Archive for 2016

Monday 19 December 2016

बस तुम....
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बस तुम....



एक आस, दिल का एहसास..,मेरी सोच में बस तुम..,

एक कमी हर सवाल का जवाब..,तुम्हारा ख्याल और बस तुम.., 

एक शाम तुम्हारा साथ तो क्या बात और बस तुम...! 

दिल की फ़रियाद..,हर पल एक दुआ तुम्हारी याद और बस तुम...,

दिल का सुक़ून और मेरा जूनून तुम बस तुम और तुम...!!!

दीप 

Tuesday 13 December 2016
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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

Materialism and today’s World...
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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

Can't Stop Loving You...
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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
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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

BOOK REVIEW - “ITS ALL IN THE PLANETS BY PREETI SHENOY”
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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
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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.