Himani Vashishta's Diary: October 2012

Writers Column

-By Anil Antony

Anil Antony is a writer born and brought up in Bangalore, currently pursuing his engineering degree. Being a chronic last bencher, this debutant author has written a collection of novellas inspired from his experiences of being a last bencher.

Read His Work-

THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC

How do I begin?

Give me a sign.

Shall I start from the day we met?

Or that pathos I felt when you went away?

I was lost in your eyes that day

And I wished that I would be never found again.

How do I begin?

Give me a sign.

Might I recite a poem, or sing a song?

That it’s in your heart that my life should belong

Can I embrace you and whisper into your tender ear?

That you are the one for me, my dear

How do I begin?

Give me a sign.

As the moonlight tenderly encircles your beautiful face

Let me show no haste

And gush out my feelings left undue

And let you know how much I love you.

-By Anil Antony

THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC

Once, a beggar fell insanely in love with a girl from his kindred. The beggars of the city lived in groups, and she was the most beautiful girl in his group. The group had a routine; in the mornings they spread around all the corners of the city and beg for alms and in the evening they would return to their tents put up on the foot path and share the money earned and then went to bed.The nights of the city were very cold and the fortunate ones in the group had rugs to ward off the cold except for the girl. She never had a rug and so she used to shiver in the trembling cold, and mourn and shriek in deep slumber asking the cold to go away.

The beggar saw that his love suffered in the cold. He felt pity upon her, and so he went to her tent and put his rug upon her body and wrapped her. And he was content to see the happiness on her face; she was smiling and cherishing a dream. The beggar felt the warmth of love and slept in the night, though he shivered and trembled, the face of his sweet heart put him to a content slumber. In the morning he took the rug away from her so that she wouldn’t know anything.

Ten days and ten nights passed, and the beggar continued doing the same; he sacrificed his own rug to protect her from the cold; and let himself tremble at its audacity. And in the mornings he would pick it up from her before she woke up.

One day, the beggar got to know that the girl is in love with another man. Though, his heart shatters initially, he never loses hope and tells that: ‘I’ve been protecting her and doing my duty of love. One day she’ll open her eyes when I put the rug around her body and then she’ll begin to love me.’

But unfortunately, nothing such happened.

The winter came, and the snowfall only increased the cold to malicious levels. But yet, the beggar sacrificed his rug every night. His health began to deplete but nobody cared; none of the members of the group asked him why.

One night, perhaps on the coldest night of the winter, the beggar sat outside the girl’s tent trembling in the cold. He was freezing; he knew he would die soon. As death approached he looked at his sweet heart for one last time. Whispering something to her, he finally died.

The group lacked money and also lacked the concern to bury the dead beggar. He was thrown along the garbage, and his dead body was feasted by the crows and the dogs.

At the gates of heaven, the angels stood in awe with garlands and clarets and harps singing, with every type of food he loved and lots of wine. When he reached, they hugged him and heartily welcomed him opening the gates; they had never seen such an act of heavenly love from an earthling.

That day, when the girl woke up; she wondered who had wrapped her with the rug. But she had other things in her mind: she was to elope with the man whom she loved that evening.

And thus she ran away with her sweet heart and lived a happy life; although, at times she complains of dreams of a freezing man whispering something into her ears. A queer whisper that said: When will you open your eyes my love.

-By Anil Antony

Journey Of Two Hearts With Author Anuj Tiwari...!

Anuj Tiwari works with a prominent IT company. He lives in Mumbai and works with NGO’s over the weekends. “I have tasted the water of many fountains,” He avows. “Some were sweet, and some sour.” JOURNEY OF TWO HEARTS! –will be cherished forever is his debut novel.

Anuj Tiwari is a motivational speaker as well after learning from life now, he delivers the voice from heart very easily and simply to the youth. He is awarded as the youngest youth icon with his very simple and effective thoughts.

He says, “Don’t scale your perfection in the middle; sometimes your last card decides the winner.” He is one of the youngest authors and motivational speakers. He visits colleges, universities, and talk to youth as he believes, “One day we all have to sleep forever, so let’s work till the day we breathe.” His motivational quotes are appreciated by many great people. He can be contacted www.facebook.com/joth.anujtiwari,www.facebook.com/anujtiwari.joth , www.facebook.com/journeyoftwohearts , journeyoftwohearts@gmail.com

Writing style: Anuj's writing style reflects the easy conversational tones of contemporary youth. His narrative style of writing is really appreciated and anybody can read his book. As he says, “I write to make you feel. I write the things which are very normal in daily life and we actually ignore but that actually creates the beauty in my writing and makes me different from other authors.”

Here are some excerpts from an interview Author Anuj Tiwari gave to Himani Vashishta.

Congratulations on the release of your debut novel “JOURNEY OF TWO HEARTS!.”

What kind of initial response you are receiving?

5.5K copies sold out in a month. Book is on the bestseller chart of homeshop18 and going unexpectedly good at the offline stores as well though I never dreamt about it as I only wrote for someone, now book is in all hand, so that makes me happy.

Tell us about yourself?

It’s human nature when we all were kids, we all wanted to do something different, I was not untouched with that reality, I also wanted to do something different from crowd but what to do, that was a big question. When I was a kid, I used to say my mom that I want to do something different and every time my mom slapped me and then again, I was back to my studies.

When I left my home for engineering then I had enough time to think about my future and life, years passed by but I had the same thought to do something different but how and what to do, still a big question. The spark, which was bumping in my childhood days, was about to collapse as it couldn’t find any way to make me happy and I started dreaming for a good job and a respective salary after completing my engineering as my family always dreamt for that.

Somehow, the hot blood of young age showed its magic and I fell in love with Pakhi. How things change after meeting a girl, I was the best example. Life started moving very fast.

I never thought to be an author; I just started writing our moments in my laptop with one wish to gift her all moments together after getting married. Life has two sides, good and bad, so when I lived in the heaven, I had to face the bad one as well and it happened with me. I went through depression for few months and I gave it the shape of novel in the hospital. But problems were not the end of life, death was still far away from me. But I knew one thing, ‘After crossing the ocean of tears, I will definitely find the way of happiness’ and So journey was not quite easy, every bad thing happened at every new day and now book is in front of you.

How tough the publishing industry is for new comers? Is it tough? Are you rejected by some publishers?

I take everything in a positive, might be this is the reason I am still alive. Nothing is easy but nothing is impossible as well, so for any new thing, there is always learning, same is the publishing industry. It’s not about tough or easy but it’s all about how much patience you have. Two years back I had options to publish but publishing the book or publishing with reputed publishing makes difference. Every day I come to know about a new book in the market from xyz publisher. Indian publishing is changing rapidly as we can see the difference between quality and quantity in books. In these days, people consider themselves author and after that they start writing but as per my point, an author is a person who experience the things without any expectations to be an author and when he writes then the true feelings come in the book and people like it.

In my scenario, writing a book didn’t mean that I was an author, still I had to get it published with a good publishing house and that was itself a long journey. Everybody salutes the rising sun; it’s not easy to get a good publisher for new writer. I submitted my MS to almost every publisher. Many rejected, few accepted, and those who accepted asked money to publish my book <the worst experience>, again I worked for few months on my manuscript, submitted it again to few good, and reputed ones. And after few months I got the acceptance from the reputed publishing house Srishti Publishers and after an year on 5^th September 2012 book released across the country now it’s sold more than 5.5k copies.

Tell something about your book?

Nothing happened all of sudden, it started happening when the day I heard her alto. Writing a book was only a personal gift for Pakhi but later on, it became a message in search of her.

My book is a mirror of every youth and for those who fell in love in their life.

Loving someone is not tough but the real courage is to forget your loving one.

I just listened to my heart, wrote on the paper and now book is in your hand. I believe my lines, which come from heart and touché to hearts, connect to every reader. I write to make you feel. I write the things, which are very normal in life, and we actually ignore but those actually create the beauty in my writing and make me different from other authors.

Only one who taught me to feel the things was/is Pakhi, so I’d say she was/is the one who made me to put my feelings in the form of writing. Readers love my writing and I’d continue with that only.

You are working with IT company, work with NGO’s over the weekends, a motivational speaker and your first novel is just published. How do you manage to write from your busy schedule?

Thanks for asking this question, my best question ever. Being a selfish person if I answer this question then I work with NGOs because children are my best teacher. I talk to them, I play with them and they love me then nothing remains to explain that deep happiness.

There is always a clever logic behind every task, if a 80 years old person speaks about 18+ years youth might be youth don’t listen but when a guy from their age group comes and talk to them and that connects to them, then they listen. Apart from this, working with IT firm and writing are not easy but where I work from 9am to 6pm for my responsibilities and after that, from 6pm to 9am my passion doesn’t allow me to sit idle, so both go together with my life and I live happily.

Who are your favorite authors? What kind of books you read?

The big question for me, it seems very awkward when an author says, “I haven’t read even a single book in my life except school and college books.” However, it’s true, I have so many books in my bookrack but when I start I sleep. Therefore, it’s better to accept the truth not to pretend that I’m not good reader. But my favorite author is J.R.R Tolkien who wrote Lord of the rings, just because of his dedication for his work.

This is your first novel? What is your expectation with the book and are you ready for facing critical review of your book?

My reader is only one, for whom I wrote it that is only the expectation. This book I didn’t write as an author, I wrote as a guy who left almost all hopes of life. Might be as an author I could write better or worst but there is no regrets. As I answered in above answers I wrote to make you feel the reality, for learning English and literature, Shakespeare has written many things.

How excited are you after all it your first novel?

Nervous is the correct word that makes me more nervous when I look at my book. The guy who never thought about any book, left, right and center…NOTHING, but now a book.

Who was the first to read your book? What was the first reaction?

My dad read the book sitting next to mom. My mom dropped tears when she read the starting pages and then my dad continued. My parents were aware about the things, which happened with me but in book the core truth, which I can’t tell in front of them. There are many scenes in the book, which are very romantic when my mom read the book; she asked me one question, ‘What I’d tell to everyone?’

How do you rate your experience with your publisher?

We should not rate learning J Yes experience is great.

Future literary plans?

Not decided yet.

Any message for Himani Vashishta’s Diary readers...

Indian writing industry is the vast industry in the world, maintain it’s beauty.

Thank you Anuj for your time. Wish you all the best for your future works.

Regards

Author Himani Vashishta

A Journey Beyond Boundaries With Author Parikshit Rane!

Parikshit Rane was born on Friday, the 6th of February, 1981. He resides in Mumbai, India. He did his Master's in Management Studies specializing in Marketing and worked with Reliance Communications Ltd. Now, he immerses himself full time into writing fantasy fiction and poetry.

Two of his poems have been published in a book called Passion for Poetry Anthology 2008-2009. Its ISBN No. is 978-81-8322-165-8.

He is also a Reiki level 3A practitioner which helps him make a difference in peoples' lives. A daily dose of Meditation keeps ideas sprouting in his mind, aiding the creative process for writing poetry and prose.

Author of “The Ancient Book” and “Love Beyond Boundaries”. Parikshit’s 3^rd novella is ‘Gautam Roy and the Secret of the Rainbow Kingdom’. He is currently working on the second sequel of Gautam Roy.

Here are some excerpts from an interview Author Parikshit Rane gave to Himani Vashishta.

Congratulations on the release of your new novel “Love Beyond Boundaries”. What kind of initial response you are receiving?

A writer is nothing without his readers. I am happy that I am getting positive feedback from the readers in my email. It is feedback that helps the author improve his writing and I am very grateful to all the readers who poured their hearts out.

Tell me your thought behind this particular book?

As a writer, I always keep my eyes wide open. You never know from where the next idea would germinate and take form. I was amazed myself about how this book got written. I have a Vision Board in my room where I have pasted a picture of an Audi Q7. Just observing this picture, thoughts of writing a book started entering my consciousness; the result “Love Beyond Boundaries”

How much of Raj Patel is Parikshit Rane?

There is a lot of Raj Patel in Parikshit Rane. But, I would rather not reveal and keep Parikshit a mystery to unravel.

Tell me something more about your book “Love Beyond Boundaries”.

Love beyond boundaries is a tale of Raj Patel; a former Formula One driver who embarks on a journey to Sao Paulo, Brazil to attend an art exhibition. Tudor, his agent assists in buying a painting called ‘Soulmates’ which is filled with reiki energy by its painter, Master Keitaro. Little does Raj know that a pleasure trip to the Amazon to meet Peolona, the leader of the Lynca tribe would alter the course of his life. The Shaman; an old lady of the tribe gifts him an amulet to bring him closer to his true love and a magic wand for his protection.

While returning from the Amazon, Raj’s helicopter encounters a black hole. He finds himself in a parallel universe; a planet called Zorb, in a country called Lambada, where there are talking trees and midgets. The love of his life; Ramilia holds him in her lap. She narrates to him about the entire planet barring Lambada being under the spell of the evil Snow Queen. He vows to help her and then begins a quest to save Lambada. Earth bears the brunt of this attack. They save both planets in the nick of time; living a peaceful existence.

As you have a keen interest in Reiki, I am curious to know how you came through it and how does it matches to your writing field?

Reiki is Universal life force energy. It brings us closer to our life’s purpose. Had I not known Reiki, I wouldn’t be a Writer in the first place. Reiki has helped me by clearing away my past and brought me to a better future; a future I look forward to every second of my existence.

Did you have a target readership in mind while writing this book?

Many Love Stories have been written till now but not many in the field of fantasy fiction. Those who like this genre will love my book. Once you step into the world of Raj Patel; you are in for a fantastic journey into many enchanting lands.

How do you rate your experience with your publisher?

I am grateful to my publishers; Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. The experience has been very good.

Who are all the persons who you think have contributed to the book directly or indirectly?

Dr. Manohar V.N.Shirodkar, M.B.B.S; Sc D (John Hopkins); my mentor. Mrs. Anjali Sengupta; my Reiki Master (Teacher) and the support of my parents Ramesh and Swatee Rane has been pivotal in my writing life.

Who are your favourite authors? What kind of books you read?

W Somerset Maugham, Paulo Coelho, Richard Bach, J.K.Rowling, J.R.R.Tolkien to name a few. You will find a lot of Fantasy Fiction, Romance and Self help literature in my collection but I try and read books from all genres.

Are you a full time writer?

Yes. I am a full time writer.

Kindly throw some light on your debut ‘“The Ancient Book”.

The Ancient Book is a fantasy fiction novella that transports the reader into a magical world of Angdom and the gruesome colony of Satan called Lyncastia that is increasing at an alarming rate. A Magical Dark Cloud prepared by Queen Witch Gilda hovers over all the captured territories and has the ability to shower acid rain or fire from the Clouds. Gilda controls the clouds from the confines of Satan’s Castle through a magical mirror. Satan’s castle is encircled by Magical thorns that are growing wider and wider...

King Zius, the King of Angdom and the World is the protector of the Ancient Book, a tome that has all the answers to protect the Earth. When fallen in wrong hands, hell breaks loose. The Universe works in mysterious ways helping him restore it back from the evil Satan. King Zius’s daughter, Sara plays a major role in this war to bring normalcy on Earth. The Aliens too help King Zius due to their deep-rooted connection with him. A new era beckons…

Tell me something about your upcoming book “Gautam Roy and the Secret of the Rainbow Kingdom”.

Gautam Roy and the Secret of the Rainbow Kingdom is a story of a seven year old child living in a secluded Himalayan range in Kashmir. He is born to parents who are Wizards. At seven, he is sent to a school called Tandavputra International School of Wizardry where he meets students from all over the world. This book is about how he adopts to School life living in the magical world of Tandavputra which is protected by Mosquitors; a breed that gains strength and survives on Rainbow Rays and protects the School and the Tandavputra region from vampires and the challenges he faces in saving this race of Mosquitors from extinction.

Any message for Himani Vashishta’s Diary readers...

Please read my books and give feedback on parikshitrane@gmail.com

Links of my books on Flipkart:

http://www.flipkart.com/love-beyond-boundaries-9381836033/p/itmd83s9pyh5jtfx?pid=9789381836033&icmpid=reco_pp_same_book_book_1

http://www.flipkart.com/ancient-book-9381115039/p/itmdf8bv8rjaakwd?pid=9789381115039&icmpid=reco_pp_same_book_book_2

Thank you

Thank you Parikshit for your time. Wish you all the best for your future works.

Regards

Author Himani Vashishta

Let Him Play The Music Again! (e-book)

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How would you react if your ex-lover shocks your entire world just by walking back into your life and now you are already married? What if you come to know that your breakup was just because of some misunderstanding? What if your married life is going like hell, whereas your ex-lover seems you so promising. The question is, would you run away, fight back for love or would you silently accept life as it is? Priya, a simple middle class girl secretly loves Vicky, the most wanted guy of her college, but Vicky is far too infatuated with the glamorous Nikita. So, what happens eventually? Does Vicky realize Priya’s dream of a romantic relationship with him? It’s music, their common interest which finally brings them close and a slight misunderstanding which forced them to grow apart. The story switches between time lines and goes back and forth, and readers are exposed to their happy past and their life together, along with their gloomy present. This book is a love story at its heart that gives an insight on the growing tensions in today’s marital relations. Being a poet at heart, the author has written this love story in poetic form. Poetic style of this book has allowed the author to depict love scenes and emotions in a better musical way than dry words.

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