Book Discussion with Capri Jalota About "Then The Doorbell Rang"

Today we have Capri Jalota author of "Then The Doorbell Rang" with us to discuss about his book with us.

Can you brief us about your background?

I have done Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh and MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. I worked with Maruti Suzuki India Limited just after my Engineering degree. Then, post MBA, I worked with Tata Strategic Management Group as a Consultant for a few years and then moved into Healthcare. I have worked with Fortis Healthcare for 6 years in India and UAE, then KIMS Group for two years in Bahrain and now working as VP- Operations for Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad

We would like to know about your reading habits.

I read, cant say if it is much. But, I definitely have a few favorite ones like Khalid Hosseini, Jean Sasson, Jeffery Archer, John Grisham, etc. Closer home, I quite like Amish. But Khalid Hosseini stands out and the one who inspired me to write.

When did you start writing?

Maybe 6-7 years back. I wrote a piece about Corporate Hospitals. It was much appreciated in my organization and amongst friends but no one in the media appreciated it much. It was showing Corporate hospitals in a positive light and no one likes it. Everyone wants to bash private hospitals and paint them as money making machines, which is far from the truth.

It was just free time writing but after it got appreciated, I thought why not keep writing and I did so, mostly for my own. But, once I got the plot of my novel, I decided to write it and get it published

When did you decide to become a writer?

I got the plot of my novel somewhere in 2013-14 and felt compelled from within to write. It is one of those feelings which is hard to explain. So, I started writing randomly in my free time. But, I never backed myself that I will complete it one day. But, early 2016 is when I decided I will back myself in writing the whole bit out. I took a break from work, trashed mostly everything that I had written till then and went into full-time writing. And I am just glad that I did it.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I don’t see writing as a career. I love writing and want to keep it like that. I hope to publish a book every couple of years.

How is your day structured to accommodate your writing?

When I first started writing my novel – Then the doorbell rang, it was usually for 1-2 hours after work. But, I realized after a few months that I am not going anywhere with it, precisely because this disjointed writing resulted in inconsistencies in the story. So, I decided to writefull-time with unflinching focus. I gave all the time I had to writing – usually dedicating 10-12 hours every day with some days being 14 hours as well. Being a first time writer, I did not know the drill.

After having gone through the process once, I now know a trick or two about writing and pacing it up. Ilike to believe that now I am better placed to write my next book while I continue to have a full-time day job.

What genre are your books?

My book – Then the doorbell rang is a light read, relationship focused book with a strong orientation towards exploring human relationships

Can you describe your current book in few lines? What’s it about?

The book is about a woman named Jane. She is half Indian, half Brit – born and brought up in Dubai. It is her story as she explores her life. It is about resilience, about giving, about loving. I feel that most women would relate to her in some way or the other

Give us an insight into your main character.

Jane is beautiful, intelligent and rich. However, her perception of life and what is good and bad is driven by the experiences of her mother and a few of her past experiences. So, she is guarded and constricted when it comes to expressing emotions. As she gives life a chance, life gives back her a chance.

Where did you get idea for this book?

It is really weird one. I was sitting with a friend in his balcony when he randomly pointed to another balcony and said “From that’s where the woman jumped to death” referring to an incident which happened a few months back. It is a posh neighbourhood, the woman was married with kids. It just got me thinking about the woman’s reasons in taking such an extreme step to end her life. I weaved my own story about the incident.

How much research did you do for this book?

I have always keenly observed people and loved to hear their experiences. I guess that is the only research I did for my book

What was the most difficult thing about writing your latest book?

Leaving my job was the hardest thing. Instead of spending time in office around people, I had to shut myself down in a room. That was pretty hard.

When did you book release?

Aug 5 2017

What are you working on at the minute?

I have a plot in mind and working on refining it. I am yet to put anything on paper.

How was your experience with Lead Start?

When I started writing to publishers, I read harrowing tales about how publishers don’t revert back and it takes ages to get a book published. I did experience it somewhat initially but ever since, Leadstart reached out to me after reading my plot, it has been a wonderful experience.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

My advice is one and only one – Write the story you want to tell without thinking about the reader. However, write the story in the words of the reader.

Links for your book readers

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapriJalota
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/capri_jalota
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/capri-jalota-334a1b2/
• Amazon Book Page: http://amzn.to/2B97r3v
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35995929-then-the-doorbell-rang

We would like to thank Leadstart Publishers (Frog Books) for providing this opportunity to connect the author. Readers can check their wonderful collection of books by going through this link - Leadstart Books

Sivaram Hariharan a.k.a. Syd K talks about his thoughts behind his book Semmanthaka

Today we have Dr. Sivaram Hariharan known as Sydney Kishor by his fans to discuss more of his work his book Semmanthaka. The book holds a special place in his heart.

The tale of the Semmanthaka has always intrigued me, especially the way it has been narrated in our Hindu Puraanas – the fabulous properties of the gem, the way it enters the realm of humans, its subsequent disappearance, the epic quest and, its ultimate retrieval by Krishna.

In this work of fiction, I have used this very tale as the basis for a second quest, in modern times, for this immortal jewel; a jewel that yields gold on a daily basis. Those familiar with this tale from the Puraanas can refresh their memories, while those unfamiliar with it can enjoy uncovering it here.

The Hindu Puraanas are fascinating in the sense that how many ever times one narrates its many scintillating tales, the readers / listeners never lose their fascination for them. This is because these tales can be interpreted in myriad ways with varied inferences and conclusions, providing stimulating exercises in intellectual flexibility and out-of-the-box thinking.

The principal characters in this second quest are Dr Shiva Baalan, a marine archeologist of repute and his assistant Dr Yogi Yaadav, who are contracted by the avid treasure hunter cum corporate billionaire, Stalin Malhotra.

All through the narrative, I have used crucial incidents from the history of this ancient land.  Since it is a work of fiction, I have used an author’s prerogative to tweak these incidents to suit the plot.

As a passionate lover of wildlife, I have also included descriptions of animals and natural history that go with the geographic location of where the tale takes the reader.  Of these, the episode concerning lions is based on a real-life documentary on a male coalition in a pride that ruled over vast tracts of the Saabi Sands of the Southern African wilds. 

Those who have missed earlier threads on this book can check out book review (click here) and author interview (click here)

Book can be found at Amazon

Reviews from other readers can be found at Goodreads

Pawan - The Flying Accountant by Sorabh Pant

I instantly liked the cover picture of Pawan by Sorabh Pant. But the thing that made me take this book was it's subtitle "The Flying Accountant" I think without that I might have taken this book as mere mythological fiction. Well, the book was a part sci-fi part comical (satirical) & part action.

Book Blurb

Arjun Singh is an accountant by day and a demigod by night. But he’d rather care about GST than his superpowers—even less so about life himself.

Arjun is about to be murdered by goons and he couldn’t be happier. He’s spent his life waiting for death. Unfortunately, things do not go as per plan. Much to Arjun’s chagrin, he manages to live. But things get a lot worse than a failed death.

Arjun is an accountant but behind this façade he’s protecting his identity as an almost indestructible species of humanoids, a power that Arjun would gladly exchange for a bushel of bananas and a vat of rum. And now some people know exactly what Arjun is capable of.

He’s forced to work for an alcohol baron’s unofficial army, assassinate terrorists and fall into life-or-death battles with a Chinese dragon. What is even worse is that they’ve not cleared his taxes yet.

Combining dark humour with a whirlwind plot—Pawan is a story of a reluctant superhero, the futility of war and a whole lot of rum.

The main protagonist of our story is Arjun Singh, CA - Accountant by profession. His favorite food is rum & banana. He had tried to kill himself the ample number of times but he is our hero of the story and had immortality. His identity was exposed to a special group led by ex-army general. He joined them as a paid professional. A psychopath genius from China is our antagonist. he is working on an unofficial mission so secret even government didn't know. This scientist along with Chinese defense ministry is planning to capture Twang region from India. Their only opposition is Arjun and his gang.

Talking about writing style, Sorabh is a standup comedian, so sarcasm and comedy would be inherited properties of his stories. Apart from that author has used pretty simple language to keep readers stick to the book. He has taken time to develop the character of Arjun Singh. Though comical, heart touching background was portrayed for Arjun. The author has driven his imagination to the extreme at least in the political scenario of India and presented multiple PM system which in turns became chaos & beneficial for China.

I liked following parts of book

• Political description of India
• China's policy for land acquisition (well from other countries)
• Dialogues of secular gang
• Discussion of Lin & Jin
• Kelly's briefing to Arjun about biological background behind his superpower

Though it took me more than 10 days to finish the book I was able to come back to story without recaps. A powerpack action for 16+ age. Talking about ratings:

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Title - 4/5 (2 marks for subtitle)
3. Concept - 3.5/5
4. Characters - 4/5
5. Overall - 3.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of Falling by Jane Green

Falling by Jane Green is a warm romance novel. It is kind of a book that one can enjoy in cold winter near a fireplace, with warm coffee and blanket. This book has soft, calm and comforting vibes in it.

Book blurb

When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either. 

On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son. 

Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.

This story is about an English woman Emma Montague who is an ex-banker. She was in her twenties and left banking to live happy and comforting life in the town of Westport. In Westport, she tried to figure out what she wanted to do in life. She rented a cottage from a Dominic who is hunky, handsome handyman, a bartender by profession. He lived just next door. The romance started between them. Emma and Dominic fell for each other. Emma also acquired great bond with Dominic's son Jesse. And just when everything was going fine Jesse's mother and Dominic's ex showed up. Things became little haywire but they sorted things out with her and themselves. Once more things were going normal and a tragedy happened. To know more read the book.

I loved this book, this wasn't the kind of cheesy love story that I have accepted in past but it is a really mature and decent one, and I liked it. The writing is good, the characters are wonderfully portrayed. All in all kudos to the author for this mesmerizing book.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover : - 4/5
2. Content : - 4.5/5
3. Character : - 4/5
4. Concept : - 4/5
5. Overall : - 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Meet Veteran Author Rajendra Kher - Writer of Udayan - The Forgotten Pandava

Today we have Rajendra Kher the author of Udayan - The Forgotten Pandava.

Can you brief our readers about your educational and professional background?

I am a commerce graduate and I inherited the writing skills from my father the well-known Marathi author Late B.D. Kher who wrote over 100 books and was recipient of national & international awards including Soviet Land Nehru Award, Maharashtra State award etc. 

When did you start writing? (It may be your first article or blog.)

In 1982 I first wrote a short story named ‘Vidhata’ for a Magazine.

When did you decide to become a writer?

In 1992 I decided to become a writer.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I would like to present ancient Indian culture and history through my writing to the world. I want my books/writings to be published in different languages of the world and be distributed though out the world. That is my ambition.

Can you describe your current book in few lines? What’s it about?

Udayan was the fifth valiant king in the lineage of the Pandava dynasty. (Some say, he was 26th). Kaushambi was the capital of Udayan’s empire. The king was an ace Veena player. Apart from the musical legacy from his forefathers he was a master of the Vedas, various arts and craft, different sciences and of course, use of different arms and weapons. Alas, all his qualities proved to be his undoing as far as politics was concerned. Because of them, he could hardly concentrate on the day-to-day governance of his empire. The empire that stretched from the sea to the Himalayas, started deteriorating and eroding as a result. Unable to bear the pain of watching the decline of the empire Yaugandharayan vowed to make the king wake up and do his job, and reclaim the lost glory once again. Thus began the conflict between the love for art in Udayan and sense of duty in Yaugandharayan. Around that time, Udayan learned from the book ‘Hastishiksha’ about a mammoth, blue bodied elephant by the name Neelkuvalayatanu. No one in India had ever seen such an elephant in those days. Udayan resolved to find the elephant and tame him with his music. One fine day, Udayan left his palace with a few of his most trusted men without informing anyone and started scouring the jungles for the Neelkuvalayatanu elephant. The news of this extreme pursuit of Udayan soon reached his sworn enemy Pradyot, the king of Avanti. King Pradyot had a beautiful daughter, Vasavdatta, who too was an avid player of Veena. In fact, Pradyot was searching for a capable guru for his daughter. When he learned from his informers about Udayan’s quest for the Neelkuvalayatanu elephant, Pradyot laid a trap. Udayan walked into the trap and he was captured by the soldiers of Pradyot. They dutifully took Udayan to Ujjayini. In the jail, Ghoshvati the Veena that was closest to Udayan’s heart was confiscated and was returned to him on the condition that he taught it to princess Vasavdatta! While all this was happening, Amatya Yaugandharayan was greatly distressed by the audacity of King Pradyot, who so swiftly took away the Vatsa king from under the nose of the brilliant Amatya. Yaugandharayan spread a net of his informers all over Ujjayini to bring Udayan back and take a revenge on Pradyot. However, Udayan himself created an obstacle for him. By now, he was deeply in love with Vasavdatta. There are many plots and subplots involving Vasantak, Vasavdatta and Yaugandharayan to influence the king of Magadh, the second marriage of Udayan and Padmavati, Udayan’s great and successful mission to reclaim his empire as per the plans of Amatya Yaugandharayan etc.

Give us an insight into your main character(s)

• Udayan: was an ace Veena player, was blessed with extremely good looks. Apart from the musical legacy from his forefathers he was a master of the Vedas, various arts and craft, different sciences and of course, use of different arms and weapons. An avid art lover that he was, Udayan loved a good life. He loved to drink alcoholic drinks sipped by his dasis and he used to have physical relations with them.

• Yaugandharayan: Amatya Yaugandharayan, who was fiercely loyal to the empire and hence, was concerned enough for its state. The empire was a matter of constant concern for the Amatya. Thus began the conflict between the love for art in Udayan and sense of duty in Yaugandharayan.

• Rumanwan: General in the form of Rumanwan, who, like Amatya Yaugandharayan, was completely dedicated and was extremely valiant. In the absence of the king’s attention, these two trusted lieutenants of his took care of the affairs of the state to the best of their abilities.

• King Pradyot: Pradyot’s kingdom was quite large and he was a brave man himself. His enmity for Udayan was unilateral however and Udayan had largely ignored Pradyot’s political advances and diplomatic games against him.

• Vasavdatta: King Pradyot had a beautiful daughter, princess Vasavdatta, who too was an avid player of Veena. In fact, Pradyot was searching for a capable guru for his daughter. The princess was swept off her feet by the extremely good looks and equally endearing qualities of Udayan. The two became inseparable soon. The two young and artiste hearts grew closer by the day.

• Vasantak: He was loyal court jester.

Where did you get idea for this book?

I read dramas of Bhasa, ‘Pratidnya Yaugandharayan’ & ‘Swapna-vasavdatta’ in my childhood (around in 1970). They were beautiful stories and I decided to write a novel on this story when I finished my novel on Arjuna in 2003. 

In last 7 years, we have seen gigantic wave of books on mythological history. Did this wave help you to get your book selected by publisher? Would you like to tell us how the initial response of publishers for this book was?

No doubt, this wave helped me. When I submitted the MS, I received contract from Ms. Chandralekha Maitra, editor-in-chief within no time. 

How much research did you do for this book?

For almost three years I was reading many books on the subject. I read ‘Pratidnya Yaugandharaya’, & ‘Swapna Vasavdatta’ by the great poet-writer Bhas. ‘Bruhat Katha’ by Gunadhya, ‘Katha saritsagar’ by Somdevbhatta, ‘Bharatiya Sanskriti Kosha’ ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Samarangan sutradhar’ and many more! Got information from the net.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why? (If applicable)

King Udayan the hero of this novel is my favorite. I am a music lover. And Udayan is a musician King. So I have tried to focus on his point of view and an artist’s creative mind.

Who is your least favorite character and why? (If applicable)

Yaugandharayan is the second best character of this novel. He is the best administrator. He has steady intelligence. Not emotions but duty towards the Kingdom and faithfulness towards the King is his prime motto. 

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

It was hard for me to write the intimate scenes of Udayan and Vasavdatta.

Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

What are you working on at the minute?

I am working on the great sage/ Rishi Agasti.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?

I like to write separate book/novel rather than a series of books.

How was your experience with Publishing house (Lead Start)?

Leadstart editorial team is very capable and helpful. Especially Chandralekha Maitra and CEO Mr. Swarup Nanda. They have tried to make available different platforms to this novel. Promotional guidance is also given from time to time by Lead Start Team. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Experience is very important capital – experience of writing and reading is apart; aspiring author should see and experience real life out there! In my writing I present positivity – not melodrama. My thinking is, if you don’t have solutions; why you create or write on problems?

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

• 6 prestigious awards

• Personal Letter from the then President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam after reading English translation of my novel on Bhagavad-Gita: THE SONG OF SALVATION.

• Bestseller Marathi Author. Over 1 Million direct readers.

• Received profound praise to my novel on the life of Rev. Pandurang Shastri Athavale, the founder of Swadhyay Pariwar of millions of people world-wide. This original Marathi novel is translated in other 3 languages viz: English (THE SILENT REFORMER), Gujarati & Hindi.

• Pioneer of Novel, which is written on any philosophy. My novel on Bhagavad-Gita Geetambari – THE SONG OF SALVATION - received great response from critics as well from readers.    

Links for your book readers

• Website: www.rajendrakher.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajendra.kher.79
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RajendraKher
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrakher
• Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2jOHv29
• Book Links: Leadstart Store, Amazon  
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37419532-udayan---the-forgotten-pandava
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/100876507220699174295

We would like to thank Leadstart Publishers (Frog Books) for providing this opportunity to connect the author. Readers can check their wonderful collection of books by going through this link - Leadstart Books

Can a Geek ever find Love? Check out Book Review of Finding Juliet by Toffee

What made me pick up this book was its interesting cover and the name "Finding Juliet". Those who have missed our interaction with the author can check here. Interview Link

Book Blurb

Arjun is a sweet, simple guy who is so unlucky in love that he almost lets go of life. Enter his saviour Krish, who turns him into an irresistible flirt, making his life more colourful. But will he find true happiness or has he lost that opportunity?

Join Arjun as he tries to figure out women and discovers the meaning of love, lust and life.. all in his journey of Finding Juliet.

This book is about guy Arjun who knew nothing about girls. He was a guy who believed in true love. In the journey to find true love he broke his heart thrice after that he moved to another city. He met Krish who was deliberately good with women and enlighten Arjun about female behavior and desires. From a nice guy, Arjun became flirt and started having intimate relationships with two-three women at a time but was feeling emotionally void. He realized he needed a true love. 

I liked the story in this book but the narration was quite poor. What I didn't like about this book that in the beginning of the book females were portrait like a devil creatures who don't give a damn about others feeling but the author makes up for that when Krish was enlightening Arjun about female behavior. But there he made it sound like women only fall for bad guys and flirts and don't care about good guys. I like Anjali's character.


From the cover, I have had high expectations but this book was not able to fulfill it. Talking about ratings

1. Cover : - 4/5
2. Content : - 2/5
3. Character : - 2/5
4. Concept : - 3/5
5. Overall : - 3/5

Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

BookReview Deceived by Heena Rathore

I have started reading Deceived by Heena Rathore 3 days back and I couldn't put it down. Out of curiosity, I have completely devoured all 350 pages in 3 days to know what would happen next. Most of the books get boring in the mid part but this book has kept me on my toes throughout.

Before we get into the story I just want to take a minute to appreciate the cover because that is what made me pick the book in the first place and a line written on the cover "How well do you really know your loved ones?" Made me curious about this book.

The story is about Allison stone whose mother and a 5-year old brother was brutally murdered when she was young. She was getting blank calls from someone but she didn't tell anyone about that. The book has another story thread about a girl who has killed her parents at the age of thirteen. The book is filled with psychopaths, sociopaths, and unusual thing.

The overall writing is good though in starting it gets little confusing, as the story evolved everything comes in Pace. I am not a fan of a thriller but this psychological thriller has changed my opinion.

Talking about ratings

1. Title & Cover - 4/5
2. Characters - 4/5
3. Concept - 4.5/5
4. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon
Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads