Somehow, it seems as if I never do enough to publicize myself as an author. I sent links to my latest story, "Sacrifice" to friends and colleagues, and I put it up on Facebook and on my blog. I got responses, and a little feedback. 'I REALLY liked the story!! :) Looking forward to reading similar ones!' 'Wonderful as usual...varsha! keep it up! Enjoyed this read more than the previous one.....you are getting better and better !' And then a colleague sent me this - 'Varsha!!! This is so catching and interesting …I was so engrossed in it. It’s a superb work. You seriously have a beautiful gift. All the best for the future' When she met me, she said, "If ever you write a novel, or a book, or anything, tell me, and I'll buy it." "Erm... I have written a collection of stories for children, actually." "Oh, why don't you tell people about it, then?" And that's when I realised that … [Read more...]
Ace
I always link my book reviews to amazon.in for people to buy the book there, but when I searched for Dick King-Smith's Ace, the first thing I found was a hardcover priced at ₹12,527.41 + ₹99 delivery charge! I did find a copy that's cheaper, though, and that's a mercy; however much I enjoyed the book, even I wouldn't pay so much for it! Ace is funny, lovable and altogether a hugely enjoyable half-hour's read. An author who has lost count of the number of books he has written has to be a master storyteller, and there's not doubt that that's exactly what Dick King-Smith is. If he's lost count of the number of books he's written, I've certainly lost count of the number I've read, and the number I've read more than once! Ace is the story of a pig. A non-pedigreed pig, mind you, but a descendent of the famous Sheep-Pig Babe. Ace is born with a remarkable mark of the ace of clubs on his side … [Read more...]
Fantastic Mr Dahl
Yes, Mr Dahl is fantastic. What I find interesting about Fantastic Mr Dahl, though, is the way in which Michael Rosen examines what makes him fantastic. Is it the fact that he used a special yellow pencil and special yellow paper (because his favourite colour was yellow)? Or because he loathed Christmas and loved Easter? Or because he had a lucky break when Disney was interested in making a movie of The Gremlins? For me, Fantastic Mr Dahl kept shifting from wonderfully perceptive to 'Okay that's weird'. But in all, I finished with a sense of gladness that I had read the book. I'm not fond of the word 'fan', but I guess I am a Roald Dahl fan. And being a Roald Dahl fan, I lapped the book up and savoured it. … [Read more...]
Royalty for The Story-Catcher
Royalty makes you feel good, even if it doesn't make you feel royal! For the financial year 2012-2013 - that counts as roughly eight months considering the date of publication - 119 copies of The Story-Catcher were sold! (I don't count the author copies, of course.) It's not much, but I'm feeling pretty grand about it being my first real percentage royalty! … [Read more...]
Avameru
Since I know that this author will barely publicize his book, if at all ... This is what I'm reading. There's nothing like reading something (published) that is written by a real and very dear friend. Buy it now on Amazon! … [Read more...]
In the display window of ‘Chapter and Verse’
Private Peaceful
Charlie ... Charlie ... Charlie ...I want to meet you, get to know you, look up and admire you. I wanted to sob my heart out when I finished reading Private Peaceful.I wish I hadn't read it. It was so painful, so filled with a sense of injustice, so cruel.I feel privileged to have read it. It was so moving, so human, so gentle and so filled with love. My heart reached out to Tommo - who could have lived in Charlie's shadow, but never did. Instead, he basked in Charlie's glow. Tommo, little Tommo, is so human. He tells his story without reserve, without embarrassment. He gets angry with someone he worships. He adores without restraint. He knows that Charlie is everyone's hero. He is, and always will be, the other Private Peaceful. And he basks in his elder brother Charlie Peaceful's glow It will take courage to read the book again. But I know I will. A powerful book like Private … [Read more...]
The Butterfly Lion
This morning, I was reading Private Peaceful before I left for school. I glanced at my watch. Okay, one more paragraph. I read about Big Joe singing Oranges and Lemons in his attempt to pray for Molly. I glanced at my watch. Okay, one more paragraph. And one more. And one more. I just about did not get late for my bus. And so I decided to reread another favourite, The Butterfly Lion, which won my heart yet again. Michael Morpurgo, as always, combines innocence with wisdom to enchant both the child and the adult in me. Love, loyalty and determination - all these are age-old values that Morpurgo never turns into meaningless cliches. I know that as a writer, I shy away from stories which are pure and good. Yet, as a reader, I love these timeless tales. I love stories of goodness and nobility. When will I find the courage and maturity to write them? … [Read more...]
The Illustrator of The Story-Catcher
I did not put up pictures from The Story-Catcher because the copyright isn't mine, but I found this on Rishi Bhardwaj's site and could not help sharing it. … [Read more...]
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Hermione Granger translates so well! I love her translations from the original runes. And of course, Albus Dumbledore's notes reveal his genius and insight, providing valuable information about interpretations of beloved fairy tales. J.K. Rowling, though, talks down to us Muggle readers, underestimating our knowledge of the magical world. … [Read more...]
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