Tag: books
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What do we really own as creative people?
Most of my recent articles have leaned into humour — because, frankly, humour is the only currency I seem to have in abundance while navigating the chaos of life. But today feels different. Today, I woke up with a heavy heart, the kind that sits on your chest like a stubborn tenant who refuses to…
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Why my inbox thinks I’m a literary genius… but my sales don’t
Let’s be honest: every indie author — no matter how proudly “independent” we claim to be — has, at some point, fantasized about that magical email.You know the one. Subject: Congratulations! We want to represent you! Most of us wake up expecting this life-changing message from a publisher or literary agent… and what do we actually find in our…
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What Snow and Ice Can Teach You as an Author
Every now and then, the coach and facilitator in me takes over the author in me, and I start finding lessons hidden in everyday moments. Last night, as I went out for a walk after dinner, I noticed the snow slowly melting away. What remained were small, frozen smudges—patches that no longer softened under each…
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The Bestseller Myth
Why “Bestselling Author” Doesn’t Always Mean “Great Book” Even before a book sees the light of day, most authors have already begun to dream — of glowing reviews, loyal readers, and that coveted title: “Bestselling Author.” It’s a dream that feels almost synonymous with success. But in today’s publishing landscape, where algorithms can be gamed and reviews can…
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An Author’s Best Friend
A Cup of Coffee and One Honest Voice Every writer has their rituals. Some need a quiet corner, some need chaos, and others — like most of us — need just two things: a comforting cup of coffee and someone, even just one person, to remind us that we are good writers. I’ve been lucky to have both in abundance — the…
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Historical Fiction — My Latest Passion
I have never been a particularly disciplined writer — and that’s probably because I never needed a specific setting to write. I could (and still can) write anywhere, anytime. I often talk about The Metromanic Chronicles, my shortest book, which I wrote while traveling in Delhi’s transit system — the Delhi Metro. That book, like much of my work,…
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Can an Author Succeed Today Without Social Media?
To be or, not to be – It’s a question every new author wrestles with today, and I cover it thoroughly in my book The Modern Author’s Playbook. Notice how I brought up the topic and introduced my book organically? That’s marketing too — subtle, honest, and effective. You don’t need loud promotions; you just need what…
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When Praise Feels Like Spam
How I Almost Ignored a Real Reader… In today’s digital world, authors face a strange and exhausting reality — fake admiration. Every morning, my inbox lights up with 10–15 emails praising my books. At first, it felt flattering. Then I noticed a pattern. The compliments were always followed by the same sales pitch: “Promote your book in our…
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The Art of Serving the Same Wine in a New Bottle: Why clichés continue to rule our hearts, and minds
Pic Source – Pixabay Every few months, critics resurrect the same complaint: Bollywood lacks originality. That every second film is just a remix of star-crossed lovers, revenge dramas, family sagas, over-the-top action, or the eternal “rich boy meets poor girl” story — just dressed in new designer clothes. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: if these…
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To Be or Not To Be: The Indie Author’s Dilemma
There comes a time in every indie author’s life when they must face a defining question. It is, in many ways, a perfect example of the timeless puzzle William Shakespeare so powerfully captured: “To be, or not to be.” For writers, however, the question often becomes: to wait, or not to wait? Should one patiently…