30 April, 2015

#Interview with Leanora Moore, #Author of Rhymes from the Heart

At the age of 36, I have a loving and supportive husband who has been by my side for 15 years, and I have five wonderful teenagers.

As a litle girl I always had a notebook, where I could write my dreams and fantises down. Growing into adulthood I would read other authors work and say to myself that I want to do the same thing. At the age of 31 I decided to write my first novel titled The Caress of a Younger Man. Since then I have followed it by Heavenly Kingdom and started The Voluptuously Curvy and Loving It Series which focuses on plus size women and the men they love.

I started this series because I wanted to create a movement for plus size women in the world, so that they know that they are beautiful and intelligent, and they also deserve a happy ending.

In the Voluptuously Curvy and Loving It Series, the books are titled Smooth As Silk, Finding Love Within, and His Forgotten Lover, and Planning For Forever. Recently added was Volume One of the Musical Curves Series titled Rhymes From The Heart, with Volume Two titled Producing Love Together coming soon.

Though out the whole process of becoming a published author I have learned that to write a great novel you have to be willing to learn and apply the information. I also thank all the authors that offered me advise and knowledge.

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads I Amazon


Interview with the Author:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?  
When I was a little girl, I was always writing and coming up with my own fairytales and as I continued through school, English was always my favorite subject.

What inspires you to write? 
My readers are my biggest motivation, because when I get messages that my stories about Plus size women inspire them that makes me more determined to give them my best.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story? 
Rhymes From The Heart combines my love for music and my love for romance and is also the first book in my Musical Curves Series.

Is there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day? 
Yes, I have a whole notebook full of ideas just waiting to be written. As I prepare to start a new project I'm always adding more to it as I brainstorm for new plots.

Tell us about your writing process. 
I start by brainstorming different plots, then pick the best one that fits the theme of the series. Next, I outline the book from beginning to end. That's followed by research on the location, occupations, ect. Then the magic starts with beginning my first draft, and after three or four drafts of fine tuning and polishing, its off to my editor.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why? 
My favorite scene in Rhymes From The Heart was when Tazmin and Pamela squared off after Tazmin found out about Pamela and Adonis being together behind her back. You could feel the tension between them, then Tazmin dismisses Pamela like she was gum on the bottom of her shoe, instead of giving Pamela the fight she wanted with the press watching.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks? 
Yes, Tazmin inherited my need to take care of family and friends, and my quick temper if someone messes with them.

What is your most interesting writing quirk? 
I don't like anyone reading my work until its the final draft.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date? 
To always give your readers the best, and to give the best you need to keep an eye on the trends of my genre.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing? 
Study the industry, your craft as a writer,  and the wants of your readers.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry? 
Food, books, and water.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind? 
Reading and spending time my family. My favorite place is my office where I know I can get my alone time without being distributed.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list? 
Travel to Italy, Jump out of a plane, Go on a 7 day cruise.

What do you have in store next for your readers? 
I'm releasing Volume Two of the Musical Curves Series. titled Producing Love Together on May 29, 2015.


Tazmin Foster had the fame and the money that she had always dreamed of, but most importantly she had her family and friends that she loved dearly. Running her own record label was challenging, but she thrived under pressure and wouldn't have traded her life for anything in the world. When it came to her romantic life, Tazmin hadn't date much, because all the men she had dated all turned out to be trying to use her to further their career.

Adonis Elliott was an independent rapper with a huge fan base, and he loved having his music heard by his fans. As a well-known ladies man, he also loved the ladies and their eagerness to please him, which come along with the price of being famous.

Can two people with different values on dating find a middle ground so they could at least become friends, or will desire play a huge role in their relationship and lead them down the path of no return?




29 April, 2015

#SpecialFeature :: #Interview with Ganga Bharani, #Author of Just You, Me and a Secret


*** Special Feature - April 2015 ***

A Recap of this month's posts
1st April - Introducing the Author 

An Interview with the Author

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
During my college days, just like everyone else, I was stuck in a boring lecture. My friends and I had nothing to do and we were drained out of gossips. I just narrated a story to them. They loved it and encouraged me to post it on Facebook as a note. That first story of mine received more than 500 likes and several strangers said they liked it. It gave me a high and I understood that writing is what I want to do the rest of my life. 

What inspires you to write?
I take inspiration from everything I see, hear and read. Mostly, real incidents. 

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I don’t fall asleep easily. It takes me hours together of blinking at darkness to fall asleep. One such night, when I was struggling to calm down my mind and put it to sleep, the central suspense knot occurred to me. I developed the story from there. 

Is there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
No. I am not shy or scared of even being humiliated. Whatever I write I share it in my blog. 

Tell us about your writing process.
I fix on a story line. Then I start creating the characters and the scenes as and when I write. Sometimes, the story develops better than it was in my mind, when I write. 

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
My favorite scene is the scene when Meera learns the secret. 

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
Nope. But my next book has a character that’s like me, a lot similar.

What is your usual writing routine?
When I am writing a book length story, I write from 10:30 pm to somewhere around 3:00 am. I get up at 9:00 am and write for 1 hour. The rest of the time I am at office doing my office work. 

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
I read but not a lot. I have started reading more now as that’s how I can grow as a writer. I love the writing style of JKR, Sidney Sheldon. I am a huge fan of hunger games. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
Read a lot. 

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Never feel shy about sharing your work and never get bogged down by the comments you receive. 

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
I wrote it initially as a movie script and then turned it into a book. I have even named the characters after south indian actors. Ashruth is named after PrakASH raj sir. Meera – Meera jasmine. Santhosh-Jeyam Ravi. Nadhiya and Prabhu are also actors from the south. 

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
A laptop and that’s all I need. Not even water or food. 

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I spend all my time writing something or the other. I will simply write an imaginary speech or a page long mail to husband or a poetry for mom. I enjoy playing with words. 

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
Fun facts? If these are funny... 
- I love it when a story is well made into a movie. I get along with the movie. Smile and cry along with the characters. Not just the first time. If I am addicted to a movie I watch it as many times as it takes to know all the details including the dress colour by heart. 
- I hate rain. Lot is said about the cuteness of girls and how they love rain. I hate to get wet in rain. If that’s a fun fact. 
I personify everything around. I love treating everything like humans. I apologize to my mouse, I hug my chair and I get too attached to everything around. 

What do you have in store next for your readers?
My next book is a crime thriller titled A Minute to death. IT is scheduled to be published this year. Fingers crossed. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my readers, the initial ones, who pointed out at my mistakes, taught me what was grammatically correct and what was not. If not for them I wouldn’t have become a writer today.

Book Trailer

About the Author:

I am Ganga Bharani, a technical analyst by profession and a writer by passion. I started writing stories as a hobby in 2010 and to reach a wider audience I started posting those short stories in my blog (GB LAND). Comments from strangers, new readers and the increasing page hits made me an addict to my blog. I had taken my blog seriously from then. I started writing something I call Blog books- series of chapters that make a story in my blog, for which I got an overwhelming response. I had written 6 blog books and each of these blog books have more than 300 dedicated readers. One of my short stories was made into a short film, titled ‘Bhimbam’, which was screened at the AVM Preview theatre.

Contact the Author:

About the Book:
 Pitch dark. Extreme Silence. Felt like vacuum. I opened my eyes and found nothing familiar. Where am I? First of all, who am I? Ashruth says I was head over heels in love with him. He says our wedding was fixed. But there is no trace of love for him in me. I don t remember anything. Why would I have loved this pumpkin? San was drunk but I got intoxicated. I had fallen for him gradually. I can t imagine marrying anyone else. But how do I stop my wedding now? Don t say I am dead. I am all alive, standing right in front of you. I am not dead. Trust me. And the secret comes to light. Just you, me and a secret -A battle between past, present and the nothing called future.


Giveaway 
2 Signed copies of 'Just You, Me and a Secret' is up for grabs for Indian Residents
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28 April, 2015

#Interview with Charles A. Cornell, #Author of Tiger Paw



Charles A. Cornell writes thrillers with a touch of the macabre and pens a unique form of science fiction blended with fantasy and alternative history known as dieselpunk. His awards include the 2012 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller for Tiger Paw and another RPLA in 2014 in the science fiction category for his illustrated dieselpunk novel DragonFly. He fuels his creativity from inside the chaos of everyday life and you can follow his musings at www.CharlesACornell.com
He's a proud member of the Florida Writers Association and the Alvarium Experiment. ‘Alvarium’ is Latin for beehive. The Alvarium Experiment is a unique collaboration of twelve authors reinventing the short fiction experience. Their first short fiction collection is The Prometheus Saga.




Interview with Charles

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
Since I can ever remember, I have had this duality about my interests and my artistic and scientific sides have had this quiet running battle for decades. When I was younger I showed a talent for creative writing but my interest in chemistry moved me towards a degree in metallurgy. After fifteen years pursuing a technical career path in the automotive industry, I left technology behind in favor of general management and completed an MBA. It was during my MBA classes - where I had to write essay style papers for nearly every class - that I re-discovered the creative writing talent that had its roots in my youth. Now I am able to combine all of my experiences and place them on ‘paper’. 
I started writing novels seriously over ten years ago. But during that span of time, I had a three year hiatus when I didn’t write at all. During two of those years, I managed a rock band in my spare time. Boy, was that fun! When the band broke up, I started writing again. Writing is a craft and every time you write, you learn something new about your voice and improve your technique. My first attempt at writing a novel was a spy thriller. It wasn’t a bad first effort but wasn’t up to par commercially based on the feedback from agents. After many rejections, I decided to start again with something different by leveraging my knowledge of business and the stock market. Writing Tiger Paw was a long journey that started in 2005 with an agent in New York who loved it but didn't want to represent thrillers (long story). The manuscript sat for four years while I experimented with writing in other genres. In 2010 I decided to update Tiger Paw to the events of the financial crisis of 2008. By 2011 it was ready to be professionally edited. I self-published it in 2012 and Tiger Paw was nominated by the Kindle Book Review as one of their best thrillers of that year and won the Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller from the Florida Writers Association, most of whom are traditionally published authors.

What inspires you to write?
I’m a Leo and that apparently makes me an optimist. I see the ‘half full’ side of life and have great faith in the power of the ordinary man to do extraordinary things. On the other hand, I believe in the corruption of absolute power and the need to rein in the excesses of greed and the dominance of the elite. So my work will always have an element of the ‘little guy’ fighting to maintain liberty in the face of adversity. I see myself as that archetype in my own life and experiences.
I’m a bigger lover of movies. I watch movies more than I read books. I get a lot of inspiration from them. I like thrillers, historical and political dramas, and big action science fiction movies. I make sure I watch all the Oscar nominated movies so I can see the best acting performances and how characters are developed on the screen. I’m a sucker for a great script and plot and I’m very critical when a movie puts special effects ahead of story.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
Inspiration always starts with a ‘what if’ question. For Tiger Paw, it was… ‘What if a ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ defrauded the wrong investors? People who could really fight back?’ Tiger Paw is a tale of good triumphing over evil but for much of the book, it’s also a story of evil people taking revenge on other evil people:
As a serial killer wreaks havoc on Wall Street, dismantling a corrupt financier's empire one body at a time, FBI profiler Scott Forrester uncovers the deadly secret of a demon-worshipping Hindu cult that is determined to change the very fabric of society. Firmly in their assassin's crosshairs, Scott Forrester is forced underground to stop the killing spree. But will he survive the deal he must make with the Devil to thwart their satanic plan?
Woven into the intrigue and suspense are elements of the macabre and the occult. Religions around the world differ in scripture and practice but one thing they have in common is a belief in the Devil. After much research into the demons or asuras in Hinduism and Indian folklore, I created a fictional Devil, the Demon-Goddess Dvaipa. Hindus will know that the references to Dvaipa and the Temple of Dvaipa in Tiger Paw are pure fiction. I extrapolated from Hinduism’s actual deity, Kali, Goddess of Destruction to create her evil bastard child, Dvaipa, a deity worshipped by a cult whose members are wealthy and powerful.  

Tell us about your writing process.
I'm an outliner or plotter. I need to know my story's ending ahead of time. This is especially important when writing a mystery or thriller in order to seed clues into the narrative. I outline using old fashioned paper index cards laid on a big table so I can glance at the whole structure at once. The process is usually accompanied by a glass of wine. Once the forty chapters or so are roughed with a sentence or two on each card that captures the scene, I transfer them to my iPad into a writing app called Storyist. There I can change their order and rearrange to my heart's content. I write the draft on the iPad in Storyist and export it to Word on my desktop. I use the iPad first because I can quickly move from the draft to the internet and back to do research. When I think I've done enough self-editing, I send that out to professional editors, do their recommended revisions when the manuscript comes back, and then self-publish.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
A central plot point in Tiger Paw involves a painting, 'The Revenge of Dvaipa' which is on display in Washington DC. Criminal psychologist and cult expert, Dr.Rajeev Chandra takes the main protagonist, FBI profiler Scott Forrester and his partner Agent Trish van Cleyburn to the art gallery to teach them about Hinduism. It's not done as a lecture but as a psychological game of 'cat-and-mouse' between the venerable old scholar and his less worldly protégés. As he helps them interpret classic Indian art, they begin to learn about the deeper motivations behind the serial killer they are hunting. At the end of the scene, they arrive at the gallery with the 'The Revenge of Dvaipa' and major clues are provided to explain what has, to that point in the novel, been a series of bizarre and inexplicable killings. Here is an excerpt when they first see this painting:
The final gallery was bathed in a pale semi-darkness; its cavernous gray walls like the interior of a tomb. Three small spotlights tried in vain to fully illuminate a single artwork that rose twenty feet from floor to ceiling, and spanned thirty feet across. The colossal silk canvas towered over the three solitary figures standing in silence, transfixed by its size and presence. The painting was undeniably the showpiece of the Freer Gallery’s exhibition of Indian art, a religious icon never before seen outside of India. In the dim lighting, the enormous canvas appeared three dimensional, suspended in air. It generated an ethereal energy, a mix of compulsion and foreboding, beckoning at first to draw them closer, then warning them to approach no further.
Tiger Paw is meant to have layers, each with a different value. I hope there is a ‘layer of entertainment’ – the chills and thrills – that would make a reader feel satisfied that the ‘ride’ was worth the time they invested. Next is a ‘layer of information’ – a feeling that the reader has learned something after reading Tiger Paw that they hadn’t known before. For westerners, it is about Hinduism and India. It may be about the psychology of serial killers or the threat of cults. Or about a particular place, whether it’s the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Asian Art, the high country of Wyoming or the dunes of Amelia Island, Florida. Something that might inspire a reader to find out more about a particular subject or want to visit a place for themselves. And finally there is the deeper layer – making the reader think, a place where the reader is left with more questions than answers. Why are people so greedy? How much wealth is really enough? Is it right that the accumulation of money in our society equates to so much power? And most importantly, is there anything we can do to change it?

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
Every writer needs to feel their characters. All of them, male or female. There is nothing more joyful than experiencing the emotions play out on the page, regardless of the age or gender of the particular character in relation to you. They carry your own hopes and fears, torments and conflicts, and reflect the experiences you’ve had in different interpersonal situations. Where imagination comes to play are the parts where there is danger involved that you have not personally faced. Then you play a ‘what if’ game with yourself. What if I were put in this position? How would I feel? How would I react? Would I survive? Could my character? And how?

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I like to end my chapters with a cliffhanger. It's like a hook, but at the end of the scene so that it propels the reader into the next chapter with a hunger to find out what happens next. The 'cliffhanger' can be a major character who reveals something with important consequences but with no explanation, or it could be a major plot turning point that results in more drama to come in the chapters that follow.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
Be patient, be determined and write with diligence. Never stop improving your craft. There’s always something to learn. And if you are hurt by rejection take up something else.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Writing becomes a passion. If you have that passion, then write regardless of whether you make any money doing it. I find as I get older, I write because I have something to say. 
Study the craft of writing. It's all about craft. Find a critique circle - not your friends and family - and listen to their unbiased feedback. Ask yourself why someone said what they said about your writing and be determined to improve. Write that first draft, edit it to the point of pushing the ‘publish’ button and then put it on ice for at least three months. Do something else. Start writing something else. When you return to it, you will have a fresh set of eyes and you will see all kinds of ways to improve your original prose.

What authors influenced you as a writer?
When I was young I read a lot of classic science fiction. I read all of the Edgar Rice Burroughs ‘John Carter of Mars’ series, John Wyndham, Isaac Asimov, Jules Verne, HG Wells and others. But George Orwell’s ‘1984’ stood out for me. It was really a psychological thriller. Orwell’s nightmarish vision was set apart from the classic sc-fi I was reading because his dystopian world had profound political and societal forces acting on his characters not just technological change. I think he set a very high standard for writers in regards to communicating these kinds of ‘big picture’ ideas through the feelings of his characters and the story of their journey. I’ve tried to do some of that in ‘Tiger Paw’, although it’s up to my readers to judge how successful I have been.

What would be the Dream Cast for your book if it was to be turned into a movie?
I have a Pinterest page called 'Tiger Paw Goes to Hollywood' to do just that! Pinterest is a great way to visualize things even before you start writing. Check out my boards at http://pinterest.com/charlesacornell/tiger-paw-goes-to-hollywood/

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I live in Michigan but want to retire soon and live (and write) full-time in Florida. I love the beaches there and the sea.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I've always wanted to come to India for one of the elephant festivals to see the elephants draped in colorful cloth and paraded through the streets. What a spectacular sight that must be!

What do you have in store next for your readers?
Last year I launched DragonFly, a collision of science fiction and fantasy in the dieselpunk genre. I'm working on its sequel, 'Spies in Manhattan' as well as some short companion fiction to the DragonFly world. 
I have a crazy number of projects in the concept and outlining stage. I'm really excited about starting an eight-novel space opera/science fiction series I've begun outlining. That may be the next world I build after the DragonFly books. But I promised my readers I would write the second and third book in my FBI thriller series, Tiger Paw first. I reckon I have at least ten years of writing ahead of me to completely write everything I've imagined and that doesn't count anything else I might dream up in the future.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
I like bulldogs but unfortunately owning one doesn’t fit into my traveling lifestyle at the moment. So I have a low maintenance fat cat instead.
Thank you, Debdatta for the opportunity to share with your readers some insights into my life as an author and introduce them to my thriller Tiger Paw. As a special thank you, Tiger Paw has been discounted to US $0.99 for the next week. I’m also giving away an autographed hardcopy edition of Tiger Paw for a lucky reader in India. Please leave a review for me on Amazon. It would be much appreciated!

Contact the Author:
Websites & Blog:
www.charlesacornell.com
www.dragonfly-novels.com
http://alvariumexperiment.wix.com/prometheussaga

Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlesACornell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesACornell

About the book:



As a serial killer wreaks havoc on Wall Street, dismantling a corrupt financier’s empire one body at a time, FBI profiler Scott Forrester uncovers the deadly secret of a demon-worshipping Hindu cult that is determined to change the very fabric of society. Firmly in their assassin’s crosshairs, Scott Forrester is forced underground to stop the killing spree. But will he survive the deal he must make with the Devil to thwart their satanic plan?









Critics Reviews of Tiger Paw:

"A fast-paced, entertaining thriller. An intriguing story. Well researched. Vivid descriptions. Interesting twists and turns. An excellent debut thriller! - Royal Palm Literary Award Judging Panel, Florida Writers Association

"A standout debut novel recommended for all lovers of thrillers and action books. A great variation to the thriller genre. The author blended a detective storyline with a thread of the esoteric. The ending leaves you guessing. A well thought out story, with lots of action." - Midwest Book Review

Buy the Book:
Tiger Paw is on sale now for $0.99 or 62 rupees for a limited time.

#Spotlight :: Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster

Listen up, because today I have a huge announcement!



New York Times and USA Today bestselling Contemporary Romance author, Melissa Foster, has officially entered the world of New Adult Romance—yay! Her first book in the new Harborside Nights series released this week, and she's having a huge party with lots of cool prizes and games to celebrate. So read more about Catching Cassidy below, stop to get your copy at Amazon, Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, or Google Play, and then head on over to Melissa's Street Team to join the party!



Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents.  Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.
Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?
It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.





HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real New Adult Romance series that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting—most of the time. This series is written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster. Learn more at www.MelissaFoster.com.


27 April, 2015

#BookReview :: Goddess by Laura Powell



Strikes. Starvation. Riots. Britain is at breaking-point and Aura is blind to it all. The Cult of Artemis is the only home she’s ever known. Enclosed in its luxury lifestyle, the unrest gripping the country seems to belong to a distant world. Her dream is to serve the Goddess and taking a vow of chastity and obedience seems a small price to pay. But days before Aura is due to be initiated as a Priestess, she meets Aiden, the rebellious son of a cult insider, whose radical ideas and unsettling charm force Aura to question everything – and everyone – she knows.


Goodreads I Amazon





Aura has grown up in the sheltered life of the Temple of Artemis. All she dreams of is serving the Goddess and becoming Artemis’s Oracle someday. She has very little idea about the world outside her cult. She doesn’t have inkling about how the world is in shambles and the politics that not only surrounds the country but is also deep rooted in her cult. When she makes an oracle in a public place, her life is about to change drastically. The only one she can turn to is Aiden, the rebellious son of a cult insider…

I think the world created in this book is awesome. It is a modern world where politics plays a big role and internet and other media have an equal standing. Yet, the people still believe in religion an oracle in a way that may seem very superstitious. The mix between science, politics, religion and magic is so balanced that as a reader I believed in both aspects of the story. It also depicts, how people in power – whether in politics or in religion are susceptible to corruption and how they manipulate the common people - which stands true in our reality as well.

Aura was an interesting character. From the meek and obedient servant of the God to the strong individual who stands up against corruption, she makes an amazing journey of growth and development through the story. Aiden on the other hand is a character that grabs your attention right away but show very little growth. Together they help each other out and their growing affection for each other was fun to read.

I did miss the back story a bit. I mean we are introduced to a world where the government is in shambles and there is much political unrest. But how did things get there? Did any of the characters from the story have a hand or a role in it? I also would have liked to see more of the people on the council of the cult of Artemis. As a result the world building fell a little short of expectations and felt a bit flat.

Overall, the book kept my interest and the pages flew by. Interesting read!


Review Copy received from Bloomsbury India

25 April, 2015

#BookReview :: Autobiography of a Mad Nation by Sriram Karri

"I was born in a mentally retarded nation." - Thus begins this provocative, stylish, and racy literary rant against India by a twenty-four-year-old awaiting capital punishment.

When Dr M Vidyasagar (‘Sagar’), retired chief of CBI, gets an unusual request from his old friend and the President of India to privately investigate if Vikrant Vaidya—sentenced to death for motivelessly killing his teenage neighbour Iqbal—is innocent or not, little does he know how convoluted a conspiracy he is setting foot in. 

With a narrative that springs forth from and weaves its way through the Emergency, anti-Sikh riots post Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Ram Janmabhoomi Rath Yatra, anti-Mandal Commission protests, economic liberalisation, Babri Masjiddemolition, and Godhra riots, readers will find themselves in the grips of a chimerical tale, asking and answering the question: Is India truly a mad nation? 


The story begins with the protagonist, Vikrant Vaidya, writing to the President of India from prison. Convicted of murdering his neighbor, Vikrant, instead of the usual mercy letter that prisoners write, writes a letter that intrigues the President. As a result, the President requests his friend and former CBI head, Vidyasagar to look into Vikrant’s case. When Vidyasagar picks up the case, he has little knowledge, but soon he is ensnared in a loop of conspiracies that are much larger than one expected.

"I was born in a mentally retarded nation."  

The first line of the book had me hooked to the book. The author is speaking about my country and I cannot deny but I have often thought in the same lines. As a result I immediately warmed up to the character of Vikrant. He was a voice that I loved hearing throughout. The author has done an expert job of narrating his story just right – without going overboard in any aspect. It would have been so easy to have turned preachy and have the author rant about some issue or the other for pages. But instead, everything was kept straightforward and to the point. The book covers everything that our nation stands for - cricket, books, caste system, religion, politics and even corruption. The book gives us an unbiased (at least I felt so) view at our nation and at us. And while most of it is not pretty one cannot but appreciate the author’s viewpoint. The plot has enough to offer to something to everyone and some twists did take me by surprise too. However, I do have issues with the ending and I am not sure if I agree with the author on it.

This is one of those books that might elicit extreme reactions from people because of the sensitive topics included. You may love it or you may hate it – but you certainly will not be able to ignore it. 


Review Copy received from Fingerprint Publishing


24 April, 2015

#Interview with #Author Andrea Buginsky

About the Author:
My HeadshotAndrea Buginsky is a freelance writer living with a congenital heart defect. She has enjoyed writing since she was a kid. When she went to college, she decided to turn it into a career, and earned her BA in Journalism. She has been freelance writing for several years now.
Andrea has always wanted to write a book, and decided she wanted to write for children. She loves fantasy movies like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, so she decided to try her hand at writing one of her own.
Andrea's first publication is The Chosen, a middle-grade fantasy she worked on for about three years. The second book in The Chosen series, Nature's Unbalance, was released May 12, 2014. Andrea is currently editing Book 3, Striker's Apprentice, and writing Book 4, Londonham.
Andrea's second series, New Avalon, is YA fantasy. Book 1, Destiny, was released September 2013. Book 2, Fate, was released a year later. Both are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She has a concept for the third book.
Andrea has also published My Open Heart, an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. Her hope is that it will give encouragement to young adults growing up with heart disease, or other chronic illnesses, as well as parents of children growing up with heart disease.
Andrea lives in the Kansas City, KS area. She grew up in Florida, but is originally from NJ.

Follow Andrea
Website*Facebook*Twitter*Instagram*PinterestYouTube*Google+*Goodreads

Interview with Andrea:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
After college. I majored in journalism, and wanted to be a freelance writer. After a few months, I started to get the itch to write a book. Once I started working on them, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

What inspires you to write?
Reading good books, watching movies, and dreaming.
If I’m watching a show or movie that features a character who writes, I’ll want to run to my desk and start working. I guess it’s osmosis.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I’m currently working on edits for The Chosen Book 3. I knew I wanted to continue writing books about The Chosen, and I needed a new adventure for them to go on. My nephew jokingly asked when he would appear in one of my books, so, as a game, I quickly wrote an intro for his character. It ended up being the perfect opportunity to get Book 3 up and running. I owe him a huge thanks!

Is there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Yes, my first attempt at a book. It was an adult romance story. I thought that was the genre I’d write, because I love Danielle Steel. But I just couldn’t get it to work quite right.

Tell us about your writing process.
*laughs* I love this question! I don’t have a “process.” When I sit down to write, I look at what I’ve previously written, check my notes, and continue. Sometimes I’ll play music if I need background noise. I’ll try to have a drink on my desk so I don’t forget to stay hydrated, and I keep snacks around if I need them. That’s about it.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but there’s a point when the new character I mentioned receives a special “gift” that he’s expecting. I love the process in which he receives it, and the way he reacts to receiving it.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
Yes, Halli, my MC. She is me. I wrote her with my qualities, so she has my quirks as well.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
Yes, though it’s been a while since I’ve read on a regular basis, a habit I’ve been correcting lately.
I love to read YA fantasy, and other fantasy. I also love romance.
My favorite authors are Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks, J.K. Rowling, John Green, Tonya Kappes, and Melissa Foster.
I have some new authors I’ll be checking out this year, so I may add to the list.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
To write what I want to write, and not what others tell me I should write.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Just do it. I spent so much time “researching” about a writing career, when you really don’t need to. Yes, you need to read and learn about marketing, but when it comes to writing, other than spelling and grammar, etc., of course, you need to JUST WRITE!!!

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
*Big grin*
Halli: Natalie Portman
Silvor: Chris Hemsworth
Kaidyla: Zoe Saldana
Striker: Sam Worthington
Lumina: Abigail Breslin
Red: Robbie Coltrane

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
My Kindle
A Wi-Fi Hotspot
Sunscreen

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I love to watch TV and movies. My fave spot would be my living room couch, tucked under my blanket. If I’m really tired, I like to crawl under the covers of my bed.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
Sky diving. I’ve wanted to do it since I saw Point Break. It looks amazing! I’d love to see the Earth from that point-of-view, and float around.
I’d love to go to space too, for the same reason, and to see the moon and stars up close.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
- I’m a huge kid-at-heart
- I LOVE Disney!!!!
- My family calls me “The Walking TV Guide”

What do you have in store next for your readers?
Once The Chosen Book 3 is finally finished and published, I’ll get back to writing the first draft of book 4.
I also have an idea for New Avalon, Book 3!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
I want to thank them for being my readers! My dream of being an author could not have come true if not for them. I love knowing that they are out there, reading my books, and waiting for more. Thank you so much!

About her books:

(Click on the Covers to Know More)

The Chosen Series:
 

New Avalon Series:

 

A Memoir:






23 April, 2015

#BookReview :: The Silent Scream by Siddhartha Garg


Child abuse, one of the many problems that persist in India today, is arguably the filthiest. Of late, we have heard of instances of children being exploited but the most gruesome abuse is child sex abuse. The Silent Scream takes up this issue which people normally turn a blind eye towards. Through the subtlety quoted instances mentioned in this narrative non-fiction we are exposed to the disturbing lives of child predators and their innocent, young unassuming victims. The Silent Scream is a ready guide to create awareness about this rampantly growing evil with the aim of sensitising the general public on the ways in which sex abusers operate. A humble effort is also being made to counsel the victims and carry forward the war against this menace so that other innocent souls are saved.

Goodreads I Amazon




The Silent Scream by Siddhartha Garg is a book on child abuse. What do I say about this book?

The book starts with one girl’s story and then moves on to other real life cases.  Then there is a whole section on Rape. Some of the stories felt so bloody unbelievable – almost fiction but it is our society’s truth. The more I read, the more appalled I got… Who? How? And mostly WHY? I had so many questions in my mind. While most of them where answered, I still feel bewildered and reeling from the experiences of these young and innocent souls.

Most of us, sitting in our drawing room, would like to wave away the horrors of child abuse even though new cases are reported regularly. While most of us probably cannot even imagine hurting the innocence of a child, the fact remains that it happens more often than we realize. It is also a fact that we can avoid it – only if we are aware and armed with knowledge. This book acts as a guide to identifying the signs of dangers to identifying the source of that danger and also what steps one can take to ensure safety of a child. You may not be the perpetrator, but you may know one – they do come from amongst us – you may not have a child of your own, but you may know a child who is a victim… What do you do? Well, read this book and you will know.

There are two particular points highlighted by the author that I feel are most important and a ‘must know’ and ‘must do’ things… First, is sex education. Yes I know it is sort of a taboo in India for grownups, or anyone really, to talk about sex. As a result, most of the youth have wrong impressions about sex that they gather from adult magazines and porn videos. We really underestimate the importance of sex education and the value of consent. I implore people to talk to their children about sex, safe sex and consent. It is so important for both boys and girls to understand what is right and what is wrong. The other point that I was happy to see the author make a point of is the indirect child abuse… For instance, if parents constantly fight and abuse each other – verbally and/or physically, in front of their child – while that is not a direct abuse on the child, it starts a chain of domestic abuse that the child feels is natural and grows up to continue. 

While I usually do not pick up non-fiction books, I am glad I picked this one up. Every single person should read this book in order to make themselves aware. A MUST READ book especially for parents, teachers and those who work around children.


Review Copy received from the Author

#Spotlight :: The Star Princess By Jessica E. Subject


THE STAR PRINCESS
A Beyond Fairytales audio book
By Jessica E. Subject
New Adult Erotic Sci-Fi Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61333-765-3


NOW AN AUDIOBOOK!


Narrated by Jon Filipko



In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.
















Jessica E. Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotic. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.
When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk with her giant, hairy dog her family adopted from the local animal shelter.
Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

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