Shows
Author Spotlight@AuthorSpotlight | In Conversation with Author Arundhati Nath.Click here to reply to @AuthorSpotlight "The dichotomies of this very complex modern world where there's a lot of violence, a lot of polarization, and yet hanging on to a certain calm, a certain tranquility when you read the stories of your cultural roots. So I don't think any of this will lose relevance. And also I was very careful when I chose keeping them to these short stories which will, you know, keep the imagination active and keep your curiosity wetted. So. And I was actually, to be."
2025-11-1728 min
Author Spotlight@AuthorSpotlight | Q&A with Priya Arora, author of 'Life is a Battlefield'Click here to reply to @AuthorSpotlight "That's what I tried to do. And again, I say it's a universal, it's universal wisdom. Yes. So I've written it from that point of view. And I've also included in my book other people who've spoken about the same thing, much after Sri Krishna, of course, because he was the original."
2025-10-2123 min
Author Spotlight@AuthorSpotlight | Q&A with Bishhal Paull, author of 'The Liar Among Us'Click here to reply to @AuthorSpotlight "So most of the times like 99% people, while they have stories within them. Every one of us has a story within us, but we don't have the courage to write beyond a few pages because we all tend to be so harsh on ourselves. Right. Because we have been readers first. Similarly, on entrepreneurship or media also, when we, you know, we decide to take up lunch, everyone around us also discourages us. We are so, you know, skeptical and fearful."
2025-10-2124 min
Author Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Hemangini | A question about Ollie's 'gift'Click here to reply to @Ramya "Okay, so I really wanted to pick your brains on this one. Your protagonist Ollie's gift is extraordinary, but at the same time, alienating. So as you were working on your book, did you intend this as a metaphor for other forms of differences like neurodivergence or hypersensitivity or even emotional intelligence? As you were working on your character development and the whole, you know, the protagonist character arc?"
2025-07-1403 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Hemangini | balancing the cosy elements and the darker themes in your book...Click here to reply to @Ramya "I think I'll leave you with one last question. Hemangini at its heart, the book is a whodunit, but it is also a journey through loss. So what drew you to this intersection between solving something and mourning something? And how did you balance the cozy elements of the book with Docker emotional themes like guilt, suspicion and grief? As you were working on your narrative."
2025-07-1402 min
Author Spotlight@Vivekn976 | What experience falls into the bookClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "But the fact that you've taken it as an autobiographical conversational tone itself suggests that you're, you really want the reader to understand what you're trying to say and you want to change that readers perspective of life and how life works. So my question to you would be regarding your book. Owing to the fact that it's an autobiographical book, what were what made you pick out certain instances in life that really impacted you?"
2025-07-0802 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | What experience falls into the bookClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "But the fact that you've taken it as an autobiographical conversational tone itself suggests that you're, you really want the reader to understand what you're trying to say and you want to change that readers perspective of life and how life works. So my question to you would be regarding your book. Owing to the fact that it's an autobiographical book, what were what made you pick out certain instances in life that really impacted you?"
2025-07-0806 min
Author Spotlight@hemal_j11 | QuestionClick here to reply to @hemal_j11 "What is the most common internal barrier you've seen in people when they ask themselves what next? And how do you recommend they begin to overcome it, especially when priority does not come easily to them? I would like to just say that your work equips people not just to make a choice, but to also make a very conscious one. Thank you so much for writing such a deeply needed book for this generation. Sir."
2025-07-0803 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | QuestionClick here to reply to @hemal_j11 "What is the most common internal barrier you've seen in people when they ask themselves what next? And how do you recommend they begin to overcome it, especially when priority does not come easily to them? I would like to just say that your work equips people not just to make a choice, but to also make a very conscious one. Thank you so much for writing such a deeply needed book for this generation. Sir."
2025-07-0801 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | QuestionClick here to reply to @hemal_j11 "Hi ma'. Am. Your book what Will youl Legacy Be? Offers a refreshing and necessary perspective in a world often driven by short term wins and surface level success. By rooting the idea of legacy in authenticity, values and everyday impact, you have invited the readers to view their lives through a more intentional and compassionate lens. I would like to ask you a question."
2025-07-0800 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Sreemati Sen | What drew you to writing horror fiction?Click here to reply to @Ramya "Hello, Sreemati. Thank you so much for taking the time out and doing this Q and A on swell around your latest book, Shadow Town. To begin with, tell us what drew you to writing horror fiction, especially with a setting rooted in Bengal's tribal heartlands."
2025-07-0800 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Sreemati Sen | The spark behind the book & the protagonistClick here to reply to @Ramya "So your book Shadow Town isn't just horror fiction. It is layered with folklore, realism, with, you know, aspects and themes of medical ethics thrown in. What inspired this story and your protagonist, Dr. Disha."
2025-07-0800 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Sreemati Sen | Research and the writing processClick here to reply to @Ramya "You've drawn richly from Bengali tribal lore. How did you approach the research for your book? And were there any beliefs or stories that really startled or surprised you as you were working on your book? Also, I'm, I'm wondering, did you visit any of these areas or, you know, speak to people who kind of, you know, inspired these encounters and did real world conversations and experiences influence your narrative in some way?"
2025-07-0800 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Sreemati Sen | The art of writing horrorClick here to reply to @Ramya "As a fellow writer, Sreemati, I understand that writing horror is no easy feat. In fact, it is one of the, you know, the harder genres to work with. So were there any challenging parts or scenes in the book that weren't easy for you to write? And which one still gives you chills when you think about it? I'm really curious to know."
2025-07-0800 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Sreemati Sen | Horror fiction in IndiaClick here to reply to @Ramya "I think I'll leave you with one final question, Sreemati.. Do you think horror fiction in Indian languages and settings is finally getting its due? And in your opinion, what makes Indian horror distinct from the rest of the literature in this genre?"
2025-07-0800 min
Author Spotlight@Pratimaraj07 | Love MisconstruedClick here to reply to @Pratimaraj07 "It discloses various misconceptions about love where there is a debate between the Gen Zs, the millennians and the OGs. Natasha, a Bengali girl from Kolkata lives in Mumbai as she is pursuing her post graduation degree in fashion designing. But her childhood days were spent in a joint family where the three generations lives together under one roof sharing different experiences and and mindset about love and life."
2025-07-0602 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Why love?Click here to reply to @Vivekn976 "So when you were writing this book, a couple of questions I had was one, what made you write this book? Was it a personal cause or you just felt that these misconceptions have to be addressed, or was it a personal incident that made you write this book? Two, was when you were trying to understand the different perspectives of love, because love in general has a lot of perspectives, like the term, the meaning of love changes from person to person."
2025-07-0501 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Why love?Click here to reply to @Vivekn976 "So when you were writing this book, a couple of questions I had was one, what made you write this book? Was it a personal cause or you just felt that these misconceptions have to be addressed, or was it a personal incident that made you write this book? Two, was when you were trying to understand the different perspectives of love, because love in general has a lot of perspectives, like the term, the meaning of love changes from person to person."
2025-07-0503 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | What sparked the idea behind the book?Click here to reply to @Ramya "And when you started writing the first book, was it always intended to be a series, or was that something that came about very organically as you started, you know, working on the story?"
2025-07-0304 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | What sparked the idea behind the book?Click here to reply to @Ramya "And when you started writing the first book, was it always intended to be a series, or was that something that came about very organically as you started, you know, working on the story?"
2025-07-0300 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Maya's world...Click here to reply to @Ramya "Your protagonist Maya's world is rich with fantasy and myth. How did you build this universe? And what were some challenges or breakthroughs that you came across while, you know, shaping her character across these two books? Because obviously, the book and the whole universe building in your book would have been a very complicated, complex process."
2025-07-0304 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Maya's world...Click here to reply to @Ramya "Your protagonist Maya's world is rich with fantasy and myth. How did you build this universe? And what were some challenges or breakthroughs that you came across while, you know, shaping her character across these two books? Because obviously, the book and the whole universe building in your book would have been a very complicated, complex process."
2025-07-0300 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Your publishing journey...Click here to reply to @Ramya "This question is about your publishing journey, Meera. So you work with the Book Bakers and Loxley Hall Publishing. What have those experiences taught you about the publishing world and how did they shape the final books?"
2025-07-0300 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Your publishing journey...Click here to reply to @Ramya "This question is about your publishing journey, Meera. So you work with the Book Bakers and Loxley Hall Publishing. What have those experiences taught you about the publishing world and how did they shape the final books?"
2025-07-0303 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | What does your writing process look like?Click here to reply to @Ramya "As a fellow writer, I'm really curious to know what your writing process looks like when you're really deep in a story, and how do you keep your creativity flowing through it all?"
2025-07-0303 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | What does your writing process look like?Click here to reply to @Ramya "As a fellow writer, I'm really curious to know what your writing process looks like when you're really deep in a story, and how do you keep your creativity flowing through it all?"
2025-07-0300 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Takeaways & what's next..Click here to reply to @Ramya "I guess this brings me to my last question for you, Mira. What is next in line for you? Could we expect something more from Maya's world or something entirely new? And what do you hope readers take away from Maya's world and her story?"
2025-07-0301 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Meera J Pillai | Takeaways & what's next..Click here to reply to @Ramya "I guess this brings me to my last question for you, Mira. What is next in line for you? Could we expect something more from Maya's world or something entirely new? And what do you hope readers take away from Maya's world and her story?"
2025-07-0300 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | The idea & inspiration behind the book 'The Investment Gita'?Click here to reply to @Ramya "Also, could you share a personal moment when certain principles or concepts from the Bhagavad Gita helped you during a market downturn or even some sort of high stress financial decision?"
2025-07-0204 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | The idea & inspiration behind the book 'The Investment Gita'?Click here to reply to @Ramya "Also, could you share a personal moment when certain principles or concepts from the Bhagavad Gita helped you during a market downturn or even some sort of high stress financial decision?"
2025-07-0200 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Gita's concepts applied in investing...Click here to reply to @Ramya "How do the Gita's concepts of dharma and detachment apply to goal setting and risk management for new investors? Are there specific verses in the Gita that map directly to investment frameworks? I'm really fascinated by this relationship that you've drawn out, the parallels that have come out in the book between the principles outlined in the Gita and the basic principles of investing. So I would love to have your thoughts on this."
2025-07-0203 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Gita's concepts applied in investing...Click here to reply to @Ramya "How do the Gita's concepts of dharma and detachment apply to goal setting and risk management for new investors? Are there specific verses in the Gita that map directly to investment frameworks? I'm really fascinated by this relationship that you've drawn out, the parallels that have come out in the book between the principles outlined in the Gita and the basic principles of investing. So I would love to have your thoughts on this."
2025-07-0200 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Practical tops for newbie investors...Click here to reply to @Ramya "I guess patience and discipline are key themes in both the Gita and investing. What practical exercises would you recommend readers to strengthen these traits when it comes to investing."
2025-07-0203 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Practical tops for newbie investors...Click here to reply to @Ramya "I guess patience and discipline are key themes in both the Gita and investing. What practical exercises would you recommend readers to strengthen these traits when it comes to investing."
2025-07-0200 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | The concept of -'Financial Dharma'Click here to reply to @Ramya "Vikram, I also noted that your book is framed as an introductory guide. And having gone through some of the reviews, I think readers have also mentioned that the book has helped them, you know, set up their own financial dharma. So I'm curious, what does that phrase mean in terms of, you know, practicing it? And how should one go about discovering their financial dharma?"
2025-07-0200 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | The concept of -'Financial Dharma'Click here to reply to @Ramya "Vikram, I also noted that your book is framed as an introductory guide. And having gone through some of the reviews, I think readers have also mentioned that the book has helped them, you know, set up their own financial dharma. So I'm curious, what does that phrase mean in terms of, you know, practicing it? And how should one go about discovering their financial dharma?"
2025-07-0203 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Takeaways & Impact of the bookClick here to reply to @Ramya "I'll leave you with one final question, Vikram. How do you hope your book impacts the broader financial literacy landscape in India, especially in the midst of rising retail participation in markets? And as the founder of Fund Street Capital, how do its investing principles reflect the Gita teachings as outlined in your book? And also, are there any flagship strategies that illustrate this philosophy in action?"
2025-07-0205 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Takeaways & Impact of the bookClick here to reply to @Ramya "I'll leave you with one final question, Vikram. How do you hope your book impacts the broader financial literacy landscape in India, especially in the midst of rising retail participation in markets? And as the founder of Fund Street Capital, how do its investing principles reflect the Gita teachings as outlined in your book? And also, are there any flagship strategies that illustrate this philosophy in action?"
2025-07-0200 min
Author Spotlight@kash1329 | Between dreams and genresClick here to reply to @kash1329 "Hi Theva Arora and the dream really stood out to me for the way it blurs the line between fantasy and emotional truth. I was specially drawn to how the storytelling feels almost lyrical at times. As someone who writes across poetry, plays and novels, how did that wide creative lens influence the way you shaped Aurora's journey? Did those different forms of expression merge naturally into the voice of this book?"
2025-06-2300 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | The thoughts of an authorClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "Good evening, ma' am. My name is Vik and I've been an avid reader for a very long time. From my childhood, I've always picked up reading. And one thing that really has made me think is when I read the prologues or the introductions or the thank you notes by authors of what where their thoughts when penning down the words when they were writing that particular book or their novel."
2025-06-2306 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Movies and booksClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "My name is Vivek and the question I had to you was with respect to your new book, the Unexpected Detour, owing to the fact that it's a romantic thriller book and the recent trends that a lot of people are seeing in the Indian cinemas of it being very serious and more thriller aligned and more suspense thriller movies, what is one thing that you would make sure that if at all the Unexpected Detour was adapted into a movie, what is one thing you would make sure that is not...
2025-06-1903 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Movies and booksClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "My name is Vivek and the question I had to you was with respect to your new book, the Unexpected Detour, owing to the fact that it's a romantic thriller book and the recent trends that a lot of people are seeing in the Indian cinemas of it being very serious and more thriller aligned and more suspense thriller movies, what is one thing that you would make sure that if at all the Unexpected Detour was adapted into a movie, what is one thing you would make sure that is not...
2025-06-1901 min
Author Spotlight@chiradeep | Inspiration behind itClick here to reply to @chiradeep "Despite being an IT professional, what inspired you to write on such a deep and serious subject? Was it influenced by a personal story? Maybe someone you have seen struggle? Or was it the weight or the burden of this social issue itself that compelled you to write this novel? Looking forward to your thoughts, and once again, congratulations."
2025-06-1802 minAuthor Spotlight@chiradeep | Inspiration behind itClick here to reply to @chiradeep "Despite being an IT professional, what inspired you to write on such a deep and serious subject? Was it influenced by a personal story? Maybe someone you have seen struggle? Or was it the weight or the burden of this social issue itself that compelled you to write this novel? Looking forward to your thoughts, and once again, congratulations."
2025-06-1801 min
Author Spotlight@Vipin0124 | Let me askClick here to reply to @Vipin0124 "Good evening Chiradip first of all, heartiest congratulations on the success of An Aunt's advice. Further trails. I have two questions. First, how did your personal experiences and challenges shape the themes and insights which have been shared in this book? And the other one? What inspired you to use the metaphor of ants to convey lessons on resilience, self care and personal growth? So I'm waiting and best wishes for the success of the book. Thank you so much."
2025-06-1604 min
Author Spotlight@authordaman | Further trails you discovered in your life ✨️Click here to reply to @authordaman "Hi, this is Daman Preet. Hoping you're doing very well in your life. I'm quite fascinated to know the title of the book, An Ants Advice Further Trials. I'm sure you have put a lot of thought in using a metaphor of an ant might be related to something hard work or something related to smart work. Because an ant is something known for a creator known for not sleeping and yet working 24 7."
2025-06-1403 minAuthor Spotlight@authordaman | The irony ✍️🏻Click here to reply to @authordaman "I guess that's quite paradoxical and like it's, it's beautiful because suspenseful thriller kind of, I guess. But my question would be what deeper irony lies in the fact that it is within the fabric of her dreams that Aurora finds out the, let's say, most unshakable truths of her life, her reality, the truth. And how does this reversal blur the lines between illusion and insight, sleep and self? So like, this would be my question. Thank you."
2025-06-1201 min
Author Spotlight@Suruchi2103 | The journey of healing growthClick here to reply to @Suruchi2103 "What you feel is real and true the storm inside belongs to you Pain and fear the silent cries Are not too hush or just disguise they are the rain that skies release not flaws but calls for inner peace each tear that slips each aching part Is healing Feeling knocking on your heart we are told to move to mass to hide to show our feelings deep inside but growth begins when we allow the storm to pass and not ask how so pause a while, reflect, be still Let emotion...
2025-06-1001 minAuthor Spotlight@Suruchi2103 | The journey of healing growthClick here to reply to @Suruchi2103 "What you feel is real and true the storm inside belongs to you Pain and fear the silent cries Are not too hush or just disguise they are the rain that skies release not flaws but calls for inner peace each tear that slips each aching part Is healing Feeling knocking on your heart we are told to move to mass to hide to show our feelings deep inside but growth begins when we allow the storm to pass and not ask how so pause a while, reflect, be still Let emotion...
2025-06-1006 min
Author Spotlight@Rainu | Mobile Addiction| Authors | Abhishaik Chitraans| Rainu Mangtani | Numerological Tips| TechniquesClick here to reply to @Rainu "Hello everyone this is Renu Mangtani from the platform of Ankakshar Miracles. And finally I'm back on swell after a very long long time. And today I am here to present myself and my husband Mr. Abhishek Chitranj as the authors of the book titled as Mobile Addiction 21 Simple Techniques to remove or reduce mobile addiction in children or students and adults. So I'll not take much of time of you all and talking about me."
2025-06-0902 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Poem/ProseClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "Hello ma' am. Congratulations on your new book Pastures of Wild Deserts. I am an avid reader. I prefer proses in storybooks more than poems. To be very honest, I find poems slightly tedious to read and understand because it doesn't directly at least personally, I've never felt connected with the author when I'm reading a poem. I felt more connected with the author when I'm reading a story or a prose."
2025-06-0904 minAuthor Spotlight@kash1329 | Love, Lucknow and Second ChancesClick here to reply to @kash1329 "Hi Ashwini. Delhi Vaya Lucknow hit me right in the feels. Especially the way you brought that late 90s Kanpur Lucknow scene to life. With all the nostalgia, college politics and raw friendships, Himanshu's journeys through unrequited love and self discovery, and Rimjum's silent strength. It all felt so real. What inspired you to revisit those eras and craft their second chance story?"
2025-06-0900 minAuthor Spotlight@authordaman | How did your deep connection with natural world shape the emotional and spiritual tone of your bookClick here to reply to @authordaman "Hi. It was quite fascinating to know that you are an author, editor, and an ardent lover of forests and mountains, which I guess tells how much of a lover you are of nature. So what I had as a question was how did your deep connection with the natural world shape the emotional and spiritual tone of your book?"
2025-06-0804 minAuthor Spotlight@kash1329 | Mumbai, Mysteries and MeaningClick here to reply to @kash1329 "Hey, authors. Naked isn't just a murder mystery. It reads like a spiritual excavation. Both of its characters and the city of Mumbai. What inspired this form of storytelling where soul searching meets suspense?"
2025-06-0802 minAuthor Spotlight@kash1329 | The Spark Behind the ScrapsClick here to reply to @kash1329 "Hi Arina, the no Waste Kitchen Cookbook really flips the way we think about cooking, especially with how you turn everyday kitchen scraps into something creative and delicious. I'd love to know what first sparked your interest in reducing food waste, and how has that idea shaped not just your recipes, but your writing voice and journey as a cookbook author?"
2025-06-0700 minAuthor Spotlight@kash1329 | The Spark Behind the ScrapsClick here to reply to @kash1329 "Hi Arina, the no Waste Kitchen Cookbook really flips the way we think about cooking, especially with how you turn everyday kitchen scraps into something creative and delicious. I'd love to know what first sparked your interest in reducing food waste, and how has that idea shaped not just your recipes, but your writing voice and journey as a cookbook author?"
2025-06-0700 min
Author Spotlight@winter_daisy | Bridging, healing and storytellingClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "Hi Urmi Ma' am. Your journey as a hypnotherapist, energy healer, and author deeply inspires me. Your book Fatal A Love Undone seems to intertwine profound emotions with a touch of universe mystique. I'm curious, how do you balance the realms of emotional storytelling and the spiritual healing practices you engage in? Do you find that your understanding of energy and the subconscious mind influences the characters or themes in your writing?"
2025-06-0602 minAuthor Spotlight@winter_daisy | Bridging, healing and storytellingClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "Hi Urmi Ma' am. Your journey as a hypnotherapist, energy healer, and author deeply inspires me. Your book Fatal A Love Undone seems to intertwine profound emotions with a touch of universe mystique. I'm curious, how do you balance the realms of emotional storytelling and the spiritual healing practices you engage in? Do you find that your understanding of energy and the subconscious mind influences the characters or themes in your writing?"
2025-06-0600 min
Author Spotlight@SounakDe | CuriousClick here to reply to @SounakDe "Hi, I am Shonagde from St. Xavier's College. So I read your book and what I wanted to ask is what is your go to technique to reclaim focus and free oneself from digital distraction? And how did you begin working with this technique?"
2025-06-0601 min
Author Spotlight@Gamechanger | Books, Book Writing, and MoreClick here to reply to @Gamechanger "I'll be more than happy to answer them for you and you can ask me anything that you have in mind regarding writing books. And I'm here. I'll be answering all your questions. So thank you once again. Take care. Bye bye. Have a good day."
2025-06-0501 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Significance of the title...Click here to reply to @Ramya "And when we say Draupadi was silenced, what silence are we really talking about? Is it the absence of her own narrative voice in the Mahabharata or something more? That is the whole reduction of Draupadi into a symbol, a cause or a pawn in the scheme of larger scheme of things? I'd really like to start off with this question before we dive deeper into the other themes and other, you know, pivotal moments from your book."
2025-06-0503 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Draupadi's voice...Click here to reply to @Ramya "The character of Draupadi has always been portrayed as somebody very fiery, yet very tragic. In your book, how did you navigate this, you know, space between her vulnerability and her real voice and between myth and emotional realism?"
2025-06-0502 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas...Click here to reply to @Ramya "Would you like would you call this as a form of narrative gaslighting in the Mahabharata and its retellings where Draupadi shock, hesitation or pain about being asked to take five husbands is not only ignored but maybe overwritten by celestial examples or dharmic justifications? Especially since characters like Krishna or Veda Vyasa are often seen as, you know, gods. They are infallible. They are larger than life characters."
2025-06-0503 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Drawing parallels across cultures...Click here to reply to @Ramya "In your work across mythologies, do you see a pattern on how the feminine voice is either marginalized or suppressed or, you know, completely annihilated? Because in the book, you have pointed out very aptly that women who comply are often defied, given this divine status, while those who dissent or rebel or speak up or even, you know, choose and make decisions for themselves are, you know, either punished in some way or they are made to submit or turned into cautionary tales for other women."
2025-06-0503 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Character voice and narrative direction...Click here to reply to @Ramya "What inner voice of Draupadi did you hear most clearly while working on your book? Was it rage, resignation, longing? Or, you know, something completely different? And how did your research shape this voice and the whole structure of this book? Were there texts or oral traditions that surprised you or shifted your direction as you were writing the book? I'm really curious to know."
2025-06-0501 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Ask Utkarsh | Going beyond storytelling...Click here to reply to @Ramya "I think I'll leave you with one final question, Utkarsh. So what does reclaiming the female voice in mythology look like to you? Beyond storytelling. And do you see your book and your work as a form of cultural activism?"
2025-06-0501 minAuthor Spotlight@winter_daisy | Unveiling the heart of you're creative journeyClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "Hi Lamia Ma' Am. First off, I just want to say how much I admire your work. Each of your books feels like such a heartfelt journey and it's amazing how you weave together emotion, depth, resilience in your stories. I wanted to ask, what advice would you give to aspiring women writers who are balancing family life and a creative calling? Also, how do you approach moments when you are struggling to write? Do you have a favourite way to reignite your creative spark?"
2025-06-0302 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | .Click here to reply to @hemal_j11 "What was that journey like and how has motherhood influenced your storytelling voice? Because as a mother, we have heard so many writers tell that they had a huge impact and, you know, there was so much change in them and the way they write. So we would like to, you know, really know what was your perspective on how motherhood influenced the way you write, the way you tell your stories and how, how exactly did you start writing and when?"
2025-06-0302 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | The emotional journey of am authorClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "Good evening. My name is Vivek and I had just gone through the your book Desire or Guilt On Amazon. And it being a romance novel. Romantic novel. It has a side of mystery, suspense on what happens next. When I read the overview, as someone who's not really read too many romantic novels per se, there is from whatever I've read in the overview, it seems like an emotional turmoil and emotional journey. The story of of Ryan, like he has a lot of emotions."
2025-06-0302 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | The important component (Film/Series)Click here to reply to @Vivekn976 "This is not statistical, but this is more of what I can think of on top of my head. So when there is often there is the thing of directors and producers cutting parts from books. So what is one thing or one element that you would make sure still is not being compromised when if the book is being made into a film series or OTT platform movie? Thank you so much."
2025-06-0306 min
Author Spotlight@ishaaaaaaaa | QuestionClick here to reply to @ishaaaaaaaa "Okay, so there was one question in my mind, like, between Destined to Heal Within, Desire to Grilt, or Hidden Quest, which book challenged you the most emotionally while writing? And, like, what is the reason behind that?"
2025-05-3100 minAuthor Spotlight@ishaaaaaaaa | QuestionClick here to reply to @ishaaaaaaaa "Okay. So I was having one question in my mind. Like the title Patna Blues, I feel it is suggesting, like, a mena and a menacaury and music. So I was like, is music a part of your creative process or the metaphorical tool in the storytelling journey, or is it, like, randomly there?"
2025-05-3100 minAuthor Spotlight@ishaaaaaaaa | QuestionClick here to reply to @ishaaaaaaaa "Okay, so I was having one question in my mind, and it was regarding what inspired you to write A Heart Divided. And basically, like, how much it is drawn from your personal journey or maybe your cultural identity."
2025-05-3101 min
Author Spotlight@SohilBatada | Asking Lamiya Siraj about castingClick here to reply to @SohilBatada "Hey Lamya, I recently came across your book Desire or Guilt, and I have to say just the titles sparked something in me. There's such an emotional pull in your work and I'm genuinely curious to explore more. You know, while going through the descriptions, I couldn't help but imagine how cinematic they will be on screen. So I had this fun little thought."
2025-05-3102 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | My questions on the Man from MotihariClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "What genre would you place this book in? Is it a political novel or a romantic novel? What genre would you place a mantra Motihari, if you had to pick one, or is it a combination of all these genres? Thank you, sir."
2025-05-3005 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | QuestionClick here to reply to @hemal_j11 "Hi sir. It's an absolute honor to be asking you a question. Your novice Patna Blues and A Man from Otihari has left a lasting impression on every reader. Not just because of the storytelling, but for how deeply they explore identity, aspirations, and the socio political fabric of our country. Before I ask my question, I just want to say thank you for giving a voice and layering characters through your writing."
2025-05-3002 minAuthor Spotlight@winter_daisy | Exploring identity and aspiration with storytellingClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "Mr. Khan, it's an honour to speak with you. I've been deeply moved by your novels Patna Blues and A Man from Motihori. What strikes me the most is how you intertwine personal journeys with broader socio political themes, particularly the portrayal of identity, aspiration and communal tension. In Patna Blues, Aarat's struggle feels so real and relatable, especially his conflict between ambition and love."
2025-05-3004 min
Author Spotlight@soumyaaa0608 | What message or emotional truth do you hope readers carry with them after finishing Patna Blues and a Man from MotihariClick here to reply to @soumyaaa0608 "Here we find how you bring to life the shadows of George Orwell's birthplace in Motihaire and you weave the threads of fact and fiction and create a compelling narrative that often questions authorship, identity and belonging to we find the protagonist is a struggling writer himself and he mirrors Orwell's philosophical conflicts all while trying to navigate a complex post colonial India. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt caught between legacy and individuality, more like between what is inherited and what is chosen."
2025-05-3006 minAuthor Spotlight@SohilBatada | Asking Abdullah about a particular momentClick here to reply to @SohilBatada "Whether a scene align or just a quiet realization that really stayed with you on an emotional or spiritual level. Something that left a mark on you, not just the story. I would really love to know what the moment was like."
2025-05-2901 min
2025-05-2900 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Question to the AuthorClick here to reply to @Vivekn976 "Good evening, ma' am. My question to you would be, if A Heart Divided was adapted into a film or a series, who would you want to play the lead role and why? Thank you."
2025-05-2901 minAuthor Spotlight@authordaman | Why the title 'Naked'?Click here to reply to @authordaman "Hi to both the authors. This is Damanpreet Kaur. And what I would say is it's astonishing to see such a title for an Indian book. The word naked often carries connotation of shame, vulnerability or disgrace, especially in a society where public perception is everything. Why did you choose this title for the novel? Were you aiming to challenge those associations? Or does it reflect something deeper about the character's truth or identity? What does the title reflect in itself? Thank you."
2025-05-2904 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | .Click here to reply to @hemal_j11 "Hi, ma' am. The question I wanted to ask you is many people struggle to express or even recognize their emotions. How does your book help readers build emotional awareness?"
2025-05-2903 minAuthor Spotlight@hemal_j11 | .Click here to reply to @hemal_j11 "Hi, ma' am. Hope you're doing good. I wanted to ask, what message or emotion do you hope readers take away after finishing A Heart Divided."
2025-05-2900 minAuthor Spotlight@SohilBatada | QuestionClick here to reply to @SohilBatada "Hello, ma' am. I am curious about your contribution to Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul. What was that experience like for you? Did it shape or influence your writing style or the way you approached your letter work? Like a hard divided. Looking forward to hearing your story behind this story."
2025-05-2801 minAuthor Spotlight@winter_daisy | Balance between two professionsClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "As both attorney and a writer, how do you balance the analytical world of law with the emotional depth required in storytelling?"
2025-05-2801 minAuthor Spotlight@SohilBatada | QuestionClick here to reply to @SohilBatada "Hello, Dr. Shefali, I wanted to ask, from your experience as a mindfulness based CBT expert, how does mindfulness based CBT differ from traditional therapy when it comes to dealing with sadness or depression? Is there something unique in the way it helps us process or respond to our emotions? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts."
2025-05-2804 minAuthor Spotlight@winter_daisy | Difference between normal sadness and clinical depressionClick here to reply to @winter_daisy "You talk about sadness being more than just an emotion. How can someone tell the difference between normal sadness and clinical depression?"
2025-05-2804 minAuthor Spotlight@soumyaaa0608 | Associated QuestionClick here to reply to @soumyaaa0608 "Good evening, ma' am. I have a question. So, while you were writing this book, were there any writers, or any book in particular, that deeply influenced your writing journey?"
2025-05-2801 minAuthor Spotlight@soumyaaa0608 | Associated QuestionClick here to reply to @soumyaaa0608 "Good evening Dr. Shefali. On reading your book, I had a simple associated question. If you could share a simple daily mindfulness or CBD practice from your book that someone can start using right away as we are aware that we live in a domain where a lot of hectic schedules are seen. So if you could just share these simple mindfulness or CBD practices so that people can start using them right away. Thank you."
2025-05-2805 minAuthor Spotlight@Vivekn976 | Dr Shefali Batra is a Senior Psychiatrist & Mindfulness Based CBT Expert, Ask her about her book 'Why do I feel so sad' Submit your questions here.Click here to reply to @Vivekn976 "Or is this a book that someone everyone should read to try and understand what they are going through emotionally within themselves for attaining more mental peace and therefore being more healthy, both physically, mentally, emotionally? So that's the question that came to my mind as soon as I read your title. Thank you."
2025-05-2804 minAuthor Spotlight@SounakDe | Dr Shefali Batra is a Senior Psychiatrist & Mindfulness Based CBT Expert, Ask her about her book 'Why do I feel so sad' Submit your questions here.Click here to reply to @SounakDe "So is it being used in the correct context or are we just overhyping this word? And another thing is, is depression the only type of chronic sadness or like, there are other types too?"
2025-05-2819 min
Author Spotlight@theviveksunny | It is a great feeling to connect with ShefaliClick here to reply to @theviveksunny "And when it gets consistent over, you know, several weeks or a month at that point of time I tend to switch on getting consulted with psychiatrists. So happened during my Covid times that ample of times I had to connect with psychiatrist. Fortunately this is not the current condition and fingers crossed that I won't have to face in future as well."
2025-05-2704 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Adhirath Sethi| Significance of the titleClick here to reply to @Ramya "Adirath, thank you so much for joining this Q and A on Swell. Let me start off with the significance of the book's title. Moving of Mountains is, of course, a powerful metaphor. Could you elaborate on its significance and how it captures Agastya's mission and challenges?"
2025-04-2802 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Adhirath Sethi | Challenges in documentationClick here to reply to @Ramya "So what were some of the challenges you faced in capturing the essence of Agastya's journey and work, especially given its expansive reach and the diverse initiatives that the foundation has undertaken over the years?"
2025-04-2803 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Adhirath Sethi| challenging traditional educationClick here to reply to @Ramya "So, in a system mostly dominated by rote learning, how did Agastya's hands on approach to education gain traction, especially in rural areas?"
2025-04-2805 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Adhirath Sethi| Writing the bookClick here to reply to @Ramya "As a trustee and now as the author of the Moving of Mountains. What personal experiences or observations drove you to document Agastya's journey in your book?"
2025-04-2803 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Adhirath Sethi | Lessons learnedClick here to reply to @Ramya "Reflecting on Agastya's journey, what are some key lessons that other educational entrepreneurs or NGOs can learn from its successes and setbacks?"
2025-04-2804 minAuthor Spotlight@Ramya | Q&A with Rohini Kapur | What was your publishing journey like?Click here to reply to @Ramya "Rohini, could you maybe share a little bit about your publishing journey and about how your book found its way to readers? What was the most unexpected or the most rewarding part of this whole process for you? I'm sure a lot of aspiring authors in the Swell community would love to hear about your publishing journey with your book. Also, you worked with the book bakers for this project. What was that experience like and how did their support shape the final book?"
2025-04-2402 min
Author Spotlight@Swell | Welcome to Community Podcasting with SwellWelcome to this community podcast powered by Swellcast.com. To add your own episode to the show, please visit the show website. To reply to an episode, please visit the reply link in the episode description. To learn more, or start your own community podcast, please visit https://www.swellcast.com.
2025-01-3000 min