Half Way Through At The End Of The Year

I like Capitalizing the first letter of all the words in my headings, I don't know why.
Ok let me get

I am writing a fictional novel. It's a supernatural thriller, for young adults or grown ups not sure yet. It's more work than I thought it would be, and it's funny how the book grows as I grow as a person. I don't think it will be my best work, but I am pouring my heart and mind into this. I feel like i am writing it in a rush, because i gave myself a deadline, but because of Teacher Training, holidays, and my new boost for getting back in shape, I have fallen behind. I do hope to make hedgeway as I thought it was called, but then Ryan corrected me, and I know it is headway. It's going to be a fun book to read, creative and imaginative.

This book takes me places in my mind, and makes me people I am not! Can't wait to share it with you all eventually! Writing this blog, makes me feel like I've finally come clean, in regards to my absence from blogging. I mean I have blogged, but its not as incessant as it was. In fact am proud to say last year I published 137 blogs posts. My blogger stats tell me the most number of views were in July and Nov 2013. USA rules with most readership, followed by Russia! India follows in at third, and European countries including UK follow after that. I just have to say thanks for reading to all my readers! I hope you all will like my book!

Most people view it from a Windows computer; 28% from a Mac. Oooh! 48% view from firefox, and only 20% from Chrome, (chrome is personally my preferred browser. It's fast and better all round). 15% of readers still use IE, whyyy!!!! There's so much other info from the stats, but this was supposed to be about the book I'm writing, how I got carried away!

I'm half way through writing this book. YA(young adult books are usually 55k to 60k long, and I am (a grandmother figure in my life, told me to never measure/ count progress but to get through it), 26k in. Which is half way for the 50k goal, ok plus there will be more added. However for sci-fi fantasy "they" say a 6 figure range is better... really?

Trudging along then!
I can do this!


Breathe!

The Liebster Award... blog sharing

So I was reading through all the blogs I follow and found that I had been nominated by Stephannie and her blog for something called the 'Liebster award'. Thanks so much chica!

According to Stephannie this is what she found out:

The Liebster Award
* It is for Bloggers with 1000 followers or less
* The word 'Liebster' is German and stands for things like Lovely, Kind, caring and Beloved.
* The Award helps bloggers get out there.

Here are the simple rules: 
1. You have to link back the person who nominated you
2. You have to answer the 11 questions set by the person who nominated you
3. You have to nominate 11 bloggers with 1000 followers or less and notify them of the nomination (not the person who nominated you)
4. You have to ask 11 questions to the people you nominate.
5. Then list 11 random facts about yourself. 6. And lastly inform the people you have nominated (see #3)

My take on it: So basically it seems like a chain email thingy... however it seems nice to get other blogs out there via your own blog. Def visit Stephannie's blog. I've listed my nominees and written a bit about their blog. I am so grateful for all these amazing writers!

11 Questions from Steph to answer: 
1. why do you blog? I blog because it 1 helps me practice my writing, 2 gives me confidence about my writing and letting it be public 3 I enjoy writing, and 4 it is fun, and can be informative, and sharing knowledge, ideas, with the world.
2. what is your favorite blog to read? I have a few blogs I like to follow, especially blogs with photography, travel blogs, food recipes, health information, meditation blogs and random articles.
3. what are you most thankful for? So thankful for the amazing people in my life!
4. what is your favorite product? I love my peace and serenity which is the product of my meditation and yoga practice!
5. what is your biggest achievement? having the guts to write.
6. what is your biggest fear/phobia? Heights
7. what will you never understand? Twerking
8. what is your favorite outfit? Jeans and a T-shirt... or anything comfortable!
9. do you think you'll blog for a long time? Yeah! it's awesome been blogging for a while now!
10. where would you like to travel in the world? Everywhere really, maybe England, and Australia next.
11. what is your secret to happiness? Meditation, yoga, healthy lifestyle and eating. Sleep, loving selflessly and endlessly!!!

11 random facts about me: 
1- I love animals and nature
2- I love yoga
3- recently became a vegetarian in august
4- writing fiction has been a hobby, skill since I was a child
5- I did my masters in Geographic Information Science... it's really cool but tough to find the "perfect" job. 6- Working on my first novel, it will be a 3 book series- supernatural thriller
7- I'm a 3rd generation Indian-American
8- I love writing to people (Yes!letters and snail-mail, send me your address!)
9- I had sinus issues since I was a child
10- I love eating meat, but i am so happy giving it up, and have a deeper love for veggies
11- I also have a meditation blog 

My Nominees: 

1- Akosmopolite By my friend and soul sister Trina she writes about life, love, journeys, spirituality, and so much more. She is an awesome writer!

2- All Mix Fruit Juice a lovely blog by my friend Madhumita, she is an awesome photographer and travel blogger at Aadab Hyderabad

3- My friend Gargi's blog! I am Awake once an avid blogger, is now coming back to the blogging and writing world!

4- My friend Shaki's blog on random stuff, food, pictures, life in India... it's nostalgic, and makes me hungry all at the same time!

5- Aneesha's blog Where the Wierd Fish Wanders it's always a very eye opening and uplifting read. She is sucha budding and inspiring writer.

6- Chinelo's blog Dark Matters A fellow writer, and friend, she writes about writing, being a woman, and life in a different country. She poses some awesome questions and brings up relevant issues. Def check her blog out!

7- My buddy and fellow yogi/ meditation friend's blog - Cave Drawings from the iAge truly creative and fun as he explains life through drawings! He also has this other awesome blog where he posts, pictures, poetry and thoughts: The Rambling of a Wandering Mind

8- Deepti's Travel Blog: Backpacks and Bootstraps about when she traveled and hopefully she will post more travel stories.

9- Another friend, Shakti's blog Awakening the Lotus Eater she ponders life, thoughts and it gives one a different perspective

10- Swagata's foodie blog - Foodie's World She writes about food, sometiems recipes, or just how eating is different in different places!

11- A spirituality blog on eastern philosophy and literature I like to follow - Spirituality and Us

11 Questions for these lovely writers: 
1- Why do you blog?
2- If you could reincarnate as anyone in the history of this world including present times, who would it be and why?
3- What is one vegetarian dish you like and please share the recipe?
4- What are your thoughts on non-violence, impermanence, health and love?
5- What is your biggest/ greatest accomplishment till date and why?
6- What are your top 5 favorite books and why you recommend reading them?
7- How or what would you suggest to help enhance/ improve education in your country and why?
8- Do you think Yoga and meditation is something that should be taught more widespread?
9- What advice would you give me - writer to writer regarding this blog, or fiction writing?
10- If you could change one thing about yourself whether it is physical, personality, mental, what would it be and why?
11- If you could change one thing about the world what would it be, and why?


 Thanks so much everyone!


 Breathe

Story of a Blogger Blogging

5 years of blogging, and this year is the year I have written the most number of blogs. The year isn't even done yet. I began this blog for many reasons, mostly to encourage myself to write, write often, make writing a habit, and not to be afraid of criticism. It inspired and led to much more.

Now I am looking to make a change... rename the blog maybe, change the design. I love using blogger though... it's nice. I'd love ideas and suggestions. It would take place over a period of time though, so much going on. Also I plan to start writing my book soon, so my blogging will slow down a lot. At least that's the plan.

Stitch, Shudder, and the A song of Ice and Fire series has really helped motivate and inspire me to do my own work. Take that leap of faith, stop all other distractions, do my thing and write. I am very excited about this. My world is transforming to bring everyone this story... and I am excited to take all my readers there.

A little bit about my book idea: based in Ohio, strong female lead,and a very mysterious, supernatural, horror/thriller and dark plot! Maybe even a bit macabre. That's all I can say right now!

I am excited, because fall and fall adventures, will help inspire and set the tone.

Remember:

Winter is coming!



Breathe

My Blog Space

Lately, with all the whining and negativity in the world, one tends to seek a place of comfort, a serenity, a safe place... Sometimes even the social networking sites are full of well crap. So I come to my safe place... my blog. I can share here, without feeling judged. I can cultivate my positivity, courage, and passion. I don't have to hear the whining, problems, cursing of others. I actually pledged to myself to not post negative/ complaint-y / whiny stuff anymore.

Curbing one's attitude, emotions, approach, perspective, to something positive over negative, can turn your day around. Just believing in yourself, helps create positive opportunities that will present themselves to you. It takes that small act of changing. Sometimes its tough, but once you make it a habit, it will be your approach in every situation.

Although this is not a real place, its my safe space. It beings out the goodness, the light in me, and helps me shine it everywhere (sure, call me a hippie, I don't mind). Do try it though, when you are feeling down, low, blue, sad, negative, frustrated... take a few deeps breaths close your eyes, and go to YOUR safe/happy place. See how it helps you. It's almost like a gratitude list (which helps us focus on the things we are grateful for during bad days), except this is your place, your space.

:-)

This is my safe, positive space to learn, grow and share... what's yours?

Breathe

50 shades of Snarky

Due to health conditions I seem to find myself in a plethora of moods! One being utterly irritable, annoyed and snarky. This is not the usual Pree, and those who know me can vouch for that.
In light of this new snarkiness I present to you the best version of the "50 Shades of Grey" series by a gal called Jennifer. 50 Shades of Grey (snark snark) My dear cousin shared this link with me, she said this is the only version of the book she's read.

You can even play a drinking game to it. A shot for every time you see a clean curse word, not me, cause my medical conditions don't allow me to drink.

For those of you curious to read about this latest literary sensation, read this version instead if you do not want to revisit the mistake you made with the Twilight series. This is a great laugh based on crap. -____-

Pardon my tone, I will insist you believe this is my medical condition speaking.

Breath!

Mr. Grey

Blogging

Recently I read an article making fun of bloggers, and of course now I forgot where, but basically pointed out how one created a bubble about themselves and life, and how sad the lives of bloggers really are etc.. I put a lot of work into my blog, because it helps me prepare for "writing". Also I enjoy writing for an audience, however I need for feedback, constructive criticism, appreciation, anything!!!!

Do write! Love hearing your opinions, ideas, thoughts, even if it maybe just one word. Silence is great, but art is nothing unless it is discussed. Yes?

So anyway this attitude that bothers me is that "writing" is less novel now thanks to online publishing and the E-readers. It is true, books are more easily accessible, and cheaper, so what does the writer get? I remember the days when I traveled the whole city of Chennai looking for 1 Enid Blyton book. Or traveled the entire of Kolkata college street to find the right copy of The Tale of Two Cities. Gone are those days? Some very old books still aren't digitized, I had fun tracking down one of Edmund Hilary's more rare books. However in this age where we are obsessed with making fun of blogs, 50 shades of Gray, Twilight... what is the scope of becoming a Tolkien, Dickens, or a Shakespeare?

A twist.

So I will bring music and stories... from the abyss. It's just not a love story, or lust that drives me, but those of you who knows me it's something deeper, spiritual, and even dark. I began writing my novel this weekend, as well as writing music. It was awesome and exhausting. I had forgotten how exhausting creativity could be. I will still blog! However I am excited about this new advancement to the second phase.

I was talking to a friend recently who reminded me I just need to immerse myself and stop waiting for some traffic signal. I'm the only one who can change the traffic; Just as Gandhi said: "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Me: "I want to be a writer,"
Friend: "It's like a duck saying it wants to be a duck. Just start swimming!"

Now I'll have to get back into Yoga! Re-finding myself is fun!

Breathe!

My creative sister and I!

Meditation Goals

How long can you meditate for?
Do you meditate everyday?
Are you aware of the benefits of meditating?
Can you even sit still?
Do you ever just sit still and focus on yourself, intentions, silence your mind, be present and still?

Growing up at school we were required to sit quietly and still for 5 minutes everyday. We got used to it after 12 years. Then puberty and the teenage years hit. Rock music! We blossom into real world, when we can manage our own time, and I forgot all about sitting still and quiet. However I have had time to read further into meditating, its benefits, history, origins, different types, methods, postures, practices... although I have so much information on it, it is still so hard to do. To set aside 5-10 minutes just to sit and do nothing.

One can meditate sitting, standing, lying down (although this often turns to sleep), with music, focusing on clearing the mind, or setting intentions...

Since it is so hard to do this I am setting goals to meditate for 5 minutes everyday. I will be keeping a blog on it. My friend is joining me on this en-devour. We look forward to 365 days of meditating!

Benefits of meditating are numerous: calmness, happier, relaxations, self confidence, increased productivity... etc.

100 benefits

another article I liked.


So stay tuned for this new meditation blog, and maybe set your own goals! I would love to hear feedback!


Breathe!

Blogs to follow

My Friend Madhu's amazing Blog

About Hyderabad by Madhu