Literary Festival in September, 2017. Writer and Life Enricher, Preeti’s writing encourages and inspires her readers to be happy in all life situation.
Confidence, love, faith, compassion and belief in own self are the fundamentals to understand own attitudes, emotions and their impact on own physical, mental and emotional health. An avid reader with a passion for writing, Preeti’s purpose in life is to seek freedom and help others find theirs through her writings and workshops.

Preeti conducts workshop for youth and adults to facilitate Regrow, Regenerate and Realign life for a happy and anxious free living. Her workshop operates on 4 pillars namely Awareness, Acceptance, Action-Plan and Amelioration. 

Through experiential workshops she draws light on well-being by practice Meditation, Yoga and Healing.
“Freedom is but a state of mind. All problems originate from us and their solutions also lie within us.”
To learn more about Preeti’s work and philosophy log-on to www.empyreal.in.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

Journey on the path of self- realization several years ago inspired me to write to help as many souls through my book to align and live a happy life in today’s dynamic and fast moving golden era. My guru Sri Sri Paramhansa Yogananda has been my inspiration to write,
“25 Essentials to Happy Living” .

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

Writing was not as challenging as getting the right publisher to publish my book was. I was in tune and connected with the inspiration that kept coming to my mind even though I was occupied with different tasks. I was never in a state of switch on or switch off mode between work and writing. My mind was constantly working on the contend through experiences as well.

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK  BAKERS?  

I was connected to Suhail Mathur, The Book Bakers by Saurabh Kumar to whom I was connected by my uncle.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them ?

The Book Bakers are my literary agents.Suhail Mathur is persistent, focussed and very optimistic. He is aware what sells and what does not. The journey with TBB started in August 2016 and we found our publisher in the following year. Through his business acumen and professional confidence Suhail kept working on my manuscript keeping me in the loop. We worked hand in glove. Suhail gave me insights on essentially required documents to be shared with the publishers. The Book Bakers are very prompt and responsible agent. Suhail is sharp sighted, knowledgeable and extremely creative. The Book Bakers also designed my book cover which is magnetic.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

My core area of writing is in the body, mind and soul genre. With today’s on setting dwapara  yuga, people are constantly on the lookout for books that will help them heal and improve their life and lifestyle. Persistence with Patience has always been my mantra and with that flame holding bright I see promising success for my work.

6. When can we expect your next book?

  Very soon.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Enjoy the journey and every moment as you write and do research for your manuscript. It is these moments that will weave a beautiful tapestry of your journey as an author. Keep the faith and stay calm. Faith in your work, in yourself and the people who work with you to publish your book. Faith is assuring. It is the plinth of many successes in the journey of life.

BOOK NAME: 25 Essentials To Happy Living
PUBLISHER: VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

Have you ever experienced or explored true happiness? Have you ever felt hesitant to share or express your happiness with others? Have you felt anxious and torn apart within yourself or with others without reason? Are you looking for peace, positivity and purpose?
If yes, “25 Essentials to Happy Living” will enable you to explore true happiness and how to achieve it! It touches upon a basket of emotions and attitudes present in our heart and mind. With Preeti Pathak’s effective guidance and experiences, you will be able to truly comprehend positivity, emotions and a de-stressed life. A check point for you to pause, reflect and even change all that is harmful to you and your loved ones.
Read ahead, to let this book shine the light within you for a contended and beatific life.

Tuesday 23 October 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH SAURISH HEGDE

NEWS OF BOOKS 00:15


AUTHOR'S BIO :

Born and brought up in Mangalore, 22 year old Saurish Hegde is currently pursuing his MBBs degree from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (Manipal University). His keen eye for research has been rewarded with his articles being published in scientific journals of international repute.
A sports enthusiast and a filmmaker. His short documentary “The unequalled: Girl child and the PNDT act” has been selected by numerous film festivals.
Mixing profession with passion, he hopes to bring about a positive impact through his work.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I’ve been a life long reader since school. Reading by itself has inspired me to write. All the books which I have read mostly thrillers, sci-fi, philosophy genres have added to that inspiration to write.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

The main challenge for me was the getting the right plot structure and the characterisation. The plot is the fundamental base of the story so it took me time to get it right since I had no training in this. It was trial and error. Characterisation needs detailed observation and assessment.
So yes, getting the plot right was the most difficult.

3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?

I came across them on the net as I was searching for literary agents list in the country for my first book. And also they were available on most of the top literary agents in the country list. It was easy to take notice of them.


4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

The Book Bakers as a literary agency is unique and progressive. Their main focus always has been on the young authors and by doing so they are making a huge impact on the Indian literary scene. This is what I like about them as a company. They help me with the smooth publishing of my books, so that is great.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

It would mean having a body of my work, survive the test of time and push the boundaries of intellect.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Maybe in a year or so.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Push the boundaries of convention, keep experimenting, observe every detail, keep reading and keep writing. It will work out eventually.


BOOK NAME: THE GAME OF SECRETS
PUBLISHER: LOCKSLEY HALL PUBLISHING


BOOK SYNOPSIS / BLURB  :

Son to a successful businessman owning a chain of hospitals, Nishanth Shetty is an upcoming
Oncologist from Mangaluru. With a bright future and supportive girlfriend, Navya, all is moving
smoothly till such time that his scientist friend Ramdas, makes him a part of an experiment that
can save the world from the deadliest viruses and bestow one with mind reading powers.
He receives a mysterious phone call from a man warning him of dire consequences if he goes
forth with the experiment. However, what is more terrifying is that the man plans to conduct
the same experiment with Nishanth’s blood!
Who is this man? What are his motives? Is there a larger conspiracy behind this? Read on as
Nishanth races through time to uncover one shocking mystery after another in this thrilling 
THE GAME OF SECRETS.

Sunday 14 October 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH PRITHVI RAJ BANERJEE

NEWS OF BOOKS 19:08


AUTHOR’S BIO:
Prithvi Raj Banerjee is a Boston-based, IIT & Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) educated technologist, entrepreneur and author. 
He is also a Yoga and mindfulness coach and has trained under masters from celebrated spiritual traditions in the world. 

1. Who and what inspired you to write?

I grew up in Agra – known for Taj Mahal & its hot summers. Needlesss to say, such is the lure of Taj Mahal, that it attracts millions of visitors every year. About half of them, at least as it appeared to me, my relatives. I had the responsibility of escorting these relatives for a visit to the celebrated monument.  
I was forever robbed of experiencing the awe Taj Mahal has in store for its visitors because I had ceased to be a visitor of the famed monument. The marble mausoleum was my second home. By the time I was twelve years old, I could swear that I had spent more time in Taj Mahal than even Shah Jahan had.
And then I found out a way of escaping. I used to hole myself in the study, hidden behind a serious looking Wren & Martin  or a daunting Sixteen tales from Shakespeare were my companions. Rajan Iqbal, Hardy Boys, Famous Five and Nancy Drew rubbed shoulders with Sherlock Holmes and James Bond as I put on a serious expression to excuse myself from my guide duty. These books and their authors created the seeds of inspiration that eventually blossomed my transition from a pompous technologist to a happy writer!                

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

It took a while for me to accept the fact that writing and publishing a Book is a multi-year project. As an IIT & MIT educated technologist & founder of two startups, it was hard for me to accept the fact that one could create and grow a company faster than getting a book in front of readers through traditional publishing!

3.  How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK  BAKERS?  

Book Bakers featured in the list of top literary agents in India that I had reached out to. What set them apart was the quick ‘no nonsense’ response that I was used to as an entrepreneur. A few emails and a conversation with Suhail Mathur (who is himself a bestselling author) is all that took to chalk out a plan to try and get Chronicles of Kali published.

4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you  like to say about them ?

Suhail has been very supportive through the publishing process. Starting with initial feedback to make the manuscript more appealing, to making the introduction package of the book crisper and finally helping closing the contract with the publishers. He also got the cover of the book designed. Book Bakers have been with me through the journey of tranformation of a manuscript to a published book.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

The Kali Saga precipitated in my mind one spring evening as I sat alone in the discourse hall at Dhammadhara meditation centre, hearing S.N Goenkaji speak about the metaphor of Ma Kali  and the Raktjbeej Asurs.
Sectet Book of Asurs started out as a magic realism based spiritual fiction novel to convey the message about uncontrolled thoughts and the trouble they could create. As I started unravelling the saga of Kali, I felt compelled to summarize the core practices that had guided the seekers of mindfulness across ages – something that led to my first (non-fiction) book, Unbox!  The Power of Mindful Thinking.
Chronicles of Kali has a blend of historical fiction, adventure and mysticism with an underlying humorous style and  the book will appeal to readers of all ages who are interested in a good story. The book also attempts to share deep transformative secrets from great spiritual traditions. I will consider the book a literay success if readers can connect to the esoteric wisdom that is weaved into the fabric of the story.

6. When can we expect your next book?

Very Soon! I am already woking on the sequel of the Secret Book of Asurs that takes the timeless plot forward.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Well, I am just getting my first book pubished so I may not qualify for some serios gyan!
But I can surely share the tips that I received from established authors that has helped in my own journey. We conduct a literary festival in the Boston area – which has become one of the  biggest south asian themed fest in USA with autors like Sashi Tharoor, Shobha De and others attending in person. Here are some of the tips that were conveyed in infromal dinner settings and such during the events. I have found these very useful.
Be patient. The process of transforming a manuscript into a published book can take years. I did not belive this when I started on my own journey. Maybe you wont either. But most likely you will also have this advice as the #1 bullet in your tips to aspiring authours once you get published.
Get a thick skin. If you are making the decesion to put your creation in front of the world, accept the fact thar there will be folks who will love what you write and then there will be those who wont. Focus on the former and don’t get  (over) impacted by the later.
Be at at - Write. Write. Write. Sharpen your saw. Write daily with an unwavering intent to become better in your craft.

BOOK NAME: Chronicles of Kali – CHRONICLES OF KALI - THE SECRET BOOK OF ASURS 
PUBLISHER: VISHWAKARMA PUBLISHERS

 


BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:

The world has become the playing field of the ferocious subterranean Asurs who have hatched a diabolical plot to manipulate and enslave humans.
Kali’s teenage life gets swept up in a whirlwind of cosmic adventure. With a quirky ageless comrade, an unsuspecting mother, and an enlightened master to help fulfill her destiny, Kali embraces her supernatural powers. From mysterious revelations in Los Angeles to bizarre events in ancient Varanasi, her trials transcended time.
What is this plot that can plunge the world into darkness?  Read on The Chronicles of Kali – and embark into a journey that blends history, adventure and fantasy weaved into a gripping story that may change your life!


Sunday 7 October 2018

EXCHANGING WORDS WITH TANUSHREE & AJOY PODDER

NEWS OF BOOKS 00:23



AUTHORS’ BIO:
TANUSHREE - After eight years in the corporate sector, Tanushree quit the rat race to wield her pen and found her calling.A well know travel writer and novelist, she is also known for the hundreds of ‘Middles’ that entertained readers of almost all English dailies in the country for over a decade. Tanushree is passionate about travelling and writing. Her yen for adventure has seen her traipsing around the world. She has written six successful novels, a dozen best-selling nonfiction titles and over five hundred travel tales. Her last book was A closetful of skeletons.
AJOY – Ajoy Podder is a retired Army Officer who has travelled all over India and has been posted to offbeat places around the country. A qualified mountaineer, he has undertaken several mountaineering and bicycle, as well as trekking expeditions in the mountains and valleys all across the Himalayas. Reading, writing and photography are his passions.

1. Who and what inspired you to write?
TANUSHREE - Right from my childhood, I have enjoyed the process of telling stories. As I grew up, the urge to write them down became more compelling and I began writing. It was my mother, a post graduate in literature, who inspired me to continue writing, and so I continued writing even while working as an HR professional. Later, I quit my job to concentrate on writing.

AJOY –  My writing journey began with a fountain pen and the turquoise blue ink gifted to me on my birthday. It inspired me to start a diary from the age of ten and the journey continued through my life.  As an army officer, I continued to record my thoughts and experiences. Frankly, it was my wife, who inspired me to write the book.

2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?

TANUSHREE – Writing has never presented any challenge because I love writing. Also, I didn’t have to face any difficulty in getting my books published. Perhaps, it was sheer luck or a case of being at the right place at the right time.
AJOY – Co-authoring a book was a natural progression.  Since Tanushree has several books to her credit, we didn’t face any challenge while getting The Feronia Files published.

3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?

It was recommended by a friend.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them?

Suhail Mathur is a very warm and enterprising young man. Since I am quite a prolific writer, I lack the time to scout around for publishers. The Book Bakers were an immense help in carrying out the job of placing the manuscript with Readomania. We have enjoyed the process of working with him.

5. How do you see literary success for yourself?

One does not necessarily think of success when one is writing a book. We see ourselves writing many more books, which will delight the readers and that would define our success.
6. When can we expect your next book?
Tanushree -Very soon, I guess. I have three more books lined up for the next year.

Ajoy – At the moment, we are busy with the outline of our next book and hope to start working on it, soon.

7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?

Writing is a serious business. There are no shortcuts in writing and one should be prepared to work very hard. Since, it is a very competitive field, there are bound to be disappointments. One has to accept the fact that there will be rejections. It is very important not to allow setbacks to dishearten you.


BOOK NAME: THE FERONIA FILES
PUBLISHER: READOMANIA

BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
Can nature be controlled?
Man has been trying to control the weather since the day we swapped our spears for shotguns. From worshipping the rain gods to making the clouds do our bidding, we have come a long way although the transition has not been an easy one. Extensive research on geo-engineering and weather modification experiments undertaken by many countries are a proof of man's obsession with 'control'. He, who controls weather, controls the world. It is the Ultimate Frontier.
In the recent decade, weather modification, aka weather modding, has generated immense interest amongst the scientific community. Scientists, intelligence agencies and defense authorities, world over, are trying to master the technique.
Scientists and researchers agree that weather modification is the ultimate weapon that has the ability to destroy the world. Owning weather could empower a country beyond imagination. Climatic manipulations could enable derailing of economies and destabilisation of countries. There is evidence to suggest that both Russia and USA are involved in a covert race to exploit the power of cyclones and seismic activity. In 1993, USA set up a High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP), a research facility near Gakona, Alaska, with the objective of gaining supremacy in the field of weather modification.
HAARP was believed to have caused earthquakes, droughts, storms, floods and diseases in various parts of the world. Some nations blamed HAARP for conducting covert experiments in weather modification, which was harming their countries. After worldwide outrage against the project and the mounting costs, US finally ordered its closure in 2013.
Our story begins with the closure of HAARP.
CIA, during their investigation to trace some missing HAARP scientists, learns that two ex HAARP scientists have travelled to India under false passports in 2014. They share the information with R&AW. A highly suspicious picture emerges when the dots are connected.  
An army expedition is sent on a secret mission. Their objective is to retrieve the gadget planted by the HAARP scientists on Mount Nun in the Himalayan Mountains.
Investigations reveal that a group of ex-HAARP scientists have formed a syndicate known as the Thor Syndicate. The syndicate functioning under the aegis of Feronia Foundation has been conducting trials and experiments on weather modification in several countries including India.
The race for controlling the weather has begun in earnest.
The Feronia Files is a thriller that takes the readers on a roller coaster ride through Moscow, Islamabad, Australia, New York and India. The gripping plot gallops at a breakneck pace, taking the readers through a series of heart stopping action, deceit, death and intrigue.  
A seamless synthesis of fact and fiction, The Feronia Files is a path breaker on all counts.
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