Sunday, 10 February 2019
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Kitchen which serves from Karachi - Karachi Kitchen and Grill










It's a cozy place.  Food is good yet, the quantity was way much then I expected and couldn't finish it. Though I loved the ambience and the environment was quite pleasant. The songs played in the backdrop were a good list and were perfect for either family or friends day out. In total loved the place and yes, would definitely suggest people go. The bakery is attached to the restaurant. It has good views. There is a Chinese stall outside where you can be ordered. And also a fruit stall for fresh fruit juices.Little expensive though. The most important thing is the bakery item purchased is not allowed to eat inside, which I found little weird compared to many others in the trade. I can say good but well not the best. For a quick bite, you can visit the place. The food was great but the service is as bad as it can get, the staff didn't bother coming and taking the order or even ask about what water customer prefer. Later the food came good waiting. Overall it’s an average place and okay food.


Food 3/5

Ambience 3/5

Service 1/5

Value for money 3/5








Sunday, 3 February 2019
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A questionnaire with Shoma Abhyankar



 

So this month featuring blogger friend " Shoma Abhyankar'


Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and your hobbies!!

I am an architect by qualification but turned to writing. Based in Pune, I now contribute articles to newspapers, travel magazines and web portals. Among other hobbies are painting and sketching.

1.      How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an imaginative person?

I started writing poetry as a teenager and when three of my poems were published in Hitavada English newspaper of Nagpur, I fell in love. I started a blog much later though to get into regular writing and since last two and half years have been freelancing.

2.      What do you find most challenging about your writing?

I feel the need to expand my writing to other genres and fiction writing still eludes me.

3.      What do you do when you are not writing?

I like to paint, draw, read and at times when enthusiasm peaks, I try some new recipe.

4.      Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

I am hopeful of consolidating my writing scene and come up with a concrete story idea for a book.

5.      How do you keep coming up with material/content for your story?

I write travel, culture and food stories mostly and every time I travel, I try finding stories in my interaction with people.

6.      Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make it big in the world of published books?

I am still finding my own space. The learning never ends I think. So keeping a focus on writing is best advice.

7.      What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?

A vivid visual through their words which would help the reader to travel, taste and imagine through words and live the excitement.

8.      A lot of people are interested in writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from writing? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

Writing in any language should be free of grammatical errors, first and foremost. It should be simpler to understand. Too many big words and long complex sentences lose the attention of the reader. To start earning money from writing, practice writing every day and keep pitching ideas to various publications. As far as my experience goes, it takes quite some time to reach a certain level where making money from writing seems easier. Freelancing is not enough to pay your bills.

9.      What motivates you most in life?

The pride that shows in eyes of my parents, husband and daughter when my story is published is the biggest motivation.

10.  The majority of the readers tend to take sides due to religion and such other considerations.

I have stayed clear of commenting on religion since it hurts sentiments of various people. Also, I don’t consider myself an authority on religious contexts.

11.  What is the story behind the name of your book?

Not yet

12.  What are your views on increasing plagiarism?

Sad...creative work is a work of labour and passion. Those who plagiarise are not only disrespecting their own ability but cheating the original writers of their credit. There should be stricter means to stop plagiarism.


Sunday, 20 January 2019
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A questionnaire with Vikram Karve

Though it's very late, it's better than not to make it as it’s a saying " better late than never" 


Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and your hobbies!!

I am a Navy Veteran (I served as a Naval Officer for more than 33 years). I have studied at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi and Lawrence School, Lovedale. Earlier I indulged in multifarious activities – at present – my hobbies include Reading, Writing and Blogging.

1. How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an imaginative person?

Since my school days, I always loved reading. During my college days, I started writing as well, mainly professional, technical, managerial articles and non-creative writing. I have written a number of research papers and articles in journals and magazines. Later, in my Navy career, I always seized the opportunity to do “literary” tasks like writing articles, participating in seminars and literary and intellectual events, editing and producing in-house journals etc. Soon I started writing short fiction stories, many of which were published and appreciated. I realized that I was passionate about writing, and, with the advent of blogging, I realized that I had discovered my true “métier” – creative writing and blogging.

2. What do you find most challenging about your writing?

There is a saying that “writing” comprises 90% of “Thinking” and only 10% is the actual physical process of writing. I keep getting ideas – so I first “write” my stories in my brain – for me – this is easy. The challenging part comes later – to sit down and actually write the story on my laptop and post it on my blog.


3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I retired from the Navy many years ago. Now – I am a stay-at-home “househusband” while my wife pursues her career. So – I do all the “home management” tasks when I am not writing.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

Every person strives to achieve four things in life:

1. To LIVE

2. To LOVE

3. To LEARN

4. To Leave a LEGACY


My Writing is my literary and intellectual “legacy” collated in my blogs in cyberspace for posterity. I may go away but my blogs and writing will remain forever.

Even if I write 24/7 it would take me many years to clear the backlog of stories I have “written” and stored in my brain – and to me – new ideas keep coming every moment – so – even 5 years down the line – hopefully – and health permitting – I shall be still actively writing and blogging.

5. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your story?

I “observe” people and situations – I “feel” – and then – I write because I want to express my feelings. On most occasions – I express my “feelings” in the form of a fiction short story. I write from my heart. I do not make any conscious attempt to tailor my writing to pander to readers’ perceived tastes as I believe that this makes your writing lose its authenticity. First – I “write” the story in my mind - later – I write it on my laptop and post it on my blogs.

6. Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make it big in the world of published books?

Frankly speaking – I feel that new writers should not attempt to publish books in the first instance. It is best to start blogging and writing online. Once you establish yourself – and – when you are confident – go in for publishing a print book.

7. What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?

A writer must try to deliver his “message” (moral/values) – in an enjoyable and readable form.

8. A lot of people are interested in writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from writing? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

In today’s world – there is not much “money earning potential” in writing print books. But yes – a writer can make money by blogging (online writing).

There are two types of bloggers: Professional and Amateur.

Professional Bloggers are hired by firms to blog on specific topics or to review products and are paid for their services. Professional Blogging can earn you a good income.

Amateur Bloggers do it as a hobby to satisfy their creative urge – they blog for self-satisfaction. Amateur Bloggers do not earn any money per se for blogging – but once you make a name for yourself – you may be offered various paid assignments.

I once said: “Your Blog is your best Resume”

Well – I have been offered writing, training and lecturing assignments – and even lucrative full time jobs – just because of my writings on my blog.

9. What motivates you most in life?

I have a thirst for knowledge – so – “learning” motivates me most in life. I love to keep learning.

10. What is the story behind the name of your book?

My first Book on Foodie Adventures was based on my Food Walks in Mumbai – so it was aptly named AN APPETITE FOR A STROLL. My second book (an anthology of short stories on relationships) was named COCKTAIL which was the title of a story in the book. Other professional books, where my writings are featured, are named as per their respective domains/subjects/topics.

11. What are your views on increasing plagiarism?

Plagiarism is cheating and stealing and is a most unethical and immoral practice. A writer must create his own merit instead of trying to masquerade “fake merit” by stealing the creative works of others.

Sunday, 23 December 2018

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Food from Mathru Sri

Located near the signal of hi-tech city as there no tiffins centres nearby so have been there multiple times. yes the food ,it's average to dine in, different opinions of south Indian tiffins available here with different types of rice like tomato rice, lemon rice e.t.c and coffee is good here . I have been here a couple of times with my friends for dinner and breakfast. Definitely a good place to have a quick bite. Because of its amazing location it attracts quite a good crowd from nearby work spaces. On a busy day you might have to wait for a table and food. One can find wide variety of tiffins, the quality is okay.However, they seriously need to work on few things as they should prefer to make oil free Puri, and the chutney which they make is not that much tasty as they use lesscoconut in chutney to make its quantity huge with low budget.The service is horrible, the only reason most of the people visit this place as it is the only tiffin centre covering a good radius and the staff behave like they own you. They make you wait and also yell at you if questioned. They clearly make you feel that you do not have an option. Guess what is even more disappointing ? And the parcel guy behaviour is rude. His behaviour changes based on the customer richness.

Food: 3/3

Service:1/5

Ambiance:2/5

Value for money: 3/5

Wednesday, 5 December 2018
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A questionnaire with Madhumita Bhattacharjee Nayyar

So, this month featuring Author 


Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and your hobbies!!
I come from an army background my Dad being from the armed forces. I was born in Lucknow, spend my childhood in Jammu and Lucknow (mainly) and completed my college from Delhi. I hold a Masters Degree in English Literature, although till class twelfth I was a science student and Biology still remains my favourite subject. I also hold a Diploma in Child Psychology and in Electronic Media and Broadcasting. I had wanted to be a Medical practitioner but destiny willed it otherwise and made me pursue the subject academically, that till then was my hobby. As in reading and writing. I was a voracious reader, I still am 😊 

About my hobbies- I love to paint, I like cooking and hosting friends and family, love travelling, reading, crooning, and gardening. I guess the list can be endless as I love the various things that life presents to me and I willingly take them all up. I am an avid animal lover too and have been fostering pups and dogs since quite some time. I also dabble in some theatre too.
I started my career with Doordarshan, moving on to AIR and then FM. I worked as a host/presenter/ producer and also at the news desk. I had been editing for the MEA, a few Universities and some publications as a freelancer too. Then I made a transition to the perfumes and cosmetic sector, writing product stories, designing, working on fragrances and formulations, handling media etc. I had to just leave everything as my Mother in law was an Alzheimer's patient and she needed me.
By the way, I am a healer and a life skills counsellor too. I work with the underprivileged strata of the society, especially women and children. I have off late started work on spreading Alzheimer awareness and stressing on the role of caregivers and their support system.  
I have been published in various journals, publications, national and international anthologies, e-zines etc. and I have a solo “THE NIGHT JASMINE AND OTHER LOVE POEMS” to my credit.
I have been bestowed with the ICON OF THE YEAR-LIFE SKILLS COUNSELLOR 2015-2016 award, CREATIVE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2016 & INDIAN WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARD 2016-FOR CREATIVE WRITING.
My motto has always been “To Live and Love Life".

A questionnaire with Madhumita Bhattacharjee Nayyar 


1.     How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an imaginative person?
 I do not remember exactly when I started writing but I see certificates won for creative writing when I was in primary. Both my parents inculcated the habit of reading in us, that's me and my brother. I loved storytelling and they encouraged me further, especially my mother. She played a major role in honing up my talent by encouraging me. I cannot deny my Hindi and English teachers from school their due credit, for they too had a major effect in sharpening my language and writing skills.
I had been writing and editing as I told you before, but once when my friend Sonali Bose specially asked for a few poems of mine for her online publication, that's when the thought of publishing my book triggered I think.
Imaginative!  I guess every writer is, but it is mostly from whatever is happening around me, the people, nature, birds, animals, emotions, sentiments that I draw out my words and verses from.

2.     What do you find most challenging about your writing?
I love writing...and try to pen down my thoughts whenever possible. The challenge lies in being able to connect to my reader. But I have been fortunate enough to have got all love from my readers, probably because I write what my heart says and I am really thankful to all of them.
With so many things to do every day another challenge is of compiling my work. I do not stick to one subject and that makes it a wee bit difficult too.


3.     What do you do when you are not writing?
Ha ha ...a lot many things. Either playing with my four-legged friends, cooking for the family, touching base with relatives and friends, attending poetry reading sessions or a Lit Conference, delivering a talk on life skills or Alzheimer's, counselling either a child or a mother/ wife/ teenager and telling them the various ways to fall in  love with life;  at times just sitting quietly with a cup of coffee and admiring nature either at a hill station or near the sea somewhere, or hosting an event may be! I think twenty-four hours is too short a time to be able to do it all 😊😊

4.     Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?
To have created a place in the hearts of more people. Frankly speaking, I believe life is a learning process and one never ceases to be a learner/student. There is so much to learn from my fellow writers, so much to imbibe from my seniors and the legends in the field. Such a lot still remains to be done. So I cannot actually predict anything. But yes five years down the line I pray I have some more books/ titles to my credit and they find their place in thousands of bookshelves and a million hearts.

5.     How do you keep coming up with material/content for your story?
As I mentioned before that I get motivation and inspiration to write from things around me ...and there is no dearth of happenings, events or characters. One just has to be alert and receptive. I guess the army background has helped me shape into an alert, conscious and receptive person that I am today.

6.     Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make it big in the world of published books?
I am still in the process of making it big...everyone is...as the level always goes up. There is no set benchmark...it goes from big to the bigger 😊
All I can say is be natural. Do not ever try to copy someone. Choose your subject from the heart and express what your heart tells you. A good knowledge of the language is a must. Grammatical errors are a no-no. Talk to writers who have already been published, choose and compile your work intelligently. Next comes choosing a good publisher. There are many in the field, but one has to see how you can reach out to more people. Making money shouldn't be the first thing on your mind. It should be to make a mark instead.

7.     What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?
Leaving an impression and bringing about a change in the reader for the good. Like I mainly talk about love in my poems and my stories mostly talk about society and life in various shades. If my words can occupy some space in the reader's heart, make the reader think, retrospect, then my work is done to some extent. But if a writer's words can bring about positive changes in an individual for the betterment of the society, that writer is blessed indeed!

8.     A lot of people are interested in writing for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from writing? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?
For making money I guess the choice of subject should be apt along with a very good knowledge of it. Secondly a very good publishing platform. A whole lot of PR and marketing activities to both go hand in hand. Writing dedicatedly is also important if one wants to make money, without deviating into anything else. Keeping oneself focussed into just writing.
I guess one’s luck too plays a very important part. So being lucky is good too.

9.     What motivates you most in life?
Everything about life is beautiful and fresh. There is so much to learn from everything, each new day. Everything about life is motivating. I really am in love with life. In fact, everybody must fall and stay in love with life

10.            The majority of the readers tend to take sides due to religion and such other considerations.
It is the most unfortunate thing to happen. It is mostly due to the religious leaders and the political ones, who reap benefits by creating such divides. The media too fans such issues at times.  But I think this will not last till long. Art, literature, creativity in any form has always been a medium to bring about change. All this intolerance, irrational behaviour will vanish and good sense shall prevail. As they say – “Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry".
I believe a good writer/ good poet will always have a good readers base not because of any political or religious inclinations but because of his/her work.

11.            What is the story behind the name of your book?
There is hardly any story. I mostly write love poems. My maternal grandmother taught me about love, in fact,she instilled it in me(the emotion, the notion, the feel...whatever). A conversation about the night jasmine( a flower), a symbol of love, between a friend  and me motivated me to write three poems based on love, centred around the transient life of the flower, that loves and finishes off, still so much in love, although she knows that she isn't getting the one she loves. That is how was born “The Night Jasmine and Other Love Poems".

12.            What are your views on increasing plagiarism?
Scary...! Yes, it is.
I think plagiarism has thrived since long in the creative field, be it music, poetry, prose and is rampant nowadays ...
It has been there sometimes in a blatant form at times in the garb of “been inspired" and is here to stay, until and unless stricter rules and laws are made and enforced. We have to make use of the advanced technology too to keep plagiarism in check. Yes in check, for it cannot be done away with any soon.