31 July, 2015

#Spotlight :: Made in India by Biddu

As a child, Biddu dreamt of going west and making it big as a composer. At the age of sixteen, he formed a band and started playing in a cafe in Bangalore, his home town, At eighteen, he was part of a popular act at Trinca's, a nightclub in Calcutta devoted to food, wine and music, At nineteen, he had college students in Bombay dancing to his music. 

In his early twenties, he left the country and ended up hitchhiking across the Middle East before arriving in London with only the clothes on his back and his trusty guitar. What followed were years of hardship and struggle but also great music and gathering fame. From the nine million selling "Kung Fu Fighting" to the iconic youth anthem of "Made in India" and the numerous hits in between. Biddu's music made him a household name in India and elsewhere. 

In this first public account of all that came his way: the people, the events,the music tours and companies Biddu writes with a gripping sense of humor about his remarkable journey with its fairy tale ending. Charming, witty, and entirely likable, Biddu is a man you are going to enjoy getting to know.



Read an Excerpt

Chapter - 11

Give Me the Titanic any day


I was greeted by an army in White: almost 400 men draped in white robes and with shaven heads; some had beads in their hands, mouthing silent prayers, parading on the deck like holy warriors awaiting god or his nemesis. They were pilgrims on their way to Hajj. I looked at them, stunned into a momentary silence. The visual was dramatic and surreal, like egg-white stalagmites against an endless blue sky on a bobbing ocean. They, in return, observed me with subtle confusion. A cowboy hat, boots, a guitar and hair like a woman’s. What kind of apparition was this? The devil incarnate? I felt as welcome as swine flu.
I walked nervously through the multitude as they peacefully parted to receive this newcomer, and made my way to the sleeping quarters below deck. I thought it best to pick out my cabin and unpack my meagre belongings and set my territory; hang up my guitar and hat on a hook, close the door behind me, kick off my boots and relax. I walked down the stairs and came across a miniature stadium of row upon row of wooden slatted slabs. Most of them had bedrolls unfurled over them. I looked around. There were no cabins in sight. It dawned on me these were my sleeping quarters. It was another jaw-dropping moment.
‘Okay,’ I thought, ‘I can handle this. But first, the bathrooms.’
I must tell you I have a thing about bathrooms. Call it a fetish, but they must be pristine, clean and modern. So I strolled towards the toilet zone and peeked through the swing doors. There were six Indian-style squat-on-your-haunches-type toilets. I shuddered at the sight of these unseemly hole-in-the-ground jobs. I noticed six sinks for washing and shaving. Four hundred of us were to share these facilities. My heart sank into my ankles. I would fight them in the trenches, I would fight them on the shore, but I could not fight them in the rush to an Indian-style kazi.
I sat on a wooden slab for a while, thinking up Plan B. Suddenly I felt a jolt as the boat came to life. I could hear the drone of an engine and the ungainly movement as the vessel lurched forward clumsily and we were on our way. This I could not miss. So I scrambled back up, onto the deck and looked at the city I was leaving behind. It was nearing sunset and against a blood-red sky, the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel steadily decreased in size as our boat cut through the frothy dark-emerald waters of the open sea. I stood there clutching my rucksack, that little suitcase full of dreams, till the shoreline disappeared.

Gradually, the evening sun went down as darkness closed the door on light. I put my rucksack to a side, gently placed my guitar next to it and sat down. Sleep would not come easy this night. I looked up as a thousand stars put on a show, flickering like fireflies against a black velvet sky and a warm breeze gently followed us. One star in particular was bigger than the others and shone twice as bright. It twinkled and winked at me, making me smile. It was my Eastern Star.
The pilgrims were downstairs, probably resting on their bedrolls and having a right old gossip. I had finally left India behind, as I had always wanted to. Like I always dreamed I would. But fear began to envelop me like the surrounding darkness. Every part of me had wanted to leave, and yet at that moment, a part of me – a tiny, infinitesimal part of me– longed to stay. I hoped the feeling would pass.
As I lay there on the deck, I could hear the water slapping against the sides of the boat, maintaining a hypnotic tempo. Eventually I fell asleep, resting my head on my bag, one hand clutching my guitar, just in case one of the pilgrims should want to steal it!

I awoke in the dim light of dawn, to the placid rise and fall of the boat, as a veil of mist made the world opaque and mysterious. I stretched my stiffened bones and decided to use the bathroom before the morning sun could announce itself and well before the queues for the washroom began. I went downstairs, to find the lower deck busier than Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Obviously, every pilgrim had the same idea about their morning ablutions, especially before prayers. I stood in line, determined to carry diapers the next time. I clenched my buttocks, pinched my nose, held my breath and waited my turn. Thank God for yoga.
Later that morning I made my way to see the captain of this vessel.
‘Captain,’ I said, showing respect for his uniform if not for the man himself. ‘My name is Biddu. I am not a pilgrim but I’m also going to Basra, on my way to London.’
He shook his head gently but without any great response. ‘You see, I am a singer and rather well known in India.’
‘I see,’ he replied, with a smidge of enthusiasm.
‘The point is, I’m not used to sleeping on wooden slats and using Indian-style toilets. I hope you understand.’
He looked sympathetically at this moaner and said, ‘What to do, sir? This boat is for plying pilgrims and some cargo only. It is not a passenger boat. So sorry.’ He seemed to be on the verge of tears while tendering his apology.
‘Captain, do you have a spare cabin for me?’ I pleaded with some deference. ‘I will pay you.’ I wanted to use the word ‘handsomely’, but I did not think three pounds demanded or necessitated the term ‘handsomely’.
‘I am very sorry, sir,’ he apologized. ‘But there are only three cabins on this boat. One, I am afraid, is mine, and the other two are occupied.’

From here on, the story takes a turn that would only come under the heading, ‘Believe it or not’. But believe me, dear reader, what happened is true.
‘But captain,’ I implored passionately, ‘you have to help me here. I cannot last another five days using those toilets and sleeping with 400 pilgrims. They are in a state of godliness, while I am in a right state. Last night I slept in the open. I cannot do that every night.’
‘What to do?’ he reiterated. ‘Unless you want to speak to the two brothers who are occupying the other two cabins.’
‘No problem,’ I answered, sounding like a native.
‘They are married to two sisters and each couple is using a cabin. So you see there is a slight problem.’
That did put a damper on things. But I was desperate. There was no other word for it. ‘Can I see these two couples?’ I asked the captain.
So we toddled off in the direction of the two cabins and the captain knocked on the doors of both of them. A man emerged from each one.
‘This young man would like to talk to you both,’ the captain announced cryptically.
Then followed this brief conversation.
‘Gentlemen,’ I said, looking at the two brothers and noticing how similar they were in appearance.‘My name is Biddu, and I am a well-known singer in Bombay.’
They wore a look of curiosity or apathy, depending on the interpretation. Perhaps they were not from Bombay.
‘You see,’ I began and continued with my rant about not being used to sharing sleeping accommodation with 400 room-mates or using Indian-style toilets.
‘I see,’ they replied, having heard my diatribe.
‘So, if you gentleman and your wives would move into one cabin, your generosity would allow me the use of the other cabin. I shall pay you for the slight inconvenience. I would not normally ask you this favour but I am doing it as a last resort. Please take this.’
I held out two pounds as the carrot.
‘We will have to talk to our wives,’ one of them said meekly. ‘It’s up to them. We must get their permission first.’
They did not seem to be unduly bothered by my bizarre request. Ten minutes later they met with me.
‘All right,’ said one of them, shaking his head and letting slip a hint of a smile. ‘Our wives have agreed, but on one condition.’ ‘What’s that?’ I enquired. Fearing Indian men as monetary predators, I had held back a pound, in case I had to up the stake.
‘You said you are a singer,’ one of the men replied self- consciously. ‘But please to beg your pardon, we have not heard of you. Our wives are requesting that in return for the cabin you please sing one or two songs for us.’
So,by the time the boat had docked for its brief stop at Karachi, I had acquired a cabin for myself in return for two pounds and an Italian version of ‘Hello Dolly’ called ‘Hola Chica’ and a rendition of ‘This Land Is Your Land’ in the original English.

I could not believe how kind and polite these people had been. It was simply amazing. No further persuasion was required after my initial request. It seemed the most natural thing for them to do, passing up their own privacy and comfort for a total stranger. The cynic in me thought the money may have helped. I thanked them profusely and told them that at any time during the trip if they wanted me to sing for them, all they had to do was ask, and I would gratefully burst into song.
They never made a request during the whole journey.
The cabin had two beds, so I can only assume the couples were having a few risqué nights thanks to a ‘well-known singer in Bombay’. As for me, the rest of the voyage was in relative luxury, even though the food was largely inedible and rats jumped ship rather than eat our leftovers. For the most part, I was oblivious to the praying mantis-like drone of the boat and pilgrims in prayer, and five days later we came up the Persian Gulf to its final destination, the seaport of Basra.




Biddu's Playlist:




About the Author:

"I was born at a time when many had finally learned how to walk upright."
Thus begins the amazing roller-coaster journey of a young man in his quest to become a success ....
As a child, Biddu dreamt of going west and making it big as a composer. At the age of sixteen, he formed a band and started playing in a cafe in Bangalore, his home town, At eighteen, he was part of a popular act at Trinca's, a nightclub in Calcutta devoted to food, wine and music, At nineteen, he had college students in Bombay dancing to his music. 
In his early twenties, he left the country and ended up hitchhiking across the Middle East before arriving in London with only the clothes on his back and his trusty guitar. What followed were years of hardship and struggle but also great music and gathering fame. From the nine million selling "Kung Fu Fighting" to the iconic youth anthem of "Made in India" and the numerous hits in between. Biddu's music made him a household name in India and elsewhere. 
In this first public account of all that came his way: the people, the events,the music tours and companies Biddu writes with a gripping sense of humor about his remarkable journey with its fairy tale ending. Charming, witty, and entirely likable, Biddu is a man you are going to enjoy getting to know.



#Interview with Anand Neelakantan, #Author of The Rise of Kali

The mahabharata endures as the great epic of india. While jaya is the story Of the pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of kurukshetra, ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man. From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, asura, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question The truth behind the mahabharata. As the Pandavas stake their claim to the Hastinapura throne, the Kaurava Crown Prince, Suyodhana, rises to challenge Krishna. As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie in wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits. The dark age of kali is rising and every man and woman must choose between duty And conscience, honour and shame, life and death…

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Interview with the Author


What does AJAYA signify in the title of the book?
Ajaya means unconquearable. The Kauravas were never conquered, they were decimated to the last man. Ajaya is also a play of words to show what is not Jaya, the original name of Mahabharata. Though Ajaya does not mean what is not Jaya, it is to imply that this is Mahabharata from the other side

After all your writing and research, what is your final opinion on Duryodhana as a man and a leader?
Suyodhana was a man far ahead of times. He had his flaws, he trusted his friends too much and took unnecessary risks, was more sincere to Karna than Karna was  to him and was passionate to the core. He believed in certain ideals, was sometimes naive and sometimes arrogant, but he never tried to justify his deed behind the cloak of dharma. He was a rebel, far ahead of his times and he paid the price.

Did the Kurukshetra war have any winners? What did it achieve? Can it be justified?
I think sage Vyasa gave the named his epic, "Jaya" to bring out the irony. There were no winners for the war. If the war was the victory of good for evil, after the war the evil age should not have started. This reasoning that it was fought for restoration of dharma fails, when we see that it is the age of Adharma that had risen after the war. So what was the purpose of war, as Balarama asks?

Was Draupadi perhaps the greatest victim in the Mahabharata?
Draupadi, like many other women and children, was also a victim of the war. All the women of Mahabharata are victims, trampled by a masculine world. Gandhari who lost all her sons, Kunti who lost all her grandsons and a son, Draupadi who lost all her sons, the Nishada woman who lost her life and all her sons, Hidumbi who lost her son, Uthara who lost her husband, Bhanumathi who lost both her husband and son- the list is endless. There is no justification in singling out Draupadi.

How do you explain Gandhari’s 100 sons and 1 daughter?
The ratio is perplexing. The entire Kuru race has 106 sons (including the Yuyutsu, the Vysya son of Dhritarashtra) and 1 daughter and may be Lakshmana is the only another woman in the household. Or may be all the 100s are not sons of Gandhari, but perhaps sons of Dhritarashtra (there are many other sons mentioned in some texts) and the daughters are not mentioned with the same importance as Dushala (Sushala) since they are not from the Royal womb of Gandhari. We do not know and we can only speculate. As I said, it was a man's world, not much different from now, where only lip service is given to the divinity of women.

Did any Kaurava survive the war?
Dhritarashtra, the real Kaurava was the ultimate victor

Do you feel a sense of catharsis having finished the book?
Writing any book is hard work, it is doubly so when the subject is the most complicated and biggest epic in the world

What are you working on now?
I am working as an episodic story writer for Star TV's upcoming serial Siya ke Ram. I am working on a fantasy thriller based on Mythology, tentatively titled Devayani. I have also signed up for a Hindi/Telugu bilingual and discussions are on for Asura to be made as Hindi/Tamil/Telugu trilingual film

What do you think made Leadstart take your book when other Publishers had not?
Leadstart took the book when not many were willing to publish mythology books. They saw the potential in Asura when others did not. Asura was an unusual book in the sense that it went against the conventional way of writing mythology. It is a disturbing book, not offensive, but something that would challenge the long held belief and give voice to the sceptic inside the reader. Not many publishers would take that risk.

How did you think of this concept? What got you inspired?
This was something that I have grown up with and I write about things that disturbs me most. The other side, hidden in the shadows, is always exciting to explore.

What do you think about writing as a profession in India?
Writing as a profession is yet to come of age in India. Except a few authors who have made it really big, it is difficult to earn a living out of writing. Despite spectacular success of Asura and Ajaya, I am yet to resign my job. There are many like me with a string of best sellers who still work for a living or are businessmen. Except Chetan Bhagat, Amish or one or two others, if we take the top 10 writers of the country, most of us are either businessmen or employees. There is a long way to go for us to see Indian writers owning private jets and mansions like what they do in the west. But apart from money, writing gives a lot of satisfaction which no other profession can. Writing in India, can be a rewarding hobby, at best and not a profession. 

Any message you would want to give to your readers?
Read the book with an open mind. Read good books not to get answers but to simulate more questions in your mind


30 July, 2015

#Spotlight :: Intercepted by Love by Rachelle Ayala

Intercepted by Love - A Pro Football Romance from Rachelle Ayala


What would you do if you threw away the Super Bowl on a last minute end-zone interception?
Meet Cade Prescott: backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Flash in their new Hollywood Stadium. He alone is responsible for his team losing the Super Bowl, so he escapes to a small college town in upstate New York to hide and lick his wounds.
Meet Andie Wales: Research librarian. She and her archaeologist family share a vivid interest in King David. In addition to his official history, she's also an expert on his love lives [plural, because of his multiple wives]. She works in a library in a small college town in upstate New York.

“… enchanting story of two people from completely different worlds” – Keli Morgan


~ Description ~

Pro quarterback Cade Prescott’s last play was to lose the Super Bowl for his team. To escape the bad press and recover from the disastrous season, he changes his appearance and hides away at a sleepy university town.
Andie Wales’s first love is researching ancient bad boy kings. She is blissfully unaware of the Super Bowl and modern day bad boys. When her dog meets and mates with Cade’s dog, Andie’s first concern is to get her dog to a vet. She gets waylaid by Cade and his hunky good looks and has no idea just how out of her league Cade is.
Despite his secrets, Cade feels differently about Andie and thinks he might be falling in love. Unfortunately, his past catches up with him, and he is forced to make a difficult decision. Can a professional athlete and a research librarian truly prove the axiom that opposites not just attract, but were meant for each other?
Intercepted by Love #1 is available at Amazon, Read FREE if on KindleUnlimited or buy for 99 cents
Parts 2, 3, 4 are also available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
and #5 is set to release July 30 and bonus story #6 is in the works!

~About Rachelle ~ 
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.
Subscribe to her mailing list for upcoming books and giveaways: http://bit.ly/RachAyala and find her books at online retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple iBookstore, and Smashwords.

Books by Rachelle Ayala
Sánchez Sisters
Jewells in Love
Sports Romances

Want to Contact Rachelle?
Mailing List: http://bit.ly/RachAyala

29 July, 2015

#SpecialFeature :: #Interview with #Author Kelli A.Wilkins


*** Special Feature - July 2015 ***

Recap of this month's Posts


Interview with the Author Kelli A. Wilkins

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer/storyteller?
I’ve always been a writer. Writing down the stories in my head was something that just seemed natural to me, even at a young age. But I didn’t pursue writing seriously for many years.
After college, I took writing classes and completed a Commercial Writer’s Certificate program. Everyone in class liked my stories, so I started submitting them for publication. From there, my “official” writing career was born. I just kept writing and submitting, and here I am today!

What inspires you to write?
I get inspired from a multitude of ideas, and I basically go wherever the story takes me. My first romance, A Most Unusual Princess, came about because I knew I wanted to write about a headstrong princess forced to find a husband. That book inspired two sequels (Dalton’s Temptation and The Pauper Prince).
My romances cover nearly every genre: contemporary, historical, gay, fantasy, and paranormal, and the heat level varies from book to book. Writing across many genres in different styles keeps me inspired and lets me flex my creative writing muscles because each book is unique.
I’m self-motivated when it comes to writing, and I always have a book or two “waiting” to be written. I keep a folder of ideas handy, and if I’m ever at a loss for my next project, I go through the folder and see what story/plot/idea appeals to me to write next.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I had three romances published in 2014: Dangerous Indenture, Wilderness Bride, and A Secret Match. The idea for Dangerous Indenture came to me when I heard the name Shawna Farrell but thought I’d heard Shauna Farrow – the next thing I knew, the book popped into my head. I knew Shauna was an Irish indentured servant who came to the colonies and was going to investigate the murder of a previous servant. Dangerous Indenture is a spicy romance with elements of mystery. It is available exclusively as an ebook HERE.

With Wilderness Bride, I got an idea to write a story about a woman on the run who impersonates a stranger’s mail order bride. She comes from a wealthy family and is forced to leave everything behind to live in an isolated mountain cabin with a stranger. Wilderness Bride is a tender romance with a blend of adventure and danger. It’s available in paperback and ebook formats HERE.
A Secret Match is a follow-up (of sorts) to my other wrestling romance, A Perfect Match. That book was all about a straight couple (Vin and Danni) and Everett (the gay main character from A Secret Match) was a secondary character. I loved writing for Ev and always thought one day I’d give him a book of his own, but I didn’t have a clue as to what the story would be.
I put thoughts of him aside and then one morning he popped into my head with a four-line book summary. Within an hour, I had the whole story in my head and I started writing. A Secret Match is all about Ev coming to terms with his sexuality and learning about acceptance. It’s available in paperback and ebook formats HERE.

What is your favorite scene in A Secret Match? Why?
One of my favorite scenes is when Ev is coming out in public for the first time. His announcement comes as a big shock to Danni, the wrestling fans, and himself. He says that he never intended to out himself on live TV, it just sort of happened. I also enjoyed writing the flashback scenes showing how Ev met his boyfriend; they were very tender and sweet and showed a vulnerable side to Ev. Ev is a great character – he’s got a wry sense of humor and likes to push peoples’ buttons. I had a lot of fun writing for him!

Are there stories tucked away in a drawer that were written before and never saw the light of day?
Yes, I have a few short stories that were started and then abandoned for one reason or another: maybe I lost interest in the idea, the plot wasn’t flowing, or I ran out of time and started working on something else. I have lots of outlines and ideas for romances that are in my “someday” pile waiting to be written. I also have ideas for different types of non-fiction ebooks and an erotic romance series. All I need is time to develop them!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write everything in longhand. When I get an idea for a story, I write my outline, let the ideas for the characters and the plot marinate in my head for a while, and then go back and start writing on paper. After the first draft is complete, I type up the book. I add details and edit out parts I’m not crazy about as I go, so by the time I have a typed version it’s almost like a second draft.

What is your usual writing routine?
I don’t have a set time or place devoted to writing. Basically, I write anytime, anywhere. I like to write outside, so if I’m working on a book and the weather’s nice, I’ll sit in my yard and write or edit, or outline a new book. Otherwise, I find a quiet spot in the house and write.

Do you read? Who are your favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
My general rule is: when I’m writing, I don’t read, and when I’m reading, I don’t write. But I’ve always been an avid reader and started reading everything I could find at a young age.
The books on my shelves are very diverse and cover almost every category: horror, romance, contemporary fiction, thrillers/suspense, self-help, new age, historical non-fiction, and of course, my books! I’m always collecting books at garage sales and flea markets.
I think every book I’ve read has influenced me in some way, whether it’s the author’s choice of language, style, tone, voice, or just the ability to draw you into the book and make you care about the characters.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to get into writing?
I have a lot of advice to offer anyone who wants to write! As an author of 95 short stories and 19 romance novels, I’m often asked: How do I get published? How do you write a book? What advice do you have for writers who are just starting out? Do you have any writing tips? 
I’ve answered these questions many times in interviews and addressed them in guest blogs, but I always wanted to say more. One day, I started thinking about everything I’ve learned over the years, and inspiration hit me: Why not write a book on how to write? The result? You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction.
This fun and practical book walks you through the story-creating process step-by-step: from getting a great idea to meeting your characters, developing a plot, and on to writing, revising, and submitting your work.
Each easy-to-read chapter is based on my 15 years of experience as a writer, advice I’ve received over the years, and the technical “know-how” I’ve gained in writing classes and workshops. I also included helpful tips all writers can use, plus fun writing exercises to get you motivated. Here's the Book Link.

Aside from following the advice and hints in my book, the best advice I can give to any writer (regardless of what genre he or she likes to write) is to keep writing. It takes a lot of dedication and determination to sit down every day and write something. But the more you write, the easier it gets.
Writing classes are a great way to learn the basics and meet other writers. If possible, join a writer’s group or a critique group to get feedback on your stories. When you’ve written the best story you can, submit it! You can’t get published if you never submit, and you never know when your first acceptance will arrive.

If you were stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
Aside from my husband and access to email, I’d want paper and pens, books, and my CDs.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
When I take a break from writing I usually hang out with friends and family, go for walks, or read. Other than that, I like to travel, go to flea markets, and garden.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I don’t have an official bucket list, but I do have a list of places I’d like to visit! One of them is Easter Island.

What do you have in store next for your readers?
I’m currently revising a full-length historical romance set in Nebraska. The book doesn’t have a title yet, but I’m hoping to have it finished by September.
In the horror department, I’m working on a few short stories. My latest Halloween tale, “Home for Halloween” was published in the Moon Shadows horror anthology. Read more about it HERE

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
I invite readers to visit my Author Page on Amazon  and catch up on any titles (romance or horror) you may have missed. And be sure to check out my Weekly Blog  – I’m always posting writing advice, inside looks at my books, and lots of other stuff! Readers can also sign up for my writing newsletter via links on my site and social media pages.
I enjoy hearing from readers and welcome their questions and comments. Links to my social media pages are below, and I hope readers will follow along and drop me a note to say hi!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with everyone!
Happy Reading,
Kelli

About the Author

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 95 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books.
Her newest book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction was released in February 2015. This fun and informative non-fiction guide is based on her 15 years of experience as a writer, and is available exclusively on Amazon.
Kelli published three romances in 2014: Dangerous Indenture (a spicy historical/mystery), Wilderness Bride (a tender historical/Western/adventure), and A Secret Match (a gay contemporary set in the world of professional wrestling). Her romances span many genres and heat levels and yet she’s also been known to scare readers with a horror story. In 2014, her horror fiction appeared in Moon ShadowsWrapped in White, and Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine.

Connect with the Author

Books by the Author:
(Click on the Cover to know More)

  

Giveaway
PDF copy of either A Secret Match or Dangerous Indenture - Winner's Choice. Open Internationally.

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28 July, 2015

#Interview with Brenna Ehrlich, #Author of Placid Girl

About the Author:

Brenna Ehrlich is the founder of All Ages Press, a small press/label for weird teens (and everyone else). The co-writer of the blog and book STUFF HIPSTERS HATE, Brenna is currently a senior writer/editor for MTV News. She enjoys trying not to die in moshpits.


Website I Twitter I Goodreads




Interview with the Author:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
I honestly can't remember. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I remember a very early "book" of ghost stories that I wrote as a kid, but it basically just amounted to a table of contents with the names of the stories. I don't think I ever really fleshed that out. I went on to write 70 pages of a novel in high school and win a few poetry contests and whatnot -- but it was never a career consideration for me.
At that point, I got waylaid by acting and went to college for that. I soon discovered that I wasn't really cut out for that life, and returned to writing in college when I took a class from Arthur Golden, who wrote "Memoirs Of A Geisha." In that class, I was like, "OK, I guess I'm supposed to be doing this. I don't really like improv games, anyway." 

What inspires you to write?
Everything. It's basically all I do. I don't really have any hobbies. I write at work for 9+ hours per day and then I go home and (hopefully) write more. For me, it's a way to inhabit other people and worlds -- a kind of silent acting, really. You can be anyone that you want when you write, which is a huge draw.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I'm a music writer, so I follow and am followed by a ton of musicians on Instagram. I always thought it was interesting how they could curate their lives and how their fans interact with those curated lives. I'm not sure how much I can say without giving TOO much away, but I just pictured what was going on outside the frame -- and how shocked fans might be to discover what lurked there.

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Yup! I wrote a whole novel before this one. I plan to work on it more, though, because I still like it. It's a modern-day version of  "The Picture Of Dorian Gray."

Tell us about your writing process.
It changes. For "PLACID GIRL" it involved a glass of whiskey and a record by Gap Dream. I would just write and write while listening to the record on repeat. Just a mess. Then, the next day I would edit it all. Rinse and repeat. Once it was done, though, the book went through several edits with help from my beta readers, my editor Kat Howard, my sister Lara Ehrlich and tons of helpful friends.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
I love all the scenes at DIY venues. I was not cool growing up, so I didn't go to shows (and, as I said, I was too busy trying to become a famous actress), so after moving to New York post-grad school going to shows became a HUGE part of my life. It was cool to incorporate some of my favorite DIY, all-ages venues into my book -- shoutouts to Shea Stadium, 285 Kent (RIP) and Living Bread (RIP).

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
All of my characters are partly me. I would say Hallie inherited by teenage tendency to want to BE her crushes. I once asked for David Bowie's haircut and my mom shut that down pretty quickly.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I have to write in a linear fashion. I don't know if that's interesting. It's mostly annoying -- like, I have to read over everything I've written while editing. It's maddening.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
I read every single day. For YA, I love Robert Cormier and Francesca Lia Block. For adult books, I love JD Salinger and James Joyce and TS Eliot and countless people. I don't think they've all influenced by writing style in any direct way, but reading every day has definitely helped make me a better writer. Reading helps you understand just... how words work. How they sound. What they can do.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
Kill your darlings. They need to die. You have too many of them. Not all of them are so darling.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Just do it? Don't let anyone tell you exactly how. Don't let anyone tell you have to write every day to be a real writer. Sometimes the work is done standing on the train or in the shower or while taking a walk -- you need time to think, too.

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
I really want my book to be a movie! I DIY'd it, so I have to figure out how one even does that. I think I would want Stefania Owen ("Carrie Diaries") to be Hallie, Thomas Mann ("Me And Earl And The Dying Girl") to be Steve and someone like Miley Cyrus or Bea Miller to be Sarah. I'd want a real singer. For Haze... I can't give too much away, but I think I'd want a real punk band dude. Maybe one of the guys from FIDLAR or the So So Glos or something.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
Hmm, a Kindle (assuming I have Internet access and whatnot -- even though I don't know why I'd be stranded then), a music-playing device, and probably my cat Edie even though she sucks and bites me all the time.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I basically just go to shows at DIY venues. I've also been geo-caching a lot with my boyfriend, which is super nerdy but also extremely fun. You should try it. 

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I want my book to be a movie? Or one of my books to be a movie.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
I'm a junior black belt in karate (I quit when I was 16), I've been skiing since I was three and once went on a ride-along with a cop.

What do you have in store next for your readers?
More books, zines and tapes!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
Thanks for reading, guys! Feel free to send me your writing, too!

About the Book:

Punk was created for the malcontents, something that loner and aspiring drummer Hallie understands all too well. Trapped in a boring suburban life – dysfunctional parents included! – Hallie drowns her angst in the angry songs of Haze, a masked musician who has not been heard from in five years. So naturally she’s surprised – and more than a little skeptical – when someone who seems to be Haze starts flirting with her via her favorite photo-sharing app. Is he who he says he is? What does he want from her? The questions only multiply when Hallie — along with bandmate Sarah and aspiring music journalist Steve — roadtrip to Haze's comeback gig to unmask the reclusive musician once and for all.


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27 July, 2015

#Interview with Swati Sharma, #Author of Fashionably Yours

About the Author:
I am Swati (Swotz) and I was born and grew up in Delhi. I write women centred romantic comedy aka chick lit. Before dabbling into writing, I completed my post graduation in business. Amazingly I have learned Spanish and German and have valid certification in both but sadly can’t speak any of it in decent fluency. Before writing Fashionably Yours, I have authored four coffee-table books and written for a lifestyle magazine. One thing very few people know about me that I am a clairvoyant and no it’s not a joke! Currently I live in Delhi with my extensive collection of nail polishes, lipsticks and with a very neat pile of fashion magazines. Drop by my Facebook page or Twitter and say hi!

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I Goodreads


An Interview with the Author:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
Honestly I don’t remember dreaming about being a writer but I had always loved writing and it’s even surprising to me that I have actually became a full-time writer. 

What inspires you to write?
I guess seeing your name engraved on the book is good enough reason to inspire any writer to write even on bad days.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
The idea of the book which I am currently working on came lurking in my mind while I was editing my debut novel Fashionably Yours. While editing that book I was so tired and fed up that I desperately wanted to escape but of course I couldn’t given the fact that I had to finish and submit the book before deadline so I had started to write couple of lines about how it would feel like escaping to some exotic destination in a diary (I always keep a diary on my night stand to write down any random thought, idea or line that comes to my mind) and later on those couple of lines took the shape of a book. 

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Yes, there is. Before Fashionably Yours I had written a young adult novel and sent it to every publisher I could think of. Though it was not accepted but I got some really positive feedbacks about my writing style and storytelling in rejection letters and all that appreciation played the huge role in encouraging me to write my debut novel.

Tell us about your writing process.
I don’t follow any set method. I just get on with the idea and let my characters tell their own stories. 

What is your favorite scene in Fashionably Yours? Why?
I enjoyed writing the conversation between Maya and her mother. They shared the most mysterious out of all. 

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
I wish! But no they don’t. 

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write in soft yellow lightings while I edit in bright lights. I know it’s strange but it is what it is. 

What is your usual writing routine? 
I wish I could say that I am a very organized writer but I am afraid I am not. I mostly write at nights between 8p.m to 2a.m. It’s the only time of the day when I find myself most productive, creative and active.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
Reading is the part of my profession and incidentally it’s my favorite part. I love Alexandra Brown, Scarlett Bailey and Hester Brown.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
If you really want to survive then develop a thick skin. While some people will love and appreciate you, some are going to pick on you and criticize you but you can’t let them take a toll on you. 

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
If you really want to be a writer then never stop writing no matter what. Develop your craft and believe in your story.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
Kindle, Water and Phone.

Three fun facts about you.
I am a fashion blogger. I am Clairvoyant. I collect travel, interior and fashion magazines.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I spend all of my free time with my nieces, they are my best friends. They are 2,4 and 6. We go out for shopping, movies and lunches. Dolce Amante is our favorite place to eat, relax, bitch and enjoy.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I want to go to Tuscany and Cotswold. I want to learn baking, proper backing like scones, cakes, cookies and cupcakes.

What do you have in store next for your readers?
Currently I am working on a story about a girl who finds friendship, love and life in the most unlikely place among most unlikely people.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
If you’ve not already read Fashionably Yours then today may be a good day to get your copy as Amazon.in is giving out the copies on fabulous bargain. 

About the Book:
“Maya Kapoor swaps the snowy mountains for the glittering ocean.”

Maya Kapoor arrived in Mumbai with a glamorous dream, quite literally. Maya wants to be a serious fashion writer for the high-end fashion magazine, Glamorous but luck is not in her favour. Instead, she lands a job with a local fashion magazine, Style. Maya hates everything about it but for now this is all she has. Despite all the odds, Maya is excited about living an independent, fashionable life in the city of dreams.
At twenty-five, love has eluded Maya. But when she bumps into the dashing photographer, Aryan Malik, she falls head over heels for his gorgeous smile and charming manner.
But Maya seems to be stuck in a rut - her credit card bills are sky-high, her melodramatic mother can't stop ranting, the boss is unbearably cruel, her younger sister has decided to tie the knot, and she's not sure if Aryan could love a simple, confused girl like her.
Will Maya get the fairytale life she dreamed about or will she let everything slip through her fingers? Read her diary and find out.