Tag: writing
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
The Pain of Losing a Car in Canada
The greatest irony of being an author — whether you see it as a gift or a curse — lies in the fact that every experience, good or bad, eventually finds its way into a story. Fair warning: this one’s about life’s not-so-pretty moments. Proceed with caution (or curiosity). Losing a car in Canada isn’t exactly a rare story.…
-
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…
-
Lost in the ‘Good Morning’ Epidemic
When Forwards Replace Real Conversations Have you ever received that fabled “Good Morning” message from an uncle, aunt, or that one enthusiastic friend? You know the kind — a glittery sunrise, a motivational quote in a floral frame, and sometimes even an animated bird chirping wisdom at you. And what do most of us do? We hit…
-
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…
-
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…
-
When Passion Doesn’t Pay: The Quiet Realization Every Artist Dreads
There comes a point in every artist’s journey when the romanticism fades.The paintbrush dries. The notebook gathers dust. The guitar case stays closed a little longer than it should. You tell yourself it’s just a phase — work is hectic, bills need to be paid, family obligations are calling — and soon you’ll get back…
-
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…