On A Blogging Break for a few Months

 

Hi Everyone,

Due to the start of the editing process on my adult novel I will be going on a blogging break for a few months. I also have a few other books heading for publication this year.

 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.

Till then stay safe, keep writing and loads of love.

Rachna

 

 

May IWSG Post and what Inspires me?

 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.

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, IWSG (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.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse vanVuuren, Meka James, Victoria Marie Lees and M Louise Barbour!

May 3 question - When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

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.

What about you all? What inspires you when you are working on a story?

April IWSG Post and My Writing Career

 

From 1st January 2023 to 31^st 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.

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.

I was well prepared for the IWSG this time. IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post happen on the first Wednesday of the month. Started by Alex J Cavanaugh, a bestselling author, IWSG is a buzzing place. Do visit the website and read the other IWSG posts.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon and Natalie Aquirre!

 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?

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.

What about you all?

P.S. I am so happy that my book Buddy the Scavage if available on

Barnes and Noble

and

Walmart

 

March IWSG Post and Author Envy

 

I started my second adult novel on 1^st 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.

The third IWSG of the year has rolled into view. IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) writers post on the first Wednesday of every month. IWSG is the brainchild of Amazon best-selling author Alex J Cavanaugh. Do drop in to the IWSG website to read some amazing posts.

The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of IWSG are Dierdre Knight, Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, Olga Godim and JQ Rose!

 

March 1 question - Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?

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.

Do you all have author envy?

 

IWSG Post and Book Covers

 

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^nd to 22^nd 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.

I can’t believe that we are already in the second month of the year. It’s time for another IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post. IWSG was started by Alex J Cavanaugh, the author of amazing books :  CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. He has also been instrumental in building the wonderful IWSG website.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Pat Garcia and Gwen Gardener!

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?

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.

What about you all?

 

 

My January IWSG Post and Words of the Year

 

Welcome 2023. I have big plans for you. Happy New Year to all of you.

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.

Its time for the first IWSG of the new year. I thank Alex J Cavanaugh 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:  CassaStar, CassaStorm, CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars. He has also been instrumental in building the wonderful IWSG website.

The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Debs Carey, Kim Lajevardi, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aquirre and T. Powell Coltrin.

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?

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.

What about you all? What’s your word for 2023. Or like me do you have two words?