Sunanda J. Chatterjee's Blog, page 7

Q and A with Sundari Venkatraman

Q: You have written a series of romances based on the members of a large family. Are they based on your family or someone you know?

A: First of all, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog.

While reading books in English, I could get my hands on many from UK and USA. What I found common to most of them is that I could get to know a lot about the local cultures and flavours. This is something that’s become deep rooted in me. When you read books based on a particular place, it’s possible to learn a lot about the people’s lives there.

Well, as you must be aware, large, joint families are still very much a part of the Indian culture. I grew up with my grandparents and my uncle’s family along with my parents and four sisters.

Growing up in a big family could be awesome, but could also get awkward. There are any number of permutations and combinations to explore. I find the whole idea fascinating, at times in a morbid way too.

The Maheshwaris of the Marriages Made in India series fame were originally introduced in my novel The Runaway Bridegroom. When I wrote this novel, I had never given a thought to writing about Chanda’s (the heroine of TRB) brothers. That came much later and the series was born.

The characters are not based on any particular family or person I know. As for characteristics, yes, I obviously pick some from here and some from there. Otherwise, Laxman Maheshwari is absolutely a fictitious character born of my imagination.

MY REVIEW OF HER SECRET HUSBAND:

The story is one in a series about the love stories of the Maheshwari clan, but the spotlight is stolen by Ruma, the love interest of Lakshman Maheshwari. In a short novella such as this one, there isn’t a lot an author can do in terms of character development, and there isn’t much of tension or plot twist. And yet, the book succeeds in serving its purpose: it is, at its heart, a light hearted, steamy romantic novella. The book breaks norm from the ‘traditional romance’ sequence of boy meets girl, they fall in love, they cannot be together, then they can. In this book, while the boy and girl fall in love, they do marry and find love (and lust!). The sweet thing is that the very forward Ruma turns shy after marriage. Lakshaman is hot, sweet and charming, making for a very interesting dynamic between the protagonists.

The unwitting villain is the girl’s mother, who wants Ruma to marry a rich guy. I’d have liked to see Ruma try to reason with the mother and tell her she loves a richer guy, only to find out her mother will not budge. Then the secret marriage would have been more reasonable.  Of course, we know that society puts a huge pressure on girls and a girl may decide she has no option but to hide her true feelings from her parents. The book succeeds in showcasing that. I loved the character of Ruma’s gramdma and her uncle (who, I think deserves a book of his own).breaks norm from the ‘traditional romance’ sequence of boy meets girl, they fall in love, they cannot be together, then they can. In this book, while the boy and girl fall in love, they do marry and find love (and lust!).

Most sisters I know (including me and my sister) are very close. And a sister would be the first to know of a secret marriage. Ruma and her sister Saloni do not appear to share that bond, but perhaps it was mentioned in another book of the series?

If you’re looking for a serious read about social issues and intellectual contemplation, this isn’t your book. But if you’re looking for a light, easy, entertaining (and steamy) read, definitely pick this one up. Sundari Venkatraman is a prolific author who has created a definite niche!

Book Blitz: A Way Back into Love by Veronica Thatcher

Blurb
Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes, uncertain. People, irrational. But love…well, that makes everything complicated. And when you are caught in a tangled web of secrets, lies, and complex affairs, someone is bound to get burned. 
Emily Stevens is a spunky, spirited college girl whose life gets turned upside-down when she realizes she's in love with her best friend of fifteen years, Derek Thorpe. As Emily prepares to confess her feelings to Derek, something happens one night which changes her life forever. Five years later, Emily finds herself in Boston, alone and heartbroken. Will she ever be able to forget the past? And what will she find when she returns home...to the man she left behind? 
Grab your copy @ Amazon.in
About the author

Veronica Thatcher is an exciting new contemporary romance author. Ever since she was very young, she’s dreamed of becoming a doctor when she grew up. While still forging ahead with that, majoring in pre-med in college, she unwittingly stumbled upon a new dream—becoming a published author. Some may call her an introvert or a wallflower, but she has always found she could express herself better in written, rather than spoken, words. However, never in her wildest dreams had she envisioned she would pursue writing as a prospective career, not just a hobby. Her love for writing goes hand-in-hand with her love for a good romance novel—whether it be a feel-good, sweet romance or a dark, suspenseful one. 
When she’s not studying, reading, or writing, she is usually found blasting her favourite songs, sometimes singing and dancing along to them. She dabbles in a number of activities, including painting, karate, singing and dancing. She is a huge chocoholic – probably the biggest – and she is an ice-cream junkie too. She considers herself technologically handicapped forever and has no shame in admitting that. She also deems chocolates her boyfriend, Patrick Dempsey the love of her life, and Friends her life!
Her first book, A Way Back Into Love, is slated for release in February 2017, and she hopes readers will enjoy it as much as she enjoyed writing it. 
You can stalk her @      
                  
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February 08th, 2017

On describing female characters

​Most female authors are comfortable with creating interesting female characters, the heroines, or the MC (main characters). But compared to a male MC, there are certain characteristics specific to females.

Females think more (and often worry more), they are more demonstrative with their facial expressions and body language, and they talk in long sentences compared to their male counterparts. Your female MC can be feisty, adventurous, brilliant, haughty, humble, or shy. But she will have a lot of inner thoughts, conflicts, and self-deprecation or self-doubt.

Two important features are Characteristics (what she thinks or does) and Descriptions (how she looks).

Characteristics:

Each female character should have her own unique characteristics, highlighted via dialogue, inner thoughts, and actions. In this situation, the reader cares about what she is like rather than what she looks like.

Dialogue:
If your MC is witty, she’ll have interesting comebacks in her dialogue. Short, crisp and incisive.
If your MC is shy, she’ll hesitate with ums and ers.

Inner thoughts:
If your MC is conflicted or under-confident, she’ll obsess about what others are saying or doing, wondering how she should react, thinking she is being too forward, worrying about what others feel about her. If she is confident, her inner monologue with be what she anticipates other people will say. If she is shy, she will try to blend into the background and try not to express her thoughts and feelings.

Actions:
The shy, nervous one will wring her hands together, knit her eyebrows, drop her gaze or sit with her feet crossed, hands in her lap. The haughty one will stick her chin up, her eyes flashing. The angry one will clench her jaw or tap her foot. The one in love will look into her guy’s eyes, her pupils dilated, her lips parted.

Appearance:

While the reader is happy enough knowing what your MC is like, they like to imagine what she looks like. Not every female MC must be a stunning blonde, blue eyed beauty. So, how do you show what your character looks like? Don’t fall for the cliché ways like looking in the mirror and describing how she looks. She knows she has blue eyes. She knows she has dark hair. It’s better to slip it in surreptitiously in dialogue, actions, or inner thoughts.

Telling:
For minor characters, a quick way is to cut short description by telling important details: Her blonde hair was now peppered with grey (she is getting old). In two inch heels, she towered over most men (she is tall). She stuck a strand of silky black hair behind her ear (Her hair is black). She gets sunburnt in ten minutes and envies those who tan (she is pale). The dress that fit her well last year now stretched across her hips (she is putting on weight).

For more important characters, try to blend the descriptions with dialogue, inner thoughts, or actions.

Dialogue:
Someone can mention, “You couldn’t have missed her. She was at the party. The platinum blonde. White as porcelain, red collagen-infused lips, baby blue eyes.”
Or you can slip in something like: “He bought me a sapphire ring to match my eyes.”
He can give her a peck on her nose and say, “Love those freckles.”
Inner thoughtsShe can think: “Why wasn’t he attracted to her? Did he hate brunettes?”
She can think: “If only her hair was like her mother’s golden waves. But she was stuck with straight black hair, falling like a curtain around her face. No amount of heat treatments or curlers gave it a kink.”

Actions:
To describe brown hair, pointed chin and full lips: “He tucked a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear and ran his finger down the side of her face, coming to a stop at her pointed chin. Then he pulled her closer and pressed his mouth against her full lips.”
Instead of “She was voluptuous”, you can write: “She slipped into a clingy dress which emphasized her curves, the low neckline showing off a cleavage models would kill for.”
She put on the padded bra and looked at the sides, wondering if the mastectomy scar would show. 

Finally, a good writer combines characteristics with appearance to make memorable, interesting female characters, be it the curly-haired, witty, brilliant Hermione, or the toad-in-pink soft-voiced, wicked Dolores Umbridge.

​

On describing female chatacters

​Most female authors are comfortable with creating interesting female characters, the heroines, or the MC (main characters). But compared to a male MC, there are certain characteristics specific to females.

Females think more (and often worry more), they are more demonstrative with their facial expressions and body language, and they talk in long sentences compared to their male counterparts. Your female MC can be feisty, adventurous, brilliant, haughty, humble, or shy. But she will have a lot of inner thoughts, conflicts, and self-deprecation or self-doubt.

Two important features are Characteristics (what she thinks or does) and Descriptions (how she looks).

Characteristics:

Each female character should have her own unique characteristics, highlighted via dialogue, inner thoughts, and actions. In this situation, the reader cares about what she is like rather than what she looks like.

Dialogue:
If your MC is witty, she’ll have interesting comebacks in her dialogue. Short, crisp and incisive.
If your MC is shy, she’ll hesitate with ums and ers.

Inner thoughts:
If your MC is conflicted or under-confident, she’ll obsess about what others are saying or doing, wondering how she should react, thinking she is being too forward, worrying about what others feel about her. If she is confident, her inner monologue with be what she anticipates other people will say. If she is shy, she will try to blend into the background and try not to express her thoughts and feelings.

Actions:
The shy, nervous one will wring her hands together, knit her eyebrows, drop her gaze or sit with her feet crossed, hands in her lap. The haughty one will stick her chin up, her eyes flashing. The angry one will clench her jaw or tap her foot. The one in love will look into her guy’s eyes, her pupils dilated, her lips parted.

Appearance:

While the reader is happy enough knowing what your MC is like, they like to imagine what she looks like. Not every female MC must be a stunning blonde, blue eyed beauty. So, how do you show what your character looks like? Don’t fall for the cliché ways like looking in the mirror and describing how she looks. She knows she has blue eyes. She knows she has dark hair. It’s better to slip it in surreptitiously in dialogue, actions, or inner thoughts.

Telling:
For minor characters, a quick way is to cut short description by telling important details: Her blonde hair was now peppered with grey (she is getting old). In two inch heels, she towered over most men (she is tall). She stuck a strand of silky black hair behind her ear (Her hair is black). She gets sunburnt in ten minutes and envies those who tan (she is pale). The dress that fit her well last year now stretched across her hips (she is putting on weight).

For more important characters, try to blend the descriptions with dialogue, inner thoughts, or actions.

Dialogue:
Someone can mention, “You couldn’t have missed her. She was at the party. The platinum blonde. White as porcelain, red collagen-infused lips, baby blue eyes.”
Or you can slip in something like: “He bought me a sapphire ring to match my eyes.”
He can give her a peck on her nose and say, “Love those freckles.”
Inner thoughtsShe can think: “Why wasn’t he attracted to her? Did he hate brunettes?”
She can think: “If only her hair was like her mother’s golden waves. But she was stuck with straight black hair, falling like a curtain around her face. No amount of heat treatments or curlers gave it a kink.”

Actions:
To describe brown hair, pointed chin and full lips: “He tucked a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear and ran his finger down the side of her face, coming to a stop at her pointed chin. Then he pulled her closer and pressed his mouth against her full lips.”
Instead of “She was voluptuous”, you can write: “She slipped into a clingy dress which emphasized her curves, the low neckline showing off a cleavage models would kill for.”
She put on the padded bra and looked at the sides, wondering if the mastectomy scar would show. 

Finally, a good writer combines characteristics with appearance to make memorable, interesting female characters, be it the curly-haired, witty, brilliant Hermione, or the toad-in-pink soft-voiced, wicked Dolores Umbridge.

​

Interview with Courtney Cannon, ebook cover designer

I am pleased to interview Courtney Cannon, the cover designer of my upcoming novel The Blue House in Bishop ​

Check out her work at her website. They provide many services for authors. 

What got you into book cover design? 

I have been doing graphic design on and off for 11 years. I started out small on my fansites for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harry Potter. Then I started manipulating photos to make money on some freelance sites. Then last year, my friend Janae needed a cover made for her debut book, so I tried my hand at it and fell in love with book design and editing.

What other services do you provide?

Currently, I am providing the following services:

• Editing (copy and developmental)
• Beta reading
• Cover design
• Formatting
• Book trailers
• Promotional images and teasers
• 3-d mockups
• Likes on your author page
• FB event and rafflecopter setup
• WordPress design and set-up
• Promotional voice over
• Audio-book narration
I hope to soon offer newsletter services that you can run your free and discounted books in.
​
What genre do you like to write?
I like to read and write fantasy and paranormal, but I also do love stories from time to time. Most of my writing focuses heavily on character development and how their decisions shape their relationships with others. I write a lot about friendship and sibling bonding. Courtney's short story appeared in Holiday Heartwarmers , an anthology of holiday themed short stories from authors around the world.

Amazon Author Page

Contact: info@fiction-atlas.com

God and His Girlfriend, by Priyank

Name of the book: God & His Girlfriend
Author: PriyankRead some reviews:

1.  Bani Jain
2.  Alisha Patel  
3. Kapil Awasthi 

The Story:


Have you ever met a pretty girl in a suspicious condition with blood stained hands lying in a hotel room where you are staying in? 

Can a love story see its acceptance in the Indian society when the boy is from slums and the girl is born in a rich family? 

How many of you have met those girls who were molested by their known ones when they had not even crossed the age of 14? Isn’t forced and unwilling sex after marriage similar to a rape? 

Whether the prayers offered in love strong enough to bring back someone’s lost beloved from PoK? 

How many of you know a person whose deeds are completely ideal, something which only a God can do? 

Whether religion, caste or community should really be a parameter in deciding the hierarchy and dominance of people living in this world? 

God and his girl-friend is a mercurial story about two youngsters, from entirely different backgrounds who strive hard against their comfort to live with their passion. A boy from the slums and a girl from a rich lavishing family set out on an embarking journey to touch the moon. This takes them through many tests, eventually tying them up in love, followed by an unforgettable service to the nation as true stalwart patriots.





You can buy the book @

amazon.in

About The Author 

‘The HINDU’ calls Priyank’s books, which has stories inspired from real life to be perfect in portraying the power of love.

Bollywood film maker Imtiyaz Ali conveyed his words to Priyank at a literary event in Delhi that he could see Priyank emerging out as a potential story writer from his city Jamshedpur.

Priyank is an author, a start up lover cum aspiring entrepreneur, a story teller and a motivational speaker. He is a gold medal winner in creative writing at the National level. He was named as the Best Debut Author of 2014 by Aagman Literary Organization, a Delhi based literary and cultural house for his novel ” I am dead but my heart beats. ”

He completed his Engineering from BIT Sindri, Dhanbad in 2015. He has delivered story telling sessions and motivational talks across many organizations in a short span of one and half year. He is the founder of Embellish India, a start-up he kicked off while in college. Currently, he works for a Delhi based funded start up after resigning from his first MNC job at TCS.

Born in Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) on 29th October, in a Maithil Brahmin family and brought up in Ghatsila (a small town near Steel city Jamshedpur in Jharkhand), Priyank’s dream is to bring changes in the country and make it a better place to live in. Writing was never his passion nor his goal. It happened to him by chance, by destiny, in an attempt to fulfill someone’s dream. He loves cricket, travelling, sleeping and trying out new delicacies.


Stalk him @
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The Blue House in Bishop Giveaway

Click here  to get a free copy from the giveaway BEFORE the book launches. Hurry while the offer lasts.

Here's what others are saying about this new romantic suspense:

​“Brilliant! I have loved all of this author's books and this one is no exception. Expertly plotted, beautifully written, fast paced, with characters who leap out of the page and take residence in your heart, staying there long after the book is finished. Another wonderful story from this very talented author.” ~ Renita D’Silva, Author

“Chatterjee weaves an emotionally gripping tale of flawed characters wanting nothing more than to overcome a past filled with shadows. Their quest for self-realization and redemption unities them in a gradually building, meticulously executed showdown in the ‘Blue House in Bishop’ where every little detail matters.
 An intense and intriguing tale with characters that couldn’t be more different yet all strive for the same things just out of reach: self-realization, and a way to rid themselves of the ghosts of their dark past.
 At once dark and sensitive, fast-paced and multifaceted, THE BLUE HOUSE IN BISHOP takes the reader on a journey alongside several characters that come alive during their quest for peace of mind. The book touches on immigrant issues, the international drug problem, and social stigmata – and yet it is above all an entertaining and stimulating, even inspiring, read.”
Devika Fernando
 
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book… The book would make a really good film with visual descriptions and plenty of sub-plots alongside the main romance. Well done!” Becky Packer, Author
 
“Gripping page-turner...” Ruchi Singh, Author
 
“What a thriller! Kept me on the edge!” Ruchira Khanna, Author
​
 

Claim your free ebook #RomanticSuspense #TheBlueHouseBishop https://t.co/C4SipTo0Of #romance #instafreebie

— Sunanda Chatterjee (@sunandajoshich1) January 10, 2017

Claim your free ebook #RomanticSuspense #TheBlueHouseBishop https://t.co/C4SipTo0Of #romance #instafreebie

— Sunanda Chatterjee (@sunandajoshich1) January 10, 2017

Holiday Heartwarmers: An Anthology

I am thrilled to be part of this eclectic collection of short stories from authors around the world. Regardless of your beliefs or religion, the holidays bring your family and friends together, but sometimes, it’s just as important to be alone, reminiscing and reflecting on your life.

This is a cross-genre collection of short stories, varying from romance, to family drama, to first person narratives and even a ghost story!

Immersed in these stories, I had a chance to travel vicariously to the cold and desolate North Pole and Alaska, spectacular Machu Picchu and Cyprus, the war-torn Afghanistan, and enjoy a train ride through the Indian subcontinent.
​
Here’s a little about my short stories:

A White Christmas
Successful lawyer Melissa, stay-at-home-mom Jessica, and Chef Dominic have not visited home for Christmas since their father died two years ago. But when their elderly mother invites them home for the holidays and shares her plan to sell the house, the three siblings plan a surprise for her. Little do they know their mother has a surprise of her own.
Meet the White family for their unexpected Christmas reunion.
 
Letters from Carmen
Sixteen-year-old Mia’s world is shattered when she finds out her mother’s cancer has recurred. Ever since her father died on Christmas six years ago, the holiday hasn't been the same. To make matters worse, Mia will have to live with an aunt she didn’t know existed. Why should Mia read her aunt’s letters when she’s never come to visit? Aunt Carmen had been ‘in trouble’ and is in and out of rehab. How can Mia trust someone who cannot take care of herself? 

Grab your copy here while it's on sale!
 

Looking for readers to help me launch

For my new novel The Blue House in Bishop, I am looking for readers who will help me launch it by reading an advance reader copy and posting a review once the book is released in Jan 2017.

​If you're interested, please email me at sunandajoshichatterjee@gmail.com.
Here's a blurb about the book:
​A broken soldier with a past, a doctor with a secret, an ex-cop with a mission, and a mysterious woman must fight a drug lord and the FBI to find justice.
 
After an accident, ex-Special Forces Capt Duke Wilcox is forced to recover in the house of his old college roommate, Sunil. Haunted by his failed mission and failed marriage, Duke has lost his trust in women and yearns for a chance to redeem himself.
 
Indian Police Inspector Alisha Raj has a passion for bringing criminals to justice. After leaving the police force with a broken heart, she agrees to an “arranged marriage” with Sunil. But it is an unusual proposal; Sunil asks Alisha to pretend to be his fiancée to please his dying mother. 
 
Alisha comes to Bishop to leave her past behind, only to fall hopelessly in love with Duke. But she is engaged to Sunil, whose mother is expected to arrive any day. The attraction seems mutual, but Duke’s troubled past prevents him from opening his heart.
 
Everything changes when a mysterious woman shows up with a baby, seeking Sunil’s help.
 
But is this woman who she claims to be? Why is the FBI after her? And how is she involved with a Colombian Drug lord? 
 
A story of loyalty, camaraderie, and friendship, The Blue House in Bishop brings four strangers together in a fight for survival.