Preeti Shenoy's Blog, page 56
February 4, 2015
Wordless Wednesday no.44 (blog marathon post 4)
My entry for Wordless Wednesday
I love the birthdays of people I love because it is a celebration of the people they are, the love that they bring into my life and I like to make it special for them.
And I love my birthdays too :) I don't mind getting older at all ..I am just grateful to have them :)
________________________________________________________________
Nielsen bestseller .No. 7. Read it yet?
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 3, 2015
Smart is sexy -- Blog marathon post 3
So while browsing the net I stumbled across this writing prompt which said
Smart is sexy:Name a specific physical or personality trait that draws you to other people. Why do you think you find that trait so compelling?
If I think about all the people that I really like and admire, I could probably list the traits in the following order
1.Intelligence: For me to be able to get along with someone, they have to be really intelligent. By intelligence, I don't mean mathematically clever with an ability to solve complex calculus. I would define intelligence as the ability to quickly grasp something new, displaying interest in learning, a natural curiosity about things and a quest to constantly grow.
2.Sense of humour : Oh, this is so darn important for me. I want people who I can laugh with, no matter what the situation. I dislike whiners and people who always complain about how hard life is and how they are going through a tough time. If you can make me laugh, you have my full attention.
3.Street-smart/Go-getter :I like people who are resourceful and who get things done. I like them to have initiative to solve a problem and people who can think of ways to work around a problem. I do not like the academic-kind-with-their-nose-buried-in-their-books who know nothing of the outside world.
4.Impulsive: I dislike routine. I love surprises. I like people who are impulsive and fun and who do not take long to decide on something. 'Let's do it..That sounds fun' are phrases I like to hear--and they usually come with a little impulsiveness. of course if someone was impulsive all the time, it would be annoying.
5 Being .Steady : I would dislike people who are blow-hot, blow-cold and blow-hot again. I am a very loyal friend and once you make it to my inner circle, I go all out to be there for you, 24x7. I expect the same from my closest friends. A friend who is there only when it suits them is a turn-off, no matter how much fun they are. Loyalty scores over the fun-factor in this case.
6.A writer : I don't mean a published writer. By writer, I mean someone who can write well. Why? Because I am a writer. Enough said!
7. Fitness: I would be attracted to someone who is physically fit. And yes if that person is nice-looking too, great. But looks alone will not sustain the friendship for me. There has to be something between the ears too :)
The biggest deal breakers for me are people who are whiners, people who are insensitive, people who are nosy and those who try and use me or strangers who want me to read their work and tell me my opinion :P . (oh I meet loads of them)
So there you have it---the traits I look for in people.
What about you?
_____________________________________________________
Nielsen bestseller .No. 7. Read it yet?
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
Smart is sexy:Name a specific physical or personality trait that draws you to other people. Why do you think you find that trait so compelling?
If I think about all the people that I really like and admire, I could probably list the traits in the following order
1.Intelligence: For me to be able to get along with someone, they have to be really intelligent. By intelligence, I don't mean mathematically clever with an ability to solve complex calculus. I would define intelligence as the ability to quickly grasp something new, displaying interest in learning, a natural curiosity about things and a quest to constantly grow.
2.Sense of humour : Oh, this is so darn important for me. I want people who I can laugh with, no matter what the situation. I dislike whiners and people who always complain about how hard life is and how they are going through a tough time. If you can make me laugh, you have my full attention.
3.Street-smart/Go-getter :I like people who are resourceful and who get things done. I like them to have initiative to solve a problem and people who can think of ways to work around a problem. I do not like the academic-kind-with-their-nose-buried-in-their-books who know nothing of the outside world.
4.Impulsive: I dislike routine. I love surprises. I like people who are impulsive and fun and who do not take long to decide on something. 'Let's do it..That sounds fun' are phrases I like to hear--and they usually come with a little impulsiveness. of course if someone was impulsive all the time, it would be annoying.
5 Being .Steady : I would dislike people who are blow-hot, blow-cold and blow-hot again. I am a very loyal friend and once you make it to my inner circle, I go all out to be there for you, 24x7. I expect the same from my closest friends. A friend who is there only when it suits them is a turn-off, no matter how much fun they are. Loyalty scores over the fun-factor in this case.
6.A writer : I don't mean a published writer. By writer, I mean someone who can write well. Why? Because I am a writer. Enough said!
7. Fitness: I would be attracted to someone who is physically fit. And yes if that person is nice-looking too, great. But looks alone will not sustain the friendship for me. There has to be something between the ears too :)
The biggest deal breakers for me are people who are whiners, people who are insensitive, people who are nosy and those who try and use me or strangers who want me to read their work and tell me my opinion :P . (oh I meet loads of them)
So there you have it---the traits I look for in people.
What about you?
_____________________________________________________
Nielsen bestseller .No. 7. Read it yet?
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 2, 2015
A day in the life of a writer. (to be precise, My day today!) Blog marathon post 2.
A day in the life of a writer. (Well, to be precise, my day today!)
5.30 am: The alarm rang. I nudged Satish. "Please baby, your turn to make coffee today." He obliged.
5.40 am: he hands me my coffee and I open one eye and sit up in bed and take the coffee from him. It is always black, pure frshly ground pea-berry from the finest coffee beans. I don't think i can last even a day without it.
6.00 am: We wake my son who has to leave for school. My daughter is just back from a school trip, and is unwell. We let her lie in.
6.25--7.25 am: We are at our Yoga shala doing Ashtanga Yoga.
7.25--7.45 am: I discover that i am in the front page of the Bangalore times--Times of India. Feel happy about that. (although I have been misquoted a teeny weeny bit. If you read my post yesterday, you will know what i actually said)
7.45--8.45 am: We make breakfast as well as lunch.Breakfast is masala dosas. Lunch is rice, dal and two sabjis.
9.00 am Satish leaves for work and I get down to my work.
11.00 am: I have finished my first draft of my column for Financial chronicle. I write a column that appears every Saturday.
11.00--3.00: I speak to my publisher about a book idea and we discuss it. I also upload pictures of my session at the Times litfest on FB. I exchange several emails with a good friend of mine. (we communicate only through e-mails! We never speak on the phone)
3.30 pm: I get a call from Delhi. A magazine (a really large and well known one) wants an opinion piece of mine. only catch--they need it by 1.00 pm tomorrow. It takes me only a few seconds to decide. 'Yes, i will do it.'
3.30-- 4.00 pm: A work related phone call with the regional marketing head to decide and discuss marketing strategies.
4.00--5.00 pm: I research and read up for the piece that has to go out tomorrow.
5.00--5.45 pm: I take my dog for her walk. She will not let me work unless I do. She will close my laptop with her nose and tug my T-shirt and whine loudly till I oblige. (yes, she is a spoilt ,pampered, much loved dog and she can get away with anything!) Here is one of my favourite pictures of her.
6.00--6.45 pm: We spend time in our organic terrace garden. We remove all the dead leaves, check for pests, do the pruning and we also pick today's harvest--a giant bottle gourd. (will post pics another time).
6.45--7.45 pm: I finish the magazine piece, make the final draft and mail it.
7.45--9.45 pm: I spend time with my family, talking to them, discussing stuff, generally having fun.I love this part of my day. Also dinner time. We mostly cook all meals together--Satish and I.
9.45 pm--till publishing this post: Back to work. I have many more things to finish!
I will probably be working upto 1.30 am tonight.
So you see--what a HUGE commitment this is--this blog marathon? I have a book tour coming up this month. I will be visiting Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kota and Jaipur. And I will still have to write a post here every day.
After all, word is word. And you will be waiting, won't you? How can I let you down?
Goodnight and God Bless. And yes, it helps when you are kind enough to leave me comments, telling me you like reading what I write :)
_______________________________________________
Ps: Read my latest book yet? It has been topping the charts since release:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
5.30 am: The alarm rang. I nudged Satish. "Please baby, your turn to make coffee today." He obliged.
5.40 am: he hands me my coffee and I open one eye and sit up in bed and take the coffee from him. It is always black, pure frshly ground pea-berry from the finest coffee beans. I don't think i can last even a day without it.
6.00 am: We wake my son who has to leave for school. My daughter is just back from a school trip, and is unwell. We let her lie in.
6.25--7.25 am: We are at our Yoga shala doing Ashtanga Yoga.
7.25--7.45 am: I discover that i am in the front page of the Bangalore times--Times of India. Feel happy about that. (although I have been misquoted a teeny weeny bit. If you read my post yesterday, you will know what i actually said)
7.45--8.45 am: We make breakfast as well as lunch.Breakfast is masala dosas. Lunch is rice, dal and two sabjis.
9.00 am Satish leaves for work and I get down to my work.
11.00 am: I have finished my first draft of my column for Financial chronicle. I write a column that appears every Saturday.
11.00--3.00: I speak to my publisher about a book idea and we discuss it. I also upload pictures of my session at the Times litfest on FB. I exchange several emails with a good friend of mine. (we communicate only through e-mails! We never speak on the phone)
3.30 pm: I get a call from Delhi. A magazine (a really large and well known one) wants an opinion piece of mine. only catch--they need it by 1.00 pm tomorrow. It takes me only a few seconds to decide. 'Yes, i will do it.'
3.30-- 4.00 pm: A work related phone call with the regional marketing head to decide and discuss marketing strategies.
4.00--5.00 pm: I research and read up for the piece that has to go out tomorrow.
5.00--5.45 pm: I take my dog for her walk. She will not let me work unless I do. She will close my laptop with her nose and tug my T-shirt and whine loudly till I oblige. (yes, she is a spoilt ,pampered, much loved dog and she can get away with anything!) Here is one of my favourite pictures of her.
6.00--6.45 pm: We spend time in our organic terrace garden. We remove all the dead leaves, check for pests, do the pruning and we also pick today's harvest--a giant bottle gourd. (will post pics another time).
6.45--7.45 pm: I finish the magazine piece, make the final draft and mail it.
7.45--9.45 pm: I spend time with my family, talking to them, discussing stuff, generally having fun.I love this part of my day. Also dinner time. We mostly cook all meals together--Satish and I.
9.45 pm--till publishing this post: Back to work. I have many more things to finish!
I will probably be working upto 1.30 am tonight.
So you see--what a HUGE commitment this is--this blog marathon? I have a book tour coming up this month. I will be visiting Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kota and Jaipur. And I will still have to write a post here every day.
After all, word is word. And you will be waiting, won't you? How can I let you down?
Goodnight and God Bless. And yes, it helps when you are kind enough to leave me comments, telling me you like reading what I write :)
_______________________________________________
Ps: Read my latest book yet? It has been topping the charts since release:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
February 1, 2015
Sex on Toast. Times litfest 2015. (blog marathon post 1)
So it is February!
I had asked you all on my FB author page whether I should do a blog marathon for this month or not--and I got an overwhelming response. So here we go. We're on. You will see a new post every single day on this blog, whole of this month.
Did I hear an applause? Well, thank you!
In the last post, I had mentioned the Times Lit fest and our session there. It took place yesterday and it was a brilliant session, with a crowd of more than 500 people!
Times of India covered it today.
They had also featured me yesterday, where I had spoken about what lit fests mean to me.
And last Sunday, I was also the 'author in focus'
Shinie Antony and I were in discussion with each other, and our topic was 'Sex on toast. Are Indians comfortable talking about sex?'
Shinie and I went to the same college and she is a writer I admire a lot. I absolutely love her kind of writing which is wicked, dark, cruel and extremely funny, yet poignant and sensitive.We are good friends, and she used to write the column 'sex and the city' which I now write. Shinie had also launched my book 'It happens for a reason', and apart from being a great friend, she has also given me really wonderful feedback and inputs about my writing. She loved my book and I was delighted when she wrote me a long mail after she read it, telling me how much she enjoyed it.
We reached the venue , Jayamahal palace and the atmosphere was festive with a lot of book stalls with all kinds of books and a huge hoarding of the schedule of sessions which promised to be interesting and fun.
We were straight away whisked to the authors lounge, which is where all the authors hang out, before their sessions. Then we were led to the stage and introduced. There were two giant screens on either side as the hall was huge. This picture gives you an idea of the setting and how large it was.
We were told that our session was hilarious and also very insightful. Lot of messages have been pouring in on twitter and FB, congratulating us for such a wonderful session and telling us that it was a roaring success.
I have also been asked to share a little bit of what we discussed.
It would be impossible for me to capture all that we shared, as it was a session which was an hour long. So here are the 'highlights' of some things we spoke about.
Shinie: Preeti, your characters ‘make love’ or ‘have sex’?
Preeti: I think if it's a man, he has sex. if it is a woman, she makes love :) Inside every grown guy is a struggling adolescent, waiting to hit first base, second, third and then home.(The audience erupted into laughter when I said that. I think they could relate) What about your characters – do they make love or make out?
Shinie: No making out, no making love. They are sexually dysfunctional and just lie there like frogs on a dissection table, thinking, mmm but the brochure looked so good.(More laughter from the audience)
Preeti: I get asked this question a lot--and so I wondered how is it for other authors: When you write a book, are you worried or concerned about what your immediate family, friends circle etc will think? Especially when you write candidly the 'hot scenes'? Are you afraid of being judged?
Shinie: Best to keep professional and personal lives separate. Like those men in ancient times who carved nude women all day and then go home and bash their wives. Writing about sex is very technical – just like writing about cancer or graveyards. You have to get it right. Don't worry about your sister-in-law’s mother-in-law’s brother in law reading it.
Shinie: What about you? Are you conscious of your readers while writing hot scenes?
Preeti: If I was conscious I would never be able to write. I really switch off from everything while writing it.
Shinie: Which book of yours did you first write about sex?
Preeti: It was in 'Tea for two and a piece of cake'. I was very conscious that it should sound erotic and shouldn't read like porn. Shinie, which book did you first write about sex?
Shinie: Barefoot and Pregnant, my first book. Every woman in it has the hots for a rat. Not the bad boy on a bike, but the morally ill man.
Preeti: In a relationship do you think sex changes the equation differently for men and women?
Shinie: The language of sex is sexist. A man takes a woman. A woman gives herself to a man. But there are things men and women do equally well - stalking pining texting dumping.
What do you say, Preeti?I so agree.If a man does sleeps with many women, he is a studboy , a hero. If a woman does the same, she is a slut, a whore and so many other things. There are a lot more derogatory words for a woman than for a guy.
Shinie: Your books have strong female characters and equally strong male characters. In your latest book the heroine is an unwed mother, an animal minder and a fitness expert. When you write about intimacy do you write from the man’s point of view or the woman’s?
Preeti: It depends entirely on the book. The book 'The One You Cannot Have'--60 percent of it is written from a male perspective, in the voice of Aman. So naturally the sex scenes were from a man's POV too. I was hounding my male friends constantly, asking them whether it I had got it right and I was asking satish too. At one point I was so much thinking like a man, that I was telling my women friends that I might make a pass at them :) What about you?
Shinie: I try both. Because men AND women can act like retards when it comes to sex.
Preeti: How much detail is too much detail while writing about sex?
Shinie: When bodily fluids have to be accommodated. I hate to know where THAT went. I once evaluated an out and out infidelity manuscript. But the logistics stumped me. It said the woman opened the hotel room door while drinking tea and they do it on the doormat. What happened to the cup in her hand? Did they shut the door? They seemed to enjoy it, I just couldn’t. I kept thinking a waiter is going to walk past and need medication all his life. Then the couple moves a little into the room and do it standing. I'm like you need a wall for support. The book got published though I told them none of this is physically doable. Every day I think someone has read the book and damaged his lower back today.
Shinie: Do Indians talk about sex at the dining table? I think they do – when they are not having sex on the dining table. You need to use the dining table for something! So do you think we are a repressed, suppressed society, still struggling with our sexuality?
Preeti: I think we are. We do not give sex the respect it deserves. Popular songs and many movies reflect this.
Preeti to Shinie: What do you think about the 'bad sex in fiction' award? The given rationale for the award is "to draw attention to the crude, tasteless, often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel, and to discourage it." How would you feel if you ever won such an award?
Shinie: I’d throw a party. So I am not writing the sexiest, at least I am the funniest. I may not turn you on, but I made you laugh.
Shinie: Do you play any particular music when you have to write a love scene? Light a candle? Do you have to get into the mood?
Preeti: No scented candles, no music. All I have to do while writing (and not just sex scene) is usher my husband , children out of the house and my dog out of the room. I would probably be in my old pajamas and would be at my key-board furiously typing away.
The above were some of the things we talked about. In case Times of India uploads a video, I shall share it here.
Shinie and I had a total blast and so did the audience!
Here is a picture of both of us, after the event.
I shall be back tomorrow, with a new post.
Till then, do leave me lots of comments on this one! I would love to hear from you.
Ciao and Goodnight.
______________________________________________________
Ps: My latest book 'It happens for a reason' is no.7 on Nielsen bestseller list! Click on the title to buy it at a great price.
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
I had asked you all on my FB author page whether I should do a blog marathon for this month or not--and I got an overwhelming response. So here we go. We're on. You will see a new post every single day on this blog, whole of this month.
Did I hear an applause? Well, thank you!
In the last post, I had mentioned the Times Lit fest and our session there. It took place yesterday and it was a brilliant session, with a crowd of more than 500 people!
Times of India covered it today.
They had also featured me yesterday, where I had spoken about what lit fests mean to me.
And last Sunday, I was also the 'author in focus'
Shinie Antony and I were in discussion with each other, and our topic was 'Sex on toast. Are Indians comfortable talking about sex?'
Shinie and I went to the same college and she is a writer I admire a lot. I absolutely love her kind of writing which is wicked, dark, cruel and extremely funny, yet poignant and sensitive.We are good friends, and she used to write the column 'sex and the city' which I now write. Shinie had also launched my book 'It happens for a reason', and apart from being a great friend, she has also given me really wonderful feedback and inputs about my writing. She loved my book and I was delighted when she wrote me a long mail after she read it, telling me how much she enjoyed it.
We reached the venue , Jayamahal palace and the atmosphere was festive with a lot of book stalls with all kinds of books and a huge hoarding of the schedule of sessions which promised to be interesting and fun.
We were straight away whisked to the authors lounge, which is where all the authors hang out, before their sessions. Then we were led to the stage and introduced. There were two giant screens on either side as the hall was huge. This picture gives you an idea of the setting and how large it was.
We were told that our session was hilarious and also very insightful. Lot of messages have been pouring in on twitter and FB, congratulating us for such a wonderful session and telling us that it was a roaring success.
I have also been asked to share a little bit of what we discussed.
It would be impossible for me to capture all that we shared, as it was a session which was an hour long. So here are the 'highlights' of some things we spoke about.
Shinie: Preeti, your characters ‘make love’ or ‘have sex’?
Preeti: I think if it's a man, he has sex. if it is a woman, she makes love :) Inside every grown guy is a struggling adolescent, waiting to hit first base, second, third and then home.(The audience erupted into laughter when I said that. I think they could relate) What about your characters – do they make love or make out?
Shinie: No making out, no making love. They are sexually dysfunctional and just lie there like frogs on a dissection table, thinking, mmm but the brochure looked so good.(More laughter from the audience)
Preeti: I get asked this question a lot--and so I wondered how is it for other authors: When you write a book, are you worried or concerned about what your immediate family, friends circle etc will think? Especially when you write candidly the 'hot scenes'? Are you afraid of being judged?
Shinie: Best to keep professional and personal lives separate. Like those men in ancient times who carved nude women all day and then go home and bash their wives. Writing about sex is very technical – just like writing about cancer or graveyards. You have to get it right. Don't worry about your sister-in-law’s mother-in-law’s brother in law reading it.
Shinie: What about you? Are you conscious of your readers while writing hot scenes?
Preeti: If I was conscious I would never be able to write. I really switch off from everything while writing it.
Shinie: Which book of yours did you first write about sex?
Preeti: It was in 'Tea for two and a piece of cake'. I was very conscious that it should sound erotic and shouldn't read like porn. Shinie, which book did you first write about sex?
Shinie: Barefoot and Pregnant, my first book. Every woman in it has the hots for a rat. Not the bad boy on a bike, but the morally ill man.
Preeti: In a relationship do you think sex changes the equation differently for men and women?
Shinie: The language of sex is sexist. A man takes a woman. A woman gives herself to a man. But there are things men and women do equally well - stalking pining texting dumping.
What do you say, Preeti?I so agree.If a man does sleeps with many women, he is a studboy , a hero. If a woman does the same, she is a slut, a whore and so many other things. There are a lot more derogatory words for a woman than for a guy.
Shinie: Your books have strong female characters and equally strong male characters. In your latest book the heroine is an unwed mother, an animal minder and a fitness expert. When you write about intimacy do you write from the man’s point of view or the woman’s?
Preeti: It depends entirely on the book. The book 'The One You Cannot Have'--60 percent of it is written from a male perspective, in the voice of Aman. So naturally the sex scenes were from a man's POV too. I was hounding my male friends constantly, asking them whether it I had got it right and I was asking satish too. At one point I was so much thinking like a man, that I was telling my women friends that I might make a pass at them :) What about you?
Shinie: I try both. Because men AND women can act like retards when it comes to sex.
Preeti: How much detail is too much detail while writing about sex?
Shinie: When bodily fluids have to be accommodated. I hate to know where THAT went. I once evaluated an out and out infidelity manuscript. But the logistics stumped me. It said the woman opened the hotel room door while drinking tea and they do it on the doormat. What happened to the cup in her hand? Did they shut the door? They seemed to enjoy it, I just couldn’t. I kept thinking a waiter is going to walk past and need medication all his life. Then the couple moves a little into the room and do it standing. I'm like you need a wall for support. The book got published though I told them none of this is physically doable. Every day I think someone has read the book and damaged his lower back today.
Shinie: Do Indians talk about sex at the dining table? I think they do – when they are not having sex on the dining table. You need to use the dining table for something! So do you think we are a repressed, suppressed society, still struggling with our sexuality?
Preeti: I think we are. We do not give sex the respect it deserves. Popular songs and many movies reflect this.
Preeti to Shinie: What do you think about the 'bad sex in fiction' award? The given rationale for the award is "to draw attention to the crude, tasteless, often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel, and to discourage it." How would you feel if you ever won such an award?
Shinie: I’d throw a party. So I am not writing the sexiest, at least I am the funniest. I may not turn you on, but I made you laugh.
Shinie: Do you play any particular music when you have to write a love scene? Light a candle? Do you have to get into the mood?
Preeti: No scented candles, no music. All I have to do while writing (and not just sex scene) is usher my husband , children out of the house and my dog out of the room. I would probably be in my old pajamas and would be at my key-board furiously typing away.
The above were some of the things we talked about. In case Times of India uploads a video, I shall share it here.
Shinie and I had a total blast and so did the audience!
Here is a picture of both of us, after the event.
I shall be back tomorrow, with a new post.
Till then, do leave me lots of comments on this one! I would love to hear from you.
Ciao and Goodnight.
______________________________________________________
Ps: My latest book 'It happens for a reason' is no.7 on Nielsen bestseller list! Click on the title to buy it at a great price.
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
January 29, 2015
5 ways to make you feel good about yourself, when you communicate
A few days ago, my daughter gently admonished me for being very matter-of-fact when I reply to people on social media, or when I text people. She said I was like Sheldon Cooper.
This is how I responded to that on my author page on Facebook
The last I checked, the post had got more than 1296 'likes'.
Of course I was joking in the above post.
But it did set me thinking though. I think it is very important to keep in mind a few things when we communicate with others, especially when one is writing/texting/ messaging on viber/whatsapp or whatever IM you use.
Whether you use a lot of smileys and emoticons or whether you are Sheldon-Cooperish I think the following 5 things will go a long way, in making you feel good about yourself, when you communicate.
1.Mean what you say : When a friend texts and asks you for a favour and you are too busy, don't feel bad to refuse. It is okay! It is better to give a realistic picture and say no rather than give a false commitment which makes you feel resentful later.
2.Don't try to please everyone always: I had read somewhere that if you try to please everyone, you will end up pleasing noone. This, I can vouch is true. Keep an inner circle. Even in the inner circle, there will be times when you cannot please everyone there.
3.Minimise/avoid short forms or sms lingo: You may argue that there is nothing wrong with short form or sms lingo. And that language is evolving and changing. And that what was considered normal English in Shakespeare's time is redundant now. But to me, sms lingo is pure laziness, especially when we have touch screen phones that suggest what the word should be. Also there are sms plans where you send unlimited messages for something as low as 99/- per month. So where is the excuse? If you are lazy in your simple act of communication, I think the lackadaisical attitude is bound to permeate to other facets too. Little things do make a difference.
4. You do not have to respond to everything : There will be rants. There will be people who only rant. There will be people who just need you to dump their negativity. You can choose to step aside and let them revel in the drama they create. You do not have to respond to everything and be there for everyone always. It is okay to choose to not participate, if it is affecting you negatively. Sometimes you say it best when you say nothing at all :)
5.They don't have time? You don't either! Value yourself : Oh there are some who never ever have time for you. Life for them is always 'too busy' and 'too many things'. If you find yourself always communicating more than you should, if you are beginning to feel the strain of a one way effort, step back. Even if you are tempted don't get back into it. Allow them to show you that they are interested in the relationship/friendship too. It cannot always be a one-way effort.
The above are things I follow, which make me feel good about the way I communicate. If you feel they are useful to you too, adapt them.
And may you never run out of things to say and may you always have the warmth of a true friendship!
*********************************************
ps: I will be at the Times of India lit fest in bangalore on Jan 31st, 3.30 pm at Jayamahal palace.
It will be a wonderful session. Come!
Here is what it is about:
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
This is how I responded to that on my author page on Facebook
The last I checked, the post had got more than 1296 'likes'.Of course I was joking in the above post.
But it did set me thinking though. I think it is very important to keep in mind a few things when we communicate with others, especially when one is writing/texting/ messaging on viber/whatsapp or whatever IM you use.
Whether you use a lot of smileys and emoticons or whether you are Sheldon-Cooperish I think the following 5 things will go a long way, in making you feel good about yourself, when you communicate.
1.Mean what you say : When a friend texts and asks you for a favour and you are too busy, don't feel bad to refuse. It is okay! It is better to give a realistic picture and say no rather than give a false commitment which makes you feel resentful later.
2.Don't try to please everyone always: I had read somewhere that if you try to please everyone, you will end up pleasing noone. This, I can vouch is true. Keep an inner circle. Even in the inner circle, there will be times when you cannot please everyone there.
3.Minimise/avoid short forms or sms lingo: You may argue that there is nothing wrong with short form or sms lingo. And that language is evolving and changing. And that what was considered normal English in Shakespeare's time is redundant now. But to me, sms lingo is pure laziness, especially when we have touch screen phones that suggest what the word should be. Also there are sms plans where you send unlimited messages for something as low as 99/- per month. So where is the excuse? If you are lazy in your simple act of communication, I think the lackadaisical attitude is bound to permeate to other facets too. Little things do make a difference.
4. You do not have to respond to everything : There will be rants. There will be people who only rant. There will be people who just need you to dump their negativity. You can choose to step aside and let them revel in the drama they create. You do not have to respond to everything and be there for everyone always. It is okay to choose to not participate, if it is affecting you negatively. Sometimes you say it best when you say nothing at all :)
5.They don't have time? You don't either! Value yourself : Oh there are some who never ever have time for you. Life for them is always 'too busy' and 'too many things'. If you find yourself always communicating more than you should, if you are beginning to feel the strain of a one way effort, step back. Even if you are tempted don't get back into it. Allow them to show you that they are interested in the relationship/friendship too. It cannot always be a one-way effort.
The above are things I follow, which make me feel good about the way I communicate. If you feel they are useful to you too, adapt them.
And may you never run out of things to say and may you always have the warmth of a true friendship!
*********************************************
ps: I will be at the Times of India lit fest in bangalore on Jan 31st, 3.30 pm at Jayamahal palace.
It will be a wonderful session. Come!
Here is what it is about:
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
January 22, 2015
An open letter to all teens.
I am distraught, despondent and disturbed as I write this. The local newspaper (Bangalore Mirror) for the last three days has been carrying the story of Monali's suicide in detail. My children (both in their teens) and I were horrified when we first heard about this incident on Monday. In case you haven't read it, click here to know the full story.
The newspaper yesterday said that the school did not even declare a holiday and it was business as usual, and the school denied having anything to do with it. Her death went unmourned at school . Click here to read that story.
And today her father has broken his silence and spoken out. There is also the full text of both letters that the school had issued Monali. Click here to read it all. I am shocked at the language used by the school. It is made out as if Monali committed a grave crime.
My heart weeps for Monali's parents. What a ghastly ending. A young life, full of promise snuffed out. For what? ! For her 'crime' of hugging a boy? Let's go a step ahead. So what if both of them were 'in a relationship' or so what if they were far more licentious than the newspaper reports. What business is it of the school? Agreed , the school has rules for 'proper behaviour'. But who decides what is 'proper' and what is not?! Why wasn't the boy who was involved suspended? I can only imagine the mental trauma the poor guy must be going through.
I have written in detail about all of this in my column which will appear in the Financial Chronicle this Saturday (24th Jan 2015) Do read it.
Adolescents today face huge pressures. We as a society, especially the schools and parents need to understand that having crushes and being attracted to the opposite sex is a natural part of growing up! There is nothing wrong in it! We have to be in our child's corner. We need to support our children and stand up for them.
As a mother and as an author whose books have dealt with adolescent love (oh-- how well I understand it!) this is what I want to say to every single child in India, between the ages of 12 and 19.
Dear Teen,
You parents love you. They want the best for you. They might push you to work hard. They might yell at you to study more. They might tick you off for not cleaning your room and breaking curfews. They may not let you go out with friends because they are worried about your safety. You might get annoyed, agitated and may get furious with them. But remember, nobody in this world loves you as much as they do.
Speak to your parents as equals. Try to make them understand that you are no longer a child and that you are perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. Bring your friends home and introduce them to your parents. Tell your parents where you are going and with whom you will be. Tell them what time to expect you back---and stick to that time. Give your parents reasons to trust you. Show them that you are responsible and capable.
Also, remember you are growing up. It is only natural to be attracted to a single person of the opposite sex. Their presence is going to make you happy. If he/she pays attention to you, you will feel on top of the world. A day without them will seem like torture. You might exchange a 1000 messages in a span of a few hours and still not be bored. You will find that he/she is the only one person in the world who understand you perfectly.
You may not believe me right now when I say that this won't last. You might feel that this is the real thing and it is forever. Trust me, five years from now, you will know that I was right.
Live in the moment. Enjoy it while it lasts. But also be responsible. Do not rush into sleeping with someone or kissing someone because you are afraid that they will like you a little less if you do not. Please wait till you are 18. And after that, make an informed choice.
You are precious. Your time is valued and precious. Do not squander it on the ones who do not deserve it.
Discipline yourself and put away you smart-phone from 6.00 pm till the next morning. Do NOT check FB, get on snap-chat or google plus. They are big black holes which drain your time, effort and energy and leave you feeling mentally exhausted at the end of it, even though you may not realise it. Take a walk instead. Go get some fresh air. And exercise.
Sit still for a few minutes, doing nothing. Think. Let your imagination wander. Read books. Read newspapers. Read magazines. Read a lot. It makes your mind grow. And it increases your intelligence.
Discover stillness. Love yourself enough, to be alone for a few minutes each day. Enjoy your own company. As you become comfortable doing that increase the time frame. No contact with outside world.No Internet, No TV, No phones. Slowly, you will begin to savour the stillness. And you will discover facets of yourself that you never knew existed.
If there is something is bothering you, write it down. If you are afraid of your parents or siblings or friends finding it, make a secret journal online that is visible only to you. Pour out all that you feel out there. Do not ask for advice on FB. Trust me most do not care and what they say does not matter.
In this newly created stillness, you will discover the voice of your heart.
And in the end that is all what will matter.
Always remember that there are people who love you a lot--they may not always express it the way you want them to. And whatever happens, it is truly not the end of the world. It happens for a reason. (though you may not know it right away. I whole heartedly believe that).
Look after yourself.
You are valued. You are special. You are cherished.
Take care.
With all my love
Preeti
My latest book 'It happens for a reason' is about a 19 year old girl who gets pregnant, breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to keep the baby:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword - See more at: http://blog.preetishenoy.com/#sthash....
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
The newspaper yesterday said that the school did not even declare a holiday and it was business as usual, and the school denied having anything to do with it. Her death went unmourned at school . Click here to read that story.
And today her father has broken his silence and spoken out. There is also the full text of both letters that the school had issued Monali. Click here to read it all. I am shocked at the language used by the school. It is made out as if Monali committed a grave crime.
My heart weeps for Monali's parents. What a ghastly ending. A young life, full of promise snuffed out. For what? ! For her 'crime' of hugging a boy? Let's go a step ahead. So what if both of them were 'in a relationship' or so what if they were far more licentious than the newspaper reports. What business is it of the school? Agreed , the school has rules for 'proper behaviour'. But who decides what is 'proper' and what is not?! Why wasn't the boy who was involved suspended? I can only imagine the mental trauma the poor guy must be going through.
I have written in detail about all of this in my column which will appear in the Financial Chronicle this Saturday (24th Jan 2015) Do read it.
Adolescents today face huge pressures. We as a society, especially the schools and parents need to understand that having crushes and being attracted to the opposite sex is a natural part of growing up! There is nothing wrong in it! We have to be in our child's corner. We need to support our children and stand up for them.
As a mother and as an author whose books have dealt with adolescent love (oh-- how well I understand it!) this is what I want to say to every single child in India, between the ages of 12 and 19.
Dear Teen,
You parents love you. They want the best for you. They might push you to work hard. They might yell at you to study more. They might tick you off for not cleaning your room and breaking curfews. They may not let you go out with friends because they are worried about your safety. You might get annoyed, agitated and may get furious with them. But remember, nobody in this world loves you as much as they do.
Speak to your parents as equals. Try to make them understand that you are no longer a child and that you are perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. Bring your friends home and introduce them to your parents. Tell your parents where you are going and with whom you will be. Tell them what time to expect you back---and stick to that time. Give your parents reasons to trust you. Show them that you are responsible and capable.
Also, remember you are growing up. It is only natural to be attracted to a single person of the opposite sex. Their presence is going to make you happy. If he/she pays attention to you, you will feel on top of the world. A day without them will seem like torture. You might exchange a 1000 messages in a span of a few hours and still not be bored. You will find that he/she is the only one person in the world who understand you perfectly.
You may not believe me right now when I say that this won't last. You might feel that this is the real thing and it is forever. Trust me, five years from now, you will know that I was right.
Live in the moment. Enjoy it while it lasts. But also be responsible. Do not rush into sleeping with someone or kissing someone because you are afraid that they will like you a little less if you do not. Please wait till you are 18. And after that, make an informed choice.
You are precious. Your time is valued and precious. Do not squander it on the ones who do not deserve it.
Discipline yourself and put away you smart-phone from 6.00 pm till the next morning. Do NOT check FB, get on snap-chat or google plus. They are big black holes which drain your time, effort and energy and leave you feeling mentally exhausted at the end of it, even though you may not realise it. Take a walk instead. Go get some fresh air. And exercise.
Sit still for a few minutes, doing nothing. Think. Let your imagination wander. Read books. Read newspapers. Read magazines. Read a lot. It makes your mind grow. And it increases your intelligence.
Discover stillness. Love yourself enough, to be alone for a few minutes each day. Enjoy your own company. As you become comfortable doing that increase the time frame. No contact with outside world.No Internet, No TV, No phones. Slowly, you will begin to savour the stillness. And you will discover facets of yourself that you never knew existed.
If there is something is bothering you, write it down. If you are afraid of your parents or siblings or friends finding it, make a secret journal online that is visible only to you. Pour out all that you feel out there. Do not ask for advice on FB. Trust me most do not care and what they say does not matter.
In this newly created stillness, you will discover the voice of your heart.
And in the end that is all what will matter.
Always remember that there are people who love you a lot--they may not always express it the way you want them to. And whatever happens, it is truly not the end of the world. It happens for a reason. (though you may not know it right away. I whole heartedly believe that).
Look after yourself.
You are valued. You are special. You are cherished.
Take care.
With all my love
Preeti
My latest book 'It happens for a reason' is about a 19 year old girl who gets pregnant, breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to keep the baby:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword - See more at: http://blog.preetishenoy.com/#sthash....
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
January 15, 2015
On starting an organic terrace garden.
In the past, I have posted many pictures of my organic terrace garden.
Satish and I have managed to succesfully grow Tomatoes, Brinjals , Mint, Amaranthus, Beans, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Green chillies, Celery, Parsley , Rocket leaves, Lemon grass, Basil, Fenugreek (methi) to name just a few!
It's almost like a farm that we have on the terrace of our 14th floor penthouse. When we started off this organic terrace garden, we had no experience whatsover. I was inspired by this video.
(do watch it. It is about 18 minutes long and worth a watch. very inspiring)
We initially tried to grow carrots but we failed miserably. We had no clue how exactly to go about it. All we knew was that we were doing something wrong.Then we started researching online and I found there was a wealth of information available there. I also stumbled across this wonderful group on Facebook, which I am now a part of, and they have so many tips for beginners.
Armed with those, we began. We started this in April 2014 and now, we have a really nice garden. Here are a few snapshots from it.
And here is a set of a few more pictures.
Many of my friends who have seen my organic terrace garden wanted to know how to start one and what I did. They asked me to blog about it.
There are many resources available online if you want to start one.
Here are a few links:
How to start an organic terrace garden:
http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/a-beginners-guide-to-organic-terrace-gardening-what-do-you-need-to-get-started/
Dr.B.N Vishwanath is a pioneer in organic terrace gardening. He conducts many workshops. You can also get a handbook here:
http://www.cityfarmer.info/2008/03/05/a-handbook-of-organic-terrace-gardening-bangalore-india/
Another good resource for beginners is Garden guru's blog:
http://geekgardener.in/2009/12/15/so-you-want-to-start-a-kitchen-garden-part-ii-seed-starting/
Those of you who want to start one, please begin by first watching the video which I linked and then reading up each of these links. There is a wealth of information given in the FB group which you will have access to, once you join.
Personally, the soil mix that i have used for my garden is
1/3rd red mud, 1/3rd coco-peat , 1/3rd horse and goat dung.
Coco-peat allows the roots to run freely and it prevents the red mud from caking up and becmoing hard. I used compressed coco-peat of 5 kgs. (You have to soak it in 25 litres of water and then the 5 kgs expands to 25 kilos. You can also use 1 kg of it and soak in 5 litres of water. Instructions are on the pack). You could go to any gardening store in your respective cities and pick up all the stuff mentioned above.
I have bought almost all that I need from the store at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, bangalore.
The thing about gardening is that it needs a lot of hardwork and patience. You will not get instant results. You will have to spend at least 15-20 minutes with your plants every day. You will have to remove weeds, watch out for pests, diseases etc. You will have to add compost to the soil every week, remove dead leaves etc.
But oh the joy of watching a seed sprout, slowly grow, then blossom into a plant that starts giving fruits! It is unmatched! And trust me, once you get the first crop, you will be hooked. It is addictive, this business of growing your own food. It will be the freshest, tastiest stuff you hve ever eaten. No amount of money can give you that satisfaction of having something that yiu have grown yourself.
Give it a start! You don't need a huge space. Just a small balcony which gets adequate sunlight is more than enough to grow beans, tomatoes and greens.
Happy gardening!
_____________________________________________
ps: My new book has been rocking the bestseller charts.
get it at a great price:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
Satish and I have managed to succesfully grow Tomatoes, Brinjals , Mint, Amaranthus, Beans, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Green chillies, Celery, Parsley , Rocket leaves, Lemon grass, Basil, Fenugreek (methi) to name just a few!
It's almost like a farm that we have on the terrace of our 14th floor penthouse. When we started off this organic terrace garden, we had no experience whatsover. I was inspired by this video.
(do watch it. It is about 18 minutes long and worth a watch. very inspiring)
We initially tried to grow carrots but we failed miserably. We had no clue how exactly to go about it. All we knew was that we were doing something wrong.Then we started researching online and I found there was a wealth of information available there. I also stumbled across this wonderful group on Facebook, which I am now a part of, and they have so many tips for beginners.
Armed with those, we began. We started this in April 2014 and now, we have a really nice garden. Here are a few snapshots from it.
And here is a set of a few more pictures.
Many of my friends who have seen my organic terrace garden wanted to know how to start one and what I did. They asked me to blog about it.
There are many resources available online if you want to start one.
Here are a few links:
How to start an organic terrace garden:
http://www.thealternative.in/lifestyle/a-beginners-guide-to-organic-terrace-gardening-what-do-you-need-to-get-started/
Dr.B.N Vishwanath is a pioneer in organic terrace gardening. He conducts many workshops. You can also get a handbook here:
http://www.cityfarmer.info/2008/03/05/a-handbook-of-organic-terrace-gardening-bangalore-india/
Another good resource for beginners is Garden guru's blog:
http://geekgardener.in/2009/12/15/so-you-want-to-start-a-kitchen-garden-part-ii-seed-starting/
Those of you who want to start one, please begin by first watching the video which I linked and then reading up each of these links. There is a wealth of information given in the FB group which you will have access to, once you join.
Personally, the soil mix that i have used for my garden is
1/3rd red mud, 1/3rd coco-peat , 1/3rd horse and goat dung.
Coco-peat allows the roots to run freely and it prevents the red mud from caking up and becmoing hard. I used compressed coco-peat of 5 kgs. (You have to soak it in 25 litres of water and then the 5 kgs expands to 25 kilos. You can also use 1 kg of it and soak in 5 litres of water. Instructions are on the pack). You could go to any gardening store in your respective cities and pick up all the stuff mentioned above.
I have bought almost all that I need from the store at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, bangalore.
The thing about gardening is that it needs a lot of hardwork and patience. You will not get instant results. You will have to spend at least 15-20 minutes with your plants every day. You will have to remove weeds, watch out for pests, diseases etc. You will have to add compost to the soil every week, remove dead leaves etc.
But oh the joy of watching a seed sprout, slowly grow, then blossom into a plant that starts giving fruits! It is unmatched! And trust me, once you get the first crop, you will be hooked. It is addictive, this business of growing your own food. It will be the freshest, tastiest stuff you hve ever eaten. No amount of money can give you that satisfaction of having something that yiu have grown yourself.
Give it a start! You don't need a huge space. Just a small balcony which gets adequate sunlight is more than enough to grow beans, tomatoes and greens.
Happy gardening!
_____________________________________________
ps: My new book has been rocking the bestseller charts.
get it at a great price:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
In the past, I have posted many pictures of my organic te...
In the past, I have posted many pictures of my organic terrace garden.
Satish and I have managed to succesfully grow Tomatoes, Brinjals , Mint, Amaranthus, Beans, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Green chillies, Celery, Parsley , Rocket leaves, Lemon grass, Basil, Fenugreek (methi) to name just a few!
It's almost like a farm that we have on the terrace of our 14th floor penthouse. When we started off this organic terrace garden, we had no experience whatsover. I was inspired by this video.
(do watch it. It is about 18 minutes long and worth a watch. very inspiring)
We initially tried to grow carrots but we failed miserably. We had no clue how exactly to go about it. All we knew was that we were doing something wrong.Then we started researching online and I found there was a wealth of information available there. I also stumbled across this wonderful group on Facebook, which I am now a part of, and they have so many tips for beginners.
Armed with those, we began. We started this in April 2014 and now, we have a really nice garden. Here are a few snapshots from it.
And here is a set of a few more pictures.
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
Satish and I have managed to succesfully grow Tomatoes, Brinjals , Mint, Amaranthus, Beans, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Green chillies, Celery, Parsley , Rocket leaves, Lemon grass, Basil, Fenugreek (methi) to name just a few!
It's almost like a farm that we have on the terrace of our 14th floor penthouse. When we started off this organic terrace garden, we had no experience whatsover. I was inspired by this video.
(do watch it. It is about 18 minutes long and worth a watch. very inspiring)
We initially tried to grow carrots but we failed miserably. We had no clue how exactly to go about it. All we knew was that we were doing something wrong.Then we started researching online and I found there was a wealth of information available there. I also stumbled across this wonderful group on Facebook, which I am now a part of, and they have so many tips for beginners.
Armed with those, we began. We started this in April 2014 and now, we have a really nice garden. Here are a few snapshots from it.
And here is a set of a few more pictures.
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
January 9, 2015
On being a popular author.
Two of my titles are in the Nielsen top ten today.( Hindustan times--10th Jan 2015)
#LifeIsWhatYouMakeIt has been ranked #1 Evergreen Title of 2014 by HT-Nielsen. @crossword_book @landmarkstores pic.twitter.com/sQcJXZPabr
— Srishti Publishers (@Srishtipub) January 3, 2015
One is the evergreen 'Life is what you make it' which incidentally was No.1 highest selling book of 2014 (see tweet above from my publishers) and the other is ' It happens for a reason' which is my new book that has been getting some fabulous reviews.
You can download the first few pages (with a personal note from me and a signed photo too!) of the book by clicking here. A lot of people ask me how it feels to be this successful. Honestly it feels great! (How else will it feel?!) But I do feel that many miss seeing the hardwork beneath the glamour of success.
Some attribute it to luck and good fortune. Some even have the gall to imply that best-selling authors buy their own books to enter the Nielsen charts!! I find that absurd. Why in the world would anyone want to buy their own books just to enter the charts?!! The fact is authors get a percentage of sales as their royalty. Successful and well established authors also get an advance royalty which is adjusted against sales. So if you buy your own books, you lose more than you earn--as simple as that!
I make a living out of writing --and it makes no sense at all if I am spending more than I am earning. So the short answer to that is--- It is total nonsense to suggest that! Also, the Nielsen list has a lot of transparency. You can see for yourself what the sales figures are---and nobody can claim to be a ' best-selling author' anymore as it is all validated by Nielsen, which I feel happy about.
The other thing that I want to say is that while I love interacting with all my readers, I must also emphasize that I have my own personal life! And while it may seem as though I share every single thing on my blog, and I lead a very 'public' life, the truth is far from that! I share only the stuff I want to share and the stuff that i do not mind sharing! What I share on the blog is just ten percent of my life.
Many feel that they know me well because they read my blog regularly. Also many expect me to reply to all their tweets, all their pings and all their messages. Many 'seek my blessings' for something that they are doing or undertaking. Many want me to wish their friends for their birthdays as their friend is a huge fan of my writing and it would mean a lot to their friend. While I do oblige to the extent that I can, please understand that I am a person with my own life too.
I am fortunate to have a wonderful family and a great set of close friends with whom I love to spend time. I have my newspaper columns to write. I have my books to work on and several interests that I pursue.
So it may not be possible to reply to every single message that you send me--and no, it doesn't mean I am angry with you or upset with you. Frankly I do not have time to be upset with a single reader!! So kindly do not take it amiss if I do not reply. It is nothing personal. I get at least 30-40 mails a day and I do reply, as and when I can.
If you like what I write, do continue to buy my books---that would be the greatest endorsement for me.
Like this letter that a mother shared (am sharing it here with her permission). It contains spoilers, so do not read it if you intend to read the book 'It happens for a reason'!
Mails like the above make my day. Mails requesting for blessings, and mails asking if you have annoyed me---sorry you haven't and also my good wishes are always with you! Mails asking for endorsement/opinion of your writing--sorry I don't do that either.
My time is limited (as is yours!!) and I think we should all spend it doing stuff that makes us happy!
So have a great weekend and I shall blog again soon.
_______________________________________________________
Buy my new book at great prices:
Amazon: http://is.gd/Ithappensamazon
Flipkart: http://is.gd/Flipkartithappens
Crossword: http://is.gd/Ithappenscrossword
http://preetishenoy.com/
[image error]
January 5, 2015
5 resolutions to make you a happier person in 2015
This, being my first post for this year, let me begin by wishing you a Wonderful new year! New beginnings are always exciting and there is certainly something about the date 1st January. Some believe in making new year resolutions and some don't. The ones who do not make them say that technically you can start your resolution on any day of any month---you can make a fresh start on 19th October or 20th June or any random date that you think of.
But somehow, it just isn't the same. At least for me.
I do believe in making new year resolutions. I think they are important as they reflect the commitment that we are making towards our personal growth. We want to change things. We want to do better that we did in the past. And that is always a good thing--whether made on 1st of May or 20th June or 1st January (my personal favourite).
This year I have resolved a few things-- which I am happy to say, I have followed till date. I am usually strong willed like that. Once I resolve something, my mind stays made up. I do not break resolutions easily. (Nor do I break promises. A promise is a promise.I am old fashioned that way).
Here are 5 things that I have resolved and those I think will go a long way in improving my quality of life:
1.Yoga every day: Since October last year, Satish and I have started Ashtanga Yoga. Yoga is a wonder drug, a magic pill , an elixir. I swear by yoga. Though I have always practised some form of yoga or the other, I find myself increasingly drawn to Ashtanga yoga for the discipline it takes. It is not easy at all, and definitely not for anyone inclined to laziness. It requires a lot of commitment. In case you plan to join a class, ensure that you join only one run by an authorised guru. Here is a video which shows the primary A and B series.(we do this every day) Isn’t it amazing?
As regards power yoga and other forms of yoga, this is what Pattabhi Jois had said (and yes, I subscribe to his thoughts) :
2.Walk at least 25 minutes every single day
: Walking is one of the best things that you can do for your body. It keeps so many health related ailments at bay. It increases heart and lung fitness and it reduces the risk of cardio-vascular diseases. Muscular pain, joint pain, High cholesterol, BP----all of it gets banished with walking. I have been walking for about 25 minutes every single day since the start of this year and I intend keeping it up.3.Cut out negative people/negative situations : This is something I have learnt to do as I have grown older. When I was in my twenties it was hard for me to do it. Especially if the negative person happened to be related. But today I know that time is an extremely limited commodity. It is not worth squandering time on those that get you down. If you are unable to wholly cut off from them, keeping contact to a minimum helps. And no, you are not being selfish by doing so.
4.Gift yourself something every week/every ten days : One of the biggest things that a writer should have is motivation. My work involves sitting alone, cut off completely from the outside world and writing every single day. I have written 6 books since 2008. Which means many many hours of discipline, sitting at the key board and channeling the creative energy, refusing to go to parties and refusing to do anything that can distract from my writing. I set my self goals. And of course I reward myself, when I achieve those goals. It is important to reward yourself and love yourself. It makes you feel great and makes you want to work that much harder. Do not depend of external validation. You can gift yourself things that make you happy! Validate what you have achieved and it pushes you to raise the bar.
5.More
So there--I have shared my resolutions with you. If you feel they will work for you, do feel free to adapt them/ steal them and make them yours as well. Let's grow together in 2015!
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http://preetishenoy.com/
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