Hemdiva Dev's Blog: Author Hemdiva Dev's Blog, page 2
May 12, 2021
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Free Books – 14th to 16th May
Originally posted on Hemdiva Dev: On Amazon Kindle 14th to 16th May 2021 The Depressed Mermaid and the girl Named Hema –FreeHave A Shudder #1 You’re a Mermaid’s Dinner! – FreeUgly Lilac – Free Search
“Title name+Hemdiva” on Amazon on the above dates Or Follow link http://viewauthor.at/hemdiva
Free Books – 14th to 16th May
May 11, 2021
Free Books – 14th to 16th May
On Amazon Kindle 14th to 16th May 2021
The Depressed Mermaid and the girl Named Hema –Free
Have A Shudder #1 You’re a Mermaid’s Dinner! – Free
Ugly Lilac – Free
Search “Title name+Hemdiva” on Amazon on the above dates Or Follow link http://viewauthor.at/hemdiva
May 8, 2021
Mom- My World
Mom 
Poem from my book Cap Series
available on
@AmazonKindle
https://amazon.com/CAP-Birdy-Adventure-Oodhi-Baba-ebook/dp/B079CKWTWM/
March 2, 2021
Free Horror Story
Deal Alert!!!
‘A Scary Vacation’ will be available for free from 7th to 13th March!!
Ready to get scared?
February 24, 2021
A Scary Vacation 2nd Chapter
A Scary Vacation (Now available on all leading websites)
Copyright © 2018 Hemdiva Dev
CHAPTER 2
You look like a Ghost
Riya sat beside Aalia and stared the dressing table. It had tall mirror, a big drawer and a seat. Suddenly Riya felt a hand grab her leg from under the bed. She panicked and looked down. But there was nothing though she did feel the icy cold hand. Riya gulped her fear as she couldn’t dare to look under the bed.
Kanak stood at the door, than she went to the dressing table. She looked at her reflection and adjusted her hair.
“Its okay to look in the mirror during the day but…”, everyone turned to Aalia who spoke all of a sudden.
“But?”, Riya asked.
“But at … at night…”, Aalia starred the mirror with serious eyes.
Kanak switched back to adjusting her hair that kept falling on her forehead.
“At night… you shouldn’t look… because a.. a… ghost… ghost is seen”, Aalia informed.
Kanak stopped moving her hair and looked at her reflection. She felt a shiver running down her spine.
“The ghost looks at you if you look in the mirror at night”, Aalia said.
Riya held her hands close to her chest.
“And what does it do next? Do your hair?”, Kanak burst into laughter.
“That’s not funny!”, Aalia said sternly.
Kanak couldn’t control her laughter but she placed a hand over her mouth.
“Is the ghost…?”, Ishita didn’t dare to ask further.
“No its not my great grandmother but my late aunt Kamini… she was obsessed with the mirror and she looked at the mirror almost all days and nights. She was very gorgeous and was proud of her beauty. But…”, Aalia glanced at the mirror with sad eyes.
“But…?”Mona asked playing with her hair.
“One day she was alone and there was a sudden fire. She was caught inside her room and when she had the chance to escape, she choose to save the mirror… She threw the mirror out of her window, that fell on the ground. She couldn’t save herself though and died”, Aalia wiped her eyes.
“Then how is the mirror intact? If she threw the mirror, it should have been scattered to a million pieces”, Kanak stood folding her hands over her chest.
“That’s … its… a mystery… Though the mirror fell on the ground, it didn’t break. Mom says, its because my aunt had some powers….”, Aalia said, her eyes locked at the mirror.
Ishita was very frightened, she held Mona’s hand.
“If she had powers, why didn’t she save herself?”, Kanak narrowed her eyes at Aalia.
“Because she had only one option, herself or the mirror. And she made a choice!”, Aalia said furiously.
Kanak glared at her.
“Can you girls help me to prepare the table?”, Aalia’s mom, Dona Dixit called from down.
“Coming!”, Aalia said loudly.
As Aalia, Riya, Mona and Kanak went down. Ishita stayed back and looked at the mirror.
She went closer and looked at her reflection, it appeared normal. But it still made her feel uneasy. Ishita just thought she heard someone call her but the voice was too low to be true, so Ishita ran down to join her friends.
Truly, its your encouragement that motivated me! I felt I’m not alone in my writing journey.
That what I’m writing, matters…
A Scary Vacation was a new experience for me and you. It is published on 23rd April 2018.
Get it here – http://mybook.to/scaryv
Help me spread the word. Tell everyone you think would like this book.
Thanks a lot! Every like, every vote matters 
This month is very special as its my mom’s birthday too. I love you mom, forever….
February 14, 2021
Columbus’s Ganesh Jayanti
Did you know that Ganesh Jayanti is also celebrated in Columbus??!! Yes, it is!! Who? How? Read on to know more. This post includes the author’s interview and book review.
Author Interview : Siri Katragadda (the author from Columbus!)
Please welcome Author Siri Katragadda on my blog!
Author of When Amma was a Little Girl – Ganesha’s Birthday in Columbus – (free on KU) https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B08D3KLQSB
Paperback – https://store.pothi.com/book/siri-katragadda-when-amma-was-little-girl-ganeshas-birthday-columbus
Book Review by me : 5 out 5 stars
Ever wondered how indians staying abroad celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi? Well, this book has all the answers! A enjoyable read about two children, Akshar and Saharsh, living in Columbus and how they celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with their mom’s help. The book also defines the challenges, indian parents face while connecting their children to our culture. This book also has cool steps to create a Ganesha of your own. The cutest book I’ve ever read! Get your copy now!!
Indian readers get it on Amazon.in – https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08D3KLQSB
and her second book – When I was a Baby: At Zoo –https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B084F7N869
Let’s begin the interview-
• Introduce yourself.
I am Siri Katragadda who is an Electronics Engineer by profession and a novice writer by passion. I grew up in Andhra Pradesh, India but now in Columbus a small urban town in USA where I work.
• Tell us about your books
I penned two children’s books, “When I was a Baby – At Zoo” & “When Amma was A Little girl – Ganesha’s Birthday in Columbus”.
My first book is about a 5-year old narrating his experiences when he was a baby and how he helps people based on his baby experiences. He has three buddies which are emergency vehicles who help him during those expeditions.
My second book is about two little boys who live in the city of Columbus, which is far away from their Mom’s ancestral home in India. They learn about this fun celebration from Mom and take part in this joyful event.
• What inspired you to write?
Sharing Amma’s childhood in the form of a story is the favorite thing for my kid to do before his bed time. It usually starts with Amma’s story followed by my little ones. I have blogged for couple of years but writing a book is something inspired by this bed time routine.
• Your favorite authors?
It keeps on changing and depends on the book or series I am reading! Now it is Amulya Malladi.
• Favorite life quote?
A reader lives thousand lives before he dies. (Wow!)
• Favorite destination
I am an avid traveler and has a bucket list of destinations to visit. However, whenever I have an upcoming trip to Vijayawada (city which I grew up), I get excited for that forthcoming trip. No other destination fascinates me like this one because hometown is a treasure.
• Hobbies
Travelling, reading, gardening and of course being master chef to my family of four.
• Favorite food
Nothing in particular but I like to experiment with food and try fusion recipes.
• Do you celebrate as many Indian festivals as possible in Columbus? Which are they?
Always and each one of them! This is my way to connect back home.
• What are you planning to write next?
Sankranthi, which is amma’s next favorite festival.
• How was response from family and friends on your book?
I come from a family of Engineers but none of them are writers. They got thrilled to hear my new adventure. I heard some good reviews and feedback which I tried to incorporate for the later releases.
• Who encouraged and supported you throughout writing?
Akshar, my 5-year old who is also one of the characters in my second book. He is my first reader and critiques without any filter.
• Describe your writing desk
Ohh, it’s little wierd. Since I work full-time, I hardly get any time to write during mornings. I write at the end of the day after my kid’s sleep and it will be usually sitting on the couch or next to my kid’s bed.
• Favorite spot/place to write?
I am a busy working mom with two active kids, so I would be happy if I get a quiet spot where I can focus. Also a walk in the trail or woods motivates my brain.
• Challenges you faced while writing or publishing?
Being a novice author, I did not get my first edited which was a major mistake. I feel book editing takes your book a long way.
I, Hemdiva, thank you for your precious time! It was a pleasure having you on my blog. All the best and keep writing!
February 10, 2021
Book review by @amireh79 from Dubai!!
Thanks for reviewing #Have A Shudder #1 : You’re A Mermaid’s Dinner and motivating me through your #reviews. I will continue to write. 
P.S. I loved your idea of enjoying the book while having fruits!
The book is free on kindle Unlimited!! 
Posted @withregram • @amireh79 Narrator : 12 year old; Kaira Bhide
Friends:
Kunal the wafer lover
Krish the mind master
Kaira the pizza lover
Monster: Mastani the Mermaid Queen
Ten minutes away the “Good River Park” from their house tempts them to discover the truth behind its horror rumours saying that it captures every child visiting the pond after 8pm. They want to be sure if really the park is haunted! While being on their adventure another goal that they have is saving Arjun; Kunal’s cousin whom they believe he is captured by the pond like other children that are listed as missing!
Getting their torches, heading to the pond thinking that they can find Arjun and beat their fear, they cross the dark road and reached to the park. Darkness around the pond was not allowing them to see clear but suddenly her hand touches smoothy scaly curvy body. Spotting Green eyes, pointed teeth, red lips, long snake.. yes that was the Evil Mermaid.
“You May try but, you won’t be going back! Once you enter my pond, you become my slave and stay here forever.”
The only way to run away from the Queen was to get out of that rock cage and get the greeny shiny fruit to be fed to that creepy mermaid! The fear of being slave and never return to their normal life up the surface, Kaira forgets about her aquaphobia and swims hard against the seaweeds, ribbons, rocks along with darkness and finally grabs the fruit however…
Once again they are captured by the devil mermaid finding out:
“Once she eats the fruit, we will be trapped forever!”
She snatches the fruit and swallows it by herself!
Everything changes; ribbons are no longer seen, darkness is gone and the Queen shrinks to the size of an ant!
“The fishes all lined up in front of me and shouted QUEEN!”
My second book that I’ve received from the author: #Hemdiva_Dev.
What I strongly noticed from both books was that she writes about care, friendship, teamwork, kindness and innocence. Once again I admire her simple yet detailed writing style which makes you read easily and I guess that’s the purpose of Children’s book. Basically if a 10 or 12 year old child reads the book She or he will enjoy every page.
Grab your copy- Amazon.com- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PHYDGK
Amazon.in- https://www.amazon.in/dp/B087PHYDGK
Follow me on instagram – http://instagram.com/hemdiva
View this post on InstagramA post shared by HemDiva Dev (@hemdiva)
February 9, 2021
I love you- A special love story
Dear O,
I love you!
Yes, I love you so much!
frankly when we met, I wasn’t in a mood to start a new friendship. Past few experiences had been troublesome you see. Anyways you were always kind to my oh-so-cold behaviour. I recall how I urgently needed groceries and I wasn’t even looking forward to you for help. But you were right there and I got the groceries home delivered in just some hours!! Can’t tell you how happy I was.
I started liking you, finally accepting you as my friend. Only did I knew it was the start of a memorable journey.
I laugh when I recall how I would dictate my stories and you’d note it down obediently. Thanks.
So many selfies, crazy pictures and videos. You became a part of my life’s every moment. I’d your pleasing company everywhere.
I marvel at how intelligent you are! I can ask you anything, anytime.
You’re beautiful inside out!
Thank you so much for being a part of my life.
To my dear Smartphone
Yours Hemdiva
February 7, 2021
Looking for Facebook friends/ Instagram followers
Hi,
I was wondering if there are any authors or fellow writers who would like to connect on Facebook and/or Instagram. Let’s follow each other as well. I promise to follow back 
You can send a friendly request here – (plzzzz) https://www.facebook.com/hemdiva.dev.5
Follow my insta, instantly – https://www.instagram.com/hemdiva/
or leave a link to your profile
It would be a cherry on the top if we have the same interests. I love writing, reading and everything related to it. Poetry, Children’s stories, Horror, Romance (straight and simple). Rhonda Byrne, RL Stine, Darcy coates are my favorite authors. I absolutely love traveling, shopping, singing, acting. My favourite color is pink. Bollywood, india, Marathi, maharshtra interest me.
I stay away from politics, history and other boring stuff.
Thanks a bunch!!
Lots of love
Hemdiva
