tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60836128517162818962024-03-18T00:44:41.599-07:00Rachna's ScriptoriumThe writing and publishing journey of Author Rachna ChhabriaRachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comBlogger550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-31376561060594613422023-06-07T04:30:00.001-07:002023-06-07T04:30:00.136-07:00On A Blogging Break for a few Months <p> </p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;">Hi Everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;">Due to the start of the editing process on my adult novel I will be going on a blogging </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;">break for a few months. I also have a few other books heading for </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">publication this year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As the work load has become overwhelming, I feel I need to take a few steps back and take a break from several things which include blogging and freelance writing. I will also be taking a break from my column for a few months.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;">Till then stay safe, keep writing and loads of love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;">Rachna<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;"> </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 37.3333px;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></p><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-77134460189503415422023-05-03T04:30:00.001-07:002023-05-03T04:30:00.146-07:00May IWSG Post and what Inspires me?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkAu9Fs2eBc_ut7ceF-QP-OHXN7uyK27gzA5ZhpYLewmRocp5Jq8fkbPSbzOwmS14PEyOtxW6OIEUxjmohVoNIcN6KrAUMf7JB0ixW_Jd6zcLqRTRbZpKlJska_8RAQ1l01J3qTwcvpzfRT18qTSh422ElHrG7PuGjswJausPTxh5fteTRtFkpvPz/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkAu9Fs2eBc_ut7ceF-QP-OHXN7uyK27gzA5ZhpYLewmRocp5Jq8fkbPSbzOwmS14PEyOtxW6OIEUxjmohVoNIcN6KrAUMf7JB0ixW_Jd6zcLqRTRbZpKlJska_8RAQ1l01J3qTwcvpzfRT18qTSh422ElHrG7PuGjswJausPTxh5fteTRtFkpvPz/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Its horribly hot here in
Bangalore. I think I will start melting soon. All I want to do is sit under the fan
and read. Sadly, deadlines are staring at me from all sides.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The 30 days of April flew
by with several rounds of edits for a new book, some short stories, my columns
and research for another book. Before I realized it, we had stepped into May
and into another IWSG. Started by author Alex J Cavanaugh, <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers
Support Group) is a buzzing group of global writers. Alex is a best-selling
author, a musician and everyone’s favourite Santa, he is always trying to help
writers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The awesome co-hosts for
the May 3 posting of the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog" target="_blank">Ronel Janse vanVuuren</a>, <a href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Meka James</a>, <a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees </a>and <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com" target="_blank">M Louise Barbour</a>! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">May 3
question - When you are working on a story, what inspires you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">When I am
working on a story, the story and the characters inspire me. At that time, I am
obsessed with getting all the words out, into a word document. Once I get an
idea, the characters start stalking me. They catch hold of me and start
blabbering. They don’t leave me unless and until I tell their story. Once I get
into the flow, then I just need to write that first draft. The faster I write
that first draft, the better I feel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">What about you all? What
inspires you when you are working on a story?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-79062729993692647992023-04-05T04:30:00.000-07:002023-04-05T04:30:00.184-07:00April IWSG Post and My Writing Career<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsWxLNYzKH-ewieS_PitmdYCJjDUzsj_eYQhazCxChTCE_Rl9AIEQ1qhDnp8NAp-txnyCbsQLxSUz2v1tf7WO3osgkiZtbLUQ2QzdzQ05f18VEQpvU4Z7tBqraBU2PsXEL6gnFvyr2yc2riVlqTJScf13beBqo-L1U_xGyNxGJSiN8aikROszFqE/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsWxLNYzKH-ewieS_PitmdYCJjDUzsj_eYQhazCxChTCE_Rl9AIEQ1qhDnp8NAp-txnyCbsQLxSUz2v1tf7WO3osgkiZtbLUQ2QzdzQ05f18VEQpvU4Z7tBqraBU2PsXEL6gnFvyr2yc2riVlqTJScf13beBqo-L1U_xGyNxGJSiN8aikROszFqE/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">From 1st January 2023 to 31<sup>st</sup> March, I
wrote 50,000 words of my second adult novel. I had given myself a strict
deadline and luckily with all kinds of obstacles tumbling my way, I still managed
50k words. Every few days I had to move away from my book to write stories for
the newspapers and complete my review columns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Though I wish I had written more, I’m still quite
pleased with what I managed to write. I also had several family functions to
attend in the past 3 months. I have reserved April for revising a middle grade
novel and a chapter book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I was well prepared for the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> this time. IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post happen on the first Wednesday of the
month. Started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, a bestselling author, IWSG is a buzzing
place. Do visit the website and read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The awesome co-hosts for
the April 5 posting of the IWSG are <a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a>, <a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a> and <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aquirre</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> <span style="color: #5b9bd5; mso-themecolor: accent5;">April 5 question – Do you remember
writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on
writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you are at the
start of the journey, what are your goals?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, I remember my first book. It was a
stupid book about a small boy’s trip to fairyland. Though it didn’t make it as
a book, it was published in the newspapers as short stories, as each chapter worked
well as a short story by itself. When I started writing, I did think getting
published was easy, but I soon changed my mind. But now it’s working well for
me. I am at a good place in my writing career, signing deals with most of the
major publishing houses in India. My books are all going for multiple reprints, two of them are inching towards the 10k mark. And I signed a contract for my
debut adult novel with a big publisher last year. It will be out by the end of this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">P.S. I am so happy that my book Buddy the Scavage if
available on<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/buddy-the-scavage-rachna-chhabria/1143109350" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Buddy-the-Scavage-Paperback-9788194973935/2385413913" target="_blank">Walmart</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-7909371409835747542023-03-01T01:30:00.001-08:002023-03-01T01:30:00.171-08:00March IWSG Post and Author Envy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h3Uu4jZ1vWc8jC0Z6DWDZpzQiDcArIsqyKOAZCEEnrYxD2HQIYQxVSbwIJxlHuQDVCXXKURLpMnF8wXvtVNyVTXcy4XDMRLI0702CogwZwvbgVVNO2H9Baem375P6JnnNox1o58H0YwyxZs5ISO7EaIbQyvWvkqMjfCVWisNOh8RN1hw_Cj6HF5y/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h3Uu4jZ1vWc8jC0Z6DWDZpzQiDcArIsqyKOAZCEEnrYxD2HQIYQxVSbwIJxlHuQDVCXXKURLpMnF8wXvtVNyVTXcy4XDMRLI0702CogwZwvbgVVNO2H9Baem375P6JnnNox1o58H0YwyxZs5ISO7EaIbQyvWvkqMjfCVWisNOh8RN1hw_Cj6HF5y/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I started my second adult novel on 1<sup>st</sup>
January 2023. So far, I have written just 21,011 words in two months. Not much, but
I’m consoling myself that I had several functions to attend in the past two
months. I was also invited to be the Chief Guest for the Annual Primary Day
Celebrations of New Horizon Public School. What had made me anxious was that I
had to give a speech to 1000 parents and 500 students who would be performing
in the various acts. I managed to give my speech. Once I started talking, my
nervousness went out of the window. The show was spectacular, the dances
wonderful and the costumes beautiful. I felt so pampered with all the attention
showered on me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The third IWSG of the year has rolled into view. <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a>
(Insecure Writers Support Group) writers post on the first Wednesday of every
month. IWSG is the brainchild of Amazon best-selling author <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>.
Do drop in to the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website to read some amazing posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of IWSG
are <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Dierdre Knight</a>, <a href="https://www.bookwormforkids.com" target="_blank">Tonya Drecker</a>, <a href="http://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Bish Denham</a>, <a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a> and <a href="https://www.jqrose.com" target="_blank">JQ Rose</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">March 1
question - Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that
caused you to have author envy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In fact every
time I read an award winning book, I have a serious case of author envy. Quite
a few books I read in the last few months have made me sigh at the clever plot
twists. Last week I read Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas. I loved the book, especially
Maverick Carter’s character. I hope someday someone will envy me for my writing and
books.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Do you all have author
envy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-88619917925235205412023-02-01T03:00:00.009-08:002023-02-01T03:00:00.176-08:00 IWSG Post and Book Covers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDSX4YGhbOv6mG0nui4HItd4p8dLP5gLXPitdhdQ_FvHW8ivWROB56YORiI-Wcajr9ku8Gw2xUzCymrSjauJpX5asHcCJXjvXyFjsZRTEibtI_BCLMt34r5D0H1soxWQxEe4hiripXS-C8otWpgxFB69-AZEOof4hcaa42CZRUjxe0vPJKHFpKaup/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDSX4YGhbOv6mG0nui4HItd4p8dLP5gLXPitdhdQ_FvHW8ivWROB56YORiI-Wcajr9ku8Gw2xUzCymrSjauJpX5asHcCJXjvXyFjsZRTEibtI_BCLMt34r5D0H1soxWQxEe4hiripXS-C8otWpgxFB69-AZEOof4hcaa42CZRUjxe0vPJKHFpKaup/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I have a lot of plans for
2023. Both personal and professional, and luckily for me I’ve started putting
the plans into action. I did a 21- day Yoga challenge from January 2<sup>nd</sup>
to 22<sup>nd</sup> and trust me, it was wonderful. I feel fitter and more
flexible. I feel it’s time for me to explore and do many different things in
life. I’m excited about all the things I want to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I can’t believe that we are
already in the second month of the year. It’s time for another <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure
Writers Support Group) post. IWSG was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, the author
of amazing books </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">: <span style="color: black;"> CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. He has also been instrumental in
building the wonderful <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The awesome co-hosts for
the February 1 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray</a>, </span><a href="https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Ronel Janse van Vuuren</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">,
</span><a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Pat Garcia </a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">and </span><a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Gwen Gardener</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">February 1 question - If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers
or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what
goes on your cover?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">So far, I have been
traditionally published and all my publishers have taken my inputs into
consideration regarding my book covers. In fact last year I wasn’t happy with
two of my book covers, the publishers obliged by getting a different cover
done. A cover is the first thing a reader sees, and a bad cover will never
attract a reader. I’m lucky that my publishers/editors take my opinion
regarding my book covers and that we are on the same page regarding book covers.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">What about you all?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-54894796242734849512023-01-04T03:30:00.001-08:002023-01-04T03:30:00.186-08:00My January IWSG Post and Words of the Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1K3r4nid7oP4dEywEvbd7ZGjuXE1p4DpGRhf8y0RC5XAmvHd3OojFZfPzOs6W797-Vr2pQhwocFSonfO0zmFyXhS81ZiFpbcd42KT2IWZc2f_wBrKlxnpAADg2uy_a2DGmFxSwYbYoKvTId6aTA6TljC0YaPgul18mk9xqTJcHoqqPdzq1HNhrjP/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1K3r4nid7oP4dEywEvbd7ZGjuXE1p4DpGRhf8y0RC5XAmvHd3OojFZfPzOs6W797-Vr2pQhwocFSonfO0zmFyXhS81ZiFpbcd42KT2IWZc2f_wBrKlxnpAADg2uy_a2DGmFxSwYbYoKvTId6aTA6TljC0YaPgul18mk9xqTJcHoqqPdzq1HNhrjP/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Welcome 2023. I have big plans for you. Happy New Year
to all of you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m excited to see what 2023 has in store for me. 2022
was super in many ways. I had four books released last year and I signed
contracts for a few more. I’m hoping this year will be even better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Its time for the first <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> of the new year. I thank <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a> for starting IWSG and providing us writers with a platform and a place
to hang out online. A man of many talents, a warm and extremely helpful human,
Alex is a rockstar in many ways. He has authored some amazing bestsellers: <span style="color: black;"> CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the
Stars. He has also been instrumental in building the wonderful <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a>, <a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a>, <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sarah Foster</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aquirre</a>
and <a href="https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com" target="_blank">T. Powell Coltrin</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">January 4 question - Do you have a word
of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change
in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was
determined to finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word
of the year was Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines
where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have two words for 2023. Conquer and Explore.
Conquer my fears. And Explore new terrain, both personally and professionally.
I already put the process for both in motion, in the last month of last year. Looking
forward to seeing where this takes me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? What’s your word for 2023. Or like
me do you have two words?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-84023425481590575242022-12-07T03:30:00.002-08:002022-12-08T01:58:10.774-08:00My December IWSG Post and Holidays<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEalsP8q_l2LEXy1upRpsUNbZN9Fiap_x218G5mk3w6EAz-yJ7dACXuHPQos5GIbGv1D47rXHrP0-kEiNxX3KNgDWUDkaE-GfSqfvhNW6CTjalLJs5uy5NtIwQBV92BzOWUH6rkdDiG6MB8oGU7mwh0EIw4sebLmVtTfwlIO8I9jYAWToC9RqQTGbt/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEalsP8q_l2LEXy1upRpsUNbZN9Fiap_x218G5mk3w6EAz-yJ7dACXuHPQos5GIbGv1D47rXHrP0-kEiNxX3KNgDWUDkaE-GfSqfvhNW6CTjalLJs5uy5NtIwQBV92BzOWUH6rkdDiG6MB8oGU7mwh0EIw4sebLmVtTfwlIO8I9jYAWToC9RqQTGbt/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We have reached the last post of 2022. For me it has
been a fantastic writing year as I have 4 books published this year and have
signed several more contracts for next year. Touch wood. Next year I hope to
start querying literary agents for my new books which I hope to finish writing by
mid 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Its always fun to do the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers
Support Group) Post on the first Wednesday of every month. IWSG was started by
<a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, he is the author of <span style="color: black;">Amazon
Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Do
visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for some amazing articles on writing and publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The awesome co-hosts for
the December 7 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a>,
<a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>, <a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a> and <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">December 7 question - It's
holiday time! Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writer
goals?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="color: #660000;">Holidays are a time to
catch up with family and friends for me. I seldom achieve my writing goals
during the holidays. Nowadays, I’m trying not to stress too much if I don’t
meet my writing target for the day, because even when I don’t write, I’m still
working on my book, but in my mind. One good thing that has happened from the
last few days is that I’ve started digging into my extensive TBR pile and
enjoying disappearing into another writer’s story world. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">What about you all? Are holidays
a time to catch up or fall behind on your writing goals?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-69623790104165690572022-11-02T04:30:00.004-07:002022-11-27T23:36:03.534-08:00NaNo and my November IWSG Post<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBZglhbnDJNO7f5KaoCe4pUvk3yS3g23XL15alhi2C6-7TX4WtB_2vV4BHR8nDWo8gDUD4N8b-uMyKmLaDhorBt5Tdja_kJZRjLFi2Y4jWgnaCE8P2XEO_6YeBxcAY9RI6Ub5P3erLWzZFdoWBxVr-Ots9O5oUpo4jqEe4KgljxtfmTrrWQuceeh5/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBZglhbnDJNO7f5KaoCe4pUvk3yS3g23XL15alhi2C6-7TX4WtB_2vV4BHR8nDWo8gDUD4N8b-uMyKmLaDhorBt5Tdja_kJZRjLFi2Y4jWgnaCE8P2XEO_6YeBxcAY9RI6Ub5P3erLWzZFdoWBxVr-Ots9O5oUpo4jqEe4KgljxtfmTrrWQuceeh5/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Two more months before we say goodbye to 2022. This
year has raced by at a supersonic speed. But thankfully, it has taken Covid 19
along with it. Life is practically back to normal, but I’m still wearing a mask
in public, though most people have shed their masks.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Its time for the November <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> post. IWSG (Insecure
Writers Support Group) was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. Alex is the author of <span style="color: black;">Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire
and Dragon of the Stars. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for some
informative and amazing posts. The Twitter handle of IWSG is @TheIWSG and the
hashtag is #IWSG.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for November 2
posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Dierdre Knight</a>, <a href="https://douglasthomasgreening.com" target="_blank">Douglas Thomas Greening</a>, <a href="http://nickwilford.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Nick Wilford</a>
and <a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com">Diane Burton</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">November 2 question is – November is
National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Though I’ve
always wanted to do NaNo, but for some or the other reason I’m unable to do it.
Usually, Diwali comes in November. But this time Diwali was on 24<sup>th</sup>
October and I had planned to do NaNo, but so many obstacles came in my way that
I was unable to plot and outline the novel in time for NaNo. Infact I haven’t
even done a basic character/s chart and sketch. So, its goodbye NaNo this time.
But I’ll use November to rewrite a middle grade novel and plot the adult novel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? What’s your reason for
doing or not doing NaNo?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">P.S. I have started a YouTube channel last
week. Have posted two videos.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkhb_HQWeyDe4Xhoy76O9A">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkhb_HQWeyDe4Xhoy76O9A</a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZkhb_HQWeyDe4Xhoy76O9A" target="_blank"> </a></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-55743406104882323942022-10-05T03:01:00.000-07:002022-10-05T03:01:42.222-07:00My October IWSG Post and the Characteristics of my Favourite Genre<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-S3z5ap9dRstA3ICnZN-BXzFO3UTcBwrQuQTJ9WugsSaGf8iS0-V0VsV7-B1UwNf1VkB_-cK4QBhh9hRbKma3fIGXhU5zWInmVcqZxXb8MsqlnXQxG32LJWeHEMGPhU1uxICC3oJPecPnM04h8VCzK55K3dWK8C2hGNDpJOHjKaBobcfCkeCL5p7/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-S3z5ap9dRstA3ICnZN-BXzFO3UTcBwrQuQTJ9WugsSaGf8iS0-V0VsV7-B1UwNf1VkB_-cK4QBhh9hRbKma3fIGXhU5zWInmVcqZxXb8MsqlnXQxG32LJWeHEMGPhU1uxICC3oJPecPnM04h8VCzK55K3dWK8C2hGNDpJOHjKaBobcfCkeCL5p7/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From the past two months I don’t know why I’m getting
the urge to do NaNoWriMo this year. Hope I can do it. I have a story in mind, I
want to plot it out this month and then come November, I would love to take the
leap into NaNo. Cross your fingers for me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s time for <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers Support Group
Post). IWSG an online writers group was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <span style="color: black;">the author of Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for
some informative and amazing posts.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="http://www.bookwormforkids.com" target="_blank">Tonja Drecker</a>, <a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a>, <a href="https://playoffthepage.com" target="_blank">Mary Aalgaard</a> and <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sandra Cox</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">October 5 question - What do you consider the best
characteristics of your favorite genre?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love writing fantasy and the best characteristics of
fantasy are giving a free rein to my imagination, though it requires heavy-duty world building. Writing
fantasy gives wings to my creativity and makes me soar high into a make-believe
world where I have created each and every aspect, from the characters to the objects they use, the situations they get into, the creatures they meet and the food they eat.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are the best characteristics of your favourite
genre?<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-20724864819690202152022-09-07T04:30:00.000-07:002022-09-07T04:30:00.169-07:00My September IWSG Posts and New Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYafiY3rvBoulMcsM9XRsshkwpWKQv7aY6oqv0zaMH0d_jd_Mk2I0ti0Scdo06zbdYSfZ5QYVkxB7e3HjHD-PbszMvuO1SUywu-445IVUiCEZTo4QpjnC96dbgs9B0YtawmfmEczS_aYp3eHDtlkD5wsk9n06GMpH5Q6Z2gHVxGJwE4XmaQQn_s4G/s1401/Screenshot_20220720-081537_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYafiY3rvBoulMcsM9XRsshkwpWKQv7aY6oqv0zaMH0d_jd_Mk2I0ti0Scdo06zbdYSfZ5QYVkxB7e3HjHD-PbszMvuO1SUywu-445IVUiCEZTo4QpjnC96dbgs9B0YtawmfmEczS_aYp3eHDtlkD5wsk9n06GMpH5Q6Z2gHVxGJwE4XmaQQn_s4G/s320/Screenshot_20220720-081537_3.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkoFEZVmEB6VBpSQkzTAxZeiXuEI8Ew7y_e4YZb4c2Sjh_GuUbyxiU50Vj1C0oLeD0TNRMeUV4liqiKzB0uhxY23GayXnp7vc8QGzBh9L6sBLnU1wFLzHq-AXYSegmjl6jmwKpRE951jhyOCVmzB8l7I3F7fEDUkmyKUNzGgluXBcxtXZJFOezD05/s719/Buddy%20The%20Scavage%20Cover%20Image%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkoFEZVmEB6VBpSQkzTAxZeiXuEI8Ew7y_e4YZb4c2Sjh_GuUbyxiU50Vj1C0oLeD0TNRMeUV4liqiKzB0uhxY23GayXnp7vc8QGzBh9L6sBLnU1wFLzHq-AXYSegmjl6jmwKpRE951jhyOCVmzB8l7I3F7fEDUkmyKUNzGgluXBcxtXZJFOezD05/s320/Buddy%20The%20Scavage%20Cover%20Image%20(2).jpg" width="206" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Last month saw two of my books making their way into
the world. On 5<sup>th</sup> August, my nonfiction book ‘50 GREAT INDIANS:
Extraordinary Lives, Inspiring Tales,’ reached bookshelves. On 11<sup>th</sup>
August, my middle grade fantasy novel, ‘Buddy The Scavage,’ made its way into
the reader’s hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The month was super busy for me, arranging excerpts of
the books, reviews and highlights for the different newspapers I write for. I
also received an avalanche of messages from book bloggers aka infuencers on Instagram.
I am appalled at the blatant way they demand money for reviews. I had so much
difficulty fending them off that I had to add ‘No DMs please’ to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachna.chhabria" target="_blank">Instagram</a>
bio. Even then they were relentless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had planned to take it easy, but frankly speaking that
didn’t happen, as I had a few deadlines to meet for my freelance writing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">With a new month upon us, it’s time for a <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> post (Insecure
Writers Support Group). IWSG is an online writers group, started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, the author of Amazon
Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Do
visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for some informative posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the September 7<sup>th</sup>
posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aguire</a>,
<a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/olgagodim.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a>, <a href="http://www.writer-in-transit.co.za" target="_blank">Michelle Wallace</a> and <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Louise -Fundy Blue</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">September 7 question – What genre would be the worst one for
you to tackle and why?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I think it would be crime fiction. That’s
because I feel I wouldn’t be good at it, so I doubt I would do a great job. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? What genre would be the worst one
for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">P.S. How do you all handle book reviews?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><br />Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-2351575519091741692022-08-03T04:30:00.001-07:002022-08-03T04:30:00.179-07:00My latest book and August IWSG post<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpTK7fXuNy4iCMI64-6HTAD_WTFD4EXYX0p8BHaHL6heimooVOJdkO7Xi4ShMH761CZt_P1nvxuHc1UrgAk5ZMBQ7aeBqRM59bBpS_N0fqyfeAx2dpR3Fvi_QFKkLXcKE5QgwLcl1-b3gAVdJR0llxndaA3YJClTeMr4F1Gycinh03n9voSTS23N5/s1401/Screenshot_20220720-081537_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpTK7fXuNy4iCMI64-6HTAD_WTFD4EXYX0p8BHaHL6heimooVOJdkO7Xi4ShMH761CZt_P1nvxuHc1UrgAk5ZMBQ7aeBqRM59bBpS_N0fqyfeAx2dpR3Fvi_QFKkLXcKE5QgwLcl1-b3gAVdJR0llxndaA3YJClTeMr4F1Gycinh03n9voSTS23N5/s320/Screenshot_20220720-081537_3.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My first lockdown book baby has been published and is
now making its way to readers all over India and the world. 7 months of
painstaking research, delayed by more than 1.5 years. Finally, ‘50 GREAT
INDIANS: Extraordinary Lives, Inspiring Tales,’ published by Rupa Publications
is available. Its also my first full-fledged non-fiction book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a difficult book to write. Two personalities
passed away, a few sports personalities broke records and also announced their
retirement, a personality won an award (I had to make the changes before the
book went for print). I had to be on constant alert mode while I was writing
the book and also in the delay period.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another middle grade novel of mine ‘Buddy The
Scavage,’ too is ready. I proofread the dummy copy sent by the publisher. As I
asked for some changes in the cover, its currently being redesigned. Will share
that book cover the moment its ready. It was sweet of the publisher to send me
a dummy copy, they requested that as it was my first dummy copy, I can keep it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zo1LI9KPe2ZG1v-8YULhh2IPK5vLSIrLgN1GvehqYQGdRpY0vzNJClboZkPAE_Ghy_k6pOTQHqlTM5vDC57sUTPpY8g5rb-khwtuCwu3pw3a6YEAJXSJea_X33CXSpf81mZAygbEiSDTGQH-FsBqg4ZSSmArq7I_TG2VJlt-gOZABgIWDamx6w40/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zo1LI9KPe2ZG1v-8YULhh2IPK5vLSIrLgN1GvehqYQGdRpY0vzNJClboZkPAE_Ghy_k6pOTQHqlTM5vDC57sUTPpY8g5rb-khwtuCwu3pw3a6YEAJXSJea_X33CXSpf81mZAygbEiSDTGQH-FsBqg4ZSSmArq7I_TG2VJlt-gOZABgIWDamx6w40/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Time
is flying, we are already in the 8<sup>th</sup> month of 2022. With the first
Wednesday of the month rolling into view, it’s time for <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers
Support Group) post. IWSG was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <span style="color: black;">the author of Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for
some amazing posts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Tara Tyler</a>, <a href="https://www.lisabuiecollard.com" target="_blank">Lisa Buie Collard</a>, <a href="https://www.lonitownsend.com" target="_blank">Loni Townsend</a> and <a href="https://leelowery.com" target="_blank">Lee Lowery</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">August 3 question - When you set out to write a story,
do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">When I write a story, the only promise I make to
myself is to be as true to the story as possible. Infact, I sometimes feel I
write for myself before I write for my readers. I seldom write for the market,
no wonder publishers find it difficult to slot my book into a particular
category.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-20743933651974697422022-07-06T04:00:00.002-07:002022-07-06T07:28:53.349-07:00My July IWSG Post and the book world I would live in<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm70XcVRIUS-ZKQAkHhZyGDsadAlkcn1y1IPtQmvKJtVtmDYeMZDXP9nvfarm9DFVZHX5kT5q0gjxOGqo17odGbEeBaD-KqPckDN6zwpMnudnvA4aiZOTKkJ2D1xpFxu7XiBI342ys0crfM-vEUppwOfDjECf89W8h4gg2eVP7sGC6gVPVRduU1Dt/s1599/IMG-20220620-WA0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1599" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm70XcVRIUS-ZKQAkHhZyGDsadAlkcn1y1IPtQmvKJtVtmDYeMZDXP9nvfarm9DFVZHX5kT5q0gjxOGqo17odGbEeBaD-KqPckDN6zwpMnudnvA4aiZOTKkJ2D1xpFxu7XiBI342ys0crfM-vEUppwOfDjECf89W8h4gg2eVP7sGC6gVPVRduU1Dt/s320/IMG-20220620-WA0040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">June was a super hectic for me, two of my books are
hurtling for publication in the next few weeks. So, the entire month I was
switching between reading edits notes, editing, going through proofs, finalizing
covers, going through typeset copies of both the books. Luckily one is a
nonfiction book and the other is a fantasy (my favourite genre). Sending the
blurbs, author note, acknowledgement, dedication etc. In between, I was doing
all my freelance writing and columns. But it was a nice tension, not the
worrying kind but adrenaline rushing type.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a school session on the 20th for students of
grade 2 and 3 of GIIS (Global Indian International School). The children had
returned after two years of lockdown and were super enthusiastic and super
keen. I had a wonderful time reading two stories and autographing the books for
the students.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TnMqk5rW9eNrKgK14EPGfd22LVdS_lA5Xkbix7Im2huXqVi322LZ0W4Lnax683WgvfbdveRfH7zFaohq7w5qGHlU5drHE3M--ny2JH3pcJXKyX6918ER25uc3ScTIX7nTcpoCIomLLLEdz1iM_Etkx8H8zTq9F_Cw0cmXUaiWrPKyqYLh2JrUrt5/s4000/IMG_20220620_114522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TnMqk5rW9eNrKgK14EPGfd22LVdS_lA5Xkbix7Im2huXqVi322LZ0W4Lnax683WgvfbdveRfH7zFaohq7w5qGHlU5drHE3M--ny2JH3pcJXKyX6918ER25uc3ScTIX7nTcpoCIomLLLEdz1iM_Etkx8H8zTq9F_Cw0cmXUaiWrPKyqYLh2JrUrt5/s320/IMG_20220620_114522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Enough of my news, it’s the first Wednesday of the
month, it’s time for IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG is an
online group of writers, it was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a> the
author of Amazon Bestsellers, the successful Cassa series of books
: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. The <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website
is full of informative writing related posts. To read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts,
visit the group’s page.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JRfqYITKSTHRb7JN8KK69ySORY1WvPwWGsYCVaBdq5rsfWv17A0mnV2t3q3XgjeGwv0DRuLdKmn_261D9u8PXS7N2JC4z10e_6cZCoFgRBfEwMJnyVuO4fi-DK7IvDgtcJt1uprUbHa3yrtaZ1sLv0CEsJCJi7m3CD7RFr9MykK-EDMrNX_4cIoK/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JRfqYITKSTHRb7JN8KK69ySORY1WvPwWGsYCVaBdq5rsfWv17A0mnV2t3q3XgjeGwv0DRuLdKmn_261D9u8PXS7N2JC4z10e_6cZCoFgRBfEwMJnyVuO4fi-DK7IvDgtcJt1uprUbHa3yrtaZ1sLv0CEsJCJi7m3CD7RFr9MykK-EDMrNX_4cIoK/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">July 6 question - If you could live in any book world,
which one would you choose?</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the July 6 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com" target="_blank">J Lenni Dorner</a>, <a href="https://janetalcorn.com" target="_blank">Janet Alcorn</a>, <a href="https://www.pjcolando.com" target="_blank">PJ Colando</a>, <a href="https://jennienzor.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jenni Enzor</a> and <a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com" target="_blank">DianeBurton</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I would choose the Harry Potter world. I am a huge,
huge, Potter fan. I can easily visualize myself in Hogwarts attending Potions
classes and Defence Against The Dark Arts and walking through the corridors
with my wand in hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? Which book world would you live
in?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-35575582258540189022022-06-01T03:00:00.017-07:002022-06-01T03:00:00.201-07:00My June IWSG Post and when the going gets tough while writing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinum_Un3QFb6THoeGjZu81Isvkib_0I1bMG2P37az2kshPnsEbQdZd_VrUJ3BrKs7QLXCfMU8HTjAMBeo3ndG5SPdcLNx5pnphKU_TYI6m2weF2ENmxDCssFj2xYwrUh8AvNGfTj-0f2Ia_j7TnSHaco0__16gaTzvEUL3lypUWjjmNN_A3moMythS/s2967/IMG_20220521_144623_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2967" data-original-width="2110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinum_Un3QFb6THoeGjZu81Isvkib_0I1bMG2P37az2kshPnsEbQdZd_VrUJ3BrKs7QLXCfMU8HTjAMBeo3ndG5SPdcLNx5pnphKU_TYI6m2weF2ENmxDCssFj2xYwrUh8AvNGfTj-0f2Ia_j7TnSHaco0__16gaTzvEUL3lypUWjjmNN_A3moMythS/s320/IMG_20220521_144623_2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">May was a hectic month for me, I spent the first ten
days going over the edits and proofs of my new book, a collection of animal
stories titled ‘Chaos in the Jungle and Other Stories,’ published by Ukiyoto
Publishing. It released around 11 May (the kindle version) and 14 May (paperback). This was the book for which I had signed the contract in April 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I just saw that amazing Alex Cavanaugh has already given my book a shoutout on his blog in his previous <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2022/05/cassadark-tour-ends-and-new-releases.html" target="_blank">post</a> about new releases. Thankyou Alex, you truly are a gem of a person.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Then in the last one week I have been going through
the edits of my non-fiction book, the editor sent me the first edit copy for
review. This book will release in August to celebrate India’s 75 years of
independence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> I’m also
revising my fantasy novel with my editor’s suggestions. This book is heading
for a July release. Will share both these covers in a few weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Things are normal here in India, though I’m always
wearing a mask when I step out of my house, some people aren’t. Hope we have
left Covid19 far behind us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpOkK2kkFkgQTX9-mMZH7HPzBisSV-ui1sc-IbH8-myQ7q6u-cF9cd46_iKV7F1dEknBWgjUrcJ1h28yLE4z5w9uAjYK7aQ0CSZrDuus01tseAYI2J7PI1oH4936XFmPDmFE_mUf5HLJqkn-E0ywPU2q7-9Nwtbn6dizlZoYwcaq-OD1N6B5cHlOn/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpOkK2kkFkgQTX9-mMZH7HPzBisSV-ui1sc-IbH8-myQ7q6u-cF9cd46_iKV7F1dEknBWgjUrcJ1h28yLE4z5w9uAjYK7aQ0CSZrDuus01tseAYI2J7PI1oH4936XFmPDmFE_mUf5HLJqkn-E0ywPU2q7-9Nwtbn6dizlZoYwcaq-OD1N6B5cHlOn/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">All too soon we dropped into June and its time for
IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group). IWSG started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, the
author of Amazon Bestsellers : CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Hop over to the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for
some amazing posts and do try to support IWSG members by visiting their blogs
and commenting on their <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">June 1 question - When the going gets
tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have
not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think
could help you find your groove and start?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://sewhitebooks.com" target="_blank">SE White</a>, <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aguire</a>, <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">JoyleneNowell Butler</a>, and <a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For my love story I got so badly stuck
that I wanted to shelve that book for some time, at one point. But luckily for
me, I continued writing and constantly motivated myself that I could work
through that roadblock and writer’s block (I had got stuck at a very crucial
point in the book). That book was and is very close to my heart, there was no
way I was giving it up for anything. I feel we should just keep writing and the
knots will start untangling.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-19971957789470812032022-05-04T04:33:00.001-07:002022-05-04T04:33:10.051-07:00My May IWSG Post and my writing highs and lows<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLUeiw3rzyEWng7G7lD5A0qgMsIyK-bNus4FT2shjbgzklxFcmxC6Mv14i6lcz2R9sjvSmLI5PHoiUXr97L-FyctuW9XRSHX1aMmCZPyi3tDVFpsVZI65jw7QjZX5kzUkGuB8-YOWlbg1yK4C86xomYxXu2k8WrOpN1RP5PndqFXSgoO3xRzSrVT7/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLUeiw3rzyEWng7G7lD5A0qgMsIyK-bNus4FT2shjbgzklxFcmxC6Mv14i6lcz2R9sjvSmLI5PHoiUXr97L-FyctuW9XRSHX1aMmCZPyi3tDVFpsVZI65jw7QjZX5kzUkGuB8-YOWlbg1yK4C86xomYxXu2k8WrOpN1RP5PndqFXSgoO3xRzSrVT7/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">April was a lucky month for me as I signed two book
deals and luckily for me, both the books will be out by June, maybe end of May
itself. I’m doing a happy dance. Plus, I also discussed a picture book trilogy
with another independent publisher.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With
a new month and the first Wednesday of the month, it’s time for IWSG (Insecure
Writers Support Group) post. IWSG is an online group of writers, it was started
by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh </a>the auth<span style="color: black;">or of Amazon
Bestsellers : CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars.
The <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website is packed with writing related posts. To read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a>
posts, visit the group’s page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;">May 4 question - It's the best of times; it's the
worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your
writer lows (the crappy times)?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the May 4 posting of the IWSG
are <a href="https://kimelliottauthor.weebly.com/blog" target="_blank">Kim Elliot</a>, <a href="http://melissamaygrove.blogspot.com">Melissa Maygrove</a>, <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Chemist Ken,</a> <a href="https://leelowery.com">Lee Lowery</a>, and <a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com">Nancy Gideon</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #800180;">I have had both the highs and lows and trust me when I
say that both have been in extremes. The writer highs have ofcourse been book
contracts and amazing reader reviews and the books going into multiple
reprints, inching towards 10,000 copies being sold of each title. The lows have
been a series of long waits by the publishers for replies and the delays of two
of my non-fiction books, due to the pandemic and the lockdowns. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #800180;">Writer lows: Last year I signed a contract for a picture book with
a new and small publisher. I was paid a small advance by the publisher and next
week the contract was terminated. Luckily the publisher (the single woman
organization) asked me to keep the advance as I had revised the book. Before
that in 2019, I had been commissioned a mythology book based on my serialized story, by one of India’s
independent publishers, the book was ready, complete with wonderful
illustrations and the final PDF was sent to me for approval. I promptly went
through the PDF and sent in my changes which were done overnight. Sadly, a day
later, on the day the book was supposed to be sent to the printer, the editor
calls me to tell me that the book has been put on an indefinite hold. A few
months later we mutually terminated the contract. As the advance hadn’t yet
been paid, there was no money to return.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #800180;">Well those were the lows, as I had come so close to
the books being published, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then
experienced disappointment.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I try to hold on to the highs, instead of clinging to the
lows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-1549861268183869972022-04-06T02:28:00.001-07:002022-04-06T02:28:59.386-07:00April IWSG Post and Audio Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXUvwv-fbyT2rewjG5PNe5uFLlHjdxWG0MSklxZJTVCsA1ecF-7_ZZbD-AQo-k5UY-OOjwoucA-WTdcnFoIpkqYwI0W5AtXuPgeZj3W3cBT0a4mNzN1oMKX9ku4460tS6zc8wpdn-aUuWlSg-m4MCD0xgEYFDxul2K0vN4s8P8ZAQGZMWUPKqQNBz/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXUvwv-fbyT2rewjG5PNe5uFLlHjdxWG0MSklxZJTVCsA1ecF-7_ZZbD-AQo-k5UY-OOjwoucA-WTdcnFoIpkqYwI0W5AtXuPgeZj3W3cBT0a4mNzN1oMKX9ku4460tS6zc8wpdn-aUuWlSg-m4MCD0xgEYFDxul2K0vN4s8P8ZAQGZMWUPKqQNBz/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think March was a very productive month for me. I wrote lots of features for newspapers and magazines and did many book reviews in newspapers. And I also submitted my books to various Indian publishers
and got good responses. I hope April will be as productive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looks like the pandemic is behind us. Fingers crossed
that things stay the same as they are now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the first Wednesday of the month rolls into view, it’s
time for another <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG was formed by
<a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> the author of Amazon Bestsellers
: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. The IWSG
website is packed with writing related posts. To read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts,
visit the group’s page.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">April 6 question - Have any of your
books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in
producing an audiobook?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a>, <a href="https://www.patriciajosephine.com/blog" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine</a>, <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Louise –Fundy Blue </a>and <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">So far I have
just one audio book - Festival Stories Through The Year. My publisher Harper Collins Children’s
Book India brought out the audio book during the first pandemic lockdown in 2020. Luckily for me, HCI handled everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? How did you all handle the audio
book challenges?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-33484676978366114192022-03-02T02:04:00.000-08:002022-03-02T02:04:36.398-08:00My March IWSG and Writing Conflicts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEGE1S4uAoV3iRrqjGsAGWWFZ-wDcjzSHOZGNpZb_g6qG-2BGENzUlbh_-IaQFYICSSpgIxCaJCVx39WGK3F9IwGIK206LEV08PLovpBPdYSEOIhmeV2AHPqpTGSH39YmKSSrKDcgkfu6ZaMJmdBf51X-Qrgp3TZ1iUMXrxVynOWSWio8szfHqTL6L=s320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEGE1S4uAoV3iRrqjGsAGWWFZ-wDcjzSHOZGNpZb_g6qG-2BGENzUlbh_-IaQFYICSSpgIxCaJCVx39WGK3F9IwGIK206LEV08PLovpBPdYSEOIhmeV2AHPqpTGSH39YmKSSrKDcgkfu6ZaMJmdBf51X-Qrgp3TZ1iUMXrxVynOWSWio8szfHqTL6L" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In India, everything has opened up now, though
everyone is still wearing a mask. I am hoping the pandemic is behind us. I
desperately want a return to normalcy, as I have lived under the fear of the
virus for too long.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year my aim is to conquer my fears and explore
different possibilities. I have managed to do both (to a certain extent). I
will share the details soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
it’s the first Wednesday of the month, it’s time for the Insecure Writer’s
Support Group (IWSG) post. <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">was started by the wonderful <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, the author of Amazon Bestsellers : CassaStar, CassaStorm,
CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. The IWSG website is packed with writing
related posts. To read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts, visit the group’s page.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">March 2 question - Have you ever been
conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you
decide to write it or not?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the March 2 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://janetalcorn.com/" target="_blank">Janet Alcorn</a>, <a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank">Pat Garcia</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre </a>and <a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shannon Lawrence</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, several times I have been
conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story. Once, for one of
my middle-grade novels, I removed a scene, as I felt that school principals
(headmasters) may object to it and ban the books from their school (that would
have been disastrous for a children’s book.) After a lot of thought, I decided
to rework that particular chapter. For children’s books we authors are always
treading a fine line and trying not to cross any lines.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How about you all? How do you handle your writing
conflicts?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-41040146971481643912022-02-02T02:24:00.000-08:002022-02-02T02:24:03.787-08:00My February IWSG Post<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisF_LxOhtXuPXhTn4E6ip6mAb4LwTGA90fxDl0vuR92nVgkFlO7W2QAl5ZdvOJcCFoN70LVGrMMO-m3JWNMzlZZcrSDedac4zoea9cYWezLwh9q3peVvEqGFziiVpfII7vVfE6hUkAQanbhX-mh4o1QIIxYGbULnishfUYuUvY9Rv-oee4vIukIRTs=s320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisF_LxOhtXuPXhTn4E6ip6mAb4LwTGA90fxDl0vuR92nVgkFlO7W2QAl5ZdvOJcCFoN70LVGrMMO-m3JWNMzlZZcrSDedac4zoea9cYWezLwh9q3peVvEqGFziiVpfII7vVfE6hUkAQanbhX-mh4o1QIIxYGbULnishfUYuUvY9Rv-oee4vIukIRTs" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m just waiting for this dreadful pandemic to end,
life has been on a start and stop mode for more than two years now. Its high
time we emerge from this large shadow of Corona Virus and all its variants.
Covid19 has become my most disliked word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">January for me was a month of reading lots and lots of
books. A book I thoroughly enjoyed was ‘A man called Ove’ by Fredrik Backman.
Though slow, it’s a heart-tugging and poignant tale. I also finally managed to
read Ikigai and few other books.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Due to family health issues, I completely forgot about
IWSGPit on Twitter. I really feel bad about missing it. Hope the participating
writers got lots of agent love?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It’s time for another IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG was
started by the amazing <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. Alex Cavanaugh is the author of
Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the
Stars. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this wonderful group
and some writing related posts. To read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts, visit the group’s
page.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">February 2 question - Is there someone who supported
or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the February 2 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray</a>, <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sandra Cox</a> and <a href="https://leelowery.com/" target="_blank">Lee Lowery</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Frankly no. I don’t think I had any writing support or
influence in life. I tend to support myself and constantly motivate myself. But
I miss an uncle who always read every story and feature of mine and made it a
point to convey his appreciation of the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hope you all are staying safe? Any news to share?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-19878069965232599202022-01-05T02:00:00.002-08:002022-01-05T02:02:23.827-08:00January IWSG post and my writing regret<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO_XATLiZByETb5JuGTHJ1U1xkMm_bqSN8HZ5VNAa0vac_9VJbpB-lcDW-EfKrZBV4UZ70exfxUYdXiLHSL84jy7xUrtO-naJcxNuiWr0Dek74Sxnrp2iQnRp1N0H3yKL_8DtDeD2e4LgB0D04qqd_BtDFXqt2JW30wGyToDWIgXMezLVdiHdI0Wkl=s320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO_XATLiZByETb5JuGTHJ1U1xkMm_bqSN8HZ5VNAa0vac_9VJbpB-lcDW-EfKrZBV4UZ70exfxUYdXiLHSL84jy7xUrtO-naJcxNuiWr0Dek74Sxnrp2iQnRp1N0H3yKL_8DtDeD2e4LgB0D04qqd_BtDFXqt2JW30wGyToDWIgXMezLVdiHdI0Wkl" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus has decided to
cast its gloom all over the world. The fifth day of the year and our government
has already announced a weekend curfew from this week. We are also undergoing a night curfew from the past few days. 2022
has dashed all our hopes. I pray that as the months pass, things will get
better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My resolution this year is to write lots and read
lots. Fingers crossed that I achieve both my goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A new year, a new month and we have the first IWSG of the
year. <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">IWSG (Insecure Writers Support
Group) an online group of writers was started by the amazing <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>.
Alex Cavanaugh is the author of Amazon Bestsellers : CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for
more information on this wonderful group and some writing related posts. To
read the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts, visit the group’s page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">January 5 question - What's the one
thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome
it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the January 5 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://erikabeebe.com" target="_blank">Erika Beebe</a>, <a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a>, <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sandra Cox</a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sarah Foster</a> and <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #843c0c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #843C0C; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=50000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">I regret not submitting widely during the first few years of my
writing life/career. For the first couple of years, I had submitted to just one
publisher (I know that was very foolish of me) I rue and regret this mistake every
single day. I also rue the fact that I didn’t write for different age groups. For many years, I stuck to writing middle grade fiction and short stories for the children's section of the newspapers. Luckily, now I have overcome
both these obstacles/handicaps in a big way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? What do you regret about your
writing career?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">P.S. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-64339130288933532322021-12-01T02:06:00.000-08:002021-12-01T02:06:46.581-08:00My December IWSG post and writing stresses and delights<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This year flew at
a supersonic speed, making everything a gigantic blur. This year I wrote so
many picture books that I surprised myself. I also rewrote a middle grade
novel, revised a love story and edited a few chapter books. I exercised like a
maniac. I also made some wonderful publishing connections, had some amazing
feedback from agents. But my reading suffered a lot. I guess I am no superwoman
who can do everything!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the end of
2021 comes the last <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> of the year. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">IWSG was started by the amazing <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. Alex is the
author of Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and
Dragon of the Stars. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this
wonderful group and some writing related posts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">December
1 question – In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The awesome
co-hosts for December 1 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://www.pjcolando.com/blog/" target="_blank">PJ Colando</a>, <a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane Burton</a>,
<a href="http://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Louise-Fundy Blue</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a> and <a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What
stresses me about my writing is when I get stuck with a difficult scene or in a
sticky plot hole. I also get stressed wondering whether the readers will like
what I have written. Before the readers I start worrying whether the editor I
have submitted to, will like what I have written. I’m delighted when the story
shapes up beautifully and make an emotional connection with the readers and
when the readers gush over my book/s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What are your
writing stresses and delights?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-30935359888014094122021-11-03T03:11:00.000-07:002021-11-03T03:11:52.508-07:00My November IWSG post and writing blurbs<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last month I wrote
a couple of picture books, researched for a non-fiction book and wrote a few
chapters of a creative non-fiction book. I also caught up with my reading and
followed up with a few editors who had my submissions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sadly, I had to yet
again postpone my participation for NaNoWriMo as November also has our main
festival Diwali, its tomorrow - 4<sup>th</sup> November. The days preceding Diwali are hectic, shopping, pujas, cleaning the
house, distributing sweets, making rangolis, visiting friends and relatives,
the innumerable phone calls, the list is endless. This continues for a few days after Diwali too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">IWSG (Insecure Writers
Support Group) is an online group of writers posting on the first Wednesday of
the month. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">IWSG was started by
<a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. Alex is the author of Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, and many more on the way. Do
visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this wonderful group and some
writing related posts. Don’t forget to visit Amazing Alex’s blog and to read
the other <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> posts here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">November 3 question – What’s harder to
do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">The awesome co-hosts
for the November 3 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>, <a href="http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a>, <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a>, <a href="https://erikabeebe.com/" target="_blank">Erika Beebe</a> and <a href="https://leelowery.com/" target="_blank">Lee Lowery</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Writing the blurb. Titles come to me
very easily, its as though someone dropped them into my head. Writing the blurb
makes me tear my hair out in frustration, I have to do several versions and revise
and tweak so often that I go mad. Even then, I’m never happy with the blurbs I
have written. I feel my blurbs just don’t do justice to my story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">What about you all?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-69328201848226105132021-10-06T02:39:00.000-07:002021-10-06T02:39:47.493-07:00My October IWSG Post and taboo topics<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">2021 is drawing to a
close. Just 3 months more before we wish it goodbye. It has been a sad year
with the Covid19 second wave wrecking havoc. To distract myself from all that
was happening around me, I wrote and wrote and wrote. I also slowed down the
pace of my life, spending time watching the clouds, sunset, talking to friends
and cousins on the phone, played card games and bingo with family (as with the
pandemic protocol we were in an enforced lockdown for several months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">And before I realized
September merged in October and it was time for another <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> post. IWSG
(Insecure Writers Support Group) is an online group of writers posting on the
first Wednesday of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">IWSG was started by
<a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. Alex is the author of Amazon
Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, and
several more on the way. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this
wonderful group and some writing related posts. Don’t forget to visit Amazing Alex’s
blog.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">October 6 question - In your writing,
where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
The awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are <a href="http://www.ppbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jemima Pitt</a>, <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J Lenni Dorner</a>, <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>, <a href="https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ronel Janse van Vuuren</a>, <a href="http://playoffthepage.com/" target="_blank">Mary Aalgaard</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As I write middle grade, I pay special
attention to language, no swear words, no four-letter words. There are certain
topics I keep away from: molestation, rape, sex and murder. I ensure there is
no kissing scene (I even deleted a kissing scene from one of my middle grade novels,
though two adults were kissing, but they were being watched by my main
character. Didn’t want the parents to create a ruckus over it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But for the adult novel I’ve written, I
had no qualms about adding them!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">What about you all?
Where do you all draw the line with the topics and language.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-4633338151504267562021-09-01T02:30:00.013-07:002021-09-01T02:30:00.206-07:00September IWSG Post and my definition of success as a writer <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">2021 is going by too rapidly. I badly want to grab it
and ask it to slow down. But I guess that is the tendency of time, it flies by,
taking along with it, weeks, months and years. All too soon September has
arrived at our doorstep and brought with it another <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers
Support Group) post. IWSG is an online group of writers posting on the first
Wednesday of the month.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">IWSG is now a force to
reckon with, as is Alex, the author of Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar,
CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, with many others on the way. Do
visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/">IWSG</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">website for more information on this amazing group and some
writing related posts and also Alex’s blog.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #800180;">September 1 question - How do you define success as a
writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published?
Making a certain amount of income from your writing?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the September 1 posting of
the IWSG are <a href="https://www.ninjalibrarian.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Douglass</a>, <a href="https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">T. Powell Coltrin</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a>, <a href="https://reprobatetypewriter.com/" target="_blank">Karen Lynn</a> and <a href="https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/" target="_blank">C. Lee McKenzie</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I would define it as all three and add few more.
Success as a writer would be having large first print runs (as publishers are
certain that the book/s will sell fast and well). Success is getting fat
advances (the reason being the same as before). Success is getting amazing book
launches (publishers willing to spend money as they are sure of the returns).
Success would also be getting amazing displays in bookstores, attending lit
fests, doing regular book signing events and getting fabulous reviews from all
the readers. (One can dream big right?).</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m eager to read all your definitions of success as a
writer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-11743969551334569652021-08-04T02:24:00.010-07:002021-08-04T02:28:28.612-07:00August IWSG Post and my Favourite Writing Craft Book <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">My plan for August is to read lots. With back to back
deadlines from last year, I missed reading. I’ve loads of books all around me,
and I plan to devour that pile like a book monster.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">With July being my birthday month, I had several
birthday celebrations with family and friends. It was really nice to go out,
with masks, sanitizers and maintaining social distancing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve posted many pictures on my Instagram handle.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachna.chhabria" target="_blank">rachna.chhabria</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">7 months of 2021 gone by, it’s time for another </span><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">IWSG</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
(Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG is an online group of writers
posting on the first Wednesday of the month.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">IWSG was started by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>.
Alex i</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">s the author of Amazon Bestsellers: <span style="background: white;">CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, with several
more on the way. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this amazing
group and some writing related posts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the August 4 posting of the
IWSG are <a href="https://www.pkhrezo.com/blog" target="_blank">PK Hrezo</a></span><a href="http://www.pkhrezo.com/blog%E2%80%9Dtarget="><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a>,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> <a href="https://www.pjcolando.com/" target="_blank">PJ Colando</a></span><a href="http://www.pjcolando.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> <a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> and <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sandra Cox</a>!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">August 4 question - What is your
favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you
learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I have a confession to make. I bought the
book ‘Writing The Breakout Novel Workbook’ by Donald Maass ages back, but I am
yet to read it properly. This August I’ll be going through the book and making
notes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What are your August plans?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-61749785190624347402021-07-07T02:44:00.000-07:002021-07-07T02:44:13.117-07:00July IWSG Post, My First Video Interview and Switching to follow.it<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6 months of 2021 have flown by. From July 5<sup>th</sup>
my city has opened up. Fingers crossed that the cases which have drastically
decreased, will remain low. Though hearing about the crowds and seeing few
pictures in the newspaper, I’m quite apprehensive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">With the arrival of the first Wednesday
of the month, its time for <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG is
an online group of writers started by Ninja Captain <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Alex is the author of
Amazon Bestsellers: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">CassaStar, CassaStorm,
CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, with several more on the way. Do visit the
<a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website for more information on this amazing group and some writing
related posts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="color: #4472c4; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">July 7 question –
What would make you quit writing?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The awesome co-hosts for the July 7 posting of IWSG
are <a href="https://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank">Pat Garcia</a>, <a href="https://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a>, <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a> and <a href="http://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Louise Fundy Blue.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To be honest, I’ve never given this
thought. Writing is my way of expressing my feelings. If I stopped writing, I
would probably burst. I just can’t imagine not writing. Even if I stopped sending my
books to publishers, I would still be writing. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also want to share with you all my first video interview that went live last month. It was for a book library and a book club called ‘House of Books and Tales.’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">After dilly-dallying for a few months, I finally shot the videos in February, answering each question separately. But then the long lockdown happened. Finally, the video was posted on 18<sup>th</sup> June.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMBXZdiM2HA" target="_blank">YouTube</a> link.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Please do let me know what you think of my interview, if possible do leave a comment on YouTube.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also made the switch from Feedburner (which will stop
email services sometime in July) to </span><a href="https://follow.it/intro" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">follow.it,</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> which is a Feedburner Alternative.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The follow.it team was super helpful and efficient. They
helped a techno dinosaur like me to navigate the shift so well. Really grateful
to them. I was shocked to see so many bots following me. Now it’s all cleared
up, thanks to the follow.it team. I have added the follow.it widget on the top right of my blog, for those who want to subscribe to my posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I read a bit about follow.it. They have created retention
tools that make visitors to our site/blogs come back for more visits. That’s such a good thing.
Most visitors don’t bother returning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They have not just added <a href="https://follow.it/techcrunch" target="_blank">subscription tools</a> for us
bloggers, but also for our subscribers which is actually a good thing. The subscribers are spoilt for choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For those sitting on the fence, you can read all about
follow.it <a href="https://follow.it/docs/publishers" target="_blank">here</a>. I’m sure it will answer all your questions. I'll be reading more about their free <a href="https://mypopups.com/" target="_blank">pop-ups </a>services for follow.it users during the weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Have a nice July everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="yiv5623314436msonormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2228; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6083612851716281896.post-54041555359032477692021-06-02T02:26:00.000-07:002021-06-02T02:26:15.395-07:00June IWSG Post and Re-drafting my Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DPB640IDE4/VrIOcB9MDEI/AAAAAAAACp4/_KaolZqtLQsi4G_2x3ED10YsJfJNtCW_gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">From 27<sup>th</sup> April night, we have been in a
lockdown, which has now been extended till 7th June. This lockdown is longer
than the one we had last year, when Covid19 was declared a pandemic. We are
still in the second wave and the doctors are talking of a third wave that will
happen in October-November. I’m counting out this year too. I very much doubt
that normalcy will return anytime soon. I was just telling a friend that I may
become a senior citizen by the time Covid fizzles out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This time round with the spate of bad news coming at
me from all directions, my writing has gone for a toss. My attention span has
been reduced to just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>editing my previous
stories. No energy to work on something new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank">IWSG</a> rolled into view, I realized that we are five
months into 2021. IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) is an online group of
writers with members from all over the world. IWSG members post on the first
Wednesday of the month, building their posts on the question of the month, some
members post about other aspects of their writing. Do visit the <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">IWSG</a> website,
you will thank me for the wonderful and informative articles on writing that you
will see there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">IWSG was started by </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Ninja Captain <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a> author of Amazon Bestsellers: <span style="background: white;">CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars, with many,
many more on the way. IWSG is the wonderful place all because of Mr Nice, Mr
Generous and Mr Helpful, aka Alex. Ever ready to help other writers find their
place in the sun.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">My awesome co-hosts for the June 2 posting of the IWSG
are <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J Lenni Dorner</a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Foster</a>, <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre </a>and <a href="https://leelowery.com/" target="_blank">Lee Lowery.</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">June 2 question - For how long do you
shelve your first draft, before reading it and re-drafting? Is this dependent
on your writing experience and the number of stories/books under your belt?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For my fantasy novels I usually shelve
the first draft for several days (atleast a week, many times more than that) before re-drafting, so that when I read it
again, I view it with a fresh perspective and with a better insight. But for
the last three books I worked on (all were commissioned by publishers and had a
strict deadline), I had no time whatsoever to leave the first draft aside for a
few days. Infact for one of the books, the second draft started the moment I
completed the first draft. For the other two books, the gap was very much
reduced due to time constraints.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you all? How long is your gap between
drafts? Hope all of you have got vaccinated? I got both my shots.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rachna Chhabriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.com53