
Monday 19 December 2016

Tuesday 13 December 2016
A Thought of Love
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Questionnaire with Shikha Kumar
In conversation with Shikha
Kumar, who's latest book 'Logically Stupid that's Love' is winning hearts and
applauds all over.
Questionnaire with Shikha
Kumar
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Your profession and
your hobbies
Professionally I'm
an IT Manager, who's life is all about projects and timelines, My books are a
mixed blend of entertainment and emotions. I am also a relationship expert and
regular columnist with various websites. I love to travel and is movie-buff at
heart.Being an author is my creative side. When I first wrote, it wasn't the
plan of life, but now it's plan for life. People may have their own ways of
meditating and seeking peace, for me, it's writing at least few words a day if
not a page.
1. How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an
imaginative person?
As I always say,
I'm an accidental author. So with no background in publishing, the first book
just happened out of my love for good stories. Yes, I'm very imaginative,
romantic and witty, so are my books.
32. What do you find most challenging about your writing?
My books have made
their mark for entertaining conversations amongst lead protagonist. I too agree
that's my USP, and that's what drives the story and generates interest. So for
me, that is where maximum efforts lie. To make the exchange of words as crisper
and engaging as possible, so that book reaches readers hearts.
43. What do you do when you are not writing?
I'm constantly
writing for many websites, and then I have a full-time job too. Then there's
family around which my world revolves. So, long story short, I'm never sitting
idle. In fact, my daily routine is pretty insane, but I don't think I was
created for sanity anyway, so it's okay :)
4. Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years
down the road?
Reaching more
bookshelves, winning more hearts. Being a scriptwriter maybe. I'm already an
Editor-in-Chief. So enjoying the stride of life and letting it take me by
astonishment.
6 5. How do you keep coming up with material / content for your
story?
My stories are
always 'What-If' version of what I see around. I look through a normal
situation with my creative rather mischievous lenses, and that is how I create
my plots.
As far as my
characters go, they are and never will be perfect. My stories will always be
real and character believable, so being flawed is natural.
76. Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make
it big in the world of published books?
Don't succumb to
marketing trend or forced intimate content. Just focus on a good story and of
course, a sound marketing plan. Respect all reviews equally and never get
demotivated with either rejection or negative feedback. Not all audience is
alike, so it's alright to have varied reviews.
87. What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?
9. Value
for their time more than money. When you watch a movie, you spend quality time
with loved ones at least, even if a film turns out to be a disaster. But a book
is an individual's Me-time, so it's even more important to embrace a good book.
So a book in the genre they cherish at an affordable price is the best gift to
a reader from the author.
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?
Well, to be
honest, it's more of investment in initial years. Very few have struck gold in
their maiden book, most sail through hardship to reach a decent stage. So don't
expect anything stupendous to begin with. If you happen to make it big in the
first attempt, consider that as a fortunate surprise and not minimal
expectation benchmark.
19. What motivates you most in life?
I'm in an
auto-pilot mode for motivation. My life, particularly my hands are so full
always that I don't have to look beyond my little blue planet to push myself
up. I don't intend to sound self-pompous but with time I've found ways to
filter our negativity and cherrypick positivity in all situations.
110. The majority of the readers tend to take sides due religion
and such other considerations.
Well, I believe
genre should be only criteria for readers to take sides. Not even favorite
authors. A genuine reader should give every good book it's due and unbiased
consideration. So religion shouldn't even be in remote proximity while picking
a book.
111. What is the story behind the name of your book?
Since its
inception, I knew I'm writing about a tale of heart v/s brain. It's not
war-of-sexes and not even collision of two different worlds; it's a tussle
between two most crucial elements of our existence that resides within us. So,
Kartik was Logic and Sahana was Love. So after some deliberation, 'Logically
Stupid that's Love' was arrived as an apt title for this today's generation
love-story that never values what comes easy to them.
1 12. What are your views on increasing plagiarism?
It's very
disheartening to know indeed. If you don't have a story to tell to the world
then better not write rather than disgracing the profession. So, please don't
make it money-making business, it's primarily a creative task. Being inspired
is okay but not shamelessly repeating someone's original content.
Tuesday 6 December 2016

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Materialism and today’s World...
Materialism and today’s World
In some ways the gold diggers' rampant materialism
was understandable, since they were living at a time of great poverty, and for
many of them gold digging seemed to offer an escape from starvation. But most
of us in the country today, industrialized world don't have that excuse.
Our appetite for wealth
and material goods isn't driven by hardship, but by our own inner discontent.
We're convinced that we can buy our way to happiness, that wealth is
the path to permanent fulfilment and well-being. We still measure ‘success' in
terms of the quality and price of the material goods we can buy, or in the size
of our salaries.
Our mad materialism would be more forgivable if
there was evidence that material goods and wealth do lead to happiness. But all
the evidence fails to show this. Study after study by the psychologists it has
shown that there is no association between wealth and happiness. The only exemption
is in cases of real poverty, when extra income does relieve suffering and brings
sanctuary. But once our basic material needs are satisfied, our level of income
makes little difference to our level of happiness. Research has shown that, for
example, that extremely rich people such as billionaires are not significantly
happier than people with an average income, and suffer from higher levels of depression. Researchers
in positive psychology have
concluded that true well-being does not come from wealth but from other factors
such as good relationships, meaningful and challenging jobs or hobbies, and a sagacity
of connection to something bigger than ourselves (such as a religion, a political or
social cause, or a sense of mission).
Explanations for Materialism
Many economists and politicians believe that materialism
- the desire to buy and possess things - is natural to human beings. This seems
to make sense in terms since natural resources are limited, human beings have
to compete over them, and try to claim as large a part of them as possible.
One of the problems with this is that there is
actually nothing ‘natural' about the desire to mount up wealth. In fact, this
desire would have been disastrous for earlier human beings. For the vast
majority of our time on this planet, human beings have lived as
hunter-gatherers - small tribes who would usually move to a different site
every few months. As we can see from modern hunter-gatherers, this way of life
has to be non-materialistic, because people can't afford to be weighed down
with unnecessary goods. Since they moved every few months, unnecessary goods
would simply be a hindrance to them, making it more difficult for them to move.
Another thing is that the restlessness and constant
wanting which fuels our materialism is a kind of evolutionary mechanism which
keeps us in a state of alertness. Dissatisfaction keeps living beings on the
look out for ways of improving their chances of survival; if they were
satisfied they wouldn't be alert, and other creatures would take the advantage.
In my view, acquisitiveness is best understood in
psychological terms. Our mad materialism is partly a reaction to inner
discontent. As human beings' it's normally for us to experience an underlying
‘psychological discord', caused by the incessant chattering of our minds, which
creates a disturbance inside us, and often triggers negative thoughts.
We look to external things to try to alleviate our
inner discontent. Materialism certainly can give us a kind of happiness - the
temporary thrill of buying something new, and the ego-inflating thrill of
owning it afterwards. And we use this kind of happiness to try to override - or
compensate for - the fundamental unhappiness inside us.
In addition, our desire for wealth is a reaction to
the sense of lack and vulnerability generated by our sense of separation. This
generates a desire to makes ourselves more whole, more significant and
powerful. We try to ‘bolster' our fragile egos and make ourselves feel more
complete by accumulating wealth and possessions.
It doesn't work, of course - or at least, it only
works for a very short time. The happiness of buying or owning a new item
rarely lasts longer than a couple of days. The sense of ego-inflation generated
by wealth or expensive possessions can be more enduring, but it's very fragile
too. It depends on comparing yourself to other people who aren't as well off as
you, and evaporates if you compare yourself to someone who is wealthier than
you. And no matter how much we try to complete or bolster our ego, our inner
discontent and incompleteness always re-emerges, generating new desires. No
matter how much we get, it's never enough. As Buddhism teaches, desires are
inexhaustible. The satisfaction of one desire just creates new desires, like a
cell multiplying. The only real way of alleviating this psychological discord
is not by trying to escape it, but by trying to heal it.
Wednesday 30 November 2016

A Thought of Love
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Can't Stop Loving You...
Nothing in this world...
Can reveal how I feel...,
I can't believe the love...
I have for you is oh surreal...,
You are my pride and joy....
I adore you so much all day....,
It's not only your personality...
But it’s also your gentle touch...,
Everything about you is just so glorious....
Time we spend together is just incredible...,
You are a part of me indeed; and
without you I'm no good...
I will do any and everything to
stay with you ...,
Unerringly I know you would do...
The love of my life the man that
I adore...,
Each day I see you I Love you
More & More...
Deep
Tuesday 22 November 2016

माही
ना समझे मेरा यार...,मेरा माही...,
बुहत है गहरा दिल में..., प्यार मेरा...!
सोचू तुझे ही.., खोई तुझमें ही..., मेरे माही...,
बनी जोगन..., तेरे प्यार में..., मेरे माही...!
यू तो जाने दुनिया सारी..,पर ना जाने.., मेरा माही...,
ना समझा ना समझेगा.., मेरा प्यार.., मेरा माही...!
गुम में उसमें..., खोई उसकी ही धुन में...,वो मेरा माही,
रंग सजे जिस संग, हैं...,वो ही बेख़बर
मेरा माही...!
कहते है दुनियावाले सच ही..., ना समझेगा.., तेरा प्यार..,
करे जिसे तू दिल से प्यार..., वो ही बावरा
हैं अंजान मेरा माही...!!!
दीप
Friday 11 November 2016
A Thought of Love
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BOOK REVIEW - “ITS ALL IN THE PLANETS BY PREETI SHENOY”
Inadvertently I
am the one who enjoy reading romance more than any genre for that matter when
it comes to reading.
The story revolves around the
protagonist’s Nidhi, thirty-four, who has
quit her corporate job to follow her passion. She is engaged to Manoj, Mr
Perfect – except for one aspect.
Nidhi takes life in
different manner; she admires her step mother and amazing understanding in
their relation. Though, in general step mother are considered as a lady who can
never love her other children but this perception has been proven wrong by the
author. Infact, Nidhi’s mother Tara both are more as friends. The way Nidhi
respects her and her father’s love is the underscore of the story. A different
viewpoint to see that love could be seen.
Then there is
Aniket a 27 year old, techie, Mr Average. His only best
friend is Subbu, a nerd who breathes, thinks and lives code. Subbu always cheer him up when he goes through sturdy times due to
Trisha (His girlfriend). They used to term it as a bad technical error. He does all the things to make his friend
feel better. Aniket cannot believe his luck when he starts
dating. Trish – a stunning, sexy model, who is totally out of his league.Aniket and Trisha comes under materialistic love where Trisha wants
to change every bit in her boyfriend.
Quiet
similar was the case with Nidhi and her fiancé. Aniket and Nidhi meet on a train, a chance encounter and she agrees to
become his ‘relationship coach’. It’s
a decision that sets into motion a chain of events that will have a insightful collision
on the lives of all involved around them.
The understandings
and mis-understandings, clash of egos, another romance on the side suddenly
turn up to complicate matters whip things up and make it more interesting! I would like to dislocate my
share of earful on the story here without further sharing any more details, and
trying not to spoil the reader’s eagerness and allowing them to savor the
original narration or compelling expression by the writer himself by reading
the book itself.
Indeed the
climax was quite interesting with twists and turns as they unfold. For that you
need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The positives of
the story are the characters easily identifiable. The
story is well knit and the way has constructed it, is beyond appreciation.
The cover and title of the book is fascinating. The
cover page of the book takes you in to a stupor and a feeling of positivity
engulfs us. The title gives us an insight that it has something to do with
astrology that focuses on Planets. The Planets decide the destiny of our
characters and this title is simply awesome. The lucid free-flowing words and the identifiable
characters with swift. Characters strike a chord with the modern urban
metropolitan readers. The narrative is as easy as ever, the language
excellent, without being highbrow.
Some suggestive points:
Although the
narration of the story is wonderful but at some places the story becomes
stagnant. A little more editing would definitely increase its appeal.
Sometimes, descriptions of people and places are very exaggerated, which seemed
somewhat unnecessary. Finally, what strike me or made an impression on me is
the way the story tried to explore the fragility and vulnerability of human
relationship. That we are flawed being and with that comes perfectly imperfect
relationships, which we agree or not but somewhere have to acknowledge the
fact. No relationship is ‘happily ever after’. But then it’s our individual
choice to persevere or not.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say this is a good
book, perfect accompaniment to anyone interesting in reading on weekend
pastime. Overall I would say...this is a good job done by Author (Preeti Shenoy) … I would give 4.5 stars to this book.
Sunday 6 November 2016
A Thought of Love
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हसरतें...
बात जो दिल में दबी.., होठों पे आज
उसे उतरने दो...,
ना ठहरा
ना ठहरेगा अभी..,इस वक़्त को गुज़र
जाने दो...!
अनकही बातें जो मुझसे..,आज उन्हें कह जाने दो..,
सुन लो इस दिल की आवाज़.., आँखों को कह
जाने दो...!
भोला पंछी सा ये दिल मेरा..,आज़ इस उड़ जाने दो..,
बात जो दिल में दबी.., होठों पे आज उसे उतरने दो...!
बहार आ जाती हैं...,खिलखिला जाते
है हम...,
तुम्हारी हमारी हसीन मुलाकातें.., बस अब हो जाने दो...!
मिला करो हमे बार बार...,खुद से हमे
जुड़ने जाने दो...,
बात जो दिल में दबी...,होठों पे आज उसे उतरने दो...!
निकली एक फरियाद तुमको पा कर दिल से...,
हमको तेरी चाहत में बर्बाद हो जाने दो...!
चाहते हमारे दरमियां बढ़ जाने दो...,
बात जो दिल में दबी..,होठों पे आज उसे उतरने दो...!!!
दीप
Thursday 3 November 2016
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Questionnaire with Swarupa Chavan
So, for this month featuring author from Indian Literary world is Swarupa Chavan
I am a Mumbaikar by birth and heart. My schooling was from
Mary Immaculate Girls High school. I am a Science graduate majoring in Physics
followed by MBA & Computer Technology. I am a rank holder in Packaging
Technology. Professionally I am a Deputy General Manager with a leading Agro
Chemical Mfg Co and head the department handling Strategic Sourcing.
I am an ardent nature lover and enjoy spending my time in the
midst of nature. I love travelling and exploring new places, experiencing the
various cultures and places. Reading and writing is my passion. I feel I have
discovered my true self and my purpose in life through writing.
Questionnaire with Swarupa Chavan
1. How did you first get involved in with writing, are you an
imaginative person?
I have always been an avid reader and a writer since
childhood. I started off with writing
short stories and articles for school and college magazines and realized that I
was loving it immensely. I decided to
channelize my creative energy by penning down my thoughts. That’s how my first
novel To Err is Human was born. From there on there was no looking back, I had
tapped into the writer within me.
2. What do you find most challenging about your writing?
I find it challenging to find the time to write. Once I start
on a particular project my mind is brimming with concepts and ideas of how to
build the characters, how to take the story forward, what incidents to jot
down, so on and so forth. However, with the hectic work life that is very
demanding I do not find the time to maintain the continuity of my thoughts.
Another problem is the writer's block which every writer
faces at some point or the other. The duration of this block varies from
individual person and their circumstances. I have also faced it several times.
Initially I would find it frustrating when I was unable to write a single word.
Eventually I found that this phase was beneficial for me. Since after the block
was cleared I would come out with even more fresh ideas and concepts. I started
making use of this phase for recharging my innovative idea tank.
3. What do you do when you are not writing?
For a writer, the not-writing phase does not exist :) They
are either writing or thinking about writing. The next book, the plot, the
character building, the scenes, the dialogues ... they are constantly planning
it. If not consciously, then through their experiences in day to day life. As
they travel, meet new people, or go through an otherwise ordinary day they are
writing their experiences in their minds. Once a writer, forever a writer :)
4. Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the
road?
I have a lot of dreams and goals in life. Both professional
and personal. A lot to be achieved, a long way to go. I have realized that
goals and dreams keep changing with every phase of life. As we meet new
challenges, as we keep growing with every experience our priorities keep
changing. We should not get caught up in any rat race and forget to live in the
moment. You need to set standards against your own previous achievements and
strive to better your own self. Become a better version of yourself in all
aspects of life. Slow down a little and enjoy the small joys of life which make
the bigger picture. You never know where life would take us the next moment, so
make the most of today. Having said that I do keep my focus on my dreams and
move one step at a time towards achieving it.
5. How do you keep coming up with material / content for your story?
The locations in my novels were places which I have visited
earlier, which aided me to give it a more realistic feel. I do a lot of
research on the concept on which I am working. For example, my latest novel THE
PREDICTION is based on the power of precognition, predicting the future. I did
a lot of research to understand the scientific implications and the symptoms of
this power. Building the plot and weaving a story along these concepts is the
beauty of creativity. Giving life to characters and making them close to real
life, helping the readers relate to them comes to me naturally.
6. Any specific tips you have for new writers who want to make it big
in the world of published books?
I would say just one thing – Follow your heart. Be original
in whatever genre of writing you are comfortable in and write that. Do not get
into the trap of imitating novels or author's styles which have a vast
readership. Also, getting your work published would require you to be
persistent and patient.
7. What’s the best thing a writer can give to his readers?
To influence the reader's thought process, change the
perspective, motivate and uplift their spirits, take them to the world of the
story they weave, make them feel the feelings, move them emotionally through
the protagonist, make them relate to the story is the sole purpose of the
writer when she is writing her story. With every word she is pouring a bit of
her soul in the story. The novel could be fictional, but the feelings are real,
the thoughts are her own. So if she can reach out to the reader’s heart with
her words and leave a lasting impact on their minds with her work she has
achieved her purpose. To leave them feeling better after reading her work is
the best thing a writer can give to a reader.
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?
I am not the right person to give tips to people who write to
earn money ... hahaha :) I write to follow my passion. Honestly I am unable to
focus much on the marketing and promotion of my work to gain more readerships.
8. What motivates you most in life?
I can say I am a self-motivated person. The drive to keep
doing better in whatever I am attempting, comes to me from within. I want to
become a better version of myself with each passing day. I feel grateful for
all the things that I have in my life, starting from life itself. We tend to
take most things for granted. Feeling humbled and grateful for all my blessings
and making the most of the gift of life keeps me motivated.
9. The majority of the readers tend to take sides due religion and such
other considerations?
There are several authors who write non-fiction, maybe based
on religious genre. It is the responsibility of the writer to not hurt any
emotional or religious sentiments of the reader if they are writing on such
topics. At the same time, the readers should remember that what the author is
writing is his perspective and opinion which he is expressing through his
writings.
10. What is the story behind the name of your book?
If I talk about my latest novel, THE PREDICTION – the title
clearly suggests that the story revolves around the concept of precognition or
knowing the future. Its tag line – SHE
COULD SEE THE FUTURE – again strengthens the idea that the protagonist of the
story is bearing this unusual power of predicting the future. I selected the
title to depict the core concept of the story and how the one Prediction which
the protagonist makes changes the course of everybody's life in the story.
11. What are your views on increasing plagiarism?
It is extremely sad that Plagiarism is on the increase. As
simple as picking someone else's status quotes/ posts / poems and posting them
as their own on social media to copying/ modifying stories and publishing them
as their own has become extremely common. Any creative work is hard work of the
writer and she is entitled to the ownership of her work. People should
discourage such activities by immediately bringing it to the notice of others
whenever they observe plagiarism being followed by anyone. Taking
accountability and responsibility to make the literary field a more creative
world is the responsibility of every writer and reader.