Ranjani Rao's Blog: Book Launch Updates, page 11
September 20, 2021
Book Review – Two Japanese Novels
When the Olympics fever began to rise, despite the new normal of our lives that is being held hostage by the rise and fall of Covid-19 cases, I turned towards books about Japan or by Japanese authors. To be perfectly honest, I have been gravitating towards writing Japanese writing since a visit to Japan…
September 17, 2021
3 delightful developments
#saturdaysupport #saturdaycelebration An update on unexpected but totally delightful developments
What a week it has been!!
⚾️🥎🏀⚽️ Lots of balls still in the air as we get into the less than 4 weeks to launch crazy phase. But it looks like the seeds planted long ago are now beginning to germinate. This week brought home the lesson that what goes around comes around.
So excited to share my 3 delightful developments:
1️⃣ I read and post a lot of reviews, on my webiste, on Goodreads and also on reader groups on Facebook etc. I also feature interviews with authors on my blog. I have been doing this for a long time.
Finally , it was time to request others to review my book. I sent out several ARCs last week and in the next few days, the reviews started pouring in. I was taken aback by how much the book resonated with readers and also by their quick turnaround. Many said they would have read it straight through had it not been for the demands of daily life 😊. If you have a few minutes, do check out the more than dozen reviews (and growing) right here on Goodreads.
2️⃣ Although my writing has appeared in several print and online publications, I was a bit hesitant to ask known (and new) editors if they would like to feature my book - either as an excerpt or have a book-related original #essay in their magazine.
To my surprise many said yes.
The super supportive author @veenarao featured my piece on What to expect in a desi divorce on @nripulse.
Do check it out -https://www.nripulse.com/what-to-expe...
It gives some of the backstory to the narrative in my book including my reasons for writing it.
3️⃣ The point of telling a story, whether orally or through a book, is to make connections with people. I am so thrilled to see that this goal is already being acheived, even before the book is officially launched.
"Your book is a bridge" said a reader who wrote a beautiful long review that appeared in another fantastic women-centric publication @womensweb.
https://bit.ly/3AnHTdh
I'm so humbled by all the support so far.
Thank you everyone!
#memoir #rewritingmyhappilyeverafter #booklaunch #indieauthor #writinglife #writingcommunity #ranjaniwriter #bookreviews #authorlife #grateful
What a week it has been!!
⚾️🥎🏀⚽️ Lots of balls still in the air as we get into the less than 4 weeks to launch crazy phase. But it looks like the seeds planted long ago are now beginning to germinate. This week brought home the lesson that what goes around comes around.
So excited to share my 3 delightful developments:
1️⃣ I read and post a lot of reviews, on my webiste, on Goodreads and also on reader groups on Facebook etc. I also feature interviews with authors on my blog. I have been doing this for a long time.
Finally , it was time to request others to review my book. I sent out several ARCs last week and in the next few days, the reviews started pouring in. I was taken aback by how much the book resonated with readers and also by their quick turnaround. Many said they would have read it straight through had it not been for the demands of daily life 😊. If you have a few minutes, do check out the more than dozen reviews (and growing) right here on Goodreads.
2️⃣ Although my writing has appeared in several print and online publications, I was a bit hesitant to ask known (and new) editors if they would like to feature my book - either as an excerpt or have a book-related original #essay in their magazine.
To my surprise many said yes.
The super supportive author @veenarao featured my piece on What to expect in a desi divorce on @nripulse.
Do check it out -https://www.nripulse.com/what-to-expe...
It gives some of the backstory to the narrative in my book including my reasons for writing it.
3️⃣ The point of telling a story, whether orally or through a book, is to make connections with people. I am so thrilled to see that this goal is already being acheived, even before the book is officially launched.
"Your book is a bridge" said a reader who wrote a beautiful long review that appeared in another fantastic women-centric publication @womensweb.
https://bit.ly/3AnHTdh
I'm so humbled by all the support so far.
Thank you everyone!
#memoir #rewritingmyhappilyeverafter #booklaunch #indieauthor #writinglife #writingcommunity #ranjaniwriter #bookreviews #authorlife #grateful
My essay "Memsahib" in a new anthology in Singapore
Singapore At Home - Life Across Lines
As a writer, it feels very satisfying to capture your thoughts into coherent words.
But it feels even more thrilling when your creation appears in print.
I'm happy to share that I received copies of the anthology @singaporeathomebook which features my story along with those of many other accomplished writers.
Edited by the super enthusiastic team of Pallavi Narayan and I'm Hameed and published by Kitaab International, this important compilation of stories of Singapore is a great addition to any reading list.
The journey from idea to execution to distribution is a long one but it feels fantastic to be part of the long journey.
Take a look at the beautiful cover and the table to contents, plus a sneak peek at my contribution.
Anthologies are fun because they have so many differnt voices telling diverse stories. It's like an assorted box of chocolates (to paraphrase Forrest Gump) - every time you turn a page, you never know what you're going to get.
I'm thrilled to be in the company of fellow writers who I know and whose work I admire - Kalpana Mohan and Aparna Das Sadhukhan in the section aptly titled Comfort and Sustenance.
I'm looking forward to reading the book and sharing my thoughts about it.
The book is available @kinokuniya_singapore and @nlb.singapore.
If you're looking for an exciting new collection to read this weekend, do get a copy and let me know what you think.
As a writer, it feels very satisfying to capture your thoughts into coherent words.
But it feels even more thrilling when your creation appears in print.
I'm happy to share that I received copies of the anthology @singaporeathomebook which features my story along with those of many other accomplished writers.
Edited by the super enthusiastic team of Pallavi Narayan and I'm Hameed and published by Kitaab International, this important compilation of stories of Singapore is a great addition to any reading list.
The journey from idea to execution to distribution is a long one but it feels fantastic to be part of the long journey.
Take a look at the beautiful cover and the table to contents, plus a sneak peek at my contribution.
Anthologies are fun because they have so many differnt voices telling diverse stories. It's like an assorted box of chocolates (to paraphrase Forrest Gump) - every time you turn a page, you never know what you're going to get.
I'm thrilled to be in the company of fellow writers who I know and whose work I admire - Kalpana Mohan and Aparna Das Sadhukhan in the section aptly titled Comfort and Sustenance.
I'm looking forward to reading the book and sharing my thoughts about it.
The book is available @kinokuniya_singapore and @nlb.singapore.
If you're looking for an exciting new collection to read this weekend, do get a copy and let me know what you think.
September 15, 2021
Five Self-care Strategies For a Long Race
“Start a run and make sure you finish the run. Don’t mind how fast or how slow you are running. Just run. But the ultimate goal is to finish” ~ Eliud Kipchoge Many years ago I signed up for a yoga teacher training program. It was a four-week residential program located in a verdant ashram…
September 14, 2021
5 weeks to book launch
More about my writing and publishing journey.....
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, there's more to do but I finally feel I am getting somewhere. Feeling hopeful 😀
🎯 Here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week with 5 weeks to launch.
1️⃣ The best thing this week was getting absolutely heartwarming reviews from readers who signed up for the ARC. Their kind DMs and messages really made my day. All this effort seems worthwhile.
2️⃣ Among the many things I had to learn on this publishing journey was to create graphics. I used Canva to create this simple book trailer - https://youtu.be/if-dE545QFE. Would love to hear your opinion.
3️⃣ I am now emailing, discussing and writing guest posts for blogs and publications which are featuring my book. I will share links to when these new posts appear.
4️⃣ As an independent author, I have always felt that there are synergies between indie bookstores and indie authors. If you have a fav local bookstore which you think should keep my book, do let me know.
5️⃣ It's time to begin planning details of the book launch. If you have any ideas, please let me know. All ideas welcome.
✍ For writers who think rejection happens only during publication, I have news for you - you can get rejected by publishers, bookstores and media outlets. But guess what, if your book is good, you get the best kind of support from people who matter - readers.
📚 I am having my share of rejections evern at this stage, I am buoyed by the support of people who have taken the trouble to read my book in it's entirety. More on that in a separate post.
I am getting super excited as I get closer to the goal 🤞
✍ My biweekly newsletter has exclusive freebies and offers leading up to the book launch. If you don't want to miss any of it, do sign up here - https://www.ranjanirao.com/newsletter....
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
Have a great weekend.
#writinglife #publishingjourney #rewritingmyhappilyeverafter #memoir #amwritingmemoir #booktrailer #guestposts #bookreviews #goodreads #indieauthorlife2021 #booklaunchjourney
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, there's more to do but I finally feel I am getting somewhere. Feeling hopeful 😀
🎯 Here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week with 5 weeks to launch.
1️⃣ The best thing this week was getting absolutely heartwarming reviews from readers who signed up for the ARC. Their kind DMs and messages really made my day. All this effort seems worthwhile.
2️⃣ Among the many things I had to learn on this publishing journey was to create graphics. I used Canva to create this simple book trailer - https://youtu.be/if-dE545QFE. Would love to hear your opinion.
3️⃣ I am now emailing, discussing and writing guest posts for blogs and publications which are featuring my book. I will share links to when these new posts appear.
4️⃣ As an independent author, I have always felt that there are synergies between indie bookstores and indie authors. If you have a fav local bookstore which you think should keep my book, do let me know.
5️⃣ It's time to begin planning details of the book launch. If you have any ideas, please let me know. All ideas welcome.
✍ For writers who think rejection happens only during publication, I have news for you - you can get rejected by publishers, bookstores and media outlets. But guess what, if your book is good, you get the best kind of support from people who matter - readers.
📚 I am having my share of rejections evern at this stage, I am buoyed by the support of people who have taken the trouble to read my book in it's entirety. More on that in a separate post.
I am getting super excited as I get closer to the goal 🤞
✍ My biweekly newsletter has exclusive freebies and offers leading up to the book launch. If you don't want to miss any of it, do sign up here - https://www.ranjanirao.com/newsletter....
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
Have a great weekend.
#writinglife #publishingjourney #rewritingmyhappilyeverafter #memoir #amwritingmemoir #booktrailer #guestposts #bookreviews #goodreads #indieauthorlife2021 #booklaunchjourney
September 9, 2021
Author Interview: Manspotting by Ritu Bhatia
An unusual book that chronicles the ups and downs of a single woman's midlife dating adventures in Delhi
September 7, 2021
6 weeks to book launch!
#indieauthorlife2021 #booklaunchjourney #rewritingmyhappilyeverafter
More about my writing and publishing journey.....
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, there's still a lot to do. Feeling a bit jittery 😳
🎯 Here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week with 6 weeks to launch.
1️⃣ The preorder page is LIVE now. The book is set at a special price, so please check it out - mybook.to/happily-ever-after to place an order right away! Thank you.
2️⃣ I'm grateful to the many kind readers who agreed to receive an advanced review copy through my sign up form. I got the ebook ready for sending to these kind book reviewers. It's not too late to sign up for a free e-copy in exchange for a review -https://forms.gle/w9BZcTd5ejBnMymq9 .
3️⃣ When I launched my author website last year, it was to be a digital home for all my writing. I didn't think that I would be updating it so soon. But it's true. The new website is ready. Do check it out - www.ranajnirao.com and let me know what you think.
4️⃣ I had fun reaching out to supporters who have agreed to have me on podcasts, interview me on blogs and requested me to write guest posts. I will be sharing all of it right here.
5️⃣ The highlight of the week was receiving the proof print copy of my book.
Thanks to Covid we have begun to accept an online meeting as a substitute for in person interaction. But we know how different and important face to face communications are.
SImiarlyl, the joy of physically holding a tangible form of your creation is of a different order 📚and I was over the moon about holding my book baby in my hands.
Of course, there's lots more to do. I think I am getting closer to the goal 🤞
✍ In case I fall behind in updating my progress here, don't forget to sign up for my biweekly newletter. I will have exclusive freebies for subscribers (hint - a sneak excerpt of the upcoming book plus a special surprise in today's newsletter).
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
#writinglife #publishingjourney #lifelonglearner #memoir #amwritingmemoir #websitelaunch #guestposts #proofreading
More about my writing and publishing journey.....
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, there's still a lot to do. Feeling a bit jittery 😳
🎯 Here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week with 6 weeks to launch.
1️⃣ The preorder page is LIVE now. The book is set at a special price, so please check it out - mybook.to/happily-ever-after to place an order right away! Thank you.
2️⃣ I'm grateful to the many kind readers who agreed to receive an advanced review copy through my sign up form. I got the ebook ready for sending to these kind book reviewers. It's not too late to sign up for a free e-copy in exchange for a review -https://forms.gle/w9BZcTd5ejBnMymq9 .
3️⃣ When I launched my author website last year, it was to be a digital home for all my writing. I didn't think that I would be updating it so soon. But it's true. The new website is ready. Do check it out - www.ranajnirao.com and let me know what you think.
4️⃣ I had fun reaching out to supporters who have agreed to have me on podcasts, interview me on blogs and requested me to write guest posts. I will be sharing all of it right here.
5️⃣ The highlight of the week was receiving the proof print copy of my book.
Thanks to Covid we have begun to accept an online meeting as a substitute for in person interaction. But we know how different and important face to face communications are.
SImiarlyl, the joy of physically holding a tangible form of your creation is of a different order 📚and I was over the moon about holding my book baby in my hands.
Of course, there's lots more to do. I think I am getting closer to the goal 🤞
✍ In case I fall behind in updating my progress here, don't forget to sign up for my biweekly newletter. I will have exclusive freebies for subscribers (hint - a sneak excerpt of the upcoming book plus a special surprise in today's newsletter).
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
#writinglife #publishingjourney #lifelonglearner #memoir #amwritingmemoir #websitelaunch #guestposts #proofreading
August 31, 2021
How to Avoid Burnout While Creating Consistently
Sharing three ways through which I find my way back to coherence when the demands of consistent creation wear me down
August 30, 2021
7 Weeks to Book Launch
Keeping my promise of sharing my writing and publishing journey.....
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, the busy days continue. The impact of Covid-19 on my timelines continues to surprise me 😳
🎯 With 7 weeks to launch, here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week.
1️⃣ The media kit is something new to me but I learnt how important it can be. I'm learning a new vocabulary everyday and then figuring out how to execute it.
2️⃣ I normally struggle with Powerpoint presentations (not in presenting them but in making them pretty and visually engaging - you can tell I prefer words 😐). So when I decided to make a book trailer I was terrified. But it wasn't that bad, I will share my fav tool for creating graphics and visuals soon. Stay tuned for the trailer release. If you're curious, check out my Goodreads page 😉
3️⃣ As mentioned in yesterday's post, I am looking for active #bookstagrammers and #bookbloggers interested in reading and reviewing my memoir to sign up at the link in bio. I really need your support to get the word out. I am planning to send out the e-ARC from 1 Sep 2021.
4️⃣ Doing the creative work while dealing will all the administrative tasks and staying connected with my comunity has not been busy. Still trying...
5️⃣ Among the best finds recently has been the discovery of several online resources including publishing-related #podcasts that are perfect for #indieauthors 🎧. I have learned so much 📚
Of course, there's lots more to do. I think I am getting closer to the goal 🤞
✍ Please sign up for my biweekly newsletter for special offers for new subscribers.
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, the busy days continue. The impact of Covid-19 on my timelines continues to surprise me 😳
🎯 With 7 weeks to launch, here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week.
1️⃣ The media kit is something new to me but I learnt how important it can be. I'm learning a new vocabulary everyday and then figuring out how to execute it.
2️⃣ I normally struggle with Powerpoint presentations (not in presenting them but in making them pretty and visually engaging - you can tell I prefer words 😐). So when I decided to make a book trailer I was terrified. But it wasn't that bad, I will share my fav tool for creating graphics and visuals soon. Stay tuned for the trailer release. If you're curious, check out my Goodreads page 😉
3️⃣ As mentioned in yesterday's post, I am looking for active #bookstagrammers and #bookbloggers interested in reading and reviewing my memoir to sign up at the link in bio. I really need your support to get the word out. I am planning to send out the e-ARC from 1 Sep 2021.
4️⃣ Doing the creative work while dealing will all the administrative tasks and staying connected with my comunity has not been busy. Still trying...
5️⃣ Among the best finds recently has been the discovery of several online resources including publishing-related #podcasts that are perfect for #indieauthors 🎧. I have learned so much 📚
Of course, there's lots more to do. I think I am getting closer to the goal 🤞
✍ Please sign up for my biweekly newsletter for special offers for new subscribers.
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
August 23, 2021
8 weeks to book launch
Keeping my promise of sharing my writing and publishing journey.....
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, the busy days continue. Just when I think I'm making progress, some things stall while new items come up! Oh joy 😜
🎯 With 8 weeks to launch, here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week.
1️⃣ I have been busy with the new content on my revamped website - back and forth with the designer, more choices, more decisions!
2️⃣ As mentioned in yesterday's post, I remembered that I have a fairly active Goodreads account where I post lots of book reviews - many more than what I have posted here. I put the latest updates there. You can also put my book on your Want to Read list.
3️⃣ If you are a book lover/book reviewer/ bookstagrammer who would like to receive an e-ARC, in advance of the release of the book, sign up at the link here - https://forms.gle/w9BZcTd5ejBnMymq9. I really appreciate your support.
4️⃣ Where should I make my book available for purchase? And in what formats? It's not a simple decision - I will you about it one of these days.
5️⃣ One thing that I have given a lot of thought to is the synergy that is possible between #indiebookstores and #indieauthors. I am a big supporter of #shoplocal.
If you want to make sure my book is available in your neighborhood bookstore in India, please add details to the link here - https://bit.ly/3lY109z
Of course, there's lots more to do. Some days I am not sure if I am getting closer or further away from the goal
✍ In case I fall behind in updating my progress here, don't forgetto sign up for my newletter which will have more details and special advance information and surprises for new subscribers. I send it to your inbox every two weeks.
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
Have a great weekend.
📘As Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery gets closer to publication, the busy days continue. Just when I think I'm making progress, some things stall while new items come up! Oh joy 😜
🎯 With 8 weeks to launch, here's a list of 5 things that I have done this week.
1️⃣ I have been busy with the new content on my revamped website - back and forth with the designer, more choices, more decisions!
2️⃣ As mentioned in yesterday's post, I remembered that I have a fairly active Goodreads account where I post lots of book reviews - many more than what I have posted here. I put the latest updates there. You can also put my book on your Want to Read list.
3️⃣ If you are a book lover/book reviewer/ bookstagrammer who would like to receive an e-ARC, in advance of the release of the book, sign up at the link here - https://forms.gle/w9BZcTd5ejBnMymq9. I really appreciate your support.
4️⃣ Where should I make my book available for purchase? And in what formats? It's not a simple decision - I will you about it one of these days.
5️⃣ One thing that I have given a lot of thought to is the synergy that is possible between #indiebookstores and #indieauthors. I am a big supporter of #shoplocal.
If you want to make sure my book is available in your neighborhood bookstore in India, please add details to the link here - https://bit.ly/3lY109z
Of course, there's lots more to do. Some days I am not sure if I am getting closer or further away from the goal
✍ In case I fall behind in updating my progress here, don't forgetto sign up for my newletter which will have more details and special advance information and surprises for new subscribers. I send it to your inbox every two weeks.
Looking forward to your ongoing interest and support.
Have a great weekend.
Book Launch Updates
Keeping my promise of sharing my writing and publishing journey for Rewriting My Happily Ever After - A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery.....
Here's are 5 things that I did this week.
1️⃣ I just learnt h ...more
Here's are 5 things that I did this week.
1️⃣ I just learnt h ...more
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