give me suggestions

It has been a long time since I did an interview of an author. I would love to interview a male blogger. But who? Since I was not quite good stalker of male blogs, I am clueless. If you have any suggestions please leave a note on my blog. I would be grateful.

Editing and Coming up in a new avatar

2013 is just round the corner...Time for new resolutions and new reading challenges. Sadly, most of my reading challenges remain unaccomplished. I could read only 11 books and my target was 100 books. It was not as I completely lost interest in reading but I got a 24*7 job to attend. (  I am a journalist by profession). But that should not shove off my passion for reading to the back burner. But then I realised that it was not my job alone which is putting hurdles in giving proper inputs in my blog. I sat back and thought for a while.

It has been two years since I started this blog, I still remain a beginner ( as suggested in my blog description) when it comes to book reviews. I did only three interviews of writers, though I got pretty much good response for it.I got the back drop for my blog very recently. It was then only I realised what should my blog contain. Why did I take too much time to realise it? I felt like floating, not able to put my foot firmly in the ground. I felt detached while writing anything in the blog. ( You should be detached while reporting but should not be so when it comes to writing your own blog.

There is only one answer to all these misses. I was emulating other bloggers. I was not giving anything which is my own contribution. When I started this blog on books, I was clueless on getting it started. Hence I went through many blogs. Knowingly or unknowingly I stuck with other bloggers' style. So I am going to undo it and start all over again. ( Background will be retained. I got it after many search and I feel it is perfect for my blog ).

I have embellished the fringes of my blog with a lot of reading challenges which will be removed and only those will be retained which I think I can fulfill.

Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark and Alfred Hitch cock will be retained. They are somebody without whose company I can even survive in this blogging world. There will two new additions.Margaret Atwood, though I have not read any of her books, I feel she is of my type when I leafed through her books. The other addition will be biographies and autobiographies.

I have done three author interviews. But with the same questions asked to different persons, I feel the style a bit monotonous. Hence I am thinking of writing them as feature stories. But interviews will be there. Besides I will be trying to bring in more Indian English writers.

There will be an attempt to read classics but will not participate in any of the challenges.

Though I have not reviewed any movies, this year my blog will also see some nice movie reviews. ( Alfred Hitchcock movies tops the list ). Long and short, ' Passion drops' will strive to meet the expectations of 2013.

I pledge efforts will be there to cull out previous flaws and come out with fresh new contributions.

' Almost Single by Advaita Kala

December 11
 Monday

After a considerable long gap, I was able to read a book - Advaita  Kala's ' Almost Single'. For the first time, I realised that be it  Bhatinda or Kerala, the mothers of single women nearing 30 speaks
 almost the same language. ' Mama Bhatia ', the mother of Aisha Bhatia, the protagonist resembles my mother too strongly and there are times I  had to pinch myself to make sure that it was not my mom who was  speaking.

I never had the intention of buying this book when I came across it. I  used to frequent book stores when I am depressed and I chanced upon this  book during one such visit. Went through many books and  the huge amount printed on the cover literally threw cold waters on my  strong inclination to buy a book. But this one was different. It's  title lured me like anything for my age. Besides the price was comparatively low  that I had no other alternative other than succumbing to my  inclination. That's how I bought Advaita Kala's ' Almost Single'.

I would definitely not call this a master work or great piece of art. It is a book which has been written in a simple language and  absolutely apt for casual reading. There is no plot as such. It is the  story of Aisha Bhatia from Bhatinda along with her two friends who are  on a groom hunt, to be precise, it would not be wrong if I say ' NRI  groom hunt'. ( One friend just got a divorce from her husband and the  other is on a search ).

 As far as Aisha is concerned, unlike her  friends she did not want to flow with the age old tradition of groom  hunting whether it be through social networking sites or by  conventional methods. Her faith eventually triumphs at the end as she  falls for Karan, an NRI. The story concludes with hero and heroine  coming together just like a typical bollywood movie.

If you are somebody who needs food for thought after reading a  book, Almost Single is just not for you. You wont get anything serious  out of it. Keeping all those seriousness aside, if you need a light  reading while you are travelling or mired in depression, this could be  a perfect remedy.

My marks – 5/10.

I got an award....:D

Hai blogger buddies,

I am happy to announce 'Absolutely Not Sure' http://stilsearching.blogspot.in/ has  nominated my blog  ' passion drops' www.shaletrjimmy.blogspot.com. for the 'Liebster Blog award'. I am on  ' Cloud Nine '...Thanks Ani for nominating me and also congrats for your award.

I am supposed to do this after winning this award.....:D

I need to answer 11 questions, write 11 random things about me, and nominate other bloggers.
Questions and also nominate 5 blogs.

1. What makes you blog?
The answer is simple.I always wanted to write. The world of blog was opened to me at a time when  by one of my friend who is also a wonderful blogger spoke to me about the vast opportuinities for writing. One of my short term goal is to review book.  I am giving reviews
through my blog but not satisfied. Dreaming of those when I can review a by closing my eyes....chuckles
   
2. Which part of your life inspires you the most?

  Right from the begnning of my life....Not an exagerration but a fact.

3. Who is your favorite author?
      Since I love mysteries, Agatha Christie is all my favourite. I am also a huge fan of Mary Higgins Clark . But I love to read all kinds of stories.

4. Which day is most memorable for you?
      Yet to come

5. Which song describes you most?

     I am sorry. I do not have any idea...

6. If given, which will be your last wish?
  If I die before materialising the dream of becoming awriter, I would like to write a book which could bring in accolades and awards. And dance before a packed  audience.

7. What makes you feel blessed?
     That I am always under the wings of God almightly. I am speaking from my experience.

8. Beaches or mountains?
   Beaches of course. But would like to see ' Himalaya'

9. Your favorite item in your closet?

hmmm......so sad nothing I cannot live without.    
 

10. Your most desired birthday gift?

   hmm.....may be a shelf  full of mystery books.


11. Why you loved this award?
  This award means a lot to me. This is my first award for this blog. It came at a time when I was feeling too depressed. I did get an award for my other blog ' Rain Drops' www.thedoveandthe raven.blogspot.com when I was feeling too low and was too cynical about my writing career. Surprisingly, the award which received  was titled ' Life is Good' award. Surprisingly, my life became more good after that. I hope this award would also bring me luck.

12. 11 random things about me :

Drama Queen :D
Sagittarian
Absolute foodie
Love my nose pin.
Loves Jesus and Lord Krishna

Love to Dance which is my passion.

Wearing Mehandi ( Mailanji in Malayalam) in traditional South Indian style...

Do not like reading self help books but always resort to one when I feel low.
Believes that life started changing miraculously when read Shiv Khera's ' You can win' for the first time.
Love to be cooker ( I mean Cook)...But yet to become one.

Here I am nominating 5 blogs for the aforementioned award 

(I was supposed to select 5 blogs. But I am adding one more to it....)

http://lifebetweenbooks.blogspot.in/2012/10/review-shadow-of-night.html

http://arrangedindianmarriage.blogspot.in/2012/09/happy-birthday-to-me.html

http://thoughtsandroses.blogspot.in/2012/10/amarok-by-angela-j-townsend.html

http://filingwords.blogspot.in/2012/10/being-author-reflections.html

http://vintagereads.blogspot.in/2012/10/maine.html

 http://margocandela.blogspot.in/2012/10/the-commerce-of-reading.html

Congratulations to all the winners... I love their blogs....

While my pretty one sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark

Since January, I haven't posted a book review. Though I was not too lucky with the book I started, I thought I could break my reader's block by reading a Mary Higgins Clark. Her books always helped me in that regard. Even then, I took several months to finish her book ' While my pretty one sleeps'. There could be two reasons for it. Perhaps, I was suffering from a serious reading block or her book did not inspire me to read at a stretch. Nevertheless, I will always remain her ardent fan.

I am glad that I could complete it and come up with yet another review.

Ethel Lambston, a best selling author who was famous for articles which exposed well known personalities had disappeared all of  a sudden. But nobody was bothered about it but Neeve Kearny from whose boutique Ethel purchased almost all of her costumes. Ethel was living alone. Except a nephew who was a parasite and an ex husband who was tired of paying alimony to her were the only close persons with whom she was in close contact. But neither of them noticed her disappearance.

The real twist in the story comes when Ethel was found with her throat cut which reminded of Neeve's mother's death. Her mother Renata was also killed in the same manner. Her throat was slit. Neeve's father who was an ex commissioner was worried about Neeve as he had a strong intuition that like his wife some one was after his daughter. But as the suspects in his list got eliminated one by one, he brushed aside his fear. But Neeve was not ready to accept that. Her hunch was proved right in the end when the real culprit whom she was very fond of was nabbed for the murder.

Confused

I am so confused. I have got lots of books spread on my floor.( Don't worry. I have neatly arranged it. There are suspense books (my all time favourite), serious books and non- fictions. But I am cluless on what to read. It's been months since I posted on my blogs. Yesterday I spent some time with one of my neighbour ( Lakshmi Aunty). She was so insightful and well read that I could n't help thinking that I should give more priority to do things which I really like. In my effort to make a sudden change, I have started reading a non -fiction ' An intimate Seshan'. Though I was sleepy all along while reading I could atleast console me for having finished a chapter of the book. I still remember what I read so far. I could write a review of this book but not in this blog but in my other blog www.ajournotalks.blogspot.com as the book is a pure non fiction stuff  and suits this journo blog. But that alone wont work.  The new books and reviews on various blogs always tells me where I am and what I should do.I miss reading all those reviews and enjoying their companionship of my fellow bloggers.

Please do tell me. What Should I Read first - Suspense which is my all time favourite or Non - fiction which I also love reading, but could not review it in my two favourite blogs. Or should I read both books Simultanously.

Expecting a suggestion.

My Passion

' Passion Drops', www.shaletrjimmy.blogspot.com- this blog is my favourite.
This is not my first blog but second. Initially, it was not called passion drops
and was of course not blog that dealt with books. But the link was named as
such. It was called Shalet's creative expressions where I used to post my works
as a copy writer. When I quit that job, I had nothing to post. But I did not want 

to delete it as I have gained some followers. It is too hard to get followers when

 you start a blog and I gained them somehow.I did not want to lose them. This

 made me surf through various blogs and found numerous blogs that dealt 

with one of my passions - Books. I said (one of my passions)as I think there 

are many more unravel by itself.

I knew that I loved books. But what sort of books? Which books would excite me?
I started off with Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew Series. Loved them. Each book made me hungry to read more and more Enid Blyton and Nancy drew stories. Now I am 30. But I still could read those books with same intensity I had when I was 16. For two years, it was them who gave me company. Then I turned to serious books. Though I had the gratification that I was reading serious books.It never excited me. It took many years to realise that I love mystery and suspense.It would not have been possible without this particular blog. Though I chose the name ' Passion Drops' in a hurry, I believe I was not wrong in choosing it.

So I just want to tell that I love this blog.....:D
Since It's about suspense I wanted it to look like one. I kept on changing the backgrounds.
After a long search I think I am satisfied with this one.

DO you like it. Please tell me.

Writer's Interview - Jo Schaffer ( YA author, poet, essayist and lots more)

My fourth interview with a wonderful writer JO Schaffer. I was a bit apprehensive before sending questions to her. Because I was on a hiatus from blogging. It's been four months since I published my last interview and I felt like I was doing it for the first time. But Jo's quick response put me at ease.

Jo talks about herself

Grew up in a big family with two creative and smarty pants parents in California. Have traveled a lot in US and Europe and most recently Costa Rica and will do more. Enjoyed BYU and changed majors from Archeology to Humanities to English with an emphasis on writing.

Have three sons and we have a blast.

Don't eat sugar or refined grains and stay very socially active. I read a ton. I like power yoga and taekwondo.

I miss the beach. Adjusting to snow.

Am writing my second novel and want to keep it up!

Belong to an amazing writing group called Writers Cubed. We run the Teen Author Boot Camp at UVU.

Jo Schaffer is a YA author and ' More than Karma' is her work.

Here is author Jo Schaffer exclusively for you.

What kind of a person is Jo Seable- Schaffer?

I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California in a big family and later lived in LA so I’m sure I have a lot of California in me.

I guess you could say I’m a conservative bohemian? Haha! (= I’m the typical Sagittarius in some ways. An informed optimist. I love travel, learning, people, and exploring. Spirituality is important to me and so is intellect. I really enjoy knowing people deep down and I have a desire to make the world a better place.

I like back nail polish, multi- colored hair and health food. I love my kids and being an empowered mom and my husband is my best friend. We foster creativity and expression in the home—he’s a filmmaker and I write—and our kids have found passions and hobbies that we support. The last couple years I’ve started working on getting my black belt in taekwondo with my son. It has been an amazing experience.

Tell us about your book ' More Than Karma' and characters.

I have one book being shopped around in New York right now. The working title of my book is More Than Karma. My main character, Karma, feels like a curse because bad things happen to the people around her when she’s upset or have been wronged in some way. Her Hindi father died when she was a baby and there is so much about her childhood and father’s culture that she doesn’t know. Karma’s mother is an emotionally intense woman with frightening secrets. Karma is a lonely child—taken in by friendly neighbors Michelle Bender and her family. They become BFFs. Michelle’s big brother, surfer boy, Steven, becomes Karma’s ultimate crush. But she has so much to learn about herself and the past before she can really understand the nature of love. Many people come into her life on her journey to self-actualization, including mysterious bad boy, Bram McKay who share her “power” and wants to manipulate how she uses it. It gets intense.

I really enjoyed writing it and the characters really came alive for me.

How did writing occur to you?

I’ve been writing all of my life. I love exploring people and life through the written word and to tell stories that people can relate to. About five years ago I decided to write a full-length novel based on my experiences as a student in London. So I did—it wasn’t awesome but I finished. And then I started Karma’s story and met a group of awesome writers and we became Writers Cubed. Having a good critique group has really helped my writing so much! I’m writing up a storm these days.

What were your struggles in becoming a writer and also the person you are today?

I think the struggle to become a writer was wrestling my muse and making time for writing. And a lot of things get in the way of that. It takes commitment and passion to write. Luckily I have both for the time being.

The query process was my least favorite, but I ended up with a fantastic agent, Rubin Pfeffer of East/West Literary Agency and I feel like I’m in good hands. Just never give up if you want to write as a career.

So many of my life experiences have helped my writing. Traveling, being involved in the community, having a special needs child, suffering through various life lessons and hard times as well as enjoying so many of life’s miracles.

Writing is 95% thinking—something I enjoy doing. (=

Which is your favourite genre that you would like to write a book on?

For now I enjoy writing YA. All of my current works are pretty different—but they all explore the lessons and lives of teens and what a pivotal time of life that is. I like a little supernatural sometimes, thriller, romance and suspense. Every story should be a journey that entertains and gives the reader something good or interesting to walk away with.

Tell us about ' White lies'?

White Lies is a short story I wrote for a short story compilation by Writers Cubed called The Storm available as an ebook on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. All the participating authors wrote a story that involved a freak snow storm in San Francisco and used it as a device or metaphor in the plot. It is fun to see what everyone came up with.

Mine is about saucy, Lizette Munoz. A latina girl living in a poorer neighborhood in Oakland. Her boyfriend Edgar didn’t come home the night before—again. And we get to find out what she does about it and how she learns that not everything is as it seems.

Tell us about your new website ' Writers Cubed'?

The group is always working on new ways to reach out to other authors and writers to offer help and support. We have several projects in the works to make this objective easier and more accessible. The website will help us network and interact with other writers.

You write a lot - Poems, blogs, essays, reviews and the like. Do you have a special liking for any particular genre.

I like writing just about anything, But one of my first loves was poetry—not sure if I am any good—but I enjoy expressing myself that way. Also I like interviewing authors, filmmakers and artists to see what makes them tick.

How do you pick and choose topics to write?

From my life experiences and anything that interests or inspires me. It is important to me that the things I write have an honesty or truth in them even when it’s ugly. I want to give a piece of humanity to the reader in a way that is entertaining and thought provoking.

You have produced a handful of good poems. Which one is your

favourite and why?

Oh. That’s a tough one. I guess I really like the one called Sons because it says so much about me and my life as a mother and an individual—in a short concise way:

Sons...more like the moons of a mother planet they orbit around me

I pull them toward me as they turn away

Which keeps them moving around and around

And I turn and turn to keep my eye upon them...

And to do my own dance

I should probably post more on my poems on my blog—it’s been a while.

What are your tips for writing?

Do it all the time. Don’t give up. Learn as much as you can about it. Join a critique group—go to writing conferences. Then find your own way of doing it and be true to yourself and your voice will emerge. Let it flow.

Tell us about Teen Author Boot Camp you attended this year and

memorable experiences you had?

I co-founded the Teen Author Boot Camp with the other members of Writers Cubed because we wanted to provide a writing conference for aspiring teenaged writers.

We all grew up loving to write and would have been so thrilled with an opportunity like this to be taken seriously and given some quality instruction and mentoring.

We provide hundreds of teens with the opportunity to attend classes given by the published authors that they read. From topics ranging from plot and characterization to dialog and voice. A whole Saturday of classes and a yummy lunch, plus, a lot of free prizes.

Last year our keynote speaker was Kiersten White of PARANORMALCY—she was hilarious and insightful the kids loved it! This year our keynote was Brandon Mull of FABLEHAVEN, and the kids went nuts over him.

We’ve been blessed to have so many authors support this and donate their time to teaching these kids in all day seminars. It is fun and educational. And it puts the authors in direct contact with their target audience in a meaningful way. Win, win.

So many memorable experiences—we are excited for next year.

The kids are amazing. Our first chapter contest winners are so impressive. The future of writing is in good hands! You can check out who our authors have been at www.teenauthorbootcamp.com.

Share some of your beautiful moments associated with writing?

So many. I laugh and cry with my characters. But, one particular experience happened as a student. I was in the Lake District in England visiting the home of William Wordsworth—one of my favorite poets. I strolled his beautiful grounds overlooking Lake Windermere, breathing in the soft English air in the same place where so many of his poems were written. I had this moment of peace and heightened awareness of my surroundings. Like my soul lit up. And I knew I wanted to write. Hard to explain but it was a pivotal moment for me.

Have your ever thought of any other job other than writing?

Yes, I have taught art and creative writing. Also, I did consider going into social work—in particular counseling for troubled teens. I have worked with teens as the president of a youth organization and can really appreciate teens and where they are in that stage of their lives.

Could you give us tips on how to review a book and a movie?

Hard to say—it is so subjective. Go with your gut. Explain how it made you feel—what you liked and didn’t like and try to assess how well the creator led you along their path. My husband works in the film industry—so if you watch a movie with him be ready to hear everything that is lame or good about the movie as you watch. Haha!

Do you write a book with both the readers of east and west in your mind?

I suppose most of my stories are based on my experiences being raised in a western culture. But my associations and travels have hopefully opened up my themes to something somewhat universal. My story about Karma probably explores that the most—as she is half Indian and has family who are Hindi.

When did you start blogging?

Eight years ago? It has been a fun way to interact with people from all over the world. I probably should blog more often than I do but I’m writing so much for my agent these days that I haven’t the time.

Do you buy books you need to read or just collect books to read in future?

Both. And now that I have a kindle it is chronic and compulsive.

Did blogging help you in your writing?

Yes. I think so. The more you write the better. And meeting other writers through their blogs has been inspiring all along.

What are your hobbies apart from writing?

Travel. Friends. Yoga. Taekwondo. Singing. Reading. Hiking and Camping. Health recipes.

Your 10 favourite books and 10 favourite movies?

Oh snap. I can’t possibly choose … there are too many. But here are a few worth noting:

Books: Of Human Bondage, Jane Eyre, The Apothecary’s Daughter, Outlander series, I Capture the Castle, The Believers, (anything by Austen, L.M. Montgomery or Louisa May Alcott, Dickens, Henry James or Dean Koontz)

And that’s only some of the fiction—I read a lot of nonfiction as well.

Movies: The Artist, Lars and the Real Girl, The Mission, Pieces of April, Moulin Rouge, The Fugitive, Bourne Identity series, Return To Me, Nacho Libre, Star Wars (original 3), Room With A View, Princess Bride, Rocky, anything Jackie Chan, and several awesome Bollywood musicals-- especially Lagaan.

I’m also a huge fan of classic and black and white film—including silent film. I could make a huge list of movies—of all genres.Anything Joss Whedon writes for TV or movie is genius.

How would you like to see you after five years?

With a few published books under my belt and still doing what I do. I like my life.

You can find more about her inhttp://jostorm.blogspot.in/andhttp://schafferfaces.blogspot.in/

Tami Hoag's STILL WATERS, January 26, 2012

Elizabeth Stuart had a very rough time with her life. After going through a terrible divorce, she decided to settle down, with her son in Still Creeks, a place which was known for its calmness. Elizabeth thought it would be an ideal place to live as she would not be identified by  people. Her divorce with her second husband Stuart had made her life topsy- turvy and she did not want to bring the baggage along with her. But that was what exactly she did, though unintentionally .

In Still Creeks, totally unaffected by the turmoil of the outside world,the natives were leading a mundane life. Elizabeth 's arrival had created a stir as she was not only alien but also they felt that her vibrant nature was a complete mismatch to their mundane world. Besides, her divorce was something she could not gloss over in Still Creek. An anti-neighbourhood and her troubled teen-aged son made her life hell. The story, all of a sudden assumes another dimension when a dead body literally falls at her feet.

Though Sheriff Dane Jantzen, the other predominant character in the story could not believe at the outset that Elizabeth had nothing to do with the murder, he gradually trusts her.

So a murder has happened and somebody should hunt for the murderer and if the murderer has seen any witness the former would hunt the latter. In 'Still Waters'- nothing happened. A body was discovered and Elizabeth literally stumbled on it and there come Sheriff and what really between is the real sexual heat. There are many times I felt I was not reading a suspense but a mills and boon. There was no correlation and the main plot. The introduction of an Amish character always gives the cue to the reader that he is the culprit because of his dubious and suspicious ways.

Honestly, I am not satisfied with my first book of 2012. But I really would like to read her more..

Writer's Interview - Elizabeth Mueller (YA Paranormal Romance)

 I am happy to announce that I am publishing my third writer's interview with Author Elizabeth Mueller. Her début novel ' Dark Spell' has hit the market with a bang. A very warm and a jovial person I got a quick response from her when I asked her for her interview.

Excited...excited...I am also hosting a give away of author's debut novel ' Dark Spell'

To enter to win an e-copy of Dark Spell, please share with me your most memorable moment while blogging? I will use Random.org to choose the winner--you have until December 25 to enter.

 " I started into the world of magic when I was very young. I expressed it by *illustrating talking animals, and forced hardships upon them just so that I'd feel better.

I also turned to the game of "pretend" that extended into a series of days or even weeks and months. I had an active imagination. It was my way of escaping.

I started writing when I was 9 with short and choppy poems. When I was 11, I  wrote a handful of short stories that would make me laugh now, and I started my first epic high fantasy novel at 17--which I completed 8 years later! It's collecting dust right now until I decide to edit all my grammar mistakes!

The common theme in my writing is enduring tragedies, failing, and then coming out strong. It's similar to my life story, and without a doubt, it shows in every book that I write.

My trails have made me compassionate. I love sharing what I've learned as any real friend would.

It is my goal, as an author, to let you know that there is hope, love, and strength in this life that seems to batter and beat and abuse our poor souls.

I'm a passionate writer holding no secrets, and a friend willing to share everything I've learned."

taken from her website www.authorelizabethmueller.com 

Here is Elizabeth Mueller exclusively for you....

Could you tell a few words about yourself?
I started writing poetry when I was 9, but always enjoyed illustrating stories as a way to escape the problems in my home. As a teen, I wrote your everyday-angst poetry, but my senior year was my first step into novel-writing. I finished that book 8 years later and haven't stopped since!

Tell us something about your book ' Dark Spell' and the character ' Winter Sky'?
Winter has no reason to believe that anything out of the ordinary could ever happen until she meets Alex for the first time in her dreams. As seer of his coven, Alex Stormhold is assigned as Winter’s guardian to protect her from the darkness that hunts her.

Winter is the kind of girl who you can just be yourself with. She’s funny, sweet, but reserved if you don’t personally know her. She comes from a happy, conservative family where she can be herself, despite of the tragic loss of her father seven years prior. As she falls in love with Alex, she discovers startling truths about herself that forever change her.

Which scene do you think that will surprise your readers?
There are many scenes in Darkspell that will shock my readers—both pleasantly and not so. The first scene that comes to mind about an unexpected event is when Winter is betrayed.

When did you start writing? Was it a children's book or a novella?
I started writing when I was 9. My first attempt was poetry, and I worked my way up to short stories, and novels and then children’s stories.

Which is your favourite character in ' Dark Spell'?
I would have to say Alex. He’s filled with strong passion—for both Winter and life, but yet, he will hold back because of his high sense of honor.

Do you write a book with both the readers of east and west in your mind?
Now that I’m published, I’d have to say more so than ever! It’s to the point that I wonder if what I’m writing will please my readers other than my need for escapism.

You have told in your home page that it really needs a lot of guts to be a writer - especially to be an aspiring author-Why is it so?
It is extremely challenging as well as courageous to become an aspiring author.

The first thing a writer must go through is stepping out of their comfort zone. It is human nature to stay within the boundaries of comfort. Who likes being uncomfortable? We face this everyday enough as it is, but as an author, there are more to face than your average person.

You have your book, the idea you’ve been nursing for months—even years! In order to aspire to being an author, you need to get that book out there. You get it out there by sending it to as many trustworthy people who will critique it’s concepts: pacing, characterization, believability, flow, grammar . . . the list goes on (I didn’t learn this by accident, but from years of studying the art and by meeting other writers, too).

It’s disheartening when you get your manuscript back marked up with bleeding ink, but how else can you grow?

Another thing that I can think of is that, as an aspiring author, you set yourself up for public study. The book you’ve cherished and nurtured is finally accepted by a publisher—or you may self-publish—but the end result is the same: People will either love your book or hate it and they aren’t afraid to say it out loud!

One thing that is a writer’s best friend is thick skin. If you’re an aspiring author, and haven’t already, start growing one!

Could you tell us about your other novels? Out of these novels which is that special which you pampered like your baby?
I started at age 17 with high fantasy mixed with some romance. After finishing that novel 8 years later, I wrote a historical romance that starts off with a young debutante who gets whisked to the old west where a murderer hunts her down. I finished another high fantasy where a centaur shares forbidden love with an elf princess—notice the love angle? Another romance novel I wrote has to do with Eros, Aphrodite’s son who is cast out of Mt. Olympus and is doomed to make a girl fall in love with him. Then there’s Rockstar, a hotheaded 20 year-old male diva who falls in love with 18 year-old Beth who suffers terminal cancer; this one is my first stab at contemporary and I have to admit it came out better than I had thought since I was used to elves and gods and demons! I’ve written a total of 9 books, including Darkspell. I’d love to go into detail about every one of them, but I don’t want to take up the entire page!

Who is my special pampered baby novel? Oh, what a question to ask that’s hard to answer . . . If my life depended on it, I’d have to say Rockstar because I tamed a wild beast for Beth. Shh, just don’t tell her that!


What would you like the most, reading or writing?
What a question to ask! I love reading because it whisks me away into other words—I’m enjoying someone else’s blood and sweat! But I also love writing because it frees me and gives me a sense of well-being.

Do you buy books you need to read or just collect books to read in future?
I only buy books for pleasure. I have a stack of books that I need to read, but I’m looking forward to it!

Can you please name all your books ?
Of course I will—it will be so much fun once I get them all published, but here they go, ready?

Tragic Innocence, high fantasy with some romance
Devil’s Angel, YA historical romance
Heartsong, high fantasy romance
Khandra’s Mists, fantasy romance
Darkspell, YA paranormal romance
Eros, YA urban fantasy romance
Chengral, historical fantasy romance
Rockstar, YA contemporary romance
Kursed, YA paranormal romance

I’ve written a few children’s books too!

When did you start blogging?
I started back in 2009! I had no idea that I would end up getting published 2 years later. Amazing . . .

Did blogging help you in your writing?
I would have to say yes. It helped me on many levels. One, breaking out of my shyness by having others read my stuff. Two, getting others to interact with my posts. Three, getting my name out there. Four, getting my writing out there with the blogfests—those are super awesome! Five, helping others by sharing my failures or writing tips. Six, making new friends! There is a lot more to do with this, but yes, all of this does help build a writing career for sure!

What are your tips for writing?
Make sure you balance these elements to make it a better read: internalization, dialogue, setting and character description, and emotional responses by way of physical reactions: heart beating faster, sweating, trembling. Turn a cliché into fresh read: I love “eyes wide shut”. Can you feel how thought provoking this is? Another tip is to turn weak words into powerful ones. Don’t use ‘look’ if you can use ‘stare.’ Instead of cold, use chilled. Also, try to end every paragraph with a strong word, it will appeal to the reader psychologically and turn it into a page turner without becoming overbearing. Vary your sentence structures in each paragraph so that it doesn’t lull the reader to sleep with rhythmic cadence!

Apart from YA Paranormal romance, which are the other genres you prefer? 

To write or read? I love to write anything with romance—I’m a hopeless romantic! I enjoy writing books with research because what I learn is priceless, but I also enjoy inventing societies with their own governmental rules—I love world building!

As far as reading, I prefer reading YA because teens, in my opinion, are (should be) untainted by the stresses of adulthood. Life is adventure when you’re young.

Share some of your beautiful moments associated with writing?
Oh, I love it when my characters rebel from my writerly hand. There are numerous instances when I knew exactly what I wanted to happen in a chapter, but as I came to a close, it took me off guard how the characters decided to do their own thing! Silly characters. But you know what, that’s a good thing because that means it’s working!

What are your other hobbies, apart from writing?
I find joy in singing, especially in a duet or a piece with many moving parts. Dancing is healing for me as well where I can feel my imagination rise all around me. Another thing I really enjoy doing is drawing! If you go to AuthorElizabethMueller.com and under the “Darkspell illustration” tab, you’ll see all 39 illustrations I drew for my debut novel, Darkspell! Another thing that I love doing is reaching out to others. I enjoy making friends and helping them as well. I love spending time with my family, too!

How do you create your characters and name them?
Most of the time, my characters hit the ground running as they hand me their names. I fell in love with “Winter” the very first time I heard it. A friend of the family has a niece named Winter and I never forgot! With my other YA paranormal romance, Kursed, I googled male Gothic names and this is what I found: Drusus, Draven, Gray, Grey, Talon or Thorn. I fell in love with both Talon and Grey. The main character’s name is Talon Grey now!


Your 10 favourite books and 10 favourite movies?
My favorite 10 books are: Giants of the Frost by Kim Wilkins, Ingo series by Helen Dunmore, Bumpy Landings by Don Carey, The Third by Abel Keogh, The Perfect Fit by Michele Ashman Bell, Emily Windsnap Series by Liz Kessler, Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay, My Beginning by Melissa Kline, The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood by Barb Bentler Ullman, and My Fairy Godmother by Janette Rallison!

The movies that I absolutely love are: Stardust, Legend, Willow, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Avatar, One Night with the King, The Final Inquiry, and just about any Disney YA movie!

How would you like to see you after five years?
What a fantastic question! Being a debut author is a bit more stressful than an aspiring one—yet I won’t dismiss the fact that while you’re aspiring, you have to deal with tons of rejections on your query letters and those are hard on the heart. As for a debut—you have to work ten times harder to get your name out there and the best way is by joining as many social networks as you can and never sit on your laurels when it comes to your book. Your mind is always turning on how you can get your book out there. I admit, it’s a bit stressful! So I’m hoping that in 5 years, I will be established enough to where I won’t have to scramble every single day and wonder how I’ll do with publish speaking (yikes!). I want to be a veteran now! 

Ends

Hai Everyone...

It has been two months since I scribbled something in my blog. I miss reading other blogs too. It was not a deliberate hiatus. I got too entangled with my job that I even did not have the time to open my blog and go through what my buddies have written. I won Sold by Patricia Mccormick from Medeia Sharif http://www.medeiasharif.com/

But could not come up with a review. I will do it soon.

The Time Traveling Fashionista

Louis Lambert is a 12 year old girl who is fascinated with vintage fashion and movie starlets. Things got exciting when she got an anonymous invitation to take part in a Vintage fashion sale, which entirely transformed her life full of adventure. When she wore the pink gown which she got from the Vintage sale made her live a life that she always wanted. Is she comfortable with the new life ? She met a lot of people she always adored.

The story turns into a thrilling mode when she find herself in the largest ship

the world has ever seen ' Titanic'.

I am reading a YA novel for the first time. It was quite existing. For me it was a sudden twist as I always preferred mysteries and serious stuff. When you are young, your imagination will always be flying aloft. Impossible becomes possible. There exists no inhibitions. Dreams, dreams and only dreams....I loved that feeling. But when you grow up, reality creeps in and you will be coerced to adhere to the so called ' norms'.

I loved the book. It was an absolute stress reliever.....Enjoyed the book....

Writer's Interview - Bianca Turetsky (YA Author)

 I am so happy to introduce Bianca Turetsky through my blog. I won her book 'The Time Travelling Fashionista' from my fellow blogger http://thenextbestbookblog.blogspot.com/ and I have enjoyed it to the core. This is the very first book I read from YA fiction genre.I sam so happy that she found time to give me this interview,despite her busy schedule.

Bianca Turetsky is a YA Author and ' The Time Travelling Fashionista' is her debut novel.

 

(I am an author, explorer, dreamer, and vintage fashion-obsessive.

I grew up in suburban Fairfield CT, in a similar town to where I placed Louise before her adventure- an only child (which according to my friends explains a lot) with wonderful parents and a gray cat named Bernard. So that meant spending a lot of time reading, swimming, making up stories, playing dress up, trying to teach Bernard how to talk (he never quite caught on...) and inadvertently preparing myself for the solitary life of a writer. But all in all, it was an idyllic childhood-- although at the time I was convinced that I was adopted and my real parents lived a fabulously wealthy and exciting life elsewhere. Was I the only one growing up with this Annie fantasy? )

Information collected http://timetravelingfashionista.com/bianca/

 Here is Bianca Turetsky exclusively for you.

Could you tell a few words about yourself?

I am a writer, traveler, explorer, and vintage clothing enthusiast living in Brooklyn NY with my filmmaker boyfriend and precocious cat Cleo.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a little kid. My first published piece was a poem I wrote when I was 7 years old. I’ve since realized that my talent is definitely not in poetry, but it still has a sentimental place in my heart.

Could you tell a few words about 'The Time-Traveling Fashionista '?

The Time-Traveling Fashionista answers the question: What if a beautiful vintage dress could take you back in time?

12 year old Louise Lambert has always dreamed of movie starlets and exquisite gowns and longs for the day when she can fill the closet of her normal suburban home with stylish treasures. But when she receives a mysterious invitation to a vintage fashion sale in the mail, her once painfully average life is magically transformed into a time-travel adventure.

Suddenly onboard a luxurious cruise ship a hundred years ago, Louise relishes the glamorous life of this opulent era and slips into a life of secrets, drama, and decadence. . . .

Could you tell us about the illustrations of beautiful gowns in your book?

Aren’t they amazing? They were drawn by a fashion illustrator from Barcelona named Sandra Suy who none of us have actually ever met. Everything was done over email, she sent us illustrations and we corresponded like that. She totally got the tone and feeling of the book. She’s so mysterious, I feel like she’s a time-traveling fashionista herself!

Why did you choose YA over other genres to write?

Actually I never thought I’d be a YA author. I always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t until I had the idea for this story that I even thought about writing for young adults. The story dictated the voice, and I discovered that I LOVE writing for this audience, and it was more natural and easy and honest than anything else I’d written before.

Are you a full time writer?

No, I also work in his studio of the artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel, organizing art exhibitions and assisting him on his films.

Which genre you prefer to read, apart from YA?

I’m currently on a memoir kick. I love reading about how fascinating and adventurous other people’s lives are.

Apart from reading and writing, what are your other interests?

Swimming, traveling, going to the cinema, and of course, shopping for vintage clothes!

What are your tips for writing?

For me writing is 75% discipline, 25% inspiration. Showing up every day in front of your computer and getting words on the page is to me the most important part. If I waited for the muse to show up, I’d never finish a book!

Any other works in progress?

I am just finishing up book # 2 , The Time-Traveling Fashionista and The Palace of Mirrors, where Louise has a vintage inspired adventure during the French Revolution. It will be out next spring, stay tuned!

Does your book cater to the west as well as the east?

I hope so. I think there are some universal themes in the book that everyone will be able to relate to. One thing we all have in common is that we’ve all been a child once.

Could you please suggest YA books to read for those who are not acquainted with this genre?

I just finished The Hunger Games which I've recommended to a few adult friends and they've all loved it as well. And the classic YA books I grew up with by Judy Blume or Ann M. Martin are always a fun read and a good place to start!

You can find more about Bianca Turetsky fromhttp://timetravelingfashionista.com/bianca/