Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 53
March 21, 2015
How 100 days of love helps me write
There are two things I look forward to on Saturday mornings. One is the Hindustan Times newspaper and the second is Financial Chronicle.
Hindustan Times, because every Saturday it publishes the HT-Nielsen list. Everyone knows that Nielsen is absolutely the authentic thing when it comes to sales and market comparisons. (Nielsen is a global information company that provides data and insights into what people watch, listen and buy). The Nielsen book scan data is like the Bible in the publishing industry.
So imagine my pleasant surprise when I found this morning that my latest book It happens for a Reason had finally beaten Life is what you make it, which is always a constant on the Nielsen top ten.
(Here is the clip from today's paper. Click on it to enlarge. My book is at no.5)
Financial Chronicle because my column Sex and the city gets published every Saturday . It always gives me joy to see my words in print. And no matter how many times it has happened before, the thrill is just the same.
I watched a lovely Malayalam movie the other day which is currently running in the multiplexes . It was called 100 days of love and it starred Dulquer. I really liked the movie and enjoyed it immensely. Loved the way the movie has been treated (very Hollywoodish. Nothing like a usual Indian movie), though I thought it could have been about 45 minutes shorter in order for it to be 'perfect'. (Just cut out the silly songs and few other unnecessary fillers)
SPOILERS AHEAD--so do not read if you want to watch it.
In the movie, the protagonist Balan, played by Dulquer, is a features writer working in Times. And not once in the entire length of 154 minutes, is he shown writing an article, meeting a deadline, turning in his piece, researching for it or even reading up :) All he seems to be doing is getting drunk and either trolling his ex or making declarations to his current or quitting his job or getting fired or driving around Bangalore city! I can assure you with utmost sincerity that a writer's life isn't at all like what is portrayed in the movie. Not even if you are Dulquer Salmaan :)
One of the key things I find as a writer is my need for solitude. I need to be alone in order to be able to think. The best ideas come to you, only when you travel inside your head. How will you do it if you are constantly surrounded by external stimuli like a phone buzzing or a TV blaring or people constantly talking to you because those things direct your attention outside? I need to look inside.
I need to ruminate, ponder, wonder. I need to ask myself questions, I need to seek answers, I need to research and I need to read. And I read a lot.
And for me, movies are what I use to 'switch off' my brain. Ideas are constantly buzzing. Sometimes they fight for my attention. It's a chaos inside my head. All the time. Non-stop. Mostly it is manageable and under-control.
And sometimes Dulquer helps. :)
_______________________________________________________
Get my latest book!
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
Hindustan Times, because every Saturday it publishes the HT-Nielsen list. Everyone knows that Nielsen is absolutely the authentic thing when it comes to sales and market comparisons. (Nielsen is a global information company that provides data and insights into what people watch, listen and buy). The Nielsen book scan data is like the Bible in the publishing industry.
So imagine my pleasant surprise when I found this morning that my latest book It happens for a Reason had finally beaten Life is what you make it, which is always a constant on the Nielsen top ten.
(Here is the clip from today's paper. Click on it to enlarge. My book is at no.5)Financial Chronicle because my column Sex and the city gets published every Saturday . It always gives me joy to see my words in print. And no matter how many times it has happened before, the thrill is just the same.
I watched a lovely Malayalam movie the other day which is currently running in the multiplexes . It was called 100 days of love and it starred Dulquer. I really liked the movie and enjoyed it immensely. Loved the way the movie has been treated (very Hollywoodish. Nothing like a usual Indian movie), though I thought it could have been about 45 minutes shorter in order for it to be 'perfect'. (Just cut out the silly songs and few other unnecessary fillers)
SPOILERS AHEAD--so do not read if you want to watch it.
In the movie, the protagonist Balan, played by Dulquer, is a features writer working in Times. And not once in the entire length of 154 minutes, is he shown writing an article, meeting a deadline, turning in his piece, researching for it or even reading up :) All he seems to be doing is getting drunk and either trolling his ex or making declarations to his current or quitting his job or getting fired or driving around Bangalore city! I can assure you with utmost sincerity that a writer's life isn't at all like what is portrayed in the movie. Not even if you are Dulquer Salmaan :)
One of the key things I find as a writer is my need for solitude. I need to be alone in order to be able to think. The best ideas come to you, only when you travel inside your head. How will you do it if you are constantly surrounded by external stimuli like a phone buzzing or a TV blaring or people constantly talking to you because those things direct your attention outside? I need to look inside.
I need to ruminate, ponder, wonder. I need to ask myself questions, I need to seek answers, I need to research and I need to read. And I read a lot.
And for me, movies are what I use to 'switch off' my brain. Ideas are constantly buzzing. Sometimes they fight for my attention. It's a chaos inside my head. All the time. Non-stop. Mostly it is manageable and under-control.
And sometimes Dulquer helps. :)
_______________________________________________________
Get my latest book!
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
March 17, 2015
A few pictures from two speaking assignments.
I had two speaking assignments last week. One was at KPMG Bangalore where I spoke on Innovation and Diversity---and the other was the MMA women managers convention for which I was the Guest of Honour, along with Shruti Haasan.
Here are a few pictures from both the events.
I was mentioning my work at the start of the talk and that is a portrait I made of Jim Morrison.
Was talking about how important it is to embrace your rejections and was telling why it is so.
My fellow speakers--Malathi Holla and Will Muir. Malathi is a paraplegic Olympian. Will Muir works with Equal community foundation that sensitizes Indian men on gender discrimination and works with them to end violence against women.
Delivering the keynote address at MMA
With Shruti Haasan
Got mobbed for autographs after the event.
All in all---two great events. Both attended by various corporates from the industry.
I had a really great time and so did they!
Now you know the reason for my long silence on the blog.
Shall be back again soon!
Until then, keep smiling.
_____________________________________________________________
Buy my books: : http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
Here are a few pictures from both the events.
I was mentioning my work at the start of the talk and that is a portrait I made of Jim Morrison.
Was talking about how important it is to embrace your rejections and was telling why it is so.
My fellow speakers--Malathi Holla and Will Muir. Malathi is a paraplegic Olympian. Will Muir works with Equal community foundation that sensitizes Indian men on gender discrimination and works with them to end violence against women.
Delivering the keynote address at MMA
With Shruti Haasan
Got mobbed for autographs after the event.All in all---two great events. Both attended by various corporates from the industry.
I had a really great time and so did they!
Now you know the reason for my long silence on the blog.
Shall be back again soon!
Until then, keep smiling.
_____________________________________________________________
Buy my books: : http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
March 2, 2015
Finding that perfect moment.
Just a little while ago, I was walking my dog. There were two teenage girls walking in front of me and I couldn't help overhearing their conversation.
'What if you are in love and you share with them that perfect moment, but it was not the perfect moment for them? How awful would that be?' said one
'Exactly! It would be so embarrassing!' the other exclaimed, mortified at the very thought.
I guess, with age you realise that it does not matter if it wasn't the perfect moment for him. If he loves you, he is going to cherish the time he spends with you. If you say that this was the perfect moment for you, it would probably be for him too. If he is in love with you, chances are he was too busy looking into your eyes to even think about the perfect moment.
And here is the thing-- Later, when he is alone, he too wonders about what you thought. He too wonders if you misinterpreted something he said.
So it really is not about the perfect moment, but a whole lot of imperfect moments that make up cherished memories.
Enjoy the time you spend together. You might not get these exact moments back again/.
__________________________________________________________
Buy my latest book 'The One You cannot Have' at just Rs.102/
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
photo credit: Sarah & Warren - Kissing in the shadows via photopin (license)http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 28, 2015
Blog marathon completed! Last post :)
So, finally have come to the end of this month long marathon!
It has been exceptionally hard this time, as I had my book tours and a hectic schedule. Despite that I managed to blog every single day, this whole of February. Hurray!
I blogged from Lucknow, Chandigarh, Delhi and Jaipur. I blogged from airports and hotel rooms. I blogged after book signings and book events. I blogged after being exhausted after a whole day session at the World Book Fair. I blogged after taking two flights and after media conferences. I blogged when I was dog-dead tired and the words were blurring before my eyes. I blogged when I had lots to say and also when I couldn't think of saying anything.
Most importantly, I blogged even when I didn't want to. I think it is important to push your boundaries. That's the only way you grow.
Throughout this blog marathon, there was one person who commented on every single post of mine. Let's give an applause to Alka Singla. Thank you Alka! Even when there was no-one else commenting on a post, I knew there would always be your comment and I was looking forward to comments every single day. (It's a bit disheartening when nobody writes anything back--it feels like talking to a wall!) Also a large dose of thank you to every single person who left a comment on my posts. They helped!
I shall blog again soon.
Till then--take care and have a great Sunday!
_____________________________________________________
Buy them: http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
It has been exceptionally hard this time, as I had my book tours and a hectic schedule. Despite that I managed to blog every single day, this whole of February. Hurray!
I blogged from Lucknow, Chandigarh, Delhi and Jaipur. I blogged from airports and hotel rooms. I blogged after book signings and book events. I blogged after being exhausted after a whole day session at the World Book Fair. I blogged after taking two flights and after media conferences. I blogged when I was dog-dead tired and the words were blurring before my eyes. I blogged when I had lots to say and also when I couldn't think of saying anything.
Most importantly, I blogged even when I didn't want to. I think it is important to push your boundaries. That's the only way you grow.
Throughout this blog marathon, there was one person who commented on every single post of mine. Let's give an applause to Alka Singla. Thank you Alka! Even when there was no-one else commenting on a post, I knew there would always be your comment and I was looking forward to comments every single day. (It's a bit disheartening when nobody writes anything back--it feels like talking to a wall!) Also a large dose of thank you to every single person who left a comment on my posts. They helped!
I shall blog again soon.
Till then--take care and have a great Sunday!
_____________________________________________________
Buy them: http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 27, 2015
Some more postcards from Lucknow (blog marathon post 27)
Thought I would do a photo post today, as I have some really lovely pictures that I cliked inside the Imamwada during my Lucknow trip.
The steps that lead to the Imamwada
The wonderful Bada Imamwada
Love the Awadhi architecture.
The beautiful minarets.
The garden inside the compoud of the chotta imamwada.
The mosque against the sunset.
Isn't Lucknow beautiful?
(For those who don't read my blog regularly---I got a chance to visit Lucknow when I was invited for the Lucknow litfest Click HERE for some snaps that tell you what it was all about)
Do visit Lucknow if you get a chance. There is so much history , beauty and old architecture in the city. And not to mention shopping for chikan work.
I would definitely be going back.
G'nite folks. Till tomorrow.
_______________________________________________
Buy my books:
Buy them: http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
The steps that lead to the Imamwada
The wonderful Bada Imamwada
Love the Awadhi architecture.
The beautiful minarets.
The garden inside the compoud of the chotta imamwada.
The mosque against the sunset.
Isn't Lucknow beautiful?
(For those who don't read my blog regularly---I got a chance to visit Lucknow when I was invited for the Lucknow litfest Click HERE for some snaps that tell you what it was all about)
Do visit Lucknow if you get a chance. There is so much history , beauty and old architecture in the city. And not to mention shopping for chikan work.
I would definitely be going back.
G'nite folks. Till tomorrow.
_______________________________________________
Buy my books:
Buy them: http://is.gd/preetibookshttp://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 26, 2015
Workout music (Blog marathon post 26)
Music can have an extra-ordinary effect on our brains. Studies have discovered that it is intrinsic to all cultures and it aids not only in learning languages, but also for improving memory and focussing attention. When we are taught a foreign language we are always taught simple songs or rhymes.
According to a study published in a UK journal, music also helps us to heal and helps to reduce physical pain. "Listening to music can reduce chronic pain from a range of painful conditions, including osteoarthritis, disc problems and rheumatoid arthritis, by up to 21% and depression by up to 25%," says the study. Music also helps reduce blood pressure, aids post stroke recovery and boosts immunity.
I need my music when I work out. I usually do my cardio for about 45 minutes on the treadmill and have my i-pod with me. Music with a high BPM (beats per minute) help me keep up a great pace, as I walk/run. Studies say that the best songs to work out to are those that have 120-140 BPM. You can start with a song that has a lower BPM (maybe about 80-90) and then as you warm up and increase your speed, you could go to tracks that have a higher BPM. You can check the BPM of any song on this site.
Today, this was the track i began my workout with:
My other favourites are numbers by
Avicii, maroon 5, Calvin harris, Delhi belly's bhag bhag, Carly rae jaspen, Swedish House Mafia and some evergreen numbers like Bon Jovi's ' It's my Life' and of course my all time favourite Iris by Goo-Goo dolls..
What are your favourite work-out songs?
Leave me a list in my comment box. I want some new tracks and would love to know what you listen to.
___________________________________________________________
Buy my book! It's on Crossword bestseller as well as Nielsen bestseller lists
Read it yet?
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
According to a study published in a UK journal, music also helps us to heal and helps to reduce physical pain. "Listening to music can reduce chronic pain from a range of painful conditions, including osteoarthritis, disc problems and rheumatoid arthritis, by up to 21% and depression by up to 25%," says the study. Music also helps reduce blood pressure, aids post stroke recovery and boosts immunity.
I need my music when I work out. I usually do my cardio for about 45 minutes on the treadmill and have my i-pod with me. Music with a high BPM (beats per minute) help me keep up a great pace, as I walk/run. Studies say that the best songs to work out to are those that have 120-140 BPM. You can start with a song that has a lower BPM (maybe about 80-90) and then as you warm up and increase your speed, you could go to tracks that have a higher BPM. You can check the BPM of any song on this site.
Today, this was the track i began my workout with:
My other favourites are numbers by
Avicii, maroon 5, Calvin harris, Delhi belly's bhag bhag, Carly rae jaspen, Swedish House Mafia and some evergreen numbers like Bon Jovi's ' It's my Life' and of course my all time favourite Iris by Goo-Goo dolls..
What are your favourite work-out songs?
Leave me a list in my comment box. I want some new tracks and would love to know what you listen to.
___________________________________________________________
Buy my book! It's on Crossword bestseller as well as Nielsen bestseller lists
Read it yet?
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 25, 2015
Wordless Wednesday no. 45. Sunset
My post for Wordless Wednesday is this Sunset I clicked from my home.
Nature's splendour. A photographer's delight.
____________________________________________________________
Buy 'It Happens for a reason' at just Rs.102/-
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 24, 2015
Parallel tracks --a poem (blog marathon post 24)
Snatched talks
Tug of the hearts
Refraining, holding back
Waiting for a reply
Which always arrives.
A perfect match
Yet parallel tracks
Waving out as paths cross
Discussing transience of emotions
Of life itself.
Our destinations different
But together we journey
Making memories.
I am grateful
I replay, I partake
For what is life, if not for moments you treasure?
_________________________________________
© 2015 Preeti Shenoy
For more poems click here. Some poems have already appeared in print. Kindly do not reproduce without permission.photo credit: Love yourself.... via photopin (license)http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 23, 2015
These are a few of my favourite things (blog marathon post 23)
One of the best ways to cheer yourself up, when you have had a particularly nasty/busy/draining day is to think of your favourites. Your favourite person, your favourite spot in the house, your favourite drink---all of which instantly bring you joy. Studies have shown that when we look at photographs of those we love, our brains tell our body to release the endorphins and the 'feel-good' factor kicks in.
So when I found this meme on Sunday Stealing on Favourite things, I decided to do it as a blog post.
It asks you to list the following favourites..and I give next to it, my answers as well.
Place: Norwich (part of the book 'The One You Cannot Have' is set here)Person: Of course Vee :)Color: Sometimes yellow, sometimes black and sometimes greenFood: Curd riceSmell: Chanel 5 or Eternity
Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Music artist: Gotye, Goo-Goo Dolls, REM
Thing to do when bored: I never get bored!I have so much to do always.Genre of literature: I don't believe in genres
Magazine: Lonely Planet
Texture: Fresh, crisp cotton
Time of day: NightsDay of the week : FridaysThing to learn about: Love to learn about anything new
Thing about yourself : My determination
Lifehack (a time saving, efficiency technique for life): Discipline!
If you want to do this meme too, feel free to use my comment box. (copy paste the questions from the meme link given in large size)
I would love to know what your favourite things are! :)
_________________________________________
My latest book 'It Happens for a reason' is in the top ten best-selling fiction.
Clip from Financial Express 21st Feb 2015
Buy the book at just Rs.102/-! Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
So when I found this meme on Sunday Stealing on Favourite things, I decided to do it as a blog post.
It asks you to list the following favourites..and I give next to it, my answers as well.
Place: Norwich (part of the book 'The One You Cannot Have' is set here)Person: Of course Vee :)Color: Sometimes yellow, sometimes black and sometimes greenFood: Curd riceSmell: Chanel 5 or Eternity
Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Music artist: Gotye, Goo-Goo Dolls, REM
Thing to do when bored: I never get bored!I have so much to do always.Genre of literature: I don't believe in genres
Magazine: Lonely Planet
Texture: Fresh, crisp cotton
Time of day: NightsDay of the week : FridaysThing to learn about: Love to learn about anything new
Thing about yourself : My determination
Lifehack (a time saving, efficiency technique for life): Discipline!
If you want to do this meme too, feel free to use my comment box. (copy paste the questions from the meme link given in large size)
I would love to know what your favourite things are! :)
_________________________________________
My latest book 'It Happens for a reason' is in the top ten best-selling fiction.
Clip from Financial Express 21st Feb 2015
.jpg)
Buy the book at just Rs.102/-! Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 22, 2015
Tweets from my timeline on #IndVsSA (blog marathon post 22)
What else can I blog about today, other than the fire-cracker of a victory that India had against SA in the World Cup Cricket. I was watching after a long time and enjoyed thoroughly as is evident from my twitter timelime. I am embedding some popular tweets from my Timeline (and Satish's) for today's post. Enjoy :)
For those of you who do not understand Twitter, click here for a basic guide.
For those of you who do not understand Twitter, click here for a basic guide.
Told @preetishenoy and Lostris not to move since India is playing well eversince she sat there. Some grumbles :) pic.twitter.com/bULXcWqzObAnd incidentally, Satish had predicted the win this morning. This is what he tweeted after the match.
— Satish Shenoy (@Satish_Shenoy) February 22, 2015
I predicted a 150 run defeat for SA. Very very close to that figure :D #IndvsSA
— Satish Shenoy (@Satish_Shenoy) February 22, 2015
131..86000..307...If you don't know what the significance of these numbers are you are not a cricket buff :)#IndvsSAAnd this one:
— Preeti Shenoy (@preetishenoy) February 22, 2015
Steyn Steyn go away! ! Do not come back another day. World cup belongs to India I say :) #IndvsSA
