29 July, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: An #Interview with Shweta Taneja, #Author of the Matsya Curse


*** Special Feature - July 2017 ***

About the Book:
Tantrik detective Anantya Tantrist is back, smart-ass comments, dark mantras and all.

In Banaras, Bhairava, a black tantrik, sets out to win control of life through mass murder, aided by an army of pretas. In Delhi, a tribal supernatural melts to death in a five-star hotel on the same night that an ancient demonologist is murdered. All this while, the government and the Central Association of Tantriks choose to look the other way and gods, demi-gods, immortals and rakshasas all join Bhairava’s army.

All that stands between the murdering bosses and the hapless masses is unofficial detective Anantya Tantrist, armed with a boneblade, a tote of mandalas and a cocky attitude. Just as she begins to see a pattern between a goddess who is selling art, a miracle-producing minister, an undead mob attacking a rock concert and her immortal friend throwing a tantrum, Anantya faces her most personal hell: her ex-boyfriend Neel has come back from the dead and is trying to kill her. He’s not the only one, of course. A powerful rakshasi wants her head, a pair of demi-gods wants her blood and the trolls are trying to squash her to pulp.

She cannot even sleep off the exhaustion, because each time she drops off, Bhairava invades her mind, trying to consume it. Join Anantya as she faces her most formidable enemy yet in the ultimate battle for her mind and her city.

Book Links:
Goodreads I Amazon


An interview with the Author

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
I was always a storyteller, right from when I was little and would tell dark tall tales to my cousins when electricity would go off on stormy nights. The writing medium for telling these stories came to me about eight years ago, when I was tired of chasing stories as a journalist and wanted to create characters and write their tales.  

What inspires you to write?
Sometimes, as is the case in Anantya Tantrist mysteries, it’s the character herself who is insistent that I write her story. Sometimes, as is the case with the new novel I’m working on, it’s the core idea that takes me forward. Most of the times, it’s this deep desire within me to tell stories, thrillers that chill, that inspire, that make readers cry, react, understand, enjoy, change. This desire in me, to see stories connect with others, insists on being indulged again and again and acts like a motivation to do it.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
Anantya Tantrist series is a story about a 23-year old tantric detective based in Delhi. It’s a thriller, with a different case in each novel. The idea for the series came because I wanted to work on a detective series using the Indian occult. When you think Indian occult, the first thing that comes to mind is tantrism.
Anantya herself came from another novel which I could never start on. She had faced abuse as a child and turned into this gutsy, independent woman living her own life, on her own terms in Delhi. In the series, she chooses to be a tantric, when in her world, it’s an illegal profession for women.
The Matsya Curse which is my latest novel, is the second of Anantya’s adventure. In it, a tantric cult is trying to attain immorality for a few ultra rich humans. This story idea came from a poster I read somewhere in Uttar Pradesh while travelling in India. It mentioned that Hanuman, the immortal god from Hindu mythology, was still alive, living as an old man, somewhere in Himalayas, for you see, he’s supposed to be an immortal. From there, I unearthed all other immortals in Indian mythology. The Matsya Curse is a clash of ideology between immortals who want to die and mortals who are ready to kill for immortality.  

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Which writer doesn’t have those? I have one somewhat written novel, one planned novel and scores of short stories, some almost done, some just started, scribbled and forgotten about. And diaries full of late night, early morning thoughts and ideas that someday might take a shape of something that can communicate. I have them all in a folder in my laptop which is aptly named: Somedays.

Tell us about your writing process.
I’m boringly disciplined when it comes to writing. I treat it as a 9-5 job. Once the idea has planted in my head, I plot it, divide it into chapters or scenes and start writing. Everyday, I start post breakfast in my study and write for the first half. Second half is reserved for what I call meta-work – emailing, researching, editing, social media, etc. I switch off the computer at 5pm and go to the gym or take a walk. Repeat the next day till the novel is finished. Then I take a holiday. Then a new novel.
The creative process is much more messier than this. Somedays, the writing flows, comes smoothly, somedays I spend the whole day staring at the computer screen, waiting for a line to be written. But the discipline aids the creative part. For the story to be written, you need to write it first.  

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
I loved writing the scene in which Anantya gets to fight a daitya, a troll in the middle of Chandni Chowk. It’s a hilarious scene where she’s slightly drunk and hits a house where a route to her house should be. This house, tells her to wait, just like a Call Centre, and she does, only to realize it’s a troll and they want to arrest her for something or the other. She ends up fighting this tutu wearing troll. I was laughing my head off all the while writing it.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I have to, just have to, get up after writing a couple of lines and take a walk around my apartment, sit again, write a couple of lines, get up and take a walk again. It’s a funny thing I do, however, it does give me a lot of exercise.

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
Of course, I read day in and day out. My favourite fantasy authors are Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Ursula Le Guin and Octavia E Butler. I get inspired by each of them, be it their poetic narrative style, humour or eccentric characters.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date? What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Just keep writing. Go into the black hole and emerge only after you’ve written. Every day. Don’t think about writing. Do it. Do. It. That remains the advice I took and found helpful. That’s the advice I keep giving again and again to people too. There no magic to it. All you have to do is, be stubborn, persevere and keep writing, one line after another, one paragraph after another, one scene, one chapter, one book after another.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
My towel as Douglas Adams thinks that’s the most important thing to carry when you are galaxy hopping. And I agree with him there. And a crate full of books and maybe a house with internet connection and inexhaustible supply of food.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
Mostly it’s conversations with friends, over wine or coffee depending on the time of day. Also I take long walks, staring at the skies and daydream. A lot.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list
I want do do deep sea diving. I’ve learnt swimming recently, not that it’s a requirement, but I’m fascinated by life under water and want to experience it first hand.

What do you have in store next for your readers?
I’m working on a science fiction novel. Something I haven’t written before, and a story I’m very very excited about though I don’t know how to shape it yet.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
As any author would vouch for, I love to hear back from readers. Tell me what you read, what you would like to, and why and how you read. Anything. Send me emails, DMs, messages on social media. I’m available on most places online with my handle @shwetawrites Let’s talk, eh?

About the Author:
I am a fantasy author, graphic novelist and journalist based in India. My weakness is to create, retell and listen to stories full of magic, fantasy and non-human thingummies. That and tea of course.

I’ve written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years and I continue to write. I’m a Charles Wallace India Fellow (2016) and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary (2013).

My books include the bestselling series Anantya Tantrist mysteries (HarperCollins), Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (Hachette), and Krishna Defender of Dharma (Campfire). The latter is included in the CBSE Must-read list for schools, is sold internationally and has been reprinted many times. The latest How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal (Juggernaut Books) is in the bestselling category online. Check out my Wikipedia for more on me.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Tumblr I Instagram


Giveaway:
One Signed Copy of The Matsya Curse - Open for Indian Residents Only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

22 July, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: Four reasons your book got rejected by Shweta Taneja


*** Special Feature - July 2017 ***



About the Book:
Tantrik detective Anantya Tantrist is back, smart-ass comments, dark mantras and all.

In Banaras, Bhairava, a black tantrik, sets out to win control of life through mass murder, aided by an army of pretas. In Delhi, a tribal supernatural melts to death in a five-star hotel on the same night that an ancient demonologist is murdered. All this while, the government and the Central Association of Tantriks choose to look the other way and gods, demi-gods, immortals and rakshasas all join Bhairava’s army.

All that stands between the murdering bosses and the hapless masses is unofficial detective Anantya Tantrist, armed with a boneblade, a tote of mandalas and a cocky attitude. Just as she begins to see a pattern between a goddess who is selling art, a miracle-producing minister, an undead mob attacking a rock concert and her immortal friend throwing a tantrum, Anantya faces her most personal hell: her ex-boyfriend Neel has come back from the dead and is trying to kill her. He’s not the only one, of course. A powerful rakshasi wants her head, a pair of demi-gods wants her blood and the trolls are trying to squash her to pulp.

She cannot even sleep off the exhaustion, because each time she drops off, Bhairava invades her mind, trying to consume it. Join Anantya as she faces her most formidable enemy yet in the ultimate battle for her mind and her city.

Book Links:
Goodreads I Amazon


Four reasons your book got rejected

Early morning, you open your email box and out pops yet another rejection from a publisher you had your heart on. You fume, you wither, you get depressed and angry and want to hit someone. Everyone is against your voice. And you feel one of these things:

–       Your writing isn’t good enough.
–       You are not good enough.
–       You have no influence with the editor/publisher.
–       Nothing in India happens without money involved.
–       You should’ve gone to a literary festival and made ‘friends’ and maybe that would’ve helped.
–       No one understands your book. They are all idiots over at the publisher’s.

Sorry, none of the above reasons might be the ones that made your book get a no from the publisher. If they’ve sent you a rejection it means that your pitch actually made it to some editor’s table, got consideration and a refusal. It means it was given a fair chance. I have spoken to a lot of editors and publishers in the last five years and these are the most common reasons I found publishers rejected my work. None of it had to do with me or the book I had written.

1 It didn’t match the publisher’s list

A publisher is a commercial business. Every year, they have a boardroom meeting where they try and figure the trends worldwide, genres and book kinds they think will do well in the market. So each editor already has a list of sorts beginning of their commercial year: Tags in mind like #MetroRead #HighFantasy, #ParanormalRomance, #WarStories, #CelebrityExpose. In comes your book. It doesn’t fit into the boxes they’ve figured. The list they’ve prepared. Only if the editor really, really likes the pitch and then the manuscript will they veer from the list. So if you happen to write the ‘fashionable’ genre of the moment, you’re more likely to be noticed. For example, when Twilight series did well, suddenly all publishers started to take in more fantasy romances. It didn’t mean there weren’t romances being written before, it just meant they started to get a yes from the listmakers.

2 You sent it to the wrong editor

Finding the right editor to pitch your work to is essential in getting it published. There are two things to look out for. First of all, what section is the editor handling? Big publishing houses in India have segregated editors in their editorial team. There’s a Young Adult editor, a Children’s editor, an Adult Fiction editor and a non-Fiction one. So your first step is to find the right genre editor within each publishing house you are targeting. Secondly, editors are hardworking people who are deeply passionate about the books they pick up for their list. Each editor across the industry, loves a particular genre. Do your research for each publishing house, find the right editor and try and connect with them and pitch to them directly. Some of them are open to it. I’ve done is successfully two times in the past.

3 The sales team thought it wasn’t sellable

The decision to publish a book is not of an editor’s alone or even of the editorial team overall. They do sort of a round table conference with their sales and marketing team. The book rights are bought only if the sales team feels confident that it can sell it in the market. Yes, if you’ve got the right editor to vouch for your book and he/she is willing to fight it out in that discussion, your book has a better chance. Which is why the point above is so important. Getting a voice in the publishing house which vouches for you. It helped me get my Anantya Tantrist three-book deal.

4 Your pitch wasn’t focused

We might be great at long form but when it comes to creating the right pitch, many of us fail miserably. In this scenario, the concept of an elevator pitch is quite helpful. If you meet a stranger in an elevator (the speedy ones), what will you say your book is about? You have five seconds. Do this exercise again and again till you cut all the vague meat off your book and know EXACTLY what to say about your book. Then write the email you’re going to send to a publisher. Any good publishing house gets a whopping number of book pitches a day. They call it the slush pile, because a lot of them are badly written emails, unclear and confused. Editors don’t have time to wade through each of them. They go by instinct and a well-written, focused email will always turn them on. It helps to know what each editor is looking for. So instead of a generic email to all, try and send a personalized one to up your chances.

There’s a lot of luck involved in the process and I wish you all the best. If you know of any other reasons of rejections, put them down in the comment box below.

Originally posted on Shweta Writes

About the Author:
I am a fantasy author, graphic novelist and journalist based in India. My weakness is to create, retell and listen to stories full of magic, fantasy and non-human thingummies. That and tea of course.

I’ve written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years and I continue to write. I’m a Charles Wallace India Fellow (2016) and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary (2013).

My books include the bestselling series Anantya Tantrist mysteries (HarperCollins), Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (Hachette), and Krishna Defender of Dharma (Campfire). The latter is included in the CBSE Must-read list for schools, is sold internationally and has been reprinted many times. The latest How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal (Juggernaut Books) is in the bestselling category online. Check out my Wikipedia for more on me.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Tumblr I Instagram


Giveaway:
One Signed Copy of The Matsya Curse - Open for Indian Residents Only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

19 July, 2017

#BookReview :: Roofworld by Christopher Fowler

High above London, on the rooftops of the city, lives a secret society of misfits governed by a bizarre code of honour. It is a world known to only a few people on the streets below - until the murderous battle for its leadership breaks out.

As the Roofworld fights to keep the powerfully evil Chymes and his occult worshipping followers at bay, Robert Linden and Rose Leonard, two innocent outsiders, are drawn into a twilight, dangerous world. 

They face far greater terrors than they could have imagined. And the battle is on for the ultimate prize - London itself.


Goodreads I Amazon



In ‘Roofworld’ a whole set of characters live and fight for their lives on the, yes you got it right, rooftops of the city of London. And like the rest of the society, there is both good and evil among them. The novel revolves around the theme of light vs dark or good vs evil. Leading the league of ‘darkness’ is Chymes. They draw on occult and drugs and intend to rule over the rooftops of the city. Nathanial is the face of their opposition; a man with his own demons to fight. Will equality reign in the Roofworld or will doom take over? Caught in between are a couple of innocent people like Robert and Rose.

The only reason I am not rating this book a stellar 5 stars is the character development in the book. I did not feel connected to any of the characters in the book, whether its Robert or Rose or Nathanial or even Chymes. Even though they are quite quirky, the characters fell a bit flat for me till it was too late. In case of Nathanial, I was never sure exactly what was going on with him and what arc his character would take. Even without the hook of an interesting character, reading the book is a mighty entertaining experience. The plot and the narrative steals the show completely. The plot has an unusual setting and takes unpredictable turns keeping the readers glued to the pages. I loved how many times I was taken by surprise by the turns the plot took. The author’s narrative style is quite interesting to say the least and it is very indulging.

I have read couple of other books by the author and have enjoyed them all, but this is the most unique work I have read in a while. Thoroughly engrossing and entertaining.


Review Copy Received via NetGalley



17 July, 2017

#BookReview :: Against All Odds by Danielle Steel

Taking chances is part of life, but when you bet your future against the odds, it’s a high-risk game. Kate Madison’s stylish resale shop has been a big SoHo success, supporting her and her four kids since her husband’s untimely death. Now they are grown and ready to forge lives of their own. And they all choose to play against the odds, to their mother’s dismay.

Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm when she falls for a client she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him—but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job, and moves to Los Angeles to be at his side—but is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes for children with his partner before they’re financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? And Willie, the youngest, a tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman twelve years older.

Kate—loving, supportive, and outspoken—can’t keep her children from playing against the odds. Can the odds be beaten? Not often—as her children have to learn for themselves. For Kate, the hardest lesson will be that she can’t protect the children she loves from the choices they make—but can only love them as they make them.


‘Against All Odds’ is a story about Family and Life. After losing her husband early on, Kate raised her children as a single mother. She had taken on anything that life had to throw at her, with hopes of doing right by her children. Now they are all grown up and have lives of their own. All Kate wants now is for her children to settle down in their lives. But it is wishful thinking on her part as her children have their own sets of woes to face.

The thing about Danielle Steel books is that the characters always take the center stage. As a reader we can love them or hate them or feel exasperated at times, but we cannot deny that for most parts they are very real. Even in this book the characters we see are quite flawed and it is their flaws and follies that make them so real. I enjoyed reading about Kate, Lou, Isabelle, Justin and even Julie. It was only Willie, Kate’s youngest, that failed to make a mark. Each character has their own nuances and set of problems that they have to overcome. The way the author has portrayed Kate, a mother who wants to save her children from the proverbial ‘skinned knees’ is really amazing.

This book is full of family dynamics and drama. The plot is quite simple and easy to track even with so many parallel stories going on. The only hitch in the book is that the pace drags a bit at times. Aside from that, the book is a true Danielle Steel entertainer.


Review Copy received from Pan Macmillan India



15 July, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: Five tips to a spectacular book pitch by Shweta Taneja


*** Special Feature - July 2017 ***



About the Book:
Tantrik detective Anantya Tantrist is back, smart-ass comments, dark mantras and all.

In Banaras, Bhairava, a black tantrik, sets out to win control of life through mass murder, aided by an army of pretas. In Delhi, a tribal supernatural melts to death in a five-star hotel on the same night that an ancient demonologist is murdered. All this while, the government and the Central Association of Tantriks choose to look the other way and gods, demi-gods, immortals and rakshasas all join Bhairava’s army.

All that stands between the murdering bosses and the hapless masses is unofficial detective Anantya Tantrist, armed with a boneblade, a tote of mandalas and a cocky attitude. Just as she begins to see a pattern between a goddess who is selling art, a miracle-producing minister, an undead mob attacking a rock concert and her immortal friend throwing a tantrum, Anantya faces her most personal hell: her ex-boyfriend Neel has come back from the dead and is trying to kill her. He’s not the only one, of course. A powerful rakshasi wants her head, a pair of demi-gods wants her blood and the trolls are trying to squash her to pulp.

She cannot even sleep off the exhaustion, because each time she drops off, Bhairava invades her mind, trying to consume it. Join Anantya as she faces her most formidable enemy yet in the ultimate battle for her mind and her city.

Book Links:
Goodreads I Amazon


Five tips to a spectacular book pitch

First of all, congratulations of writing down your dream work! That’s a huge achievement. Now you’ve to do something that might be much more difficult. You have to summarise your book, which can be anywhere between 50,000 to more than a lakh of words, into a little, nightmarish thing called a ‘pitch’. A cover letter or email which you will send across to editors across the country. That one pager which will make all the difference on whether the editor will even pick up the first chapter of your manuscript.

Focus it well

We authors might be great at long form but when it comes to creating the right pitch, many of us fail miserably. In this scenario, the concept of an elevator pitch is quite helpful. If you meet a stranger in an elevator (the speedy ones), what will you say your book is about? You have five seconds. Do this exercise again and again till you cut all the vague meat off your book and know EXACTLY what to say about your book. Then write the email you’re going to send a publisher.

Be brief and precise

Any good publishing house gets a whopping number of book pitches a day. They call it the slush pile, because a lot of them are badly written emails, unclear and confused. Editors don’t have time to wade through each of them. They go by instinct and a well-written, focused email will always turn them on. It helps to know what each editor is looking for. So instead of a generic email to all, try and send a personalized one to up your chance. 

Edit it well

There’s a reason why editors are called ‘editors’. They are worshippers of grammar and spelling and the rules of language. They crave for great books, but one thing that completely alienates them is a badly written cover note. So once you’ve prepared your pitch, read it, edit it. Keep it there for a day or two, look at it with fresh eyes and edit it again. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes or badly structured sentences.

Be professional

You might be emotional about your book, but most editors will look at it with the possibility of its salability. Any kind of emotion, overconfidence, pleading, moral stance completely turns off most editors. Editors represent a business which wants to make money off the books they publish. So it’s best to be professional about it. Make a level headed, clear pitch, put in exactly which genres the book belongs to, who is the target audience (no, the whole wide world is not going to read your book) and how it can be sold and marketed. Your pitch should be creative but also focused and professional.

Do take advice

Know of an industry professional? Ask for help. Discuss the pitch with your initial readers, see what they say about your book. You’re just going to get a few seconds of attention from every publisher that you’re going to send your book to. So make sure the pitch is the best you can prepare. Spend some time over it now so that the chances of your book being accepted increases.


Here’s wishing you success!

Originally posted on Shweta Writes

About the Author:
I am a fantasy author, graphic novelist and journalist based in India. My weakness is to create, retell and listen to stories full of magic, fantasy and non-human thingummies. That and tea of course.

I’ve written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years and I continue to write. I’m a Charles Wallace India Fellow (2016) and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary (2013).

My books include the bestselling series Anantya Tantrist mysteries (HarperCollins), Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (Hachette), and Krishna Defender of Dharma (Campfire). The latter is included in the CBSE Must-read list for schools, is sold internationally and has been reprinted many times. The latest How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal (Juggernaut Books) is in the bestselling category online. Check out my Wikipedia for more on me.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Tumblr I Instagram


Giveaway:
One Signed Copy of The Matsya Curse - Open for Indian Residents Only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

13 July, 2017

#BookReview :: Fables from India: A Collection of Short Stories by Uday Mane


A King's negligence costs the Prince his eyes. How will the King make amends? A farmer is torn between resurrecting his wife and upholding his duties. What will in uence his choice? A jester lives two lives - Masked for others. Unmasked for himself. His masked side brings happiness to everyone. But what brings happiness to his unmasked side? A magnificent tree bears fruits of different kinds, but the King wants it to be cut down to serve justice. How will the tree defend itself? An orphan boy is in search of the world's bestselling book. Will he eventually find it? A dog struggles to uncurl his tail. Will he break the curse that curled his tail in the first place? A young boy and his pet lamb are separated from each other. Will their friendship stand the test of time? Set in the ancient times, Fables from India, is a collection of 22 profound and unheard stories from a country known for its storytelling."


Goodreads I Amazon




Though I had previously read The Helpline by the same author and had some idea about his storytelling style, I went into this book with a fresh outlook as this book is of a completely different genre.

The book has 22 stories set in ancient India. From kings to orphan boys to a dog, the stories touch various characters and bring their stories to life through these pages. Each story has a message to deliver and each story does it in a loud and clear manner. The stories are delivered with an easy flowing narrative and in simple language. My favorite stories in the book would be ‘The Race of the Limps’ which was actually really motivating. 

For most adults though, the stories in this book may feel familiar and just repackaged; especially with the one about the Jester. I put this book down several times and read it over a period of week because the book did not have anything new to offer to me. But the book would be an effective way to introduce some fables to the younger minds.


Review Copy received from Leadstart Publishing


12 July, 2017

#CoverReveal :: Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

~ Cover Reveal ~
Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer
12th July, 2017


Long before the times of Draupadi and Sita
Immortalised in the hymns of the Rig Veda
But largely forgotten to the memory of India
Is the Warrior Queen with an iron leg, Vishpala

Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive King of the neighbouring Vrishabhavati begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement. But peril pursues her everywhere.
Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing amputation of her leg, can Avishi overcome Khela?

About the Author:
Saiswaroopa is an IITian and a former investment analyst turned author. Her keen interest in ancient Indian history, literature and culture made her take to writing. Her debut novel Abhaya, set in the times of Mahabharata was published in 2015. Avishi, her second novel set in Vedic India explores the legend of India’s first mentioned female warrior queen Vishpala.
She holds a certificate in Puranas from Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She is also trained in Carnatic Classical music and has won a state level gold medal from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. 


This Cover Reveal is brought to you by Book Review Tours

11 July, 2017

#BookBlitz :: Love, Murder & Mayhem Edited by Russ Colchamiro

~ Book Blitz ~
Love, Murder & Mayhem



About the Book
Love science fiction stories that all include elements ofLove, Murder & Mayhem?
 
Then welcome to the latest anthology from Crazy 8 Press! This amazing collection from 15 all-star authors will delight you with superheros and supervillains. AIs, off-worlders, and space cruisers. We’ve also got private eyes, sleep surrogates, time travelers, aliens and monsters—and one DuckBob!
 
With tales ranging from wild and wacky to dark and gritty to heartbreaking and fun, take the deadly leap with authors Meriah Crawford, Paige Daniels, Peter David, Mary Fan, Michael Jan Friedman, Robert Greenberger, Glenn Hauman Paul Kupperberg, Karissa Laurel, Kelly Meding, Aaron Rosenberg, Hildy Silverman, Lois Spangler, Patrick Thomas, and editor Russ Colchamiro.
 
You’ll never look at Love, Murder & Mayhem the same way again—and that’s just the way we like it.


About the Editor

Russ Colchamiro is the author of the rollicking space adventure, Crossline, the hilarious sci-fi backpacking comedy series, Finders Keepers, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, and is editor of the new anthology, Love, Murder & Mayhem, all with Crazy 8 Press.
Russ lives in New Jersey with his wife, two children, and crazy dog, Simon, who may in fact be an alien himself. Russ has also contributed to several other anthologies, including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, and Altered States of the Union, and TV Gods 2. He is now at work on a top-secret project, and a Finders Keepers spin-off.
As a matter of full disclosure, readers should not be surprised if Russ spontaneously teleports in a blast of white light followed by screaming fluorescent color and the feeling of being sucked through a tornado. It’s just how he gets around — windier than the bus, for sure, but much quicker.








08 July, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: Five ways to make your character real by Shweta Taneja


*** Special Feature - July 2017 ***



About the Book:
Tantrik detective Anantya Tantrist is back, smart-ass comments, dark mantras and all.

In Banaras, Bhairava, a black tantrik, sets out to win control of life through mass murder, aided by an army of pretas. In Delhi, a tribal supernatural melts to death in a five-star hotel on the same night that an ancient demonologist is murdered. All this while, the government and the Central Association of Tantriks choose to look the other way and gods, demi-gods, immortals and rakshasas all join Bhairava’s army.

All that stands between the murdering bosses and the hapless masses is unofficial detective Anantya Tantrist, armed with a boneblade, a tote of mandalas and a cocky attitude. Just as she begins to see a pattern between a goddess who is selling art, a miracle-producing minister, an undead mob attacking a rock concert and her immortal friend throwing a tantrum, Anantya faces her most personal hell: her ex-boyfriend Neel has come back from the dead and is trying to kill her. He’s not the only one, of course. A powerful rakshasi wants her head, a pair of demi-gods wants her blood and the trolls are trying to squash her to pulp.

She cannot even sleep off the exhaustion, because each time she drops off, Bhairava invades her mind, trying to consume it. Join Anantya as she faces her most formidable enemy yet in the ultimate battle for her mind and her city.

Book Links:
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Five ways to make your character real

The most hyperreal character I created till now is Anantya Tantrist, the tantrik detective and the heroine of my latest, Cult of Chaos. She has made me schizophrenic. I know her voice so well, that I can hear her talk in my head, can tweet as her and myself at the same time, having conversations over Twitter or tell you what she would be saying right now for this blog (“Why’re you wasting your time? Do something creative.”). When I was still pitching her book, I met A, the editor, the HarperCollins editor of the series in India and told her that she had to say yes to the book, because Anantya liked her. And I wasn’t lying. It was the truth. She’s that real to me. Like a friend. So here, I share what I’ve learnt while creating her. Here’s my bits on how to create characters that are crazy real.

1 Take her out on a date

You want to know what the biggest antihero of your book thinks like. What does he want? Why does he want to destroy the world? Does he like coffee or prefer tea? Is he an alcoholic? Meeting a character is like meeting a stranger on a date. Ask them inane questions. Do they like chocolate or strawberry icecream? You have to ask them what they are like, what they want from their lives, what they desire, what they feel about traffic jams, what their objective in life is. Spend a day, talking to your character, even the minor one. Romance her, fall in love, or hate her like you would the guy who persistently honks behind you in a stuck traffic jam.

2 Find out how she speaks

Readers love dialogues. Many of us while reading a book skip all the details, the paragraphs that talk about atmosphere and stuff and go to the dialogues. Dialogues are by far the most important way that readers will know your characters from. So it’s very important to know how your character speaks. Hear. Listen to what people say, how they say it. Everyone of us has a style of speech. Try and bring that out for your character. What are the words she uses the maximum? The repetitive things she says after each sentence? You want to make it real, yes, but not so real that it has repeated sentences. So keep it short.

3 Know the emotional ticks

After the date, this is the second level of knowing your character. What are the social issues they connect to the most? What makes them raving mad, or crazy? What brings tears to their eyes? For even the vilest of villains would have that soft spot somewhere. Find out what makes them sad, what’s their emotional curve. Know it when you’re writing and your readers will feel it too.

4 Put in her past experiences

I call this the soul of the character. As we grow, we absorb experiences each day and you need to know what your character’s past was to understand how they will behave now. What has happened to them in their past? Who were the people they grew up with? Like 90s soap operas, physical abuse, the desire to own a car or bullying a classmate or a pet. These experiences make the person we become and if you know the character’s past, you will know how they will react to situations, when and how they will act and take the story forward. To know your characters is to know your story too.

5 Listen to her body, beyond the face.


Body language is a very important aspect in detailing a character. Whether you write first-person narrative or third, you have to know how the character blink their eyes when they talk, how they smile, what changes in their body language when certain people are around. Find words for them, keep them listed somewhere. How our eyes look when we speak, how do our legs and hands move. Is her hair disheveled or clean, how does she smell? What are her most prominent features? How does she move her hands and arms and legs when she speaks? Build your vocabulary about the character and you’ll be able to bring her out in flesh and blood through words.

Originally posted on Shweta Writes

About the Author:
I am a fantasy author, graphic novelist and journalist based in India. My weakness is to create, retell and listen to stories full of magic, fantasy and non-human thingummies. That and tea of course.

I’ve written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years and I continue to write. I’m a Charles Wallace India Fellow (2016) and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary (2013).

My books include the bestselling series Anantya Tantrist mysteries (HarperCollins), Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (Hachette), and Krishna Defender of Dharma (Campfire). The latter is included in the CBSE Must-read list for schools, is sold internationally and has been reprinted many times. The latest How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal (Juggernaut Books) is in the bestselling category online. Check out my Wikipedia for more on me.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Tumblr I Instagram


Giveaway:
One Signed Copy of The Matsya Curse - Open for Indian Residents Only


a Rafflecopter giveaway

04 July, 2017

#BookReview :: Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by Alwyn Hamilton

This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

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The first installment in the series, Rebel of the Sands, ended with the battle at Fahali which was a big win for the rebels. The second book picks up about a year later… The win at Fahali did not impact the kingdom as much as the rebels would have wanted. They have kept up their rebellion and won and lost quite a few battles over the year. The Rebel Prince’s message is clear for the empire and with Amani, the blue-eyed bandit, by his side, Ahmed seems unstoppable. But then a confrontation leads to kidnapping and Amani finds herself as a prisoner in the Sultan’s Harem. Though she is under the protection of the Sultan, she finds herself pitted against the other women in the Harem in a political situation. That is not all though. She also finds herself face to face with two familiar people from her past. Will Amani be able to discover the games that are afoot? Will she be able to escape from under the Sultan’s fingers?

Amani is truly a brave girl and it is easy to cheer on her throughout. She knows how to handle herself in the tightest situations; whether it is a battle with guns and magic or whether it is a battle of the minds. Amani’s character continues to grow from the first book and it was a pleasure to read about her. Jin on the other hand seemed to make a complete turnaround from his character in the first book. I did not understand his actions at all. Where was the boy who could barely stay away from Amani? I kept telling myself that there must be something in his past that we do not know about for him to act this way. Nothing of the sort was revealed in this book and so his actions felt really out of character.

The author continued to build on the world. We find out more about Djinnis and the ‘science’ in the empire. The plot takes on a whole new level with twists I did not see coming. As a result, the story takes on new turns and progresses well from the first book. 

Looking forward to the next book in the series quite impatiently!




03 July, 2017

#BookReview :: An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir


Set in a terrifyingly brutal Rome-like world, An Ember in the Ashes is an epic fantasy debut about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for his freedom. It's a story that's literally burning to be told. LAIA is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution. ELIAS is the academy's finest soldier-- and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias is considering deserting the military, but before he can, he's ordered to participate in a ruthless contest to choose the next Martial emperor. When Laia and Elias's paths cross at the academy, they find that their destinies are more intertwined than either could have imagined and that their choices will change the future of the empire itself. Vow your blood and body to the empire. Keep your heart for yourself. 

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Laia is an ordinary girl who has lived a sheltered life. But one night changes it all for her when her brother is arrested and her family murdered. She goes on the run and find the rebels to the Martial Empire. Her one decision leads her to a life where she could be discovered and killed at any moment. Elias was to a family that almost rules the country, but whether he has it better than Laia is debatable. He is training to be an assassin for the ruling body while he can see the evils of it. As Laia and Elias’s paths cross, their lives are forever changed.

It was really easy to like Laia from the very beginning. She feels so real with her strength and insecurities working in tandem. She was very believable especially once she starts spying for the rebels. Coming from a sheltered life and being thrown into the thick of things, she handles things both emotionally and practically. She is in no way an ace spy, but she makes it believable for the readers. She grows continuously as a character. Elias is an interesting character. His convictions and his personality endear him to the readers slowly. The side characters are interesting and well developed as well; especially Helene and Cain.

Sabaa Tahir has created an interesting world in this book. It is awe and fear inspiring at the same time. The politics of the world really interested me. The narration was seamless and the language simple. Yet they combine to create something much more. With that ending, I am excited for book two already. I have to know what Laia and Elias does next and also how Helene will deal with conflicting interests.


02 July, 2017

#Interview with Thomas McRae, Author of Poetry 4 the Soul

About the Author:
Writing poetry books since early 2000s and started short fiction novels are 2007/2008 has numerous poetry certificates, local  news paper articles and magazines reviews. Also been on two online radio shows and book blogs. Plus trying to reach out to actors movie producer's and screen writers to transform Pimp in the pulpit in to a motion picture film. 
Pimp in the pulpit is based on my life and experiences with my  family and there craziness. Jones family are based on myself mom pop's and brother. Overall hard working family surrounded by kin folk who doesn't appreciate the value in love and support. 
Pimp in the pulpit can be purchased at Amazon.com Barnes and noble.com Google Books.com or fishpond.com or Just go online and type Pimp in the pulpit by Thomas McRae and all the information I just sent will show up plus more.  Thank you for your support and this extraordinary opportunity to be with you. Pimp in the pulpit by Thomas McRae is 35 pages and published by Eber And Wein publishing a self publishing company who provides excellent service and has really hard working people with a classy attitude. 

An Interview:

What inspires you to write?  
My personal experiences with family friends and even my day to day life. I write because it's my way in dealing with my pain plus it's also a creative way to express myself and be open plus honest about my life.

Do you have any old stories that haven't seen the light of day?  
Too some degree yes my very first short fiction novel called Street Trash. Which is based on my experiences at my job with a mean spirited copy worker who does have the same values or morals as I and yet has no problem looking down on others and judging them like he's Jesus Christ himself.

What would be the dream cast for your book if became a movie? 
Honestly if it was up to me i would let Marlon and Shawn Wayne's play my brother and I. Then Tracy Morgan could play my father and Dasha Palonco could play my mother. And all the other characters could be played by several of my favorite actors and actresses such as Laurence Fishburne Angela Bassett Jada Pinkett Smith Toni Braxton Tyra Banks Kimora Lee Simmons Anthony Anderson Katt Williams and the list goes on I have a few characters in the book it's inspired by my family and the craziness that comes with them.

Can you share with us  something off of your bucket list?  
I like to do some traveling someday but my main goal is to buy a house for myself and my parents. So we can live more comfortable plus eventually I like to start my own family biological or adopted just want to be a daddy with two healthy beautiful little girls I always wanted a daughter now I'm older I wouldn't mine two.

What's your favorite seen in the book? 
Pretty much everything because when I first wrote this book I was in a angry place. But once I was able too let go and found the humor the book began to speak for itself and came In to a life on its own.

Do you read?  And who are your favorite writers have they influence your craft? 
Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou are my main favorites honestly I don't read as much as I use to but every now and then. And yes there words inspires me to work hard and never give up now matter the out come.

When did you first realized you wanted to be a story teller? 
I've been telling stories for years but I finally decided to try and pursue it as a writer and try to achieve what several family members was so negative and none supportive. But to be honest there's a lot of envy in my family more jealously then love and that has been my lifelong battle. Trying to love those who clearly doesn't know how to love there selves. 

Is there anything else you like to share with your readers? 
Keep God in your heart and the people who loves you close by. Never allow anyone to tear you down because life is so precious and should be cherished and enjoyed.  

About the Book:



Jones family is a hard working family surrounded by kin folk who doesn't appreciate nor respect family values or loyalty.  Edward Jones and his parents Marcus Jones Senior and Cleopatra Ebony Goddess Jones plus his brother Marcus Jones Junior are dedicated to achieving their goals and living life without others jealousy and envy.


01 July, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: Introducing Shweta Taneja, #Author of The Matsya Curse


Under "Special Feature" every month I feature a Special Author. 
During this month I put up 5 posts about the Author/Book, including Interview / Review / Excerpt / Guest Post / Author Bio / Fun Facts or whatever else we can come up with. Also on the first day of the month we will  launch the Giveaway contest along with the first post and will announce the winner on the last day of the month.
So be sure to check out my blog every 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of every month for something new :)

*** Special Feature - July 2017 ***


About the Author:
I am a fantasy author, graphic novelist and journalist based in India. My weakness is to create, retell and listen to stories full of magic, fantasy and non-human thingummies. That and tea of course.

I’ve written seven books and two hundred articles in a career spanning fourteen years and I continue to write. I’m a Charles Wallace India Fellow (2016) and was shortlisted for Best Writer Award in ComicCon India for The Skull Rosary (2013).

When I don’t write…
I watch morbid movies, have passionate discussions on arbitrary questions of life, read mythology, listen to people’s life stories or go take a hike, literally. I get inspired by things like gulmohar trees with its red flowers, a dead moth, steaming hot cup of green tea, the beautiful flight of a crow, weathered lips of an old woman, the grayness in a blue sky or a crumpled news piece. My heart thumps with excitement by written works of Shakespeare, Ursula Le Guin, Roald Dahl, Lewis Carroll, Isaac Asimov, Terry Pratchett and comics by Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore. My family, husband, muse (who has the uncanny habit of dropping by when I am sleeping) and keyboard help me in bringing these stories out of my head and on to the screen.

My books include the bestselling series Anantya Tantrist mysteries (HarperCollins), Ghost Hunters of Kurseong (Hachette), and Krishna Defender of Dharma (Campfire). The latter is included in the CBSE Must-read list for schools, is sold internationally and has been reprinted many times. The latest How to Steal a Ghost @ Manipal (Juggernaut Books) is in the bestselling category online. Check out my Wikipedia for more on me.

Connect with the Author:
Website I Facebook I Twitter I Tumblr I Instagram

About the Book:
Tantrik detective Anantya Tantrist is back, smart-ass comments, dark mantras and all.

In Banaras, Bhairava, a black tantrik, sets out to win control of life through mass murder, aided by an army of pretas. In Delhi, a tribal supernatural melts to death in a five-star hotel on the same night that an ancient demonologist is murdered. All this while, the government and the Central Association of Tantriks choose to look the other way and gods, demi-gods, immortals and rakshasas all join Bhairava’s army.

All that stands between the murdering bosses and the hapless masses is unofficial detective Anantya Tantrist, armed with a boneblade, a tote of mandalas and a cocky attitude. Just as she begins to see a pattern between a goddess who is selling art, a miracle-producing minister, an undead mob attacking a rock concert and her immortal friend throwing a tantrum, Anantya faces her most personal hell: her ex-boyfriend Neel has come back from the dead and is trying to kill her. He’s not the only one, of course. A powerful rakshasi wants her head, a pair of demi-gods wants her blood and the trolls are trying to squash her to pulp.

She cannot even sleep off the exhaustion, because each time she drops off, Bhairava invades her mind, trying to consume it. Join Anantya as she faces her most formidable enemy yet in the ultimate battle for her mind and her city.

Book Links:
Goodreads I Amazon

Giveaway:
One Signed Copy of The Matsya Curse - Open for Indian Residents Only


a Rafflecopter giveaway