Thursday 8 September 2016

BOOK REVIEW - ALL ABOARD BY KIRAN MANRAL

BOOK REVIEW - ALL ABOARD BY KIRAN MANRAL


BOOK REVIEW - All Aboard by Kiran Manral


​ Coincidentally I am the one who enjoy reading romance more than any genre for that matter when it comes to reading.

Rhea, recuperating from a heartbreak, and Kamal, the hotshot entrepreneur. They meet aboard the Aqua Princess, a Mediterranean Cruise liner, and as the cruise progresses, their mutual attraction does too. The novel is fast paced, with all the elements needed to make it a success – there are misunderstandings, clash of egos, another romance on the side, exes who suddenly turn up to complicate matters, and even a criminal to 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 simple plot, lucid free-flowing words and the identifiable characters with swift, zesty narrative style makes a light, engaging and easy read for us.
Characters strike a chord with the modern urban metropolitan readers. The narrative is as easy as ever, the language excellent, without being highbrow. I have been reading Kiran’s blogs for years now, and her books have the same sense of innate humor, which make them such a good read.

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 (Tuhin A Sinha) … I would give 4 stars to this book.

Monday 5 September 2016

Questionnaire with Himani Vashishta


So, for this month  featuring  author from Indian Literary World  is Himani Vashishta




Author Himani Vashishta’s Interview



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

With hundreds of shades of my personality, I have always seen it as a challenge to describe myself in words. I felt bit relieved when I saw that you have specifically asked about my profession and hobbies. Still, that will be an irony if an author is not able to describe something in words, but for that, I need to write another book... [Ops am I exaggerating?].  I don’t wish to disappoint my readers, so maybe my formal intro will work.

Presently I am working as the founder of Vidya Retreat [www.vidyaretreat.in], where we offer a wide range of alternative therapies like- Pranic Healing, Acupressure, Sujok therapy, Psychological Counselling, Yoga, Meditation, Reiki healing, Vastu, FengSui, Hypnotherapy, Tarot card reading, Past life regression, Dowsing,  Colour therapy, Magnet therapy, Angel therapy, astral travelling.

Regarding my hobbies, I love art, art is my life and breath. I love art in its every form. I love to write, paint, handicrafts, origami, gardening, acting... ops my list is somewhat big...

Educational Qualification-
Pursuing- Doctor In Naturopathy
Master's- MBA
MA- Psychology
Bachelor- Law [LLB]
One year Diploma Course - Ayurveda
Master Diploma- Alternative Medicine
Certificate Course- Panchkarma
Diploma- Naturopathy

Spiritual Learning- Grand Master Reiki

Among India's Notable Astral Projection and Lucid Dreaming Practitioner
Read my Book - Astral Projection, Out-of-Body Experience and Lucid Dreaming]

Arhat Yog Pranic Healing 

Kundalini Initiated
Oracle/Tarot Card Reader
Angel Therapist


Award and Recognition -

Patanjali Award by Baba Ramdev
College Colour- Two Times
Third Prize at Internation level in Child Art
Best Cartoonist- State Level
Won hundreds of competitions in painting, writing, acting, quizzes, rangoli, poster making, cartooning, collage, clay modeling, fancy dress etc.

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

I think my primary clair is clairvoyance. In Orkut days my user name used to be “Imagination guiding me.” Still, most of my acts are guided by my imagination. Readers of my book “Princess Of Falcons” can better judge my imaginative power.

I have been drawn towards writing since the day I lifted my first pencil, but only a few years back I started publishing. From a very tender age, I have been inclined to write poetry and short stories. My passion for fantasies developed a flair for writing a fiction. My first poem was published in book “Blossom Of India” through a poetry competition held by ‘Poet Of Mars’ an American Poetry Society but I am mostly known for my fantasy novel “Princess Of Falcons. My recent work is an Occult non-fiction, "Astral Projection, Out-of-Body Experience, and Lucid Dreaming" and a fantasy fiction “I still crave for him”. I equally write in both English and Hindi languages. My Hindi essay ‘Dukh’ has been published in the book ‘Anand’ and two Poetry books ‘Garden Of Love’ and ‘Let Him Play The Music Again’ are published online. I am also chief editor of two international poetry collection books, “Fiesta of Love,” “Moods and Moments.” In the year 2013 my story got published in the book “Acerbic Anthology”, which is a powerful and timely anthology of voices standing in unity against the ongoing senseless shame of our world's harmful gender violence against women and rape. 

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

I write with deep emotion and feeling, so while writing in the flow it becomes hard for me to concentrate equally on grammar and sentence formation.

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

Well, writing is not the only form of art I pursue. My latest inclination is towards Alternative healing therapies and spiritual healing and now I am pursuing the same as my profession also.

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

In six months I see myself as the happiest newly married bride J
Ops you mean in terms of writing.. yeah, I am working on my new title “Broken Not Bent”. In coming 5 years, I see myself definitely as an established author.


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

My imagination keeps guiding me. My rebellion against unjust, love for art and beauty,keeps motivating me to write.

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

Marketing is something, but not everything, if your book won’t meet reader’s expectations, next time they are not going to open your advertisement link even. 

The most important advice I must give doesn’t compromise on your book quality in terms of editing, cover, paper, font size, etc. Being an author I know how one feels about his/her book. It’s really painful when you find your publisher has not brought your book up to the level. I have been through this and it still hurts me a lot.

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

Food for their mind and soul. 

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 Indian context or even all over the world, I don’t see writers are well paid unless they are the best selling. Well, blogging, content writing is a good option. With original content and a good number of page views Google AdSense can help generating income.

9.    What motivates you most in life?

My nephew Kushagra, he is my only silver lining.

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

Art unites religion divides.

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

Well, I have got many books published on my credit. My debut was ‘'Princess Of Falcons’. In my hometown, I used to live in a Haveli, which was like a magnificent castle. My friends used to call me, it’s Princess. The protagonist of my book also lives in such a place.

My book “I Still Crave For Him” I have dedicated to my lost first love, hope it justifies the title.
“Astral Projection, Out-of-body Experience And Lucid Dreaming,” my this book is a non-fiction, so I gave it a straightforward title based upon content. 

12.              What are your views on increasing plagiarism?

Plaigarism is a grave threat to the industry as a whole and to writers personally, but now publishers and web portals  are well equipped to detect it. By working in a publishing house I know, now first thing publishers do is check plagiarism with today’s sophisticated softwares.

There is no harm in using some good quotes or ideas of other authors, provided their name and reference is mentioned, but naturally the credit for any work should always lay with its creator.

I would like to urge my readers to visit my website to know more about me-

Love Light