Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 17

Hope is a happy place

I don't have happy things to write today
I don't have anything I want to say
I don't have words to express this
Darkness  merging into oceanic abyss

I don't have hate to consume me
I don't have enough love to let it be
I don't have passion to see this through
If only I could go back, start anew

Half formed regrets gnaw at the soul
Where there was my  heart, there's a hole
If  my wings weren't clipped I'd reach for the sky
I'd fly, fly, fly to you---in the blink of an eye

Instead I  tightly pack away my dreams
My heart echoing my silent screams
A manufactured smile now plastered across my face
Empty eyes but  hey it's okay--Hope is a happy place

 ____________________________________

**************© 2019 Preeti Shenoy

 

For more poems click here. Some poems have already appeared in print. Kindly do not reproduce without permission.


Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash


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A doggie paw story.

 It rained this afternoon. Very heavily. It's the first time it is raining this heavily, after I have moved into this home. I moved in just before the summer began, around the end of February.

We had got the garden soil loosened last evening and so I was happy about the rain. I left the door leading to the garden open, and enjoyed the refreshing cool breeze,  in my drawing room,while  speaking to my daughter on the phone. This was bliss.

That was when a grey cat walked past my verandah. It was the trigger to transform Lostris (my doberman) into Daenerys's dragon. Lossie charged like a thunderbolt outside. The  startled cat quickly regained it's composure and hurried away, knowing that Lossie would not be able to get past the gate.

But Losssie wasn't satisfied. She charged around the house, hoping the cat would come back. In the absence of the cat, she decided she would scare a few squirrels or at least some birds. Her bark is a deep menacing bark that can send a chill down anyone's spine and she used it to the fullest extent. She didn't care that the mud she was steamrolling in was squelchy. Who cares about a little mud when you are a dragon?

Madam Lossie will never listen to anyone when she is in a mood like this. I had no option but to let her run around. Midway through, she decided that she had to guard me  too, and so she dashed in and out, several times,on high alert, her ears cocked, listening for any catty or non-catty intruders. I was too engrossed in the conversation with my daughter, to realise the squelchy mud would make beautiful deep brown chocolatey muddy doggie paw prints all around the drawing room.
When my phone-call was done, I was left with a drawing room floor that resembled Jackson Pollock's  masterpieces minus the vibrant colours.




And that was how I spent my post-rain afternoon--cleaning out my drawing room with a rubber wiper. I think I have earned a PhD in cleaning floors of muddy paw prints today. I had to wash her paw too.

That was the highlight of my day.


 And oh--the other highlight being  Amazon publishing a piece I wrote. :)
It is the story behind Life is What You Make it.
 Please click HERE to read it.
____________________________
If you enjoy my writing, get my latest book at 113/-

first photo by Sean McAuliffe on UnsplashSecond photo clicked by me.  
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Wake Up Life is Calling: Coimbatore reading. A video report :)

 Hello there.

I had promised a detailed report about the Coimbatore event, and here I am, as promised, blogging from my home at Bangalore today.



I got back from Coimbatore today. It was one of the best events I have had. People had turned up from neighbouring towns too. Someone had come all the way from Tiruppur, another had come from Kochi, and there was someone from IIT Palakkad. The event went on for more than three hours! There were so many many questions which the audience asked, and which I answered. I must have signed more than a hundred books. I lost count after a while. In the above photo, you can see my publisher Arup Bose and me, just after we unveiled the book.


Almost everyone I spoke to said my books and my words had a profound influence on them. Almost everyone who turned up yesterday also follows me on Intagram, and they knew so much about me. We felt very connected.

These events can be exhausting and overwhelming (and I was on medication too) , and so after I got back, I slept almost the entire day. I am finally now in a position to come back to blogging.
So as you can see--when a new book is out, I work doubly hard on Saturdays and Sundays.(All my book events mostly happen on weekends, and I travel on weekends). I don't take any offs. But I am not complaining! (It's merely an observation)


 Here's a short  50 second video which gives you the glimpses of yesterday's events. Do watch it.





I do feel blessed, loved, fortunate.
What is amazing is that my readers say they feel the same way too!


If you are reading this blog post, I would really like to meet you. Please fill up preeti.io/form to stay connected to me, and to be notified and invited specially, when I am coming to your city.


And yes, I was elated when I saw the HT Nielsen list of the highest selling fiction in India, yesterday. (This is the most authentic list out there, like  an Indian equivalent of New York Times bestseller list) TWO of my titles are in there.




Now you know why I said I am not complaining about working on weekends :)

Will blog again tomorrow.
Meanwhile, do watch the video and tell me your thoughts in my comment box.
I am listening
Love
preeti

________________________
Get the book: http://preeti.io/awake
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

A Fabulous turnout for Wake Up Life Is Calling. Thank you Coimbatore!

Just had an OUTSTANDING event at Coimbatore!  You can spot me and my publisher Arup Bose, sitting  amongts the audience, in the above pic. We posed for this photo, after the event. I have an early morning flight to catch tomorrow, and will also  post more pics, and more updates tomorrow, as I am on choppy hotel wifi.


Today we made cherished memories!
I love you, Coimbatore. You guys were so GOOD to me! <3

Bye for now :)
___________________________________________________


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http://preetishenoy.com/

A little trick to overcome a bad day

Today was a crappy day for me!  It has been terrible. Nothing went as expected.

Some days are like that. It's Murphy's law in action. I am travelling tomrrow. In case you missed yesterday's post, we're having a book reading at Coimbatore tomorrow (11th may) at 5.30 pm at Odyssey, Brookefield Mall.

 I have to leave home at 5.00 am tomorrow. (which means I have to wake up at 4.00 am!) To top it I am unwell---cold, body ache etc.

I know I will be fine tomorrow! I am certain. I don't know how I know these things, but I do. I am a great believer in manifesting your reality. If you haven't read books on it, please do read up. I like Secret by Rhonda Bryne, Ask and it is given--Esther and Jerry Hicks, Creative visualisation by Shakti Gawain, to name a few :)

Whenever things do not go according to how I wanted them to go, the one thing that always helps is focussing on all that went right and is going right.  So here are five things that  made me happy today, for which I am thankful.

1. Phone call with best friend!
2. Long phone call with my daughter (who lives abroad). I'm sharing a picture of us (clicked by my son).



3. Spending time with my dog. This pic was clicked just after I got home from the Bangalore book launch of Wake Up Life is Calling. You can see how happy we both are :)



4.Watching a good TV show (just began watching Dead to Me on Netflix)


5. Completing  reading my 24th book this year! I plan to read a 100 books. You can see the books I have read on my instagram, in highlights 'books'.

Do consider this practice of  starting a gratitude journal. It works wonders. Write down the happy things every day. (I draw in my illustrated journal daily). Often we overlook things that go well!

More tomorrow from Coimbatore
Till then--leave me comments in my comment box <3
Love
preeti
_____________
ps: Flash sale on Wake up Life is calling. It's now at 113/- BUY !
preeti.io/awake


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http://preetishenoy.com/

What happens at book launches and why you should attend one.

Many people do not know what happens at book launches, or how important it is for not only the author, but also the reading community. Hence I thought I would write about it.

A book launch or a book reading is generally held at a bookstore or a hotel (if the publishers have a lot of money, and want to show off or if they think the author is 'important enough' to splurge on ;-) !). I have had book launches held in hotels as well as in book-stores. I really prefer having my book launches in bookstores, simply because the people who attend can also browse books by other authors---which does not happen if the event is at a hotel.

At a book launch, the author is generally in conversation with another person, who is suited to talk about the book. Sometimes there is a panel consisting of the author and two other people. They have a discussion about the book. In foreign countries, people have to pay to attend such events. They are called 'Book readings.' They are generally ticketed events. This is because there is a cost involved in holding such events. People who are ardent fans of a particular author will not mind paying to attend such events. This way the publisher or the author do not have to bear the cost. Even if the event is held at a bookstore, there is a cost involved for setting up the arrangements. The chairs have to be hired, the backdrop has to be made etc.



If it's not the author's home city, then there is the expense of flight, hotels, amount spent on taxis, food etc. All in all, a book launch can cost anywhere between Rs.20,000 up to a few lakhs.

So it is understandable if it is a ticketed event---as the discussion is usually engaging, intellectual and fun. There are a lot of takeaways from such sessions. In UK, I have happily paid to attend such events.

In India, we do not charge anything. This is because the publishers are worried that if it is a ticketed event, people will not turn up. Also, there is a culture of not charging for such events. Hence entry is free to book events in India.

There are several reasons why you SHOULD attend a book launch

1. You establish a personal connect. The joy of seeing an author you like in person, hearing them speak , asking them questions and interacting with them is something unexplained. I have attended sessions of Anupam Kher and also Amy Chua, and I fondly remember their sessions though many years have passed.

2. You learn about new things through the discussions. You are also likely to discover new books.

3. You connect with other like minded people.

4. You can get your books signed!

5. You are spending time at a bookstore, among so many books, with your favourite author! It's much nicer than slumping in front of the television or going out for a meal, which you can do anytime!

6. The author feels encouraged seeing you there! Yes, the nightmare for almost all authors is people NOT turning up at their event. Can you imagine what the author goes through?

7. It's great for book-stores to have people over! So many bookstores are shutting down because of heavy online competition. We do NEED bookstores. They are magical places!

8.You can sit quietly and enjoy it if you do not want to talk! Many people are fearful of book launches thinking 'What will I do there? What if someone stops me? Am I allowed here?'.  Please don't worry! You are most welcome! Authors would be delighted that you are interested in their work. You don't have to do anything! You can just sit there as a part of the audience and then slink away if you are too shy. If the author is friendly, you can ask them to pose for pictures :) (Most authors don't mind this, although I know some authors refuse).

9. It is FUN!

10. It's a cool thing to talk about. 'What did you do over the weekend?' 'I went to this amazing book launch.' :)

I am sharing with you the video of my Bangalore book  launch so you can see for yourself how much fun those who attended had!







The next one is at Coimbatore, this Saturday (11th may 2019) at Odyssey, Brookefield Mall.

Come! I would love to see you <3

If you have any questions about book launches, please ask me in my comment box. (if you are reading this in your inbox, please head over to my blog, and ask me there) If you have attended any memorable book launches, tell me about it in my comment box too :)
Next time there's a book launch in your city, do make it a point to attend.

See you soon Coimbatore :)
(and yes, I will continue my blog marathon from Coimbatore too :) )

Love
preeti

______________________________
Get the book at 120/- : preeti.io/awake
Grab It's All In The Planets: http:/preeti.io/3
http://preetishenoy.com/

What being a 'celebrity' feels like: a candid confession from Preeti Shenoy

At Abu Dhabi,  I was at the house of the Indian Ambassador who had invited me for dinner. It was an august gathering where I met Ambassadors from other countries,  high ranking officials from the diplomatic world, eminent writers and many other people. The respect I received was overwhelming I was introduced to everyone proudly as one of India's most successful authors.

With the Indian Ambassador Mr.Navdeep Suri, Dy.Chief of Mission Smita Pant and Ravi Menon

You know--here's the funny thing: The world sees me as a celebrity. But to be honest, I don't even think about it at all!

 Of course, I am proud of all that I have achieved and I am not dismissing it.

But when I meet people, I am genuinely interested in what they do. I get bored when people ask me about myself. I do not like talking about ME--because all the information is out there on wikipedia, and you can also google me (and you will be surprised to see me giving you video answers..It's a facility which Google has extended to very few celebrities, Priyanka Chopra and yours truly being one of them).



I have  been interviewed by BBC world which reaches more than 200 countries, and more than a 400 million people. You can watch the interview on my website.
I have  also been interviewed by every major magazine and newspaper--Conde Nast, Verve, Cosmopolitan, The Hindu, Times of India etc.

So when a news coverage appears about me, I don't usually put it up. But yesterday, I shared it,  not because I had made it to the newspaper---but because it featured my readers!! I was happy for my readers who were featured. Then I read all the comments on my post yesterday---so many comments that had congratulated ME! I was baffled.

 Honestly--I felt it wasn't so big as to offer me 'Congrats'. Then I thought about why people are congratulating me. Perhaps it was because I hadn't shared the other news items about my new book that had appeared?

So here goes guys! :)

Deccan Herald
The Hindu
New Indian Express
The Statesman
If you want to read it in detail,  here are the links:


Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/authors/people-are-able-to-find-meaning-in-my-writing-preeti-shenoy/article26922401.ece?fbclid=IwAR1UyJFvILB-CfWkXEEBQ4QuA4MmHppSrk6m-7qcOsdl6O8PjFJRTyKVoeI

Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/may/01/i-was-free-to-forge-a-new-identity-preeti-shenoy-1971270.html
Deccan Chronicle: https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-lifestyle/seeing-world-from-character-s-eyes-drained-me-732646.html
The Statesman: https://www.thestatesman.com/exclusive-interviews/interview-ankita-wasnt-done-yet-preeti-shenoy-1502742801.html


There was an interesting question which someone at the party at the amassador's house, asked me. (and many people ask me this question). They ask me how I have the courage to write. They tell me that they want to write, but they are afraid of how they will be perceived, what would others think of them etc.

My answer is always the same: Writing is like standing naked in front of a room full of people and inviting them to make comments about you.

You are that vulnerable when you put your thoughts out there. You have to be strong. That's the only way!
Now this is a paradox---as you also have to be sensitive to write. I am a person who is extremely sensitive. Everything affects me. But over the years, I have learnt to ignore that which is said out of jealousy and malice. I have learnt to sift the criticism and take only what helps me. I have learnt to not hurt when people make remarks. I don't give them any mind space.

That's the only way I can continue writing!

When people tell me 'Oh you are a celebrity...You are a BIG SHOT,' I just smile.  It used to bother me before. But now I have learnt to just shrug it off and move on!

There are better things to think about! My next book calls. My characters beckon. My reading awaits. My dog  needs to be walked. I need to write my next blog post :)

Ever thought about what that feels like? Well, now you know!

Till tomorrow
Keep smiling
Love
Preeti
__________________________________
Read my latest book yet?  Get it at a 35% discount: Preeti.io/awake





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http://preetishenoy.com/

Challenge yourself. It makes you grow.

If we do not challenge ourselves we do not grow. It is important to push boundaries. We need to have a goal--it could be anything, even a small thing like 'I will wake up at 6.30 am every day for a week.'

Break down your goal into small bits. Accomplish those goals.  You will feel really good about yourself.

That is one of the reasons I do a blog marathon. It's not easy to write a new post every single day for a month. I have a LOT of things going on in my life, especially with my new book just being out. There are newspaper interviews, launches ,promotions.

(Oh we--appeared in the Deccan Chronicle today!) 




But I decided that it would be a good challenge to do. Hence I committed. (I have done a blog marathon, every year for the last 9 years. Blog marathon means I blog every single day for a month).

The other thing I do is illustrated journalling. Every day, I sit down and draw my day. I share my pages daily on my instagram.




These are two of my pages.  You can follow me on Instagram to see them in my stories as and when I finish! I don't post everything on my blog.

Commit yourself to a small challenge which makes YOU feel good. Commit for 5 days if you think a month is daunting.
Tell me in my comment box, how will you challenge yourself?
If you share, I am listening.
love
Preeti
____________________________________

ps: grab my book: preeti.io/awake
Its been getting rave reviews.
Photo by Omer Salom on Unsplash
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Celebrate your children's qualities--not just their exam scores!

These days the board exams results are out. Parents are proudly putting up their children's academic scores all over social media.  I understand how proud they are and how it is their 'right', and their 'reward' and how they 'mean no harm' and 'they are sharing because they are proud of it' etc.


But it's something I would never do. I do believe there are far far more important things in life than academic scores.

Many many years back, when my son was in school, I remember he had scored 98/100. The other mothers called me up asking me what marks my son had got.  I refused to tell.
I still hold the same view.


Our education system is such that the 'rank holders' are glorified. Those who don't do well academically are somehow 'lesser beings'. Those who get into  an IIT or a Medical college are 'exalted'. Others---oh well. This is the general mindset that prevails.

A note about this, appears through Ankita's words in my latest book 'Wake Up Life Is Calling'

I am sharing  a part of that  note.

 There are no grades given for how sensitive a person is.
There are no grades given for how kind a person is, or how
helpful or how funny. There are no grades for the degree of
friendship you carefully cultivate over years. No grades for
loving. No grades for laughing.
And yet, friendship, laughter, love, kindness, hope, joy,
generosity – these are the most important things in life. And there is not a single grade to measure that.

There are no grades given for LIFE.

  Your thoughts please?
__________________________________

Get the book: Preeti.io/awake



Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
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5 easy ways to escape negativity

We live in a world where we're connected to everyone 24x7. It is easy to fall prey to drama and someone else's negativity, and their views. There is no point arguing with them--because they aren't going to change their perspective. The best thing to do is to step away.

Our reality is what we CHOOSE to FOCUS on.

Here are 5 easy things I do, which helps me escape the negativity and the drama which all of us are bombarded with, on a daily basis.




1. I focus on LOVE and reach out to the genuine ones

   Yesterday at the Bangalore book event a reader, Buvana read out a BEAUTIFUL  poem which she wrote, where she used all my book titles. I am sharing it here.


You can find her on Intstagram with the handle @Buvisgotyal

If you have such tokens of love in your life (maybe a happy picture, or a gift a loved one gave you) then keep it somewhere where you SEE it. Focus on the LOVE.

2. Change the energy by lighting incense/using a fragrance

  I am a huge believer in the 'energy' of a place. I can sense energies (positive and negative). I am highly sensitive to it. One thing that helps me instantly is lighting 'sambrani'.


 This is my antique sambrani holder. If you are allergic to the smoke or fragrance, use something that works for YOU.  Smell is such an important thing in changing energies.
 
3. Tidy and clear your space


 For me, one thing that helps me is tidying and clearing my space. I like clean uncluttered simple spaces. I try to keep mine that way. I am a huge fan of Konmari and have read her book: The life changing magic of tidying up.  It is an amazing read. It's about a philosophy--not just about tidying spaces.





4. Read read read


 This year I am reading a hundred books. I am sharing all that I read on my Instagram . You can find it in my highlights called 'Books'. Reading a good book helps me take my mind off all the negativity.

5. Yoga/meditation

 I practise Ashtanga yoga and it helps me a LOT. I do the headstand daily. Now I am aware that not everyone would be able to suddenly take up yoga. But what you CAN do is put on your headphones, lie down in a room for ten minutes, and just listen to ten  guided meditation videos. Just follow the instructions---and you feel refreshed at the end of ten minutes. I am sharing one of my favourite ones.





These are things that work always for me!

Do you do any of these? What do YOU do to combat negativity? Do you intend following any of the above?
Please share in my comment box. I would love to know your thoughts.
__________________________________


 ps: Get my book: preeti.io/awake


pic credits:  

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash ,
Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash
 Photo by Outsite Co on Unsplash

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http://preetishenoy.com/