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    The Blue House in Bishop Giveaway

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    Click here to get a free copy from the giveaway BEFORE the book launches. Hurry while the offer lasts.

    Here's what others are saying about this new romantic suspense:

    ​“Brilliant! I have loved all of this author's books and this one is no exception. Expertly plotted, beautifully written, fast paced, with characters who leap out of the page and take residence in your heart, staying there long after the book is finished. Another wonderful story from this very talented author.” ~ Renita D’Silva, Author

    “Chatterjee weaves an emotionally gripping tale of flawed characters wanting nothing more than to overcome a past filled with shadows. Their quest for self-realization and redemption unities them in a gradually building, meticulously executed showdown in the ‘Blue House in Bishop’ where every little detail matters.
     An intense and intriguing tale with characters that couldn’t be more different yet all strive for the same things just out of reach: self-realization, and a way to rid themselves of the ghosts of their dark past.
     At once dark and sensitive, fast-paced and multifaceted, THE BLUE HOUSE IN BISHOP takes the reader on a journey alongside several characters that come alive during their quest for peace of mind. The book touches on immigrant issues, the international drug problem, and social stigmata – and yet it is above all an entertaining and stimulating, even inspiring, read.”
    Devika Fernando
     
    “I thoroughly enjoyed this book… The book would make a really good film with visual descriptions and plenty of sub-plots alongside the main romance. Well done!” Becky Packer, Author
     
    “Gripping page-turner...” Ruchi Singh, Author
     
    “What a thriller! Kept me on the edge!” Ruchira Khanna, Author

     

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    Holiday Heartwarmers: An Anthology 

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    I am thrilled to be part of this eclectic collection of short stories from authors around the world. Regardless of your beliefs or religion, the holidays bring your family and friends together, but sometimes, it’s just as important to be alone, reminiscing and reflecting on your life.

    This is a cross-genre collection of short stories, varying from romance, to family drama, to first person narratives and even a ghost story!

    Immersed in these stories, I had a chance to travel vicariously to the cold and desolate North Pole and Alaska, spectacular Machu Picchu and Cyprus, the war-torn Afghanistan, and enjoy a train ride through the Indian subcontinent.

    Here’s a little about my short stories:

    A White Christmas
    Successful lawyer Melissa, stay-at-home-mom Jessica, and Chef Dominic have not visited home for Christmas since their father died two years ago. But when their elderly mother invites them home for the holidays and shares her plan to sell the house, the three siblings plan a surprise for her. Little do they know their mother has a surprise of her own.
    Meet the White family for their unexpected Christmas reunion.
     
    Letters from Carmen
    Sixteen-year-old Mia’s world is shattered when she finds out her mother’s cancer has recurred. Ever since her father died on Christmas six years ago, the holiday hasn't been the same. To make matters worse, Mia will have to live with an aunt she didn’t know existed. Why should Mia read her aunt’s letters when she’s never come to visit? Aunt Carmen had been ‘in trouble’ and is in and out of rehab. How can Mia trust someone who cannot take care of herself? 

    Grab your copy here while it's on sale!
     

  • Published on

    Looking for readers to help me launch

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    For my new novel The Blue House in Bishop, I am looking for readers who will help me launch it by reading an advance reader copy and posting a review once the book is released in Jan 2017.

    ​If you're interested, please email me at sunandajoshichatterjee@gmail.com.
    Here's a blurb about the book:
    A broken soldier with a past, a doctor with a secret, an ex-cop with a mission, and a mysterious woman must fight a drug lord and the FBI to find justice.
     
    After an accident, ex-Special Forces Capt Duke Wilcox is forced to recover in the house of his old college roommate, Sunil. Haunted by his failed mission and failed marriage, Duke has lost his trust in women and yearns for a chance to redeem himself.
     
    Indian Police Inspector Alisha Raj has a passion for bringing criminals to justice. After leaving the police force with a broken heart, she agrees to an “arranged marriage” with Sunil. But it is an unusual proposal; Sunil asks Alisha to pretend to be his fiancée to please his dying mother. 
     
    Alisha comes to Bishop to leave her past behind, only to fall hopelessly in love with Duke. But she is engaged to Sunil, whose mother is expected to arrive any day. The attraction seems mutual, but Duke’s troubled past prevents him from opening his heart.
     
    Everything changes when a mysterious woman shows up with a baby, seeking Sunil’s help.
     
    But is this woman who she claims to be? Why is the FBI after her? And how is she involved with a Colombian Drug lord? 
     
    A story of loyalty, camaraderie, and friendship, The Blue House in Bishop brings four strangers together in a fight for survival.
     

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    Author Interview with Theodore Roach

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    Congratulations on your latest release of Book Relaunch.  What was your inspiration for this book?

    My mission has been to help educate writers on the process of self-publishing. After the release of my first book, Book Launch Marketing, I discovered that a part of my audience had already released books. I spent a lot of time coaching others in the process of book marketing and realized that many authors would benefit from relaunching their books. Over a year of writing and research went into creating a ten step guide that produces real results.

    What is your writing process?

    Typically, I start with brainstorming and research. I spend time writing down my ideas, looking into details, and putting all my thoughts on paper. Then I work on a general outline for my book with a description of what each chapter will include. When I have that completed, I develop a detailed outline that shows every main point that each chapter will contain. This allows me to understand my book from a higher level before diving into the details. Another benefit is being able to write about the topic or scene that inspires me at the time, instead of only writing in order.

    Tell us one unique or quirky habit you have when it comes to writing.

    I am not able to concentrate on one thing at a time. I usually have a movie or music on as I write. The noise helps me focus on my work. Each person is unique. If you find yourself not being able to focus, try different things.

    Can you tell us something about your ‘work in progress’?

    I am in the process of writing two books that will be released in 2017. One is fantasy fiction and the second is non-fiction business. In addition, I will be launching a company in 2017 and hosting a Fiction Author Summit. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at www.trroach.com to get advance notice.

    What is the single greatest challenge for indie authors today?

    There are so many challenges that we face as indie authors. The quality control and sales are always an issue. However, I believe that the greatest challenge is being able to stand out against the flood of book hitting the market. It becomes exponentially more difficult to be noticed and build a fan base. Indie authors are going to find that they will have to spend a lot more time and energy to reach the same amount of people that they have in the past.

    What is your advice to aspiring writers?

    Read, read, and read. The best thing that you can do for your writing is to read other books in your genre. Learn from them and take notes. Do not stop improving and finding ways to innovate. Join writing communities, take writing courses, and find a way to keep yourself motivated.

    What is your most important message to your readers?

    Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The single greatest advantage that the self-publishing industry has is each other. The authors have the flexibility to work together. We need to focus on how to help each other instead of being competitors.

    How can readers reach you?

    Website: www.trroach.com
    Email: tedroach@hotmail.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTheodoreRoach/

    You can get a copy of Book Relaunch here
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    Interview with Author Sandhya Acharya

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    This month I interviewed Sandhya Acharya, author of lovely children's books.

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    I have always dreamed of being an author. After a long career in corporate finance, I gave myself the permission to pursue my passion for writing. I write different genres and earlier this year I took on a fun project by publishing my first children’s book on Kindle. I partnered with a very talented friend of mine Rashmi Menon who did the illustrations for this. In this humorous short story, young Idu (Ee-doo) teaches his younger brother Adu (Aa-doo) all about fire and fire trucks. It is perfect for little children just learning about vehicles including trucks, firetrucks, cranes, cars - you know - everything that moves! The best lessons are learnt through play and seeing my sons interacting and learning about things around them, which inspired me to write this story. As an aside, Idu and Adu mean “This” and “That” in Kannada which is my mother tongue.

    ​I would like to let folks know that Big Red Firetruck is FREE on Amazon until 10/14. Do download and enjoy. You can read it on any device with a Kindle app (including your phone)

    • Tell us about your upcoming book "Ten Gulab Jamuns." What was your inspiration for this book?

    I am really excited about this book. With my earlier book, I loved the outcome and the process. On the way I also realized there was a huge gap in the children’s books market.
    Did you know that ..
    With my next book I hope to close that gap a little.
    The story is inspired by a true story. I had a sweet tooth growing up and my mother is always telling me how it was a challenge to keep me away from the sweets she prepared for guests. I decided to retell a favorite childhood story of mine in the current context with my two sons. Gulab Jamuns the ever present indian sweet delicacy is the subject of this one. It also includes some counting lessons (what better thing to count than Gulab Jamuns) as well as some important family values that come out as part of the story.
    I am launching a Kickstarter campaign for it on October 20th. I would like to make “Ten Gulab Jamuns” a household name. But I can only do it with everyone’s help. I humbly request everyone to contribute to the project. You can promote diversity and enhance the landscape of the children’s book market.  I will be sharing the Kickstarter link as soon as it goes live on the Facebook page for the book www.facebook.com/tengulabjamuns. So do like the Facebook page for now.

    • What is your writing process? Tell us one unique or quirky habit you have when it comes to writing.

    My first draft is more about getting whatever is inside of me out on paper. Then I rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. Sometimes if I am not satisfied I leave a peice alone for days and even months and come back with a fresh look to edit. I love to sit in coffee shops and write. It stimulates my thinking process and gives that perfect balance of having enough subtle distractions to concentrate.

    • What is your advice to aspiring writers?

    Biggest advice is - Keep at it. Writing, like any other trade, takes a lot of practise and a lot of hard work. If you have a passion for it, keep at it. It is of course not easy to break into the top. It also takes a lot of time to build a body of work and gain appreciation for what you do. I also believe that you have to listen to your heart. If writing is what brings you satisfaction, make sure you keep some space in your life for it. Whether it is full time or part time, make sure it is part of your routine. The satisfaction from pursuing a passion and giving it a 100% is wonderful. I am also surprised how important other skills are when you are writing. Whether it is writing for a column, self publishing or writing fiction there is a good mix of market research, marketing, sales, communication, operations and believe it or not numbers involved too.

    • What is your most important message to your readers?

    Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. I hope to put forth views, stories that entertain you and add some value. You may not realize but you are making a HUGE difference to authors, writers when you appreciate their work. Be it with a like, comment, share, tweet. You won’t believe the joy I feel when I hear from someone who may have liked an article or blog post I have written. Writing full time has been an exhilarating journey for me and I hope to continue with your support and love.
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    Sandhya Acharya grew up in Mumbai, India and now lives in the Bay Area. She previously worked in corporate finance and is now a writer. She is mother to two young boys, a dance and running enthusiast. Her articles have also featured in NPR.org , India Currents and IMC connect

    ​Big Red Firetruck! is FREE on AMAZON until 10/14/16. Hurry while the offer lasts! 

    www.sandhyaacharya.com

    www.facebook.com/tengulabjamuns

    www.facebook.com/sandhya.acharya



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    Choosing a Point of View for a Scene (POV)

        If you’re writing in third person omniscient POV, you are able to describe the same event from the point of view of different characters. Personally, I decide the POV before I write the scene. But sometimes, I write down the dialogue and decide whose POV gives the story its maximum impact and provokes the maximum emotional response from the reader. Of course, it can be subjective, but let’s look at an example.

      Let's say you are writing a scene about an argument between a husband and a wife. The husband is a drunk, jealous of his wife’s success, and assumes she is sleeping with her boss. Wife is just trying to make a living.

    Let us take it from the husband’s POV: 

       Sam finished his third beer. He was hungry. Where the heck was Lilly? Gallivanting with her boss, no doubt. He was sure she was taken in my Brad’s fancy suits and perfumes. Sam had demanded that she return the pearl necklace Brad gave her after they got the last contract, but Sam was sure she kept it hidden somewhere. The lying bitch!

       A noise at the doorway made him look up. There she was, in a pant suit, pretending to be good people. And look at that blouse! He could see the curves she didn’t care to hide from her boss. Had she forgotten their roots? He had worked hard to put her through college! And this is how she repaid him! Flaunting her body in front of other people?

       Sam said, “Where have you been?” He put down his beer mug.

       Lilly looked startled and dropped her purse on the floor. “Oh! I asked you not to wait up.”

       He stood up and strode toward her. “You didn’t answer the question. Were you with Brad?”

       She took a step back and raised her hands in defense. “For the last time, there is nothing going on between me and Brad. He’s just my boss.”

       “Who keeps you in his office until late at night.” She was definitely sleeping with him!

       She took off her shoes and sank in the sofa, massaging her feet. “Don’t get mad! It’s just nine o’clock. He has a big presentation. If we don’t get this contract, I’ll be out of a job.”

       “You’ll find another!” A job that featured an elderly man with a potbelly, perhaps.

       She looked up, and her eyes glistened with tears. “If you didn’t stay at home drinking all day, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
     

    Let’s try it from the wife’s POV:

       The house looked dark. Lilly sighed and opened the door. She hoped Sam had gone to bed. She could not deal with his drinking anymore. 

       “Where have you been?” called a voice.

       Startled, Lilly dropped her purse on the floor. In the darkness, she saw his outline on the sofa, two empty cans of beer lying beside him. She watched as he put down his beer mug.
    So he was drinking again.

       She wished he had just gone to bed. He would no doubt tell her how he had worked hard to put her through college. But she hadn’t squandered the opportunity by drinking! She had worked hard to get where she was.

       She didn’t know how long she could carry on like this. “Oh! I asked you not to wait up.”

       He stood up and strode toward her. “You didn’t answer the question. Were you with Brad?”
     
       She knew he was suspicious of Brad. And maybe he was right about Brad’s intentions. But Brad had never made a pass at her, although she had caught him staring down her cleavage once or twice. And the pearl necklace he gave her when they got the last contract? Sam was right in asking her to return it. That had set the boundaries right.

       She took a step back and raised her hands in defense. “For the last time, there is nothing going on between me and Brad. He’s just my boss.”

       “Who keeps you in his office until late at night.”

       She took off her shoes and sank in the sofa, massaging her feet. God, will I never catch a break? “It’s just nine o’clock. He has a big presentation. If we don’t get the contract, I’ll be out of a job.”

       “You’ll find another!”

       She looked up, tears stinging her eyes. Why don’t you get a job? “If you didn’t stay at home drinking all day, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.”

     
    Looking at the two POVs, my personal preference is the wife’s, unless we are setting up the husband as the main character who changes his life based on the interaction. Sometimes writing the same scene from both POVs is incredibly powerful, and makes the reader empathize with both your characters.

    How do you choose POVs?