Preethi Venugopala's Blog, page 24

Victory: 100 Word Fiction

Writing stories is my passion. It gives me a high just diving into a parallel world where I can create new characters and make them sing and dance to my tunes. I have tried all forms of fiction writing till now. Short stories, flash fictions, five-sentence-fiction, novella, novel. But I think I haven’t challenged myself to write a story in 100 words. That is what I am attempting to do today.

Did you know that the most famous and shortest story ever written was supposedly created by Ernest Hemingway? He had bet that he could tell an entire story in just six words. He had written it on a napkin and won the wager (ten dollars) he’d made with other writer friends. Check it out here:





Image SourceQuoting from the authors of the book ‘Elements of Style’ which is a must have for any writer.

“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer makes all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subject only in outline, but that every word tell.” ---William Strunk and EB White

Another one of my favorite quote about writing is the creator of the masterpiece ‘The Prince’:

“Perfection is not when there is no more to add, but no more to take away.”--- Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Now let me take you to my submission for this week’s #FridayFotoFiction being hosted by Tina Basu and Sirimiri.
Victory Image Source: Tinabasu.com

My jogging- app says I have completed my monthly challenge. I am elated for another reason as I walk towards the familiar dilapidated building. A dead woman, a sobbing toddler trying to wake her up and a man shouting expletives. Scenes from a nightmare that haunts me every single day.The soul of my birth mother wanders here, adrift in grief. A breeze caresses my cheeks. “I have made him pay. Rest in peace, ma,” I whisper. I throw the newspaper which carries news of my victory into the house.“Man found guilty of wife’s murder twenty years ago.”
Word count: 99

The Grateful Tech Savvy Woman

Source: www. tinabasu.com

Have you ever wondered what would happen if one of our dead ancestors (preferably from a few centuries ago) resurrected and arrived to live among us? Our world would amaze them and if not guided around, they might end up in a mental asylum. The gadgets would scare them. The vehicles would drive them crazy. Shouldn’t we be grateful that we live in this century where everything is just a few clicks away?
We live a privileged life today. The very fact that you are reading this post is proof that technology has given you the freedom and a platform to express your thoughts and beliefs. We have a voice in this world because of technology. A post on social media can touch many lives. A blog post, a tweet ,a newspaper article, a podcast, a YouTube Video, whatever way we wish to express our thoughts, we can. It is all free.
A few decades ago, women didn’t have a voice. Many still don’t. I have the technological know-how to create a voice bubble of my own which can be accessed and interpreted by anyone, anytime. I can talk to a loved one residing in any part of this world. I can watch them live via Skype. I can exchange news daily with my family and friends via Whatsapp. I can learn new things via the internet absolutely free because a few individuals have graciously shared their knowledge online.
Our grandparents didn’t enjoy this privilege nor did our parents. I am addicted to technology and I try to update myself with the latest technology. Being tech savvy always has its advantages. I feel safer and enjoy more freedom online. So that is one habit that I am grateful about. 
Tell me what is that one habit that you cherish and is grateful about?
I plan to write #ThankfulThursday posts on every Thursday starting today.I am linking this with Twinklingtina of TinaBasu.com, who is hosting this  Linky party along with Amrita Misra.

Trump, a lunch and some eeeww romance

The Lunch

Two major events occurred in the last 24 hours. Two crucial twists in the tale.Trump triumphed in America. 500 and 1000 Rupees notes were demonetized in India. Social media just went berserk with people posting for and against both happenings.
I went offline, bored hearing the same news over and over again. As it was a day off for my son, we too had triumphs and laughs.  You can see the results of one of the games here.
The game :)

Then we went out for lunch to a near vegetarian restaurant. The food was yummy (Rice, Aloo paratha, Okra masala and Dum aloo) and we ate to our heart’s content. While we went to wash our hands, we passed a table where a preschooler was gorging on a strawberry ice-cream.
“Mother, we didn’t eat dessert. Don’t you know that dessert should always follow lunch?” A asked.
“I don’t like dessert,” I said. I had just a 500 rupees note, two hundred rupees notes and a few 10 Rs notes in my purse. If due to my bad luck my debit card didn’t connect, I might have to do some ‘chakki peasing’ in the hotel kitchen. But did he need to think about all that?
So, he declared,” I love desserts.”
My pulse quickened as I gave my card to the cashier. I sighed in relief when the machine printed my receipt.
‘Okay. Now you can,” I said. He walked to the ice-cream counter and picked the same strawberry flavor. Greed is contagious, isn’t it?
While I waited for my son to finish his ice-cream, a young college-going couple, caught my attention. Maybe it was because 500 rupees were banned and most of the ATMs were out of service, that they ordered an ice-cream cone and a milkshake. They settled on the chairs next to ours. I watched with amusement as the boy licked the ice-cream greedily. He gave it then to the girl who licked it gratefully. Eeeeww.
Next, the boy drank the milkshake and with a smug smile gave it to the girl. She drank it as though it was ‘sakshath amruth’.
When I looked next, the girl was almost sitting on the boy’s lap and the boy was licking at the ice-cream now. I dragged my son and walked out of the restaurant  before their romance blossomed further.
Yes, I regret walking out now. I am not sure when I will get to see another such ‘eeew’ romance again.
Sigh!

A Momentous Decision

[image error] Image Courtesy: Heritage Snapper and Imageafter.com

The decision had been impulsive and momentous. I had plunked my career unceremoniously on the back burner for the sake of a tiny little angel who had entered our life.
The serene waters that meet my eyes now are asking me to relax. So does the smile of my naughty toddler. Hadn’t I worked enough to last a life time? Eighteen hour work days, 6 days a week. Ten long years. Hours poring over spreadsheets with design data of complex construction elements. The love and respect I still get from from former colleagues and clients, and a decent bank balance are the major takeaways from a career that had eaten into the best hours of my life.
Luckily there are no major regrets. As I am penning down these thoughts here, the copy of my debut novel, freshly out of press sits snugly on my table. Like they say, when a door closes, another opens.
I had rekindled my passion for writing soon after quitting my day job. Tapping away at the keyboard while my son slept, while he watched his cartoons, I had managed to complete my first manuscript.
The Civil Engineer in me had stepped aside to let the writer take the rein of my life.
Linking this to #FridayFotoFiction and Indispire

Head to Affimity to Meet People Who Share your Interest!

I am a full-time writer and like all writers, my social life happens mostly online. I connect with friends, read about the latest news and hone my writing skills reading posts by master storytellers online. I am hence a member of most of the popular social networks, be it Facebook, Twitter or Google plus.
Recently I discovered an interesting social networking platform, Affimity.com, which enables me to meet and follow people with whom I share a common interest. The word ‘Affimity’ is coined from the words Affinity which means passion and Amity which means friendship.
Image Source
 The website consists of interest-specific social channels where you can share content about ideas you are passionate about. I found the entire concept interesting. Here you get information feed from the people whom you follow, tailor-suited to match your mood. No more alluring food pictures when you are aiming to follow the path of fitness and diet. No more vacation pictures when you are looking for ways to handle your naughty toddler. Yet nothing is far. When you are ready, a different channel which is just a click away caters to your very mood. Wellness, Yoga, Parenting, Fashion, Beauty, Cure, Book club etc are some of the channels that I am interested in.
I have created a post about mindfulness there which I am very passionate about. You can find it here in the ‘Wellness’ channel. Screenshot of my Profile page

I spent hours browsing through the different channels. The best thing I admired is the positivity and selfless sharing I found in most of the posts. It is interesting how people belonging to different regions in the world can be uniquely passionate about the same thing. Another feature that I liked is the fun message that pops up while the page or channel loads. I remember the message that popped up while I was waiting for the book club channel to load. “When was the last time you blinked? Do it now!” And I complied. That is one bad habit I have while I sit in front of the computer to write. I forget to blink.
I found a few of my other blogger buddies there and have started following them as well. It is interesting how technology makes life worth living by introducing such innovative platforms. I should confess that I have fallen in love with this new social media platform. It is so simple and user-friendly.Every time I visit, I am discovering more and more interesting channels and people to follow. More ideas, more tips, and more information, just in the correct dose. In this age of mindless social media, this is one social platform that is completely mindful of your every need.

Do check out this amazing platform. I am sure you will love it.

A Lunch and a Storm in the Teacup

Image Source

Sona: Rearranging the tables was the best thing they did. Writers who write together should eat together.
Me: It is so crowded already. The poor minions look a harassed lot.
Tiya: Yes, people can be quite a nuisance when the pang of hunger strikes.
Me: I just wish they bring the food fast. My stomach has started complaining.
Tiya: You know about this tradition called Karvachauth? Women have to fast without drinking even a drop of water all day. When I got married, my husband did not want me to undergo the torture. Haven’t done it even once.
Sona: That is amazing. People can be quite intolerant when it comes to religion and rituals. I remember my aunt used to take these monthly fasts. When I was a kid I was also asked to fast. I nearly passed out the one time I tried. I cannot forego food. There is a limit to my tolerance.
Me: That reminds me of my brother. He fasted once to give company to my mother. He actually fainted before the sun set. We all tease him like hell whenever someone mentions fasting. Mother says that a rabbit should not attempt to do what an elephant is an expert at.
Sona: Oh my God, see that. A rabbit indeed is attempting something like that here. How can that waiter carry three trays at once? And see that boy talking on the phone is walking straight at him. Ugh!
Tiya: What a mess! I hope they don’t fire him. It was the mistake of the boy.
Me: He was carrying too many plates. They should employ more staff.
Sona: The manager seems to be a kind fellow. See how he is apologizing on behalf of his staff to the boy. And see how arrogant that boy is. Shamelessly shouting at the poor waiter.
Tiya: I am going to tell him exactly what I think. I cannot tolerate this.
Sona: Sit down, let us not make it messier. The manager is sorting it out.
Me: Let us eat. See our food has come. Karma is a bitch. I am sure the minions will mix a drop of washing liquid in his food the next time he comes here.
Sona: Yes, they have marked him. That boy can never feel safe here anymore. Never underestimate the power of a common minion.

 Author's note: This was an attempt at narrating a story only through dialogue,  without any dialogue tags or scene descriptions, a style popularized by Roddy Doyle. 

Finding the Zest Again

For an outsider, Aditya Chauhan lived a privileged life, flawless from any angle. He was, after all, the CEO of a multi-billion dollar business empire, a proud father to two teenagers, a loving husband and traveled across the globe frequently. A bright smile always lit up his face. Yet, life felt strange at times.  The more money he earned, the more forlorn he was beginning to feel. The zest was missing because Aditya longed for his old life terribly. If he could barter all his riches in exchange for his carefree college days, he would have done that happily.
During those days, he and his team of five nature lovers spent all their time exploring nature. They had been avid trekkers. They had made it a mission to go on at least four trekking trips every year. They saved all year along, to book group trips that would take them to different parts of the country.  He wished those days were back. He wanted to spend some time away from the grinding schedule of his work. Away from all responsibilities and sleep under the night sky, conquer more peaks and watch the splendor of nature perched high on magnificent cliff tops.
All five of them were now neck deep in business and jobs. Yet every year, they met at some five-star resort with family and bonded over food and news.
Then an idea struck. Why hadn’t this idea occurred to any of them before? Their next meet was scheduled for the end of next month. He messaged his idea to all five of his friends and the response was immediate. A resounding ‘Yes, go ahead’ from all five of them. His wife and two teenagers were thrilled when they heard about the plan.
 He searched online the various trekking operators and found a link to  mojhi.comand checked the trekking trips available for beginners. It was time to make their entire families crazy about trekking. He logged in his contact details at the Everest base camp trek page.  Within a few hours, quotes from verified trekking operators arrived in his inbox. The five friends exchanged emails deciding on the details. The entire planning went on without any hassles.
 At the end of next month, the five friends , as they sat around a raging campfire, breathing in the clean mountain air, singing songs from their youth under a starlit sky, made a covenant that they would do this as often as possible. After all, you lived only once.

A Journey

Our Class at the Attic

The journey to Anita's attic today had started an hour earlier than usual as I had to drop my son at his school, thanks to the compensatory working days imposed after the many hartals caused by the Cauvery issue. The morning had been hectic. Packing his lunch, tiffin and then facing a hundred tantrums he had thrown at us. Add to it the many excuses he had put forward to explain why he couldn't go to school today.

Once he enters the school gate, he waves at me and walks towards his class happily. Would anyone believe that this is the same boy who had shouted just an hour ago that he hates school? But seriously, who wants to leave the warmth of a cozy bed on a cool Saturday morning. 

The driver switch on the radio and latest Kannada songs starts playing. I spend some time trying to understand the lyrics without much success. 

My main hobby while traveling these days is to try and read at least a few boards in Kannada. My first attempt itself fail. I read ‘Nurabhi’ instead of Surabhi. I make a mental note for the hundredth time that letter na in Kannada doesn’t have a dot. But it just doesn’t register. The only progress I have made, I think, is that after months of struggle the letters doesn’t seem like jalebis anymore.

I take out the book I had to return to the British Council library, a collection of unseen archives from the life of Princess Diana, and become totally engrossed in reading it. The recurring thought while I leaf through the beautiful photos is how much sadness the photos hide about the woman who was fighting bulimia, an unfaithful husband and the rigid laws that governed the life of a princess in the British Royal family. 

I keep back the book after a while and check where we have reached. The ISKCON Goshala is on my left. I have heard that protecting cows is one of the most important activities being done there. They give protection to cows rescued from the slaughterhouse and provide all medical facility. Kind of a five star facility for the cows?

The houses on the next street mostly have asbestos roofs which are in a dilapidated condition but the kids are playing around unaware of the chaos or poverty around. Women walk around in nighties but have flowers decorating their hairs. 

I pass a charity trust that bears my name, then a school and I know I am nearing the attic. The Lulu supermarket appears after a while and I keep back the book in my bag.

 I have reached half an hour early. 

A Journey: Mindful Writing

Our Class at the Attic

The journey to Anita's attic today had started an hour earlier than usual as I had to drop my son at his school, thanks to the compensatory working days imposed after the many hartals caused by the Cauvery issue. The morning had been hectic. Packing his lunch, tiffin and then facing a hundred tantrums he had thrown at us. Add to it the many excuses he had put forward to explain why he couldn't go to school today.

Once he enters the school gate, he waves at me and walks towards his class happily. Would anyone believe that this is the same boy who had shouted just an hour ago that he hates school? But seriously, who wants to leave the warmth of a cozy bed on a cool Saturday morning. 

The driver switch on the radio and latest Kannada songs starts playing. I spend some time trying to understand the lyrics without much success. 

My main hobby while traveling these days is to try and read at least a few boards in Kannada. My first attempt itself fail. I read ‘Nurabhi’ instead of Surabhi. I make a mental note for the hundredth time that letter na in Kannada doesn’t have a dot. But it just doesn’t register. The only progress I have made, I think, is that after months of struggle the letters doesn’t seem like jalebis anymore.

I take out the book I had to return to the British Council library, a collection of unseen archives from the life of Princess Diana, and become totally engrossed in reading it. The recurring thought while I leaf through the beautiful photos is how much sadness the photos hide about the woman who was fighting bulimia, an unfaithful husband and the rigid laws that governed the life of a princess in the British Royal family. 

I keep back the book after a while and check where we have reached. The ISKCON Goshala is on my left. I have heard that protecting cows is one of the most important activities being done there. They give protection to cows rescued from the slaughterhouse and provide all medical facility. Kind of a five star facility for the cows?

The houses on the next street mostly have asbestos roofs which are in a dilapidated condition but the kids are playing around unaware of the chaos or poverty around. Women walk around in nighties but have flowers decorating their hairs. 

I pass a charity trust that bears my name, then a school and I know I am nearing the attic. The Lulu supermarket appears after a while and I keep back the book in my bag.

 I have reached half an hour early. 

On Writing: Tarang Sinha

Today on ‘On Writing’, we have Tarang Sinha who is a freelance writer and editor and author of ‘We Will Meet Again…’She is an avid reader and an active Blogger. Her works have been published in magazines like Good Housekeeping India, Child India, Woman’s Era and Alive, and a bestselling anthology “Uff Ye Emotions 2”. A science graduate, she holds a Diploma in Creative Writing in English from IGNOU.
Welcome to ‘On Writing’ Tarang Sinha.


Follow her on Personal Blog Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
How did writing begin for you? Was becoming an author always your dream or was it a particular event or incident that gave birth to the author in you?
First of all, thank you so much for featuring me on your blog.Unlike many writers, I started writing very late. I wanted to become everything except a writer. It just happened. Sprouted and burgeoned (still growing). When my first story got published in Women’s Era, I thought, ‘Okay, I can write! It’s time to take it seriously.’ Then, I created my blog, and it helped me to keep writing and improve.
How important are the names of the characters in your books to you? Do you spend agonizing hours deciding on their names?
They are very important for me, even minor characters! Different (Not difficult) names are cool. I even search baby names on websites sometimes.
What is your writing process like? Do you write every day? Is there a favorite place to write?
I try to write every day, but there’s no hard and fast rule. I think it’s okay to take a break. When I don’t write, I read. Social media is a great motivator. Even if you write a quotation or a small opinion piece on Social Media, it’s okay!The place doesn’t matter to me. I just need silence and some uninterrupted time to shape up those whirling thoughts and ideas. Sometimes, my over-occupied mind disturbs me, and then I scribble my thoughts in my diary/notebook.
What is special about ‘We will meet again’? How long did it take to complete writing it?
We Will Meet Again is a mature love story. It’s about strong characters, relatable situations. It’s about growing in a relationship. It carries various shades of emotions without being mushy, and flavours of humour and repartee. I have tried to keep my voice reader-friendly.It’s a long journey. Actually, We Will Meet Again was a short story I was writing many years back. But, I thought that the idea was too broad for a short story. So, I left that story unfinished. While I wrote many stories, this broad idea won’t leave me. It kept whirling in my mind, and then I thought maybe I can shape it up as a novel. It was a bizarre feeling as I never thought I could write a novel. It took almost 8 months to finish my messy first draft. But, I did not like what I wrote, so I let it rest for some time. Then began vigorous editing, re-writing, major changes…
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?Oh, this is a tough question! Every character (even the minor ones) has some role to play in my book. If I must answer this question, then it would be my male protagonist, Abhigyan. I don’t know why, but I enjoyed portraying his character. A character that may seem perfect, but his life is certainly not perfect.
Do share a snippet/ Quote from your book.


Is there a certain type of scene that is harder for you to write than others? Did you face such an issue while writing ‘We will meet again’?
I think, for me, it’d be difficult to write sex scenes. But, I did not face any such difficulties while writing my book as there are no such scenes in my book. Not because I find it difficult. Because my story did not demand it, and I don’t believe in forcing sex scene just for the heck of it.
What is your method of writing? Are you a plotter or a pantser?I don’t know. Maybe both. I need to plot the basic structure of my story. I can’t just start writing without knowing what I am going to write about. But, a book is not just about basic plot structure. It needs sub-plots. Several situations, dialogues, and reactions of characters to move forward. Sometimes, I cannot help going with the situations where characters react in a certain way, the way they want.
Which do you prefer as a reader? EBook or Paperback?Paperback, any day! I have tried some e-books, but for me, it’s paperback only.

What are the three tips you have for readers who are aspiring writers?Listing some points that have worked for me:         1) Read. You cannot be a good writer if you are not a good reader. Sometimes,         reading certain books can be a learning experience.        2) The prime job of a writer is to write. So write. Write anything. A book review or a small opinion piece. Don’t just procrastinate. A dream needs actions to get fulfilled.         3) Be a good listener and observer.

Thank you, Tarang! It was wonderful to have you over. I wish the very best for your book.Now it is your turn, go grab the book!


Pustak Mandi @ a fab discount: Buy We Will Meet Again by Tarang SinhaAlso available @ Amazon: We Will Meet Again... Blurb:
 Paridhi Mathur, dusky, beautiful, and (determined to be) single, is doing everything to keep her academic records high and her love life nil, but lady luck keeps frowning at her. When she meets Abhigyan Ambastha, rich - devastatingly handsome, intense and sometimes curt, her resolve wavers. Despite regular warnings from her ever-suspicious heart, she inexplicably gets attracted towards him. But she would not let him trespass her soul. Why? Is she scared of mendacious face of love her past has inflicted on her? Can Paridhi really trust Abhigyan? Will a blissful breeze of love ever kiss her heart? A heart-warming saga of dreams and desires, We Will Meet Again promises to make you smile and cry at the same time. Hold on to your hearts before embarking on this roller coaster ride of emotions!