Devika Fernando's Blog, page 89
June 29, 2014
Review: 'Meghna' by Sundari Venkatraman
Let me start this review by quoting the 'warning' that the author includes in her online promotions of her latest release:
This book has been written only for the purpose of Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! If you are looking to learn something or improve your lives after reading this work, then this book is not for you. I am not trying to get into competition with the Author Biggies of this world. I wrote this simply for the fun and joy of it. One thing I can promise the reader though: Well proof-read, perfect language that I feel is very important for every book that's written in any tongue.
It fits the story to a t – but at the same time, I can’t help disagreeing, because “Meghna” by Sundari Venkatraman is much more than the author so humbly proclaims. It IS filled to the brim with entertainment, reminding me so much of the Hindi dramas and Bollywood movies I like to watch. It does, however, also contain hidden lessons for life.
The story is easily summarized. Meghna and Rahul, the main characters, have known each other since childhood. She is his best friend’s sister and they basically grew up together. After school, Rahul moves to England, where he lives with his sensible tycoon father and devilish mother. When he returns after years of absence, Meghna has transformed from the awkward teenager with a temper to a stunning young woman who knows what she wants (and still has the temper of a witch). Sparks fly, and an epic love story sweeps the readers off their feet. Add in an explosive mix of supportive friends, a jealous colleague, a scheming mother with her detestable cohort, and an unforeseen tragedy, and the ball is rolling.
First and foremost, this book is indeed entertaining. I loved reading about how both protagonists have changed and how totally smitten with each other they are, despite fighting inner battles. Meghna is a great heroine with a fiery temperament but also a sweet, innocent side to her that just wants to be loved. Rahul is hot as can be, confident and yet afraid of commitment. Their behaviour is credible at all times, and it was such fun reading about them switching from hot to cold and hot again within minutes. All the bickering and teasing had me chuckle and root alternately for one of them. What really touched me were the family scenes full of happiness. A delightful bonus is how the author weaves Indian culture and festivities into the plot. As I love details, I also appreciated the descriptions of their outfits that never took any of the pace away from the story, but rather added an exotic flair. And oh my, there’s a lot of steam and sensuality and tension that got me all wound up.
Entertainment aside, this story does teach you a few things if you are willing to read between the lines: about trust, about letting others into your life, about accepting yourself the way you are, about fighting for what you believe in.
Fans of Indian fiction will love this, but so will all those who want to get their first taste of Bollywood-like glitter and typically South Asian drama. This is a short, fun-filled read, as tempting and satisfying as spicy Indian food with delicious chocolate dessert thrown in.
Meghna by Sundari Venkatraman BUYING LINKS:
USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUPUURS
INDIA: http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00KUPUURS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KUPUURS
CANADA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KUPUURS
AUSTRALIA: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KUPUURS
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444225-meghna
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/author/sundarivenkatraman
This book has been written only for the purpose of Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! If you are looking to learn something or improve your lives after reading this work, then this book is not for you. I am not trying to get into competition with the Author Biggies of this world. I wrote this simply for the fun and joy of it. One thing I can promise the reader though: Well proof-read, perfect language that I feel is very important for every book that's written in any tongue.
It fits the story to a t – but at the same time, I can’t help disagreeing, because “Meghna” by Sundari Venkatraman is much more than the author so humbly proclaims. It IS filled to the brim with entertainment, reminding me so much of the Hindi dramas and Bollywood movies I like to watch. It does, however, also contain hidden lessons for life.
The story is easily summarized. Meghna and Rahul, the main characters, have known each other since childhood. She is his best friend’s sister and they basically grew up together. After school, Rahul moves to England, where he lives with his sensible tycoon father and devilish mother. When he returns after years of absence, Meghna has transformed from the awkward teenager with a temper to a stunning young woman who knows what she wants (and still has the temper of a witch). Sparks fly, and an epic love story sweeps the readers off their feet. Add in an explosive mix of supportive friends, a jealous colleague, a scheming mother with her detestable cohort, and an unforeseen tragedy, and the ball is rolling.
First and foremost, this book is indeed entertaining. I loved reading about how both protagonists have changed and how totally smitten with each other they are, despite fighting inner battles. Meghna is a great heroine with a fiery temperament but also a sweet, innocent side to her that just wants to be loved. Rahul is hot as can be, confident and yet afraid of commitment. Their behaviour is credible at all times, and it was such fun reading about them switching from hot to cold and hot again within minutes. All the bickering and teasing had me chuckle and root alternately for one of them. What really touched me were the family scenes full of happiness. A delightful bonus is how the author weaves Indian culture and festivities into the plot. As I love details, I also appreciated the descriptions of their outfits that never took any of the pace away from the story, but rather added an exotic flair. And oh my, there’s a lot of steam and sensuality and tension that got me all wound up.
Entertainment aside, this story does teach you a few things if you are willing to read between the lines: about trust, about letting others into your life, about accepting yourself the way you are, about fighting for what you believe in.
Fans of Indian fiction will love this, but so will all those who want to get their first taste of Bollywood-like glitter and typically South Asian drama. This is a short, fun-filled read, as tempting and satisfying as spicy Indian food with delicious chocolate dessert thrown in.
Meghna by Sundari Venkatraman BUYING LINKS:USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUPUURS
INDIA: http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00KUPUURS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KUPUURS
CANADA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KUPUURS
AUSTRALIA: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KUPUURS
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444225-meghna
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/author/sundarivenkatraman
June 27, 2014
Featured: Guest Post by Tea Cooper
Some months ago, I wrote a guest post about Sri Lanka for Australian author Téa Cooper's blog. You can read it here. I asked her to do me the favour and be my guest in return, and what a wonderful post she has come up with! Knowing that I love animals, she has penned this tongue-in-cheek article with facts (or are they fiction?) about Australian wildlife, with a slightly historical bend. Enjoy the quirky post and read on to find out more about my friend's latest release!
Guest Post
1. Bunyips
According to Aboriginal legend a bunyip is a creature, an evil spirit or devil that lurks in swamps, billabongs, riverbeds, creeks and waterholes. It’s also used as a slang synonym for an imposter or a pretender. Exactly what they look like is a matter of debate as you can see from these 19th and 20th century images!
2. The Rainbow Serpent
A creature of The Dreamtime (the Aboriginal stories that tell of the creation of the world). When a rainbow is seen it is said to be the serpent moving from one waterhole to another, controlling life’s most precious resource. There are some fantastic examples of ancient Aboriginal art depicting the Rainbow Serpent.
3. Drop Bears
A drop bear is another mythical Australian creature, but this time a lot more tongue in cheek. They are said to be unusually large, vicious, carnivorous marsupial creatures related to koalas. Rumour has it you can deter drop bear attacks by spreading vegemite* behind your ears.
By Frank Wouters [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons 4. The Lyrebird (I have these in my garden!): an amazing and beautiful ground dwelling bird that mimics sounds from its environment. (Mine thinks it is a telephone and catches me out when I am gardening!) There is a story about a lyrebird that used to halt 19th century logging operations by mimicking the fire siren.
5. The Tasmanian Tiger is not mythical. These dog-like creatures were once the largest carnivorous marsupials and had a pouch! Sadly, they became extinct in the 1930s because of intensive hunting and high bounties. Sightings in parts of Tasmania persist, but they are rarely proven.
This image of a bagged thylacine may have been taken in the late 1860s by well-known photographer Victor Prout, but no one really knows!
* Vegemite to the uninitiated is a dark brown, almost black paste made from left-over brewer’s yeast extract, with a few spices thrown in. It’s popular on bread or toast for breakfast and most Australians won’t leave the country without it!
By Tristanb [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)].
Needless to say I can’t resist sneaking facts like these into my Australian historical romances. In “Matilda’s Freedom” you’ll find the tale of Tiddalik, the Thirsty Frog, and in “Lily’s Leap” the story of the Great Goanna, who created the valleys and the mountains.
Available now! Lily's Leap by Téa Cooper About the Book (new release)
From Escape's Queen of Australian historical romance comes a story about a privileged member of Australian's squattocracy, a bushranger, and a very special horse.
Born into the rough, but privileged society of the Australian colonial landowners, Lilibeth Dungarven finds herself married, widowed, and, much to her distress, back under her father’s thumb, all before her twenty-first birthday. Determined not to forgo her dream of breeding the perfect racehorse, Lilibeth ignores propriety and sets out to restore the family’s flagging fortunes.
When Captain Tom and his mismatched band of bushrangers stumble across a mob of the best horses they’ve ever seen, and the daughter of the famed Dungarven horse stud, they know their fortunes have changed. Their catch is worth a king’s ransom. All they have to do is hold her for seven days. How hard can it be to control the pampered daughter of a colonial upstart?
ISBN: 9780857991713 Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Harlequin Escape
Amazon
Amazon.aus
iTunes
Kobo
Amazon and Goodreads Reviews:
“Forget work, forget all your responsibilities and slide into this delicious story ... a well-written book by a talented writer ... since I doubt I’ll be visiting Australia, it was a treat to feel like I was there, herding horses to market across the Australian Outback. The landscape assumes the position of a character in this exciting romance; playing a pivotal role in Lily’s adventure. A fabulous read by a very talented Aussie author … I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending Lily’s Leap.”
http://mywrittenromance.com/2014/06/06/lilys-leap-by-tea-cooper-review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/946141614?book_show_action=false&page=1
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/961167774?book_show_action=true&page=1
Excerpt:
Hunter Valley, Australia 1848
Lilibeth Dungarven’s cry of pure pleasure soared skywards as the massive black stallion rose to clear the fallen tree, sending the horrors of the last four years scuttling into the dirt of the ancient land.
Clenching her knees against Nero’s heaving flanks she bent low, ducking the overhanging branches framing the bush track, her cheek pressed to the warmth of his muscular neck. When the erratic pounding in her chest settled she drew Nero to a shuddering halt and pushed the damp curls back from her forehead.
A pair of black cockatoos, disturbed by her madcap gallop, shrieked their annoyance and resettled in the whispering casuarina trees. The crack of their beaks as they threw the mangled nuts to the ground filled the silence. Below her the ribbon of sandstone road weaved its way towards Payne’s Crossing and she shielded her eyes from the sun, searching for her mob of horses.
A glint of reflected sunlight drew her eye to a mounted figure in the middle of the road. Despite the hat pulled low shadowing his face, the stockwhip crack of his words registered deep in her belly.
‘Bail up! Guns down and off the horses.’
‘What do you think you...?’ Constricted by the tension in her throat her words petered out. No one would dare steal such a valuable mob of horses. They were branded. Everyone in the colony knew the Dungarven brand. To lose them was unthinkable. Years of breeding — the first pure Dungarven bloodlines. Months proving herself capable of managing the sale and the trip to Sydney. And now a hold up! It would not happen. Not if Lilibeth Dungarven had any say in the matter.
About the Author
Téa Cooper lives in a stone cottage on one hundred acres of bushland, just outside the nineteenth century village of Wollombi, NSW Australia. When she isn't writing, Téa can be found haunting the local museum or chatting to the locals, who offer a never-ending source of inspiration. Both Lily’s Leap and Matilda’s Freedom are set in and around Wollombi.
In October, Jazz Baby, a 1920s rags to riches story set in Sydney will be released and in February, Forgotten Fragrance, Book I of a family saga entitled From the Ocean to the Outback. At the moment she is working on a parallel time-line series called The Adventures of Miss Abigail Wynter. She has also written three contemporary romances.
Personal Links:
Website: www.teacooperauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaCooper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaCooper1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/teacooperauthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/teacooperauthor/
Grab your copy of "Matilda's Freedom" quickly, it's on sale until July 1st!
All images via Wikimedia Commons
Unless otherwise specified
Guest Post
1. Bunyips
According to Aboriginal legend a bunyip is a creature, an evil spirit or devil that lurks in swamps, billabongs, riverbeds, creeks and waterholes. It’s also used as a slang synonym for an imposter or a pretender. Exactly what they look like is a matter of debate as you can see from these 19th and 20th century images!
2. The Rainbow Serpent A creature of The Dreamtime (the Aboriginal stories that tell of the creation of the world). When a rainbow is seen it is said to be the serpent moving from one waterhole to another, controlling life’s most precious resource. There are some fantastic examples of ancient Aboriginal art depicting the Rainbow Serpent.
3. Drop Bears A drop bear is another mythical Australian creature, but this time a lot more tongue in cheek. They are said to be unusually large, vicious, carnivorous marsupial creatures related to koalas. Rumour has it you can deter drop bear attacks by spreading vegemite* behind your ears.
By Frank Wouters [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons 4. The Lyrebird (I have these in my garden!): an amazing and beautiful ground dwelling bird that mimics sounds from its environment. (Mine thinks it is a telephone and catches me out when I am gardening!) There is a story about a lyrebird that used to halt 19th century logging operations by mimicking the fire siren. 5. The Tasmanian Tiger is not mythical. These dog-like creatures were once the largest carnivorous marsupials and had a pouch! Sadly, they became extinct in the 1930s because of intensive hunting and high bounties. Sightings in parts of Tasmania persist, but they are rarely proven. This image of a bagged thylacine may have been taken in the late 1860s by well-known photographer Victor Prout, but no one really knows! * Vegemite to the uninitiated is a dark brown, almost black paste made from left-over brewer’s yeast extract, with a few spices thrown in. It’s popular on bread or toast for breakfast and most Australians won’t leave the country without it!
By Tristanb [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)]. Needless to say I can’t resist sneaking facts like these into my Australian historical romances. In “Matilda’s Freedom” you’ll find the tale of Tiddalik, the Thirsty Frog, and in “Lily’s Leap” the story of the Great Goanna, who created the valleys and the mountains.
Available now! Lily's Leap by Téa Cooper About the Book (new release)From Escape's Queen of Australian historical romance comes a story about a privileged member of Australian's squattocracy, a bushranger, and a very special horse.
Born into the rough, but privileged society of the Australian colonial landowners, Lilibeth Dungarven finds herself married, widowed, and, much to her distress, back under her father’s thumb, all before her twenty-first birthday. Determined not to forgo her dream of breeding the perfect racehorse, Lilibeth ignores propriety and sets out to restore the family’s flagging fortunes.
When Captain Tom and his mismatched band of bushrangers stumble across a mob of the best horses they’ve ever seen, and the daughter of the famed Dungarven horse stud, they know their fortunes have changed. Their catch is worth a king’s ransom. All they have to do is hold her for seven days. How hard can it be to control the pampered daughter of a colonial upstart?
ISBN: 9780857991713 Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Harlequin Escape
Amazon
Amazon.aus
iTunes
Kobo
Amazon and Goodreads Reviews:
“Forget work, forget all your responsibilities and slide into this delicious story ... a well-written book by a talented writer ... since I doubt I’ll be visiting Australia, it was a treat to feel like I was there, herding horses to market across the Australian Outback. The landscape assumes the position of a character in this exciting romance; playing a pivotal role in Lily’s adventure. A fabulous read by a very talented Aussie author … I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending Lily’s Leap.”
http://mywrittenromance.com/2014/06/06/lilys-leap-by-tea-cooper-review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/946141614?book_show_action=false&page=1
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/961167774?book_show_action=true&page=1
Excerpt:
Hunter Valley, Australia 1848
Lilibeth Dungarven’s cry of pure pleasure soared skywards as the massive black stallion rose to clear the fallen tree, sending the horrors of the last four years scuttling into the dirt of the ancient land.
Clenching her knees against Nero’s heaving flanks she bent low, ducking the overhanging branches framing the bush track, her cheek pressed to the warmth of his muscular neck. When the erratic pounding in her chest settled she drew Nero to a shuddering halt and pushed the damp curls back from her forehead.
A pair of black cockatoos, disturbed by her madcap gallop, shrieked their annoyance and resettled in the whispering casuarina trees. The crack of their beaks as they threw the mangled nuts to the ground filled the silence. Below her the ribbon of sandstone road weaved its way towards Payne’s Crossing and she shielded her eyes from the sun, searching for her mob of horses.
A glint of reflected sunlight drew her eye to a mounted figure in the middle of the road. Despite the hat pulled low shadowing his face, the stockwhip crack of his words registered deep in her belly.
‘Bail up! Guns down and off the horses.’
‘What do you think you...?’ Constricted by the tension in her throat her words petered out. No one would dare steal such a valuable mob of horses. They were branded. Everyone in the colony knew the Dungarven brand. To lose them was unthinkable. Years of breeding — the first pure Dungarven bloodlines. Months proving herself capable of managing the sale and the trip to Sydney. And now a hold up! It would not happen. Not if Lilibeth Dungarven had any say in the matter.
About the Author
Téa Cooper lives in a stone cottage on one hundred acres of bushland, just outside the nineteenth century village of Wollombi, NSW Australia. When she isn't writing, Téa can be found haunting the local museum or chatting to the locals, who offer a never-ending source of inspiration. Both Lily’s Leap and Matilda’s Freedom are set in and around Wollombi.
In October, Jazz Baby, a 1920s rags to riches story set in Sydney will be released and in February, Forgotten Fragrance, Book I of a family saga entitled From the Ocean to the Outback. At the moment she is working on a parallel time-line series called The Adventures of Miss Abigail Wynter. She has also written three contemporary romances.
Personal Links:
Website: www.teacooperauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaCooper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaCooper1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/teacooperauthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/teacooperauthor/
Grab your copy of "Matilda's Freedom" quickly, it's on sale until July 1st!
All images via Wikimedia Commons
Unless otherwise specified
June 23, 2014
Featured: 'Worst Week Ever' by Liza O'Connor
I marvel at authors who can make people laugh with their stories, it is much more difficult than making readers cry. That makes me all the happier that I can feature the amazing (and refreshingly crazy) Liza O'Connor with her humorous bestseller "Worst Week Ever" today. Prepare yourselves for a treat!
Best Week Ever
for
Worst Week Ever
by
Liza O'Connor
Humorous, Contemporary, Disaster Romance
Fabulous News!
Worst Week Ever has been nominated by the IRC as
The Best Contemporary Romance of 2014
So to celebrate its grand achievement,
I’m offering it to the world for 99 cents
From June 23 –June 29th
About the Book
Blurb
What do you get when you put a hardworking, can-do middle-class young woman together with an egoistical, outrageous, billionaire boss, then throw in the worst week of disasters imaginable?
Book 1 of the 4 book series A Long Road to Love, named Worst Week Ever.
Trent Lancaster spends one month without his Executive Assistant (or as his driver refers to Carrie: 'Trent's brain, left hand, and right hand'). He's had a miserable month without her at his side and to ensure it never happens again, he intends to marry this brilliant beauty. Only given all the times he's threatened to fire her, he's not sure she even likes him. However, the future of his company and his happiness depend upon him succeeding, so Trent begins a slow one week seduction that happens to coincide with Carrie Hanson's Worst Week Ever when everything that can go wrong does so in hilarious form.
(Hilarious to the reader, Carrie is not having much fun this week.)
Excerpt
Carrie squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the thump of a body against the limo’s hood.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have insisted Sam take a shortcut,” Trent muttered beneath his breath.
She groaned softly. If her boss questioned his actions, then matters must look grim outside. She tensed even further, expecting to hear multiple bodies slam into the car.
Sam braked hard, turned right, and resumed driving a billion miles an hour. If not for the seat belts, she and Trent would’ve sailed into the front seat, and then plastered against the door. To secure her further, Trent protectively placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his warm chest.
She focused on the thumping of his heart. It beat once to three of hers. God, how can he be so calm?
Determined to match his bravery, she tried to raise her head, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Just a little longer, I hope. Sam, when do we depart this third world country?”
“Two more blocks, sir.”
“Thank God. You’ve terrified poor Carrie to death.”
Instantly, the limo’s speed dropped.
She turned her head sideways so Sam might be able to hear her words. “Your driving doesn’t frighten me, Sam, the neighborhood does.”
As if on cue, a round of three loud pops sounded, followed by three thunks into her side door. She squeaked like a mouse at the first thunk. By the third, her body shivered in fear.
Trent’s arms tightened around her as the limo picked up speed again. “We’re okay,” he assured her, then his lips pressed against her temple. His calm certainty silenced her tremors.
Having successfully soothed her, he released his outrage upon Sam. “Why the hell did you drive us through here?”
Sam calmly replied as he drove the car at a billion miles an hour, taking corners at deadly speeds. “I warned you the locals might not welcome us.”
“Someone just shot at us?” Trent yelled.
Sam’s nonchalant reply sounded almost surreal. “I’m sure they didn’t mean for you to take it personally, sir.”
Maybe none of this is happening. Maybe I fell asleep in the traffic and my dream has gone rogue.
Her heart calmed and she nuzzled closer to Trent, breathing in his masculine scent. Secure in her dream, she confessed something she never would in real life. “You smell good.”
Trent’s arms relaxed a bit and he chuckled. “It’s called Trent. I had the cologne custom developed. They assessed my natural odors and then determined the optimal combination of scents to create my unique smell.”
She snorted. Even in her dreams, he remained the strangest man she’d ever met. If she had all the money in the world, she’d try to end poverty and violence in…whatever hell they’d just driven through, not have some custom designed perfume created so she’d smell really, really good.
About the Author
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
LIZA O'CONNOR
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter
TIRED OF READING STUFF?
WATCH THE VIDEO
Trailer Link for Worst Week Ever Trailer
Best Week Ever
for
Worst Week Everby
Liza O'Connor
Humorous, Contemporary, Disaster RomanceFabulous News!
Worst Week Ever has been nominated by the IRC as
The Best Contemporary Romance of 2014
So to celebrate its grand achievement,
I’m offering it to the world for 99 cents
From June 23 –June 29th
About the BookBlurb
What do you get when you put a hardworking, can-do middle-class young woman together with an egoistical, outrageous, billionaire boss, then throw in the worst week of disasters imaginable?
Book 1 of the 4 book series A Long Road to Love, named Worst Week Ever.
Trent Lancaster spends one month without his Executive Assistant (or as his driver refers to Carrie: 'Trent's brain, left hand, and right hand'). He's had a miserable month without her at his side and to ensure it never happens again, he intends to marry this brilliant beauty. Only given all the times he's threatened to fire her, he's not sure she even likes him. However, the future of his company and his happiness depend upon him succeeding, so Trent begins a slow one week seduction that happens to coincide with Carrie Hanson's Worst Week Ever when everything that can go wrong does so in hilarious form.
(Hilarious to the reader, Carrie is not having much fun this week.)
Excerpt
Carrie squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the thump of a body against the limo’s hood.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have insisted Sam take a shortcut,” Trent muttered beneath his breath.
She groaned softly. If her boss questioned his actions, then matters must look grim outside. She tensed even further, expecting to hear multiple bodies slam into the car.
Sam braked hard, turned right, and resumed driving a billion miles an hour. If not for the seat belts, she and Trent would’ve sailed into the front seat, and then plastered against the door. To secure her further, Trent protectively placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his warm chest.
She focused on the thumping of his heart. It beat once to three of hers. God, how can he be so calm?
Determined to match his bravery, she tried to raise her head, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Just a little longer, I hope. Sam, when do we depart this third world country?”
“Two more blocks, sir.”
“Thank God. You’ve terrified poor Carrie to death.”
Instantly, the limo’s speed dropped.
She turned her head sideways so Sam might be able to hear her words. “Your driving doesn’t frighten me, Sam, the neighborhood does.”
As if on cue, a round of three loud pops sounded, followed by three thunks into her side door. She squeaked like a mouse at the first thunk. By the third, her body shivered in fear.
Trent’s arms tightened around her as the limo picked up speed again. “We’re okay,” he assured her, then his lips pressed against her temple. His calm certainty silenced her tremors.
Having successfully soothed her, he released his outrage upon Sam. “Why the hell did you drive us through here?”
Sam calmly replied as he drove the car at a billion miles an hour, taking corners at deadly speeds. “I warned you the locals might not welcome us.”
“Someone just shot at us?” Trent yelled.
Sam’s nonchalant reply sounded almost surreal. “I’m sure they didn’t mean for you to take it personally, sir.”
Maybe none of this is happening. Maybe I fell asleep in the traffic and my dream has gone rogue.
Her heart calmed and she nuzzled closer to Trent, breathing in his masculine scent. Secure in her dream, she confessed something she never would in real life. “You smell good.”
Trent’s arms relaxed a bit and he chuckled. “It’s called Trent. I had the cologne custom developed. They assessed my natural odors and then determined the optimal combination of scents to create my unique smell.”
She snorted. Even in her dreams, he remained the strangest man she’d ever met. If she had all the money in the world, she’d try to end poverty and violence in…whatever hell they’d just driven through, not have some custom designed perfume created so she’d smell really, really good.
About the Author
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
LIZA O'CONNOR
Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter
TIRED OF READING STUFF?
WATCH THE VIDEO
Trailer Link for Worst Week Ever Trailer
June 19, 2014
Sweet Summer Love Blog Hop
I’m so happy to be part of the Sweet Summer Love Blog Hop organized by fellow author and dear friend Christina Cole. Read on to learn what meaning summer has to me, and stand the chance of finding the perfect summer story to enjoy, as well as winning great prizes!
Sweet Summer Love My Summer Memories
Living in Sri Lanka, I don’t have the changes of four seasons to live through. That has its benefits, because I never liked winter with its unbearable cold, but the side effect is that everything basically stays the same, and that summer is no longer a separate season for me.
Those days, when I still lived in Germany and went to high-school there, summer was the highlight of the year because it meant 6 weeks of holidays. Most of the time, summer holidays meant one thing: books, books and more books. As a bookworm, I spent the majority of the holiday buried behind a book from morning till evening. Sometimes, I’d forget to eat. Sadly, I missed out on a lot of nature due to reading non-stop and devouring a book per day, but the older I became, the more I tore myself away from reading to go for an occasional walk through the beautiful landscapes surrounding our village.
I was lucky enough to live close to a town with a library, so I never ran out of reading material. Later on, though, it proved really difficult to find English books, and I used the meagre amount of money I had saved (mostly received by my loving grandmother) to buy what I absolutely couldn’t resist.
I have so many fond reading memories connected to summer – and other memories, too. Once every few years, my parents and I managed to travel to Sri Lanka to visit all the relatives from my mother’s side. What a change of tapestry that was, filled with exotic animals, unknown smells, spicy and sweet food, relatives that were almost strangers, a language I could hardly understand, and places to never forget!
Another summer memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life: Visiting my German grandmother and being pampered for a day. She is the one family member from my European side who has deserved my love and dedication. I miss her a lot. May she rest in peace!
Enough rambling about my summer. Here are some photos for a real holiday feel.
Be a Winner!
Now don’t forget: Click on the link below to check out all the other fantastic authors who are part of the blog hop and bring you sweet summer love stories. There’s a Rafflecopter link for a draw, the grand prize being a $50 Amazon gift voucher.
Also, if you leave a comment on my post, you stand a chance to win a free eBook copy of my contemporary romance novella “When I see your Face”. Share your happiest or sweetest summer memory with me, and don’t forget to include your e-mail address. Good luck!
SWEET SUMMER LOVE:
http://snippetsandsneaks.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/sweet-summer-love/
Sweet Summer Love My Summer MemoriesLiving in Sri Lanka, I don’t have the changes of four seasons to live through. That has its benefits, because I never liked winter with its unbearable cold, but the side effect is that everything basically stays the same, and that summer is no longer a separate season for me.
Those days, when I still lived in Germany and went to high-school there, summer was the highlight of the year because it meant 6 weeks of holidays. Most of the time, summer holidays meant one thing: books, books and more books. As a bookworm, I spent the majority of the holiday buried behind a book from morning till evening. Sometimes, I’d forget to eat. Sadly, I missed out on a lot of nature due to reading non-stop and devouring a book per day, but the older I became, the more I tore myself away from reading to go for an occasional walk through the beautiful landscapes surrounding our village.
I was lucky enough to live close to a town with a library, so I never ran out of reading material. Later on, though, it proved really difficult to find English books, and I used the meagre amount of money I had saved (mostly received by my loving grandmother) to buy what I absolutely couldn’t resist.
I have so many fond reading memories connected to summer – and other memories, too. Once every few years, my parents and I managed to travel to Sri Lanka to visit all the relatives from my mother’s side. What a change of tapestry that was, filled with exotic animals, unknown smells, spicy and sweet food, relatives that were almost strangers, a language I could hardly understand, and places to never forget!
Another summer memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life: Visiting my German grandmother and being pampered for a day. She is the one family member from my European side who has deserved my love and dedication. I miss her a lot. May she rest in peace!
Enough rambling about my summer. Here are some photos for a real holiday feel.
Be a Winner!
Now don’t forget: Click on the link below to check out all the other fantastic authors who are part of the blog hop and bring you sweet summer love stories. There’s a Rafflecopter link for a draw, the grand prize being a $50 Amazon gift voucher.
Also, if you leave a comment on my post, you stand a chance to win a free eBook copy of my contemporary romance novella “When I see your Face”. Share your happiest or sweetest summer memory with me, and don’t forget to include your e-mail address. Good luck!
SWEET SUMMER LOVE:
http://snippetsandsneaks.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/sweet-summer-love/
June 17, 2014
Ask the Author: Interview with Sheila Busteed
It's interview time again! I'm honoured and happy to present a Q&A with Sheila Busteed, author of "Sunsets in Oia". Thank you so much for your insightful and detailed answers that are a joy to read, Sheila!
Sunsets in Oia - Sheila Busteed 10 questions with Sheila Busteed
Tell us a little about yourself and your books.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was born to be a writer.
When I was about seven years old, I attended Brownies. One day, our group was working on an arts and crafts project. However, instead of following the instructions and creating some sort of macaroni-glued-on-construction-paper design, I grabbed the closest writing implement and began scribbling on the paper. By the time my troupe leader discovered my deviant behaviour, I had composed a whole poem -- and it rhymed, too! I can still recall the surprised look on her face. Instead of scolding me, she told me to take home what I'd written and show it to my parents.
That was the day I became a writer, and I've been walking that path ever since. I've dabbled in it all: poetry, lyrics, short stories, novels, essays and journalism articles. The possibilities for creations are as boundless as my imagination, and that makes for a very fulfilling, challenging and artistic life.
For years, I'd wanted to become a novelist. In fact, it had been a life goal of mine almost since I started writing poetry. When I was eight years old, I decided I would become a novelist before I turned 30. Back then, such an age seemed very old to me, so I figured it would be easy to achieve something so great within that time frame. But those years flew by and, in January 2012, I realized I was running out of time to fulfill that goal of being published. So, I hunkered down that year, dedicating all of my free time to the creation of Sunsets in Oia. Then, in November 2013, my dream came true at the age of 28. Since then, my life has been about balancing my book's promotion and my preparations for Novel No. 2 with working full time as an English teacher in South Korea.
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love the fact that I can string together a bunch of words and create something meaningful, something substantive, something that can touch people's hearts, minds and souls, and it will hopefully stand the test of time. I get to take nothing but ideas in my mind and turn them into something real that I can hold in my hands. Writers are artists in that regard, wherein we achieve a sense of immortality through our creations. I love that sense of reward after being knocked about and challenged by a writing project. For me, that's what it's all about. If other people read my writing and connect with it, I feel like I've achieved something magical.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I'll read almost anything I can get my hands on, provided the writer demonstrates skill and creativity. If you can make me laugh, cry, think, or disappear into another place or time by reading something, then you're worth my time. As a writer, I try to learn tricks of the trade every time I read something.
As far as my own writing is concerned, I'm a big fan of adjectives and details. I want to be able to describe something so well that you can see, smell, taste, hear and touch it in your imagination. To do that, I need to feel connected to my subject, to be passionate about it. Other than that, I don't think I have any limits regarding subject or genre. I'm a very curious person and I enjoy the challenge of trying something new.
Is there anything (drink, food, writing tools etc.) that you can’t write without?
When I was writing Sunsets in Oia, certain things were very important to ensure the ideal writing situation. I was actually in the Greek village of Oia while writing the first draft of the book, so I was surrounded by inspiration. I'm pretty old school, so I prefer to write the first draft of a project by hand. So, I had plenty of comfortable gel pens and a thick, leather-bound notebook to write in. I also had a smaller scribble pad of storyboard ideas with me, as well as a dictionary and thesaurus. With those materials, I sat out on the veranda every day at the villa where I was staying and wrote for hours. There was beautiful Greek music playing and I was sipping tasty local wine the whole time. With this ideal set-up, I was able to pump out three-quarters of the first draft in the 10 days I spent on the island.
What inspired you to write your novel Sunsets in Oia?
I first visited the island of Santorini in 2008 as part of a Mediterranean cruise I was taking with my family to celebrate my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. I only spent one day on the island but instantly fell in love with it. That day, I promised myself I'd find a reason to return as soon as possible. Jump forward to January 2012 when I was sorting through ideas for my debut novel. I knew I wanted it to be a romance story with an element of travel and adventure. My mind settled on Santorini almost instantly as the ideal locale for my love story. In that way, I was killing two birds with one stone.
I'm a huge fan of music and had worked as a freelance music journalist since I was 17, so deciding to create a main character who's a musician was a natural choice. But I worked hard to make her seem normal despite having achieved a level of fame in her professional.
I'd also been influenced by the news and my journalism background. I wanted my whole story to seem as real as possible, so tying it to real-life events like the global economic crisis and the Athens riots helped anchor my fictional characters in reality.
As an avid traveler, is there any place you’d love to use as a setting?
My next novel will also be set on Santorini but take place during an ancient part of its history. I love historical epics and am so far enjoying the research process. I think writing this next book will be a wonderful challenge, blending historical fact with interpretation and imagination.
I'd also love to set a future project in New Zealand. I've yet to visit that country but have felt drawn to it for a long time. Additionally, I think another future project will be influenced by my time here in South Korea. Asian culture is fascinating, and there are so many beautiful places here and within a short plane ride. As I spend more time here and travel around Asia more, it will likely inspire yet another creation.
Any favourite books and authors?
I loved reading Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks. It had me laughing with every single page. I'm also a huge fan of Edward Rutherfurd's work, and have enjoyed reading Chuck Palahniuk's books, too. Back in university, I read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, which really stuck with me. I also really enjoyed Daniel Quinn's Ishmael and William Morris' News From Nowhere, two classics that really got me thinking. And, of course, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for J.R.R. Tolkien and William Shakespeare.
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?
I would bring a gorgeous and skilled lover with me, our pet dog, an acoustic guitar, a good knife, and a sailboat. With those five things, life on a deserted island would be pretty sweet.
How do you balance your writing life with your professional and/or personal life?
Right now, I'm focused on my teaching career but I still have plenty of spare time to play with, so my hobbies and writing get a fair amount of attention. By living in South Korea, I'm not distracted by things like western TV shows or drama stirred up in my old circle of friends. That stuff is very far away, so I get to focus on meeting new people, having new experiences, and writing new stories.
Balance is important for me, but life in Korea is much more spontaneous than in Canada, so I can't always follow a strict writing schedule. Instead, I try to chip away at my to-do list a little each week while allowing for some delays if an interesting opportunity or adventure comes my way.
Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring writers?
It's important to plan a novel. Do your homework first before you sit down to write the first draft. Know who your characters are, what their story is, and how you want it to end before you put pen to paper. But also allow for unexpected inspiration that hits you in the moment.
You must know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and your motivations as a writer. Trust your instincts and find your rhythm so you can let that first draft flow out of you. Don't edit along the way -- that's for later. Allow yourself to make mistakes at the beginning, knowing that there will be several drafts before you truly finish. Make sure you turn to several people you trust to serve as editors, and give them different responsibilities. Use their strengths and insight to help your writing become stronger.
And, of course, follow your passions. If you don't like what you're writing about, it'll show in your work. Write for the love of it instead of appealing to the lowest common denominator in an effort to just push product. Royalties are merely an added benefit to a life as an author, and becoming a bestseller isn't exactly a realistic goal. Write because you love writing, and focus on creating something that others will respect. If you can do that, then a dedicated fan base will follow.
Author Sheila Busteed About the Author
Sheila Busteed is a Canadian writer originally from the small town of Tecumseh, Ontario. Her debut novel, Sunsets in Oia, was published in November 2013 through FriesenPress (ISBN: 146022986X).
This contemporary adventure romance story follows Selene Doherty, a professional musician in the midst of a personal crisis. After losing her parents in the Athens riots, Selene retreats to her bequeathed summer home on Santorini. While there, she sparks an unexpected romance with a childhood friend, who helps guide her through the tragedy and discover a new path for her future.
Sheila is a big music aficionado and an avid traveler. She currently lives in South Korea and works as an English teacher.
Please visit www.sheilabusteed.com for more information about Sheila Busteed and Sunsets in Oia. Its "Bookstore" page has links to all of the retailers, and the "Blog" page is updated regularly for your enjoyment.
You can also follow Sheila on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheila.busteed
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SheilaBusteed
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/sheilabusteed
Sunsets in Oia - Sheila Busteed 10 questions with Sheila BusteedTell us a little about yourself and your books.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was born to be a writer.
When I was about seven years old, I attended Brownies. One day, our group was working on an arts and crafts project. However, instead of following the instructions and creating some sort of macaroni-glued-on-construction-paper design, I grabbed the closest writing implement and began scribbling on the paper. By the time my troupe leader discovered my deviant behaviour, I had composed a whole poem -- and it rhymed, too! I can still recall the surprised look on her face. Instead of scolding me, she told me to take home what I'd written and show it to my parents.
That was the day I became a writer, and I've been walking that path ever since. I've dabbled in it all: poetry, lyrics, short stories, novels, essays and journalism articles. The possibilities for creations are as boundless as my imagination, and that makes for a very fulfilling, challenging and artistic life.
For years, I'd wanted to become a novelist. In fact, it had been a life goal of mine almost since I started writing poetry. When I was eight years old, I decided I would become a novelist before I turned 30. Back then, such an age seemed very old to me, so I figured it would be easy to achieve something so great within that time frame. But those years flew by and, in January 2012, I realized I was running out of time to fulfill that goal of being published. So, I hunkered down that year, dedicating all of my free time to the creation of Sunsets in Oia. Then, in November 2013, my dream came true at the age of 28. Since then, my life has been about balancing my book's promotion and my preparations for Novel No. 2 with working full time as an English teacher in South Korea.
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love the fact that I can string together a bunch of words and create something meaningful, something substantive, something that can touch people's hearts, minds and souls, and it will hopefully stand the test of time. I get to take nothing but ideas in my mind and turn them into something real that I can hold in my hands. Writers are artists in that regard, wherein we achieve a sense of immortality through our creations. I love that sense of reward after being knocked about and challenged by a writing project. For me, that's what it's all about. If other people read my writing and connect with it, I feel like I've achieved something magical.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I'll read almost anything I can get my hands on, provided the writer demonstrates skill and creativity. If you can make me laugh, cry, think, or disappear into another place or time by reading something, then you're worth my time. As a writer, I try to learn tricks of the trade every time I read something.
As far as my own writing is concerned, I'm a big fan of adjectives and details. I want to be able to describe something so well that you can see, smell, taste, hear and touch it in your imagination. To do that, I need to feel connected to my subject, to be passionate about it. Other than that, I don't think I have any limits regarding subject or genre. I'm a very curious person and I enjoy the challenge of trying something new.
Is there anything (drink, food, writing tools etc.) that you can’t write without?
When I was writing Sunsets in Oia, certain things were very important to ensure the ideal writing situation. I was actually in the Greek village of Oia while writing the first draft of the book, so I was surrounded by inspiration. I'm pretty old school, so I prefer to write the first draft of a project by hand. So, I had plenty of comfortable gel pens and a thick, leather-bound notebook to write in. I also had a smaller scribble pad of storyboard ideas with me, as well as a dictionary and thesaurus. With those materials, I sat out on the veranda every day at the villa where I was staying and wrote for hours. There was beautiful Greek music playing and I was sipping tasty local wine the whole time. With this ideal set-up, I was able to pump out three-quarters of the first draft in the 10 days I spent on the island.
What inspired you to write your novel Sunsets in Oia?
I first visited the island of Santorini in 2008 as part of a Mediterranean cruise I was taking with my family to celebrate my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. I only spent one day on the island but instantly fell in love with it. That day, I promised myself I'd find a reason to return as soon as possible. Jump forward to January 2012 when I was sorting through ideas for my debut novel. I knew I wanted it to be a romance story with an element of travel and adventure. My mind settled on Santorini almost instantly as the ideal locale for my love story. In that way, I was killing two birds with one stone.
I'm a huge fan of music and had worked as a freelance music journalist since I was 17, so deciding to create a main character who's a musician was a natural choice. But I worked hard to make her seem normal despite having achieved a level of fame in her professional.
I'd also been influenced by the news and my journalism background. I wanted my whole story to seem as real as possible, so tying it to real-life events like the global economic crisis and the Athens riots helped anchor my fictional characters in reality.
As an avid traveler, is there any place you’d love to use as a setting?
My next novel will also be set on Santorini but take place during an ancient part of its history. I love historical epics and am so far enjoying the research process. I think writing this next book will be a wonderful challenge, blending historical fact with interpretation and imagination.
I'd also love to set a future project in New Zealand. I've yet to visit that country but have felt drawn to it for a long time. Additionally, I think another future project will be influenced by my time here in South Korea. Asian culture is fascinating, and there are so many beautiful places here and within a short plane ride. As I spend more time here and travel around Asia more, it will likely inspire yet another creation.
Any favourite books and authors?
I loved reading Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks. It had me laughing with every single page. I'm also a huge fan of Edward Rutherfurd's work, and have enjoyed reading Chuck Palahniuk's books, too. Back in university, I read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, which really stuck with me. I also really enjoyed Daniel Quinn's Ishmael and William Morris' News From Nowhere, two classics that really got me thinking. And, of course, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for J.R.R. Tolkien and William Shakespeare.
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?
I would bring a gorgeous and skilled lover with me, our pet dog, an acoustic guitar, a good knife, and a sailboat. With those five things, life on a deserted island would be pretty sweet.
How do you balance your writing life with your professional and/or personal life?
Right now, I'm focused on my teaching career but I still have plenty of spare time to play with, so my hobbies and writing get a fair amount of attention. By living in South Korea, I'm not distracted by things like western TV shows or drama stirred up in my old circle of friends. That stuff is very far away, so I get to focus on meeting new people, having new experiences, and writing new stories.
Balance is important for me, but life in Korea is much more spontaneous than in Canada, so I can't always follow a strict writing schedule. Instead, I try to chip away at my to-do list a little each week while allowing for some delays if an interesting opportunity or adventure comes my way.
Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring writers?
It's important to plan a novel. Do your homework first before you sit down to write the first draft. Know who your characters are, what their story is, and how you want it to end before you put pen to paper. But also allow for unexpected inspiration that hits you in the moment.
You must know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and your motivations as a writer. Trust your instincts and find your rhythm so you can let that first draft flow out of you. Don't edit along the way -- that's for later. Allow yourself to make mistakes at the beginning, knowing that there will be several drafts before you truly finish. Make sure you turn to several people you trust to serve as editors, and give them different responsibilities. Use their strengths and insight to help your writing become stronger.
And, of course, follow your passions. If you don't like what you're writing about, it'll show in your work. Write for the love of it instead of appealing to the lowest common denominator in an effort to just push product. Royalties are merely an added benefit to a life as an author, and becoming a bestseller isn't exactly a realistic goal. Write because you love writing, and focus on creating something that others will respect. If you can do that, then a dedicated fan base will follow.
Author Sheila Busteed About the AuthorSheila Busteed is a Canadian writer originally from the small town of Tecumseh, Ontario. Her debut novel, Sunsets in Oia, was published in November 2013 through FriesenPress (ISBN: 146022986X).
This contemporary adventure romance story follows Selene Doherty, a professional musician in the midst of a personal crisis. After losing her parents in the Athens riots, Selene retreats to her bequeathed summer home on Santorini. While there, she sparks an unexpected romance with a childhood friend, who helps guide her through the tragedy and discover a new path for her future.
Sheila is a big music aficionado and an avid traveler. She currently lives in South Korea and works as an English teacher.
Please visit www.sheilabusteed.com for more information about Sheila Busteed and Sunsets in Oia. Its "Bookstore" page has links to all of the retailers, and the "Blog" page is updated regularly for your enjoyment.
You can also follow Sheila on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheila.busteed
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SheilaBusteed
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/sheilabusteed
June 15, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday: Excerpt from 'Playing with Fire'
My second novel, "Playing with Fire" (Book 1 in the 4 Elements of Love Series), is still with my beta readers. In the meantime, I feel like sharing another excerpt. Ladies and Gents, here's part of the first chapter!
Coming soon!
She wanted to burn.
The house in front of her was on fire, and the spectacle drew her magically.
From where she stood, she could hear the flames lapping at the wood and concrete, sizzling with their heat and hissing with their hunger. They sounded like snakes in a feeding frenzy, eager tongues scurrying ahead to check for more to devour, for kindling material to fuel the flames. The fire’s sounds were louder in her ears than the groaning of the house giving in, the cracking of surfaces and the exploding of glass. It was as though the fire were speaking to her, beckoning her closer in a malicious whisper, inviting her to join in on the hot and spicy feast.
Felicia stood rooted to the spot, eyes traveling up and down the shape that had once been a two-story house and now resembled a single, giant, burning slab, standing out in stark contrast against the black night sky. She watched the flames leap out of the broken windows and flickering in the air like brightly colored banners, watched the fire feed on the building material and furniture, raising itself to greater strength. Soon, the flames would dance across the lawn and find their way toward where she was standing, half hidden behind a tree.
Anybody in their right mind would have bolted, half scared out of their wits at the sight of the raging fire.
But Felicia wasn’t in her right mind.
She could feel the fire tempting her, pulling her closer with its heat and energy, and with its promises of passion. Her pulse was racing. Had she seen herself at this moment, she would have looked at a face with wide eyes, pupils dilated and reflecting the dancing flames, nostrils flaring like an animal scenting the smoke.
Before she knew it, she had started walking toward the flames as if in a trance, feet moving on their own will, heart hammering in her chest.
The closer she got to the burning house, the hotter it felt. Sweat was breaking out across her body, forming tiny pearls on the bare skin of her arms and on her face. She licked her dry lips and took some more steps forward, the noise increasing, and the voices inside her urging her on.
A shout tore through the night, disrupting her dream-like state.
“Stop!”
Her head whipped around to the sound. She was more irritated than alarmed. Over her left shoulder, she saw the figure of a sprinting man. He was gesticulating wildly, repeating his warning. Or was it a command?
She didn’t care. Part of her wanted to react like any normal human would have, but there was another part beyond normalcy. The flames were calling her, and she wanted nothing more than to become one with them.
Determined, she turned her head towards the burning house again, more than half of the upper story collapsing with horrible finality. There was no time to lose.
Before she knew it, she was running full tilt towards the fire, a desperate scream of “Noooooooo!” ringing in her ears until she was lost to the world around her.
All around her was heat, delicious, intensive warmth within and without. She stood in an embrace of fire, arms spread wide, turning in a slow circle on the spot, amidst a burning room. In another second, the flames would touch her, caress her, seduce her, and devour her.
There was a loud crash accompanied by a whoosh of air. Something hit her in the back with full force.
Everything went blank.
More appetizers
Character Profiles: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/playing-with-fire-get-to-know-the-protagonists
Cover & Blurb: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/cover-reveal-for-my-upcoming-book-playing-with-fire
Another Excerpt: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/sneak-peek-excerpt-2-from-playing-with-fire
Coming soon! She wanted to burn.
The house in front of her was on fire, and the spectacle drew her magically.
From where she stood, she could hear the flames lapping at the wood and concrete, sizzling with their heat and hissing with their hunger. They sounded like snakes in a feeding frenzy, eager tongues scurrying ahead to check for more to devour, for kindling material to fuel the flames. The fire’s sounds were louder in her ears than the groaning of the house giving in, the cracking of surfaces and the exploding of glass. It was as though the fire were speaking to her, beckoning her closer in a malicious whisper, inviting her to join in on the hot and spicy feast.
Felicia stood rooted to the spot, eyes traveling up and down the shape that had once been a two-story house and now resembled a single, giant, burning slab, standing out in stark contrast against the black night sky. She watched the flames leap out of the broken windows and flickering in the air like brightly colored banners, watched the fire feed on the building material and furniture, raising itself to greater strength. Soon, the flames would dance across the lawn and find their way toward where she was standing, half hidden behind a tree.
Anybody in their right mind would have bolted, half scared out of their wits at the sight of the raging fire.
But Felicia wasn’t in her right mind.
She could feel the fire tempting her, pulling her closer with its heat and energy, and with its promises of passion. Her pulse was racing. Had she seen herself at this moment, she would have looked at a face with wide eyes, pupils dilated and reflecting the dancing flames, nostrils flaring like an animal scenting the smoke.
Before she knew it, she had started walking toward the flames as if in a trance, feet moving on their own will, heart hammering in her chest.
The closer she got to the burning house, the hotter it felt. Sweat was breaking out across her body, forming tiny pearls on the bare skin of her arms and on her face. She licked her dry lips and took some more steps forward, the noise increasing, and the voices inside her urging her on.
A shout tore through the night, disrupting her dream-like state.
“Stop!”
Her head whipped around to the sound. She was more irritated than alarmed. Over her left shoulder, she saw the figure of a sprinting man. He was gesticulating wildly, repeating his warning. Or was it a command?
She didn’t care. Part of her wanted to react like any normal human would have, but there was another part beyond normalcy. The flames were calling her, and she wanted nothing more than to become one with them.
Determined, she turned her head towards the burning house again, more than half of the upper story collapsing with horrible finality. There was no time to lose.
Before she knew it, she was running full tilt towards the fire, a desperate scream of “Noooooooo!” ringing in her ears until she was lost to the world around her.
All around her was heat, delicious, intensive warmth within and without. She stood in an embrace of fire, arms spread wide, turning in a slow circle on the spot, amidst a burning room. In another second, the flames would touch her, caress her, seduce her, and devour her.
There was a loud crash accompanied by a whoosh of air. Something hit her in the back with full force.
Everything went blank.
More appetizers
Character Profiles: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/playing-with-fire-get-to-know-the-protagonists
Cover & Blurb: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/cover-reveal-for-my-upcoming-book-playing-with-fire
Another Excerpt: http://www.devikafernando.com/blog/sneak-peek-excerpt-2-from-playing-with-fire
June 12, 2014
Featured: Indian Author Reet Singh
Seriously, sometimes I look at my friend list on Facebook, and I just feel so awed and proud. It's full of fellow writers and creative, enormously talented people who strive hard to live their dream, and who deserve a place in the spotlights. Today, I'm dedicating the blog to one of these word wizards. Let me introduce to you to author Reet Singh from India!
Books by Reet Singh
Scorched by his Fire - Reet Singh Blurb
CONVENIENT BOYFRIEND, INCONVENIENT ATTRACTION!
Mita Ramphul can't face another family set - up with a 'nice young man'. What she needs is to divert her family's attention… so introducing the devastatingly handsome Tanay Devkumar as her new boyfriend is a stroke of brilliance! Until Tanay's scorching hot kisses threaten to shatter her plans for the perfect pretend date… He might drive her crazy, yet spending time with Tanay sparks a passion Mita never knew she had. It's only meant to be temporary, but when Tanay looks at her with that smouldering fire in his ebony eyes Mita can't help but surrender to the temptation of her fake boyfriend…!
Buying Links
Kindle edition
1. Amazon India: http://www.amazon.in/Scorched-Mills-Indian-Author-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KM0ZQ7K/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402584319&sr=1-3&keywords=reet+singh
2. Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Scorched-Mills-Indian-Author-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KM0ZQ7K/ref=la_B00I6J47LK_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402585282&sr=1-1
3. Mills and Boon UK: http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/scorched-by-his-fire
The print book
1. Amazon.in: http://www.amazon.in/Scorched-Fire-Mills-Indian-Author/dp/9351063747/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402584319&sr=1-1&keywords=reet+singh
2. Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/scorched-his-fire/p/itmdsuwpbqrux8az?pid=9789351063742&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=reet+singh&ref=4dfc8996-7477-4557-9135-1f25108d80a0
3. Infibeam: http://www.infibeam.com/Books/scorched-fire-reet-singh/9789351063742.html?utm_term=reet+singh_1_1
4. Crossword: http://www.crossword.in/books/scorched-fire/p-books-9789351063742.html
Blurb
Tom, an eighteen-year old boy who is sick of his drab, regular school life, cannot wait for school to end on a permanent basis. Hopeful of finally becoming eligible for some excitement in his life, he is sublimely unaware of the saying 'Be careful what you wish for.' On the last day of school, right after a farewell party for their class, Tom comes face to face with events that will change his life forever! He will be visited by an alien; kidnapped; his friends endangered; their sanity threatened; and their earth will come fearsomely close to a Zaken takeover! Too much for an eighteen-year old to handle? Read the book to find out.
Buying Link
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZGI5DG
Indian Author Reet Singh About the Author
Reet, a medical professional, is a story teller from birth. It is highly possible that she acquired this skill in her mother's womb, because she has an older sister, and might have eavesdropped on the fairy tales her mother read out to her sister.
Her busy nine-to-five day job - doctoring - keeps her on her toes, which is why, when she gets back home, her dearest wish is to curl up with a book; however, since winning Harlequin® India's Passions contest last year, she is more likely to be found curled up with a laptop – although, you won't hear her complaining.
“Scorched by His Fire” is her debut romance; however, before the romance, she published a Kindle book for children aged 12 to 16 years, “The Zaken Takeover”, which she has co-authored along with her son.
Reet is currently working on book two for Harlequin® India. It should be available on book shelves somewhere later this year. It chronicles the travails of two young doctors, who are constrained by past experiences to avoid commitment. Fate tempts them time and again – until, well, why not wait for the book to release so you can find out how it ends?
Reet Singh's author page is https://www.facebook.com/reetsingh.author?ref_
Her website is http://www.reetsingh.in/
Email her at reetsingh.author@gmail.com
Tweet to her at @AuthorReet
Books by Reet Singh
Scorched by his Fire - Reet Singh BlurbCONVENIENT BOYFRIEND, INCONVENIENT ATTRACTION!
Mita Ramphul can't face another family set - up with a 'nice young man'. What she needs is to divert her family's attention… so introducing the devastatingly handsome Tanay Devkumar as her new boyfriend is a stroke of brilliance! Until Tanay's scorching hot kisses threaten to shatter her plans for the perfect pretend date… He might drive her crazy, yet spending time with Tanay sparks a passion Mita never knew she had. It's only meant to be temporary, but when Tanay looks at her with that smouldering fire in his ebony eyes Mita can't help but surrender to the temptation of her fake boyfriend…!
Buying Links
Kindle edition
1. Amazon India: http://www.amazon.in/Scorched-Mills-Indian-Author-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KM0ZQ7K/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402584319&sr=1-3&keywords=reet+singh
2. Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Scorched-Mills-Indian-Author-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KM0ZQ7K/ref=la_B00I6J47LK_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402585282&sr=1-1
3. Mills and Boon UK: http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/scorched-by-his-fire
The print book
1. Amazon.in: http://www.amazon.in/Scorched-Fire-Mills-Indian-Author/dp/9351063747/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402584319&sr=1-1&keywords=reet+singh
2. Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/scorched-his-fire/p/itmdsuwpbqrux8az?pid=9789351063742&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=reet+singh&ref=4dfc8996-7477-4557-9135-1f25108d80a0
3. Infibeam: http://www.infibeam.com/Books/scorched-fire-reet-singh/9789351063742.html?utm_term=reet+singh_1_1
4. Crossword: http://www.crossword.in/books/scorched-fire/p-books-9789351063742.html
BlurbTom, an eighteen-year old boy who is sick of his drab, regular school life, cannot wait for school to end on a permanent basis. Hopeful of finally becoming eligible for some excitement in his life, he is sublimely unaware of the saying 'Be careful what you wish for.' On the last day of school, right after a farewell party for their class, Tom comes face to face with events that will change his life forever! He will be visited by an alien; kidnapped; his friends endangered; their sanity threatened; and their earth will come fearsomely close to a Zaken takeover! Too much for an eighteen-year old to handle? Read the book to find out.
Buying Link
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZGI5DG
Indian Author Reet Singh About the AuthorReet, a medical professional, is a story teller from birth. It is highly possible that she acquired this skill in her mother's womb, because she has an older sister, and might have eavesdropped on the fairy tales her mother read out to her sister.
Her busy nine-to-five day job - doctoring - keeps her on her toes, which is why, when she gets back home, her dearest wish is to curl up with a book; however, since winning Harlequin® India's Passions contest last year, she is more likely to be found curled up with a laptop – although, you won't hear her complaining.
“Scorched by His Fire” is her debut romance; however, before the romance, she published a Kindle book for children aged 12 to 16 years, “The Zaken Takeover”, which she has co-authored along with her son.
Reet is currently working on book two for Harlequin® India. It should be available on book shelves somewhere later this year. It chronicles the travails of two young doctors, who are constrained by past experiences to avoid commitment. Fate tempts them time and again – until, well, why not wait for the book to release so you can find out how it ends?
Reet Singh's author page is https://www.facebook.com/reetsingh.author?ref_
Her website is http://www.reetsingh.in/
Email her at reetsingh.author@gmail.com
Tweet to her at @AuthorReet
Featured: 'Meghna' by Sundari Venkatraman
I always get excited when an author I admire and / or count as one of my friends has a new release coming up. The thrill of waiting for the cover, the blurb, the meaning of the title and teasing excerpts is a wonderful feeling - especially because I know how much work is behind it all.
So, it is with great pleasure that I present you the brand new romance novel "Meghna" by Indian author Sundari Venkatraman. Grab your copy on Amazon - and stay tuned because I will read and review the book very soon!
Meghna - Sundari Venkatraman About the Book
Blurb
The young and dashing Rahul Sinha lives in England with his parents, Shyam and Rajni. He is an only son of the rich banker. Rahul is totally attached to his father but does not care for his mother. Read the book to find out why….
Rahul is exulted with his efforts at work paying off and plans a holiday with his best friend Sanjay Srivastav who lives in Mumbai with his wife Reema, kids Sanya and Rehaan and most importantly, his sister, Meghna. Rahul recalls meeting Meghna just before they parted six years ago.
Meghna works for a website and also teaches modern dance as she loves it. She’s thrown for a toss when Rahul comes visiting. She had thought he had forgotten them.
But how could Rahul do that? Sanjay’s his best friend and Rahul had always treated their home as his own. Sanjay’s mother had been more of a mother to Rahul than his own. Rahul had stayed away after moving to England or so Meghna believes.
Thus begins the story between Rahul and Meghna, the teasing, the flirting, the anger, the tears… …will they find love?
Buying links:
USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUPUURS
INDIA: http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00KUPUURS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KUPUURS
CANADA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KUPUURS
AUSTRALIA: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KUPUURS
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444225-meghna
Warning:
This book has been written only for the purpose of Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! If you are looking to learn something or improve your lives after reading this work, then this book is not for you. I am not trying to get into competition with the Author Biggies of this world. I wrote this simply for the fun and joy of it. One thing I can promise the reader though: Well proof-read, perfect language that I feel is very important for every book that's written in any tongue.
Excerpts
Meghna didn’t reply. She was afraid of saying the wrong thing. He had seemed like the Rahul from her childhood days in the dining room. Now he appeared to be a sophisticated stranger making demands on her that she didn’t even begin to fathom. He was like a new person. She didn’t realize that the change was more in the way she perceived things, then as a teenager and now as a young woman.
***
“Meghna,” a gentle arm encircled her shaking shoulders while the other arm came around to hold her in a close embrace. Rahul pushed her head to his broad shoulder and looked at the dark brown head in confusion. What should he do? His feelings for Meghna were powerful, in fact the strongest he had felt towards any woman. But still, was that enough for a lifelong commitment?
Indian Author Sundari Venkatraman About the Author
Even as a kid, she absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome as Sundari grew up reading all the fairy tales she could lay her hands on, Phantom comics, Mandrake comics and the like. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy end. Soon, into her teens, she switched her attention from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualizing what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to a local hero and heroine.
Her imagination took flight and she always lived in a rosy cocoon of romance over the years. Then came the writing – a true bolt out of the blue! She could never string two sentences together. While her spoken English had always been excellent – thanks to her Grandpa – she could not write to save her life. She was bad at writing essays in both school and college. Later, when it was time to teach her kids, she could manage everything from Science to Mathematics and History & Geography.
When it came to writing compositions, her kids found her of no help at all.
All this changed suddenly one fine day in the year 2000. She had just quit her job at a school’s office and did not know what to do with her life. She was saturated with simply reading books. That’s when she got home one evening after her walk and took some sheets of paper and began writing. It was like watching a movie that was running in her head – all those years of visualizing Indian heroes and heroines needed an outlet and had to be put into words. That’s how her first novel, The Malhotra Bride, took shape.
This was soon followed by MEGHNA and many more. It was her husband who kept encouraging her not to give up when publisher after publisher rejected her works. Sundari finally took the self-publishing route all thanks to Amazon.
While 'The Malhotra Bride' is doing excellently well sales-wise, Sundari hopes that 'Meghna' would not be far behind.
You can get in touch with Sundari Venkatraman here:
Twitter: @sundarivenkat
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSundariVenkatraman
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/FlamingSunPublishingFacilitator
LinkedIn: Sundari Venkatraman
Google: +SundariVenkatraman
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/sundarivenkatraman
So, it is with great pleasure that I present you the brand new romance novel "Meghna" by Indian author Sundari Venkatraman. Grab your copy on Amazon - and stay tuned because I will read and review the book very soon!
Meghna - Sundari Venkatraman About the BookBlurb
The young and dashing Rahul Sinha lives in England with his parents, Shyam and Rajni. He is an only son of the rich banker. Rahul is totally attached to his father but does not care for his mother. Read the book to find out why….
Rahul is exulted with his efforts at work paying off and plans a holiday with his best friend Sanjay Srivastav who lives in Mumbai with his wife Reema, kids Sanya and Rehaan and most importantly, his sister, Meghna. Rahul recalls meeting Meghna just before they parted six years ago.
Meghna works for a website and also teaches modern dance as she loves it. She’s thrown for a toss when Rahul comes visiting. She had thought he had forgotten them.
But how could Rahul do that? Sanjay’s his best friend and Rahul had always treated their home as his own. Sanjay’s mother had been more of a mother to Rahul than his own. Rahul had stayed away after moving to England or so Meghna believes.
Thus begins the story between Rahul and Meghna, the teasing, the flirting, the anger, the tears… …will they find love?
Buying links:
USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUPUURS
INDIA: http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00KUPUURS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KUPUURS
CANADA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00KUPUURS
AUSTRALIA: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KUPUURS
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22444225-meghna
Warning:
This book has been written only for the purpose of Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! If you are looking to learn something or improve your lives after reading this work, then this book is not for you. I am not trying to get into competition with the Author Biggies of this world. I wrote this simply for the fun and joy of it. One thing I can promise the reader though: Well proof-read, perfect language that I feel is very important for every book that's written in any tongue.
Excerpts
Meghna didn’t reply. She was afraid of saying the wrong thing. He had seemed like the Rahul from her childhood days in the dining room. Now he appeared to be a sophisticated stranger making demands on her that she didn’t even begin to fathom. He was like a new person. She didn’t realize that the change was more in the way she perceived things, then as a teenager and now as a young woman.
***
“Meghna,” a gentle arm encircled her shaking shoulders while the other arm came around to hold her in a close embrace. Rahul pushed her head to his broad shoulder and looked at the dark brown head in confusion. What should he do? His feelings for Meghna were powerful, in fact the strongest he had felt towards any woman. But still, was that enough for a lifelong commitment?
Indian Author Sundari Venkatraman About the AuthorEven as a kid, she absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome as Sundari grew up reading all the fairy tales she could lay her hands on, Phantom comics, Mandrake comics and the like. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy end. Soon, into her teens, she switched her attention from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualizing what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to a local hero and heroine.
Her imagination took flight and she always lived in a rosy cocoon of romance over the years. Then came the writing – a true bolt out of the blue! She could never string two sentences together. While her spoken English had always been excellent – thanks to her Grandpa – she could not write to save her life. She was bad at writing essays in both school and college. Later, when it was time to teach her kids, she could manage everything from Science to Mathematics and History & Geography.
When it came to writing compositions, her kids found her of no help at all.
All this changed suddenly one fine day in the year 2000. She had just quit her job at a school’s office and did not know what to do with her life. She was saturated with simply reading books. That’s when she got home one evening after her walk and took some sheets of paper and began writing. It was like watching a movie that was running in her head – all those years of visualizing Indian heroes and heroines needed an outlet and had to be put into words. That’s how her first novel, The Malhotra Bride, took shape.
This was soon followed by MEGHNA and many more. It was her husband who kept encouraging her not to give up when publisher after publisher rejected her works. Sundari finally took the self-publishing route all thanks to Amazon.
While 'The Malhotra Bride' is doing excellently well sales-wise, Sundari hopes that 'Meghna' would not be far behind.
You can get in touch with Sundari Venkatraman here:
Twitter: @sundarivenkat
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSundariVenkatraman
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/FlamingSunPublishingFacilitator
LinkedIn: Sundari Venkatraman
Google: +SundariVenkatraman
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/sundarivenkatraman
June 11, 2014
'When I See Your Face' - Poem to go with the story
I mainly write prose, but also love to dabble in poetry. Recently, it struck me that the title of my contemporary romance novel 'When I see your Face' would make an awesome poem title, too. Here's what I have come up with. I think the poem reflects all the emotions that seeing Michael's face evokes in Cathy, as well as the change in her attitude towards him / in their relationship.
When I See Your Face
When I see your face
It makes my heart race
As with a single gaze
I remember disgrace
When I see your face
I am lost in a maze
Searching for ways
To overcome this daze
When I see your face
I count the days
Until I can finally brace
Memories I can’t erase
When I see your face
I overcome the dark phase
And the suffering’s blaze
Vanishes without a trace
When I see your face
It penetrates the haze
Softens the fall from grace
Conquers time and space
When I see your face
It makes me want to chase
What never with me stays
What I cannot replace
When I see your face
Listen to what it says
I long for your embrace
Want to rest my case
When I see your face
I’m in my happy place
Bask in the warming rays
Of the love it portrays
© Devika Fernando
Praise for my debut, which you can buy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISK51P8
When I See Your Face
When I see your face
It makes my heart race
As with a single gaze
I remember disgrace
When I see your face
I am lost in a maze
Searching for ways
To overcome this daze
When I see your face
I count the days
Until I can finally brace
Memories I can’t erase
When I see your face
I overcome the dark phase
And the suffering’s blaze
Vanishes without a trace
When I see your face
It penetrates the haze
Softens the fall from grace
Conquers time and space
When I see your face
It makes me want to chase
What never with me stays
What I cannot replace
When I see your face
Listen to what it says
I long for your embrace
Want to rest my case
When I see your face
I’m in my happy place
Bask in the warming rays
Of the love it portrays
© Devika Fernando
Praise for my debut, which you can buy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISK51P8
June 9, 2014
Ask the Author - Interview with Deepti Menon
It's time for another author interview. I always love these because they provide such a wonderful insight into the writer's mind. A round of applause for Deepti Menon, please! Thank you for your interesting answers, my friend!
10 questions with Deepti Menon
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love the fact that, as a writer I can live a number of lives apart from my own, which is exciting enough, of course. Friends and family members run a mile when they see me around, because they don’t want to be featured in my next tale! I love the idea that everyone I meet and every situation that I go through in life can be put down on paper.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I grew up in a house with books strewn around, and in an atmosphere in which my parents allowed me to make my own choices. Consequently, I enjoy a variety of genres – classic, history, mystery and crime, romance and above all, humour.
I wrote my first poem at the age of ten. Having done my Masters in Literature, I learnt to appreciate poets of different ages. My friend and I would learn our favourite lines by heart, and spout them, whenever we could! :-)
Today, I find that I enjoy writing short stories because it is a challenge to hook your readers on to a shorter piece of writing. There was this quote by Stephen King which I heard recently, and which made a huge impact on me. He says, “A short story is a different thing altogether – a short story is like a kiss in the dark from a stranger.” I absolutely love that!
Is there a country you would love to choose as your next setting? Why?
I haven’t been to many places abroad. But I was lucky enough to visit England, Scotland and Wales for a whole month, and I was fascinated by the quaint little villages and tiny tea shops that served the most delicious scones and cakes. What was really wonderful is the way the British honour the homes of their writers, and turn them into well maintained tourist spots. I would love to write a book with the lush green English countryside as its background, along with a few fat Jersey cows to add some local colour. :-)
Any favourite books and authors?
How does one choose from so many gems? I remember my mother who is a wonderful story teller, keeping me entranced with the story of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. I have many favourites from amongst the classics – The Count of Monte Cristo, To Kill a Mockingbird, the novels of Dickens, the plays of Shaw, the essays of Goldsmith, and the rib ticklers of Wodehouse. I particularly love ‘Palace of Illusions’ by Chitra Banerjee, the short stories of Tagore, RK Narayanan, Maugham and Maupassant, the poems of Ramanujam… the list is so open ended. How can I leave out the brilliant quotes of Rumi, the evocative poetry of Maya Angelou, and the short crisp poems of Frost?
Use these five words to write a mini story: passion, compassion, think, woman, decision.
“Their passion was fiery, but they had to think about that special human being, the one who needed all their compassion right now. For he was the husband of another woman, who had just borne a child after a particularly difficult delivery, and she, his lover, the other woman, was aware that she could never have children. The decision was a tough one.”
Paperback or eBook?
If you had asked me this a few years ago, I would have unhesitatingly said that there is nothing to beat the thrill of holding a paperback in one’s hands, the smell of the pages and the anticipation of the read. Today, I have a Kindle that my husband presented to me two years ago, and I get the same kind of thrill when I shop online, and get the books of my choice at the click of a button. Imagine being able to carry a library wherever you go, and being able to read any book you want, anywhere? It just goes to show that even an old loyalist like me can be swayed!
Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
The dream question in my mind at the moment is a renowned publisher coming up to me and asking, “Could I please publish your latest book?” J And my answer would be, “Do you want a manuscript or a soft copy?” :-)
Complete this sentence: A writer’s most important tool is…
A writer’s most important tool is a vivid imagination that has the freedom to observe, visualize, run riot and write…
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what five things would you take with you?
I would take my favourite books, reams of paper and pens, photographs of my loved ones, wads of chewing gum and a few empty bottles which I would float at regular intervals with SOS notes.
Please tell us more about your latest book(s) and plans for the future.
Well, the first thing I want to do is turn my first book ‘Arms and the Woman’, which is the story of the life of an Army wife told in a light hearted way, into an ebook and put it on Amazon.
One of my short stories titled ‘Mirror Image’ has just been published in a compilation called ’21 Tales to Tell’. I am looking forward to my story – ‘The Little Nugget of Fear’ – being published in another compilation, this time by Readomania. ‘Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul’, which is supposed to come out in July, will also have a piece of mine.
However, my main focus, at the moment, is on my new book, a work of fiction, the manuscript of which is almost ready, a project that my husband has been urging me to complete.
Dear Devika, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having given me this opportunity to express myself, and talk about the craft I love so much, that of writing and of being read. God bless!
Indian Author Deepti Menon About the Author
Deepti Menon has always believed in the power of the pen. Having done her post graduation in English Literature and her B.Ed. in English, she had the option of teaching and writing, and did both with great enjoyment. She started writing at the age of ten, long before she acquired a Diploma in Journalism. She also had the advantage of being an Army kid, and later an Army wife, and loved the idea of travelling around India, meeting new people and acquiring new skills. She firmly believes that much of her personality was honed during those travels.
In 2002, her light hearted book, ‘Arms and the Woman’, depicting life as seen through the eyes of an Army wife, was published by Rupa Publishers, Delhi. This was written mainly to reveal the warmth and camaraderie within the great institution. She is now working on her second book that is a work of fiction, and not- to-be divulged yet!
For Deepti, writing needs to sparkle with simplicity and originality, and she strives to find that one word that conveys her ideas most meaningfully to her readers. She believes that Mark Twain had the right idea when he said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
Links:
http://www.readomania.com/author/deepti.menon.98
http://yourstoryclub.com/author/deepsmenon_7/
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-openpage/aamir-jolts-the-nations-conscience/article3413950.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/forget-about-incredible-india-can-we-have-a-clean-india/article435996.ece
http://www.slideshare.net/nijumohan/an-epic-reversal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkRbH-Hk8M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2HCC_7gIEQ
Blog: deepties.blogspot.in
10 questions with Deepti Menon
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love the fact that, as a writer I can live a number of lives apart from my own, which is exciting enough, of course. Friends and family members run a mile when they see me around, because they don’t want to be featured in my next tale! I love the idea that everyone I meet and every situation that I go through in life can be put down on paper.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I grew up in a house with books strewn around, and in an atmosphere in which my parents allowed me to make my own choices. Consequently, I enjoy a variety of genres – classic, history, mystery and crime, romance and above all, humour.
I wrote my first poem at the age of ten. Having done my Masters in Literature, I learnt to appreciate poets of different ages. My friend and I would learn our favourite lines by heart, and spout them, whenever we could! :-)
Today, I find that I enjoy writing short stories because it is a challenge to hook your readers on to a shorter piece of writing. There was this quote by Stephen King which I heard recently, and which made a huge impact on me. He says, “A short story is a different thing altogether – a short story is like a kiss in the dark from a stranger.” I absolutely love that!
Is there a country you would love to choose as your next setting? Why?
I haven’t been to many places abroad. But I was lucky enough to visit England, Scotland and Wales for a whole month, and I was fascinated by the quaint little villages and tiny tea shops that served the most delicious scones and cakes. What was really wonderful is the way the British honour the homes of their writers, and turn them into well maintained tourist spots. I would love to write a book with the lush green English countryside as its background, along with a few fat Jersey cows to add some local colour. :-)
Any favourite books and authors?
How does one choose from so many gems? I remember my mother who is a wonderful story teller, keeping me entranced with the story of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. I have many favourites from amongst the classics – The Count of Monte Cristo, To Kill a Mockingbird, the novels of Dickens, the plays of Shaw, the essays of Goldsmith, and the rib ticklers of Wodehouse. I particularly love ‘Palace of Illusions’ by Chitra Banerjee, the short stories of Tagore, RK Narayanan, Maugham and Maupassant, the poems of Ramanujam… the list is so open ended. How can I leave out the brilliant quotes of Rumi, the evocative poetry of Maya Angelou, and the short crisp poems of Frost?
Use these five words to write a mini story: passion, compassion, think, woman, decision.
“Their passion was fiery, but they had to think about that special human being, the one who needed all their compassion right now. For he was the husband of another woman, who had just borne a child after a particularly difficult delivery, and she, his lover, the other woman, was aware that she could never have children. The decision was a tough one.”
Paperback or eBook?
If you had asked me this a few years ago, I would have unhesitatingly said that there is nothing to beat the thrill of holding a paperback in one’s hands, the smell of the pages and the anticipation of the read. Today, I have a Kindle that my husband presented to me two years ago, and I get the same kind of thrill when I shop online, and get the books of my choice at the click of a button. Imagine being able to carry a library wherever you go, and being able to read any book you want, anywhere? It just goes to show that even an old loyalist like me can be swayed!
Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
The dream question in my mind at the moment is a renowned publisher coming up to me and asking, “Could I please publish your latest book?” J And my answer would be, “Do you want a manuscript or a soft copy?” :-)
Complete this sentence: A writer’s most important tool is…
A writer’s most important tool is a vivid imagination that has the freedom to observe, visualize, run riot and write…
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what five things would you take with you?
I would take my favourite books, reams of paper and pens, photographs of my loved ones, wads of chewing gum and a few empty bottles which I would float at regular intervals with SOS notes.
Please tell us more about your latest book(s) and plans for the future.
Well, the first thing I want to do is turn my first book ‘Arms and the Woman’, which is the story of the life of an Army wife told in a light hearted way, into an ebook and put it on Amazon.
One of my short stories titled ‘Mirror Image’ has just been published in a compilation called ’21 Tales to Tell’. I am looking forward to my story – ‘The Little Nugget of Fear’ – being published in another compilation, this time by Readomania. ‘Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul’, which is supposed to come out in July, will also have a piece of mine.
However, my main focus, at the moment, is on my new book, a work of fiction, the manuscript of which is almost ready, a project that my husband has been urging me to complete.
Dear Devika, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having given me this opportunity to express myself, and talk about the craft I love so much, that of writing and of being read. God bless!
Indian Author Deepti Menon About the AuthorDeepti Menon has always believed in the power of the pen. Having done her post graduation in English Literature and her B.Ed. in English, she had the option of teaching and writing, and did both with great enjoyment. She started writing at the age of ten, long before she acquired a Diploma in Journalism. She also had the advantage of being an Army kid, and later an Army wife, and loved the idea of travelling around India, meeting new people and acquiring new skills. She firmly believes that much of her personality was honed during those travels.
In 2002, her light hearted book, ‘Arms and the Woman’, depicting life as seen through the eyes of an Army wife, was published by Rupa Publishers, Delhi. This was written mainly to reveal the warmth and camaraderie within the great institution. She is now working on her second book that is a work of fiction, and not- to-be divulged yet!
For Deepti, writing needs to sparkle with simplicity and originality, and she strives to find that one word that conveys her ideas most meaningfully to her readers. She believes that Mark Twain had the right idea when he said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
Links:
http://www.readomania.com/author/deepti.menon.98
http://yourstoryclub.com/author/deepsmenon_7/
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-openpage/aamir-jolts-the-nations-conscience/article3413950.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/forget-about-incredible-india-can-we-have-a-clean-india/article435996.ece
http://www.slideshare.net/nijumohan/an-epic-reversal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkRbH-Hk8M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2HCC_7gIEQ
Blog: deepties.blogspot.in
