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Featured - Author Interview with Nidhi

2/11/2015

This time I'm featuring an aspiring Indian author who has been focusing on writing from an early age on and mostly writes short stories.

Indian Author Nidhi

10 Questions with Nidhi

1) What do you like most and least about being a writer?
Being a writer, I like thinking all day about different plots, different characters and reading about various genres.
Till date, there’s nothing I have not liked about being a writer.

2) Do you prefer novels or short stories?
For writing I prefer short stories but for reading I prefer novels.

3) What is the hardest thing about writing fiction?
The hardest thing about writing fiction is to write it like non-fiction, this way readers could connect easily and feel like flowing with the words.

4) Do you have any writing rituals?
Writing in a peaceful surrounding.

5) Any hidden talents or crazy facts about you?
The crazy fact about me is I love being pampered. And I am a talkative girl.

6) Do you prefer eBooks or printed books?
I prefer printed books.

7) What is the most important character trait the hero and the heroine should possess?
There is no compulsory character trait that a hero and heroine must possess. For all stories there is a different plot, different characters and different character traits.

8) Do you have any advice for (aspiring) authors?
Being an aspiring author myself, I feel that all writers must read as much as they can. Reading polishes writing, and the reading habit enhances our writing skills.

9) Any comments on the current book trends in India?
Earlier, there were only a few authors, but in the present scenario we can see a 14 year old kid being a writer. Be it a student, housewives, bankers etc., you will observe writers from almost every field and so in India you can find books on almost every genre.

10) What are you currently working on?
Being a contributing authors of nine anthologies, I am currently working on many more short stories.

About the Author

Nidhi, 19, is a student of English Honours (2nd year) is an avid reader and passionate for writing. Her first article was published when she was 12. She has got a trophy from Readomania for her story. She writes for e- magazines such as Neelam and Intellinotions. Apart from writing she loves doing social works.

ANTHOLOGIES SHE IS PART OF:

1. Tere Hi liye
2. Zest of Inklings
3. Mighty thoughts
4. Blank Space
5. Love bytes
6. Beginning for Beginners
7. Anecdotes of Love
8. Love Stories around Us
9. Lovingly Yours

Twitter: @Nidhiauthor
Google+: Nidhi Author ([email protected])
Facebook profile: https://m.facebook.com/nidhi.author?ref_component=mbasic_home_header&ref_page=%2Fwap%2Fhome.php&refid=8
Blog link: iwritenidhi.wordpress.com
Instagram: nidhi_author
Page link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-is-predestined/154074414762612
Bbm pin: 52ED2384

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Book Club Blog Tour - Matches Made in Heaven by Sundari Venkatraman (Review)

2/10/2015

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Matches Made In Heaven

Sundari Venkatraman

Sneak Peek

A collection of 13 romantic short stories based in India; a culture rich country steeped in tradition. Inspiration struck me from newspaper articles, TV shows and hearing people talk. The short stories are based on that fact that arranged marriages thrive right alongside love matches in India.

1. Groomnapped is Ameya-Surekha’s story as a light romantic take on the serious issue of groom kidnappings.
2. Dark skin on a woman puts off men in general or so says the society. Beauty Is But Skin Deep is Nitin-Simran’s story that proves it wrong!
3. Ritu is twenty-five and wants to wait for her Prince Charming but her parents are desperate to arrange her wedding. Does she find her prince in An Arranged Match?
4. Dating Agencies are doing their best to get young people together to tie the knot. My friend Diti runs an informal one; inspiring the Red Rose Dating Agency.
5. A guy’s complaint about his fiancée of a few years dumping him after becoming successful in her film career felt like a rant to me. Chahti Hoon Tumhe is an ode to the successful actress.
6. Soumya actually lives life like Soul Mates but how many have the guts to? This, incidentally, is the first short story that I ever wrote.
7. Does Madeinheaven.com help bring Menka & Jeetu together with technology driven Matchmaking website?
8. I originally wrote Rahat Mili for an anthology; Rahat means ‘relief’ and is a name too. Read the story with the word in mind and it will fall in place.
9. Reema’s Matchmakers brings Arjun and Prisha together at a get-together through a matchmaking network. But will they get married?
10. Nikita wants Krish for a friend and not her husband. As The Reluctant Bride she manages to have her cake and eat it too.
11. Shweta Ka Swayamvar is inspired by the practice of Swayamwar in ancient India of choosing a husband, from among a list of suitors, by a girl of marriageable age.
12. Pappa’s Girl is about daughters of Industrialists taking over fathers’ businesses.
13. Mythology romances intrigue me; Love Match For Velan is my take on Lord Murugan falling in love with his consort Valli.

Buy @

Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Amazon.co.uk |

Amazon.ca | Amazon.com.au

The Story Told In Visual

Meet the Author

Sundari Venkatraman has authored four novels and a short story anthology till now, Matches Made In Heaven (anthology) being the latest. The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom; Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) and Matches Made In Heaven have all been self-published on Amazon under the banner of Flaming Sun. The three novels are regularly seen on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. The Box Set and Anthology are bound to catch up soon.

A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise happy endings.

Matches Made In Heaven is a compilation of thirteen short stories – all romantic – based on many situations anyone can come upon in their day-to-day lives. The stories revolve around the different ways a couple can get to meet and tie the knot in a culture rich country like India. Those reading the stories will definitely be able to connect realising that one of the situations has definitely been a part of their lives.

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Review (4 Stars)

I’ve already read two novels by Sundari Venkatraman – "Meghna" and "The Runaway Bridegroom" – and loved both. This is totally new to me though, because I usually shy away from anthologies with short stories. I’m happy that I gave this a chance. To honour her talent, here’s a tiny review (more or less comments that popped into my head while and after reading) for each story in the aptly named collection "Matches Made in Heaven".

GROOMNAPPED: The title doesn’t leave much to imagination – or does it? You’re in for a surprise here, believe me. I loved the almost cocky confidence and humour this story exudes.

BEAUTY IS BUT SKIN DEEP: Know the saying about the ugly duckling growing into a beautiful swan? This is sort of what happens with Simi in this heart-warming story. She had beauty lurking inside her for all those years, but it takes a few shocks and the help of Cupid to make her realize it. Can I throw another fitting saying at you? Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!

AN ARRANGED MATCH: I saw this one coming, but that made the tale no less satisfying. The author sure knows how to write a sensual steamy scene that gets the reader all hot and bothered. And as usual, I loved both the heroine and the hero instantly.

RED ROSE DATING AGENCY: Oh, another pleasant surprise. I really like the characterization in this, and the hidden messages peppering the plot. Well done, Ms. Venkatraman, well done!

CHAHTI HOON TUMHE: I had been waiting for the author to delve into the endless possibilities of Bollywood, and with this short story she has done so in a wonderful way. I had sensed danger coming, but not in the way it finally came. Nice twist! And I also loved it that the heroine and not the hero is the movie star in this!

SOUL MATES: The author deftly manages to weave several generations and several love stories into a few words – words with a meaning that runs deep and rings true. I know about traditions in Asia / India and shouldn’t have been shocked, but I was nevertheless.

MADEINHEAVEN.COM: I have a very mixed attitude towards online dating and matchmaking, but this story was a treat to read. Once again, a surprise is in store for you. And now excuse me while I brainstorm a plan to set up a matchmaking website and attract millions to it… ;-)

RAHAT MILI: Totally hadn’t seen this one coming. With its almost paranormal touch, it wound its way straight into my heart. I think this is my favourite story of the anthology. I can see the potential for a whole novel in here. Ms. Venkatraman, if you read this, please take the hint. ;-)

REEMA’S MATCHMAKERS: I love stories revolving around second chances, and this one is no exception. I could picture the characters in my head, and I applaud the author’s daring for writing about them. They sure deserved the happy end they got!

THE RELUCTANT BRIDE: I had expected something else from the title, but what the author came up with was a pleasant and entertaining surprise. I was rooting for both of them at the same time, and loved the mix of sweet and sassy and sexy.

SHWETA KA SWAYAMVAR: If I hadn’t already picked a favourite, then this would be my choice. Loved the witty, thoroughly entertaining and imaginable story. When do we get to see it on TV? ;-)

PAPPA’S GIRL: Nicely written. Full of energy and dynamics. I like the role the father played in this story.

LOVE MATCH FOR VELAN: The last story of the anthology definitely makes it into my Top 3. I love the mythological flair to it, and although the story seemed quite predictable, it had me enraptured and longing for more. I’m beginning to think the author should try her hand at historical romance…

Rating: 4/5

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New Release: Forbidden, a Romantic Thriller coauthored with Mike Wells

2/8/2015

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I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it... ;-) Today I'm celebrating the release day of the first book ever that I wrote together with another author.
Ladies and gents, let me present Forbidden, a romantic thriller and international mystery that is full of romance and suspense and might remind you of the great Alfred Hitchcock.
Oh, and let me use this opportunity to thank the amazing Mike Wells for this chance.

One woman caught in a web of deceit, domination and greed. One man she's forbidden to love.

When Lady Eleanor Sotheby unexpectedly enters the life of Jayne Clark, a 23-year old waitress from Wichita, Kansas, Jayne's world is turned upside down. Not only is she welcomed into a family that she never knew, but she is thrust headlong into the highest strata of European society. Nothing is too grand in the fairy tale lives of the uber-rich--the spectacular seaside villas, the sleek, chauffeured limousines, the outrageously expensive designer clothes.
When Jayne plays her part and learns to fit into this new world, she meets Robert Astor, the man of her dreams. But her feelings for Robert are forbidden. Jayne's heady new life begins to unravel into a dark web of deceit, domination and greed...and she ultimately finds herself confronting an evil that truly has no limits.

The eBook is available on Amazon and Smashwords and will soon be out on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play and Apple iBooks too. You can buy the bundle or download each of the 3 books separately. Book 1 is only 99 Cents on Amazon USA now!

If you're interested in learning more about the process of coauthoring books, read my blog post here.

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Featured - Release Day Blitz - Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter

2/7/2015

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RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY – Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter

Available Now - Released February 7th, 2015 Genre: Contemporary Romance Buy on Amazon here!

Synopsis:

On her best friend’s wedding night, Becca Lawson becomes distressed when she runs into the man who once held her heart and shattered it completely. One night of intense emotions and daring confessions is all it takes to rekindle long-lost emotions. Fearing another heartbreak, Becca shuts herself off completely, denying herself a chance at true love. On the surface, it seems Austin Blackstone has it all. He’s rich, young and strikingly good-looking; but deep down, his heart aches for the unforgettable girl who slipped through his fingers. When a serendipitous encounter places them together on a tropical paradise, all of his deepest and darkest secrets secrets threaten to spill over. He’s willing to forsake everything he has built to finally get what he truly desires. Rekindled Desires is a touching love story of second chances and new beginnings. Can two vastly different people forget their rules and take a chance at love? Fans of Deborah Bladon are sure to love this sweet tale set on a beautiful, Caribbean island.

Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Introducing the A to Z Challenge 2015

2/6/2015

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This year, I'm trying something new. I'll be taking part in the A to Z: 2015 Challenge for writers and bloggers. Basically it means that on every day in April - apart from Sundays - you have to write one short post. You start with the letter A and follow the alphabet all the way to the letter Z.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? It's easier if you choose a topic, and mine came to me naturally: I'll be blogging about the theme LOVE, as I'm a romance novelist and also a believer in true love.

Come join me in April and make it more fun! Some friends of mine are part of the project too, among them Ina Tales and Sundari Venkatraman. :-)

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Book Club Blog Tour - Featured - Wrong for the Right Reasons by Rity Lalit

2/5/2015

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Wrong

For The Right Reasons

Ritu Lalit

The Blurb

Shyamoli Verma’s timing is wrong. In her late twenties, she finds that her marriage is irrevocably broken. She comes back to her parents with her pre-teen son and an infant daughter, only to find that she is unwelcome.
Independent and brash, she decides to bring up her children and also get a divorce without any support from friends and family.
Written with wry self deprecating humour, this is the story of a divorced woman's quest for love and security.

Buy @

Amazon.com |Amazon.in |

The Story Told In Pictures

Meet the Author

Ritu Lalit is a corporate slave turned fiction writer. A voracious reader, she is a gold medalist post graduate in English Literature who spent most of her childhood in remote areas in the northeastern parts of India, lying on grassy hillsides daydreaming and reading books.

She loves spinning tales, but no longer has her captive audience as her children grew up and flew away from the coop. Her three dogs don’t pay much attention. She began writing in the vain hope that the characters she creates will listen to her, even do her bidding.

She has five books out in the market, A Bowlful of Butterflies, HILAWI, Chakra, Chronicles of the Witch Way and Wrong, for the Right Reasons. Her fifth novel, His Father’s Mistress is coming soon.

You can stalk her @

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Forward>>

Featured - Author Interview with Nidhi

10 Questions with Nidhi

About the Author

Book Club Blog Tour - Matches Made in Heaven by Sundari Venkatraman (Review)

Review (4 Stars)

New Release: Forbidden, a Romantic Thriller coauthored with Mike Wells

Featured - Release Day Blitz - Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter

RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY – Rekindled Desires by Debbie Macarter

Synopsis:

Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Introducing the A to Z Challenge 2015

Book Club Blog Tour - Featured - Wrong for the Right Reasons by Rity Lalit

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