Author Interview : Dhyan Appachu Bollachettira

Author Interview : Dhyan  Appachu 
                                  Bollachettira

Hello everyone,
Today I am going to introduce you to the author of 'The Arya Dharma : The Noble Dharma'

Let's start!

1)Tell something about yourself to our readers.

Dhyan: I was born and raised in Bangalore.  In 1997, I went to the USA to do my Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida.  I joined leading Engineering consulting companies in the USA and in 2003 I won the best employee award for technical achievement in PBSJ, Florida (now Atkins SNC Lavalin USA, the world’s third largest design firm).

I am also an A license holder in Skydiving from the United States Parachute Association.

In 2004, I started marketing my family business in the USA and was in the USA till 2009.

I returned to India from the USA in 2009 and also gave up my Green Card.

Then in December 2018, I decided to follow my calling and left my family business and started to focus solely on my writing and farming.

I am much happier now following my true calling of writing and spending time with young children and nature who in my opinion are the true form of Brahman (God).

2)What is ''The Arya Dharma : The Noble Dharma" about?

Dhyan: I wish to enlighten people of a better way based on my life's insight and experiences into our (Bharatiya) great heritage and the pathetic state we are in today blindly aping what I call the FUKUS (France, UK, USA) systems which are totally unsuitable to anybody on this planet and especially harmful to nature. 

I hope readers will understand what I mean by the key to happiness. 

The key to happiness is to do everything without expectations, attachment, and ego. 

This is exceptionally difficult to achieve, but it actually as easy as learning to ride a bike. 

Once you achieve the right balance, it’s easy to ride the bike in any terrain. 

The key is to achieve balance (समत्वम्ं Samathvam or equanimity) and this only comes through ध्यान Dhyana (loosely translated as meditation).

समत्वम् Samathvam and ध्यान Dhyan are interchangeable.  One cannot exist without the other.  But समत्वम् Samathvam can only come from practice of ध्यान Dhyan.

I have mentioned all the above in detail in my book.

I also hope my book will convince people to abandon the fraud FUKUS (France UK, USA) systems of trickle down casino capitalism and paid democracy and adopt more sustainable and holistically profitable systems I have mentioned in my book which will not only benefit humanity and reduce inequality, oligopoly and oppression, but also benefit nature and all beings in this world.

3)What prompted you to write this book ?

Dhyan:  God has blessed me with a life where I have been able to travel the world and live among different kinds of people and have gained a lot of life experiences both good and bad.

I have lived in the USA for 12 years from 1997 to 2009 and even had a green card. 

But though I was doing well materially in the USA, spiritually I found it very disappointing and returned to India and gave up my green card.

Based on my life’s experiences and research into our great heritage, I thought it would be good to write about my life’s learnings and educate people that there is a better way than the currently flawed and failed systems we are following.

I have mentioned all the flaws of today’s systems and how we can remedy these flaws and move forward to a better way in my book.

I hope my book will enlighten people. 

I am going back to the future.  We already had this great system before the invasions and colonization.

All I ask is we go back to our great heritage albeit incorporating the good features of these modern times.

Going back to the future and placing Dharma and Seva (Selfless sacrifice) as the central indicator of the health of governance instead of quarterly GDP figures, is far more suitable not only to Bharat, but to all beings in this world.

Ram Rajya and Magadha are living proof and still mentioned millenniums after their existence even in the accounts of foreigners.

Ours is the only culture that says:

लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनोभवन्तु
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
"May all the Worlds become Happy."

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means "The whole world is one family."

In our culture, there is no intermediary to reach God, in fact the Self (Atman) is identical and a part of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) and the Grand Pronouncement:
तत् त्वम् असि Tat Tvam Asi – Brahman is the Truth, Brahman is the Self, Brahman is You.
from the Chandogya Upanishad

4)Writing a book on Arya Dharma must have been challenging. Did you research on it?

Dhyan: The genesis started in 2006 when I started a blog and used to write on it.  My book only has about 70% of my work. 

My blog www.aryadharma.world was my main inspiration to enlighten people that there is a better way.

Then in mid-2019 I decided to put it in a book format, and it took me about 3 months to adapt my blog content to a book format.

But this book is based on my life’s experiences and research into our great heritage ever since I started seriously on this subject in 1997.

5)Describe this book in one line.

Dhyan: A better way by a unique combination of our heritage, spirituality and current affairs by going back to the future

6)What is your writing process like?

Dhyan:  I write the main underlying essence first without editing. 

This hardly takes me about 2-3 hours, but is based on my life’s experience and more than 20 years of research into our great heritage.

Then I flesh it out and edit it. 

I dont write at a stretch, I write in blocks and always email to myself or make notes about my work on my mobile. This way I remember the trail of thought.

7)Which books have influenced your life?

Dhyan:  I must have read more than 200 books since school days. When I was very young, I used to read a lot of Arthur Conan Doyle and Roald Dahl.  This enabled me to think analytically, differently and have an open mind. 

Some of the books I still remember are the complete works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Roald Dahl

As I grew up, I was very influenced by the writings of S Radhakrishnan, our second president who I consider one of the greatest modern philosophers, Jiddu Krishnamurthy, Sankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda and I used to listen to a lot of talks by Alan Watts.

I still read a lot nowadays and Medium.com has also become a favourite read.  I also write on Medium.com.

I like the idea of Medium.com.

It is citizen driven journalism – anybody can start writing there and there is absolutely no censorship or moderation as far as I have seen. 

Most of the writers I have come across in Medium.com are analytical and free speaking and unbiased, unlike conventional paid, biased, and compliant mainstream media.

Some of the books that changed my life are:
•The works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Roald Dahl which taught me to think outside the box
•S Radhakrishnans interpretation of the Principal Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada and Brahmasutra
•Sankaras Bhaja Govindam, Vivekachudamani, Taitreya Upanishad commentary and Atma Bodha and other commentaries
•Jiddu’s and Alan Watts various short speeches and writings
•Swami Vivekananda’s works

8)What does your family think of your writing?

Dhyan:   My family has been very encouraging of my writing and support me completely in my work.  I am incredibly grateful to my family especially my wife, mother, and father, without whom this book would not have been possible since they have rendered eager and active support to me in many forms especially emotional, logistical and financial support.

9)What are your future plans? How soon can your readers expect your next book?

Dhyan: Based entirely on my life's experience and insight from experts I am following, I am working on a book on how to manage money wisely and also on a book on natural farming which is the only sustainable method of farming.  I hope to have these books out by the middle of next year – I am waiting for proof of success of my techniques in managing money which will come in the next year.

10) What advice do you have for writers and readers?

Dhyan:
Advice for writers:

Dont hesitate to put your words to paper or in these times in a blog.  You never know how your words may change and influence others.

Advice for readers:

Have a growth mindset.  Get rid of Stereotype mindset, it will only cause disappointment and frustration.

Continue learning and having an open mind to acquire new knowledge.

I hope my book will enlighten people. 

I am going back to the future.  We already had this great system before the invasions and colonization.

Ram Rajya and Magadha are living proof and still mentioned millenniums after their existence even in the accounts of foreigners.

All I ask is we go back to our great heritage, albeit incorporating all that is good in modern times like liberty and equality and the technological innovation which does not add to mass unemployment.

The way I have proposed is far more suitable not only to humans in Bharat, but to all beings in this world.

Thanks for reading. 

Book Review : Seven

Book Review : Seven

Title - Seven
Author - Prashant Kaul
Genre - short stories
Pages - 24
Format - kindle

'Seven'  is an amazing compilation of 7 thrilling and bone chilling short stories. These stories are based on real life incidents. The cover of the book is designed well. The title of the book is totally apt as it is the blend of 7 stories with different human emotions and from all walk of life. 

The plot of each story is different, unique and has the ability to make anyone shiver. These stories will shake you from within as well as from outside. The author has narrated all the stories can make you giggle and grieve at the same time.

Language used is simple and easily understandable. The writing style is amazing and the author has succeeded in keeping the spirit of mystery. I loved and enjoyed all the stories from the book, the way the author has expressed the emotions of each character are so real.

The characters are well portrayed as it is very difficult task to maintain in such short stories. I felt connected. Overall, an absolute spine chilling and spooky read.

Rating - 4.8/5

I recommend this book to those who are looking for horror stories.

Thanks for reading. 

Author Interview : Mantri Pragada Markandeyulu

Author Interview : Mantri Pragada
                                  Markandeyulu

Hello everyone,
Today I am going to introduce you to the author of 'Universal Poems'

Let's start!

(1) First of all introduce yourself to our readers:

Ans: I am born and brought up at Hyderabad, India.I am a retired Public Sector Enterprise (Government of India - Department of Atomic Energy), Private Secretary Hyderabad  India, for 24 Years.

Worked in Engineering and Management Colleges  as Training Manager for 6 years. Also worked at few NGOs. I am a prolific writer right from my young age. It is a passion for me to write, write and write.
I am the Founder of POETIC CHARMINAR (An English Literary, Arts, Cultural, Poetic and Research Academy), a FB Group, and has its presence in more than 100+ Countries.

(2) Throw some light on your books:

Ans: I have written and published some books through Become Shakespeare Publishers published my Three Books ie.,
Lady Police (2018), The Doctor and Ghosts (2018) and Universal Poems (2019). These are with ISBN code Nos. The support given by the Mumbai (Maharashtra State) of India Publishers Become Shakespeare, in my above books release tremendous. The speed in which this Publisher has worked-out the publication process pertaining to my books are so meticulous and organized in well planned. And even the staff of Become Shakespeare have extended to me full timely support in completion of my Publishing Projects.

I have few more books (around 10) ready for publication and hopefully published before end of 2020 year.

(3) Are all the books of same genre or different?

Ans: All my books genre are quite different.

(4) Which genre you enjoyed the most?

Ans: Really speaking I enjoyed Stories type genre, which covers family, love, crime Investigation, horror, thrilling suspense etc. Even I enjoyed Poems genre.

(5) Did you always want to become a writer?

Ans: Yes. My passion is to write. I was always writing something or the other. I got inspired from great Authors/Writers/Poets. Once upon a time, when I was quite young, I was thinking to become a big writer like famous and well-known writers, in those days. Since then I had developed a curse to write and write, something or the other, poems or stories or narration of scenaries, and whatever I get to my mind I used to put it on paper.
Actually my forefathers and grand mothers were good writers. Even my mother (now no more) has written 1350 Poems in Telugu version on Shri Shiridi Saibaba. So, that writing part also influenced me to become a writer.

(6) How do you handle negative feed-backs?

Ans: Wow. Whenever I post something in any social media, I get some negative feed-back. Readers are God's. They criticise. Without criticisms on the work there is no thrill. Criticising something on some posts are definitely needed to set the things right in future writings. I take negative feed-backs as righter perspective angle without any hesitation. Even few well established Authors made severe critics in my writings. But I took their feedback and corrected myself, though there was a pinch to my heart. If it is good feed-back, my heart and soul feels happy. In one way Feed--back from Readers, may be negative or good, are essentially be taken by the Writer/Author in good spirit.

(7) Are you planning other booth? How soon can your readers expect your next books?

Ans:  Yes. Of course I am ready with my other books content for immediate publication prices. May be, Become Shakespeare take up my Ten Books publication immediately and complete before end of December 2020. But, the things are getting delayed due to Corona COVID19 Lock-down. Hopefully, publication process could start anytime during July, 2020. I am too eager to complete my books publishing project on Gate-dash basis. All my Readers will have too books content from me and as I observed that my works were appreciated by good number of Authors and Poets fr all-over-the-world. A little bit time and patience are needed from my Readers fory further books.

(8) How has your Journey as an Author?

Ans: My journey as an Author and Poet is moving on a crocodile pace. The Author or Writer or any Poet expects some cash realisations for his/her books/works. The cash in-flow to Authors/Poets will become a motivational aspect. But, as I observed most writers never get substantial cash proceeds for their work. Only few writers could get good amounts. This we I tu field is such. Writers, in the first instance, to write their works as Passion only without anticipating any cash. This is my opinion and my experience. Only thing is that Writers should have good patience. Even I received around 25 Certificates from Global Poetic organisation's. I too received Honorary Doctorate in Literature given by an Institution from Brazil. Just satisfied myself with these Honour and Certificates.

(9) Who is your favorite India Author?

Ans: My favorite India Author is Mr. Chetan Bhagat. I got inspired to write by seeing his books. I read his books. He writes well. His books sold like hot-cake. So I concentrated more on writing thinking that my books also would be sold like hot-cake. But the trend became different. I am myself and Chetan Bhagat is Chetan Bhagat. No comparison please. But, I like to try and Try till my last breath. Success or failure it all depends in the Authors/Writers/Poets/Poetesses hardwork and Luck. One will shine in one's own turn. This is my thinking philosophy.

10) Any message for your readers?

Ans: Yes. Readers have to read all the books of all the authors, including my books, give feed-back, good or bad. This will make the righter understand where his work was bad and had negative impact. So, the writer will correct. Even readers also to write ferociously. No problem. Readers are God's. Without a Reader, there is no Writer or Author.  As such, every reader to give his/her feedback on the books. This will make the writer a Perfect Author or a Perfect Poet/Poetess. Even bad feedback is altruistic Okay. This is a writing and Literary field. All these negative feedbacks are essential.

Thanks for reading.

Book Review : Everything and Nothing

Book Review : Everything and Nothing

Title - Everything and Nothing
Author - Nilotpal Dutta
Publisher - ePub
Genre - fiction
Pages - 269
Format - paperback
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The story of 'Everything and Nothing' revolves around the protagonist Damyanti, a 82 year old woman. In this book Damyanti conveys her life experiences from her childhood to the latest days of her life. She always want to live in Dacca till her last breath but due to Noakhali riots she had to move from East Bengal. They had always blamed outsiders for the hatred and division between Hindu and Muslim.
Read the book and know the tale of love, loss, and hope.
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Review -
The cover of the book is aptly designed and the title of the book is relevant to the content. The plot of the story is interesting and historical. The author has took almost all the crisis from 1942 to till the date like Noakhali riots, partition, emergency, the Khalistan movement, Mandal commission, Ram Mandir agitation.
He has narrated all the emotions of love, hope, loss, pain and redemption beautifully that one can easily connect with. He has penned down politics and work of a politician for their own welfare and not for the society amazingly.
Language used is simple and easy to understand.
Character development is strong. I liked the character of Damyanti. The flow of the book is fast paced making it an engaging read.
Hats off to the author for his research work over history. Overall, an emotional read.
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Rating - 5/5
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I recommend this book to all.

Thanks for reading.

Author Interview : Himanshu Rai

Author Interview : Himanshu Rai

Hello everyone,
Today I am going to introduce you to the author of 'Rhythm Roger'

Let's start!

1- Tell me something about yourself.
A. I am a simple person who loves writing and telling stories.

2 - Did you always want to become a writer?
A. No, the writing was always a hobby for me. I am a telecom professional.

3 - As your first published book 'My Mute Girlfriend' completes 2 years 2 months how do you feel?
A. First, My Mute girlfriend was by 3rd book. But yes that was the book which helped me to be known as an author. It really feels great and I am equally excited to check reviews that keep on coming for that book.

4 - Throw some light on all of your books.
A. My first two books which I never marketed Recollecting the end and Chariots of Mahabharata. After which released  My Mute Girlfriend and I am always here with you, and they marked me as an author, and now I am too excited with Rhythm Roger series.

5 - What made you to move to a scifi genre from romantic one?Which genre you enjoyed writing the most?
A. It's not a shift, it's just about a story which I wanted to narrate. I am not a writer who can keep writing same genre for life. I write whatever I feel is the best and interesting for me to write.

6 - Describe 'Rhythm Roger'in one line.
A. Enter the unknown world.

7 - Are you planning other books? How soon can your readers expect your next book?
A. Yes, my next will be a romance title, and then let's see if second part of Rhythm Roger or something else.

8 - How has your journey as an author been so far?
A. Fantastic and mindblowing!! I love making friends and being an author allowed me to interact with many people around the world.

9 - Who is your favourite author?
A.  J.K Rowling

10 - Any message for your readers?
A. Keep reading and sharing your feedback about my work, so that I can bring more and more interesting stories for you.

Thanks for reading.

Book Review :- Endurer - A Rape Story

Book Review : Endurer - A Rape Story

Title - Endurer A Rape Story
Author - Kapil Raj
Publisher - Write India
Genre - Fiction
Pages - 178
Format - Kindle
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The story of 'Endurer' revolves around the protagonist Palak. She lives in a girls' hostel away from her home. Life is going well until a rave party after which she wakes up to find herself raped.
Who is the rapist?
Is justice set up?
Does Palak bear this disgrace?
What happens next?
To know all the answers you have to read the book.
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Review -
The cover of the book is designed well. The title of the book is totally apt to the content. The plot of the story is very emotional, spellbinding, strong and captivating.
The author has very well penned down the emotions of a rape victim inspite being a male. He has narrated the book from a girl's perspective. Hats off to him for writing such a serious social issue and portraying the consequences of rape so well. The book highlights the cruel reality of the society.
Language used is simple. Characters are well developed and described by the author. I liked the character of Sethani and Meethi.
The flow of the book is fast paced which makes it an engaging read. The last line of the book is very touching. "Yes I was raped, but instead of dying, I live it."
Overall, a touching read.
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Rating - 4.3/5
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I recommend this book to all.

Thanks for reading.

Author Interview : Kapil Jain

Author Interview : Kapil Jain

Hello everyone,
Today I am going to introduce you to the author of 'Yadon ki Tokri'

Let's start!

1) First of all introduce yourself to the readers.
हैलो, मेरा नाम कपिल जैन है, मैं झीलों की नगरी उदयपुर का रहने वाला हूं और पिछले एक साल से मेंने लेखन की दुनिया में कदम रखा हुआ है। "यादों की टोकरी" मेरी लिखी पहली किताब है।

2) What is 'Yadon Ki Tokri' about?
मेरी लिखी पहली किताब जिसका नाम है यादों की टोकरी, युवाओं के बारे में मेरी लिखी किताब युवाओं को यह संदेश देती है व्यक्ति को खुद से कैसे जोड़ा जा सकता है कैसे प्रकृति से संवाद किए जा सकते हैं जो आज की भागदौड़ भरी जिंदगी सबसे ज्यादा जरूरी है।

3) What prompted you to write short stories instead of a full length novel?
दरअसल मेरा लिखा हम सभी की दैनिक जीवन की दिनचर्या का एक रचनात्मक रुप है, इसमें हम सभी लोग खुद को पा सकते हैं, हमारे भीतर के उस इंसान को जिसे हम हमारी दिनचर्या में कहीं किसी कोने में छोड़ देते हैं। अगली किताब फुल लेंथ नोवेल है, जल्द ही आपके पास होगी।

4) Are all the stories of the book of same genre or different?
किताब के भीतर सभी कहानियां अपने-आप में अलग प्रकार है। मगर जब पुरी किताब को देखें तो यह एक यात्रा वृतांत है, जिससे आप आसानी से जुड़ सकते हैं।

5) What is your writing process like?
मेरी लेखन प्रक्रिया अधिकांशतः मेरे अवलोकन पर निर्धारित है। मैं हर वह चीज जिसे समाज में सही तरीके से परोसी जानी चाहिए,पर लिखना पसंद करता हूं।

6) What do you like to do when you're not writing?
कहानियां सुनता हूं, ऐतिहासिक वीरों की महानता को पढ़ता हूं।

7) What does your family think of your writing?
उनका बहुत आशीर्वाद है मुझ पर और सब ने मुझे आगे लिखते रहने के लिए प्रेरणा दी

8) Who is your favorite author?
मानव कौल

9) What are your future plans? How soon can your readers expect your next book?
लिखना शुरु कर चुका हूं आधी किताब पूरी हो चुकी है और पूरी होने के बाद आपको बता दिया जाएगा अभी बस इतना कह सकता हूं कि किताब बहुत सुंदर होगी जिसमें सामाजिक ऐतिहासिक शैक्षिक हर बिंदु पर कहानियों का समंदर उफान भर रहा हो।

10) What advice do you have for writers and readers?
हमेशा रचनात्मक रहो और युवाओं को कुछ ऐसा लेख देने की कोशिश करो जो सामाजिक हो जिसकी बातचीत समाज में नहीं होती कुछ ऐसा लाने की कोशिश करो जो आपकी खोई हुई संस्कृति को वापस ला सके जो आपके खोए हुए संस्कारों को वापस ला सके।

Thanks for reading.