WIN COPIES OF THE NOVEL - LOVE, ME AND BULLSHIT BY VIVEK AGARWAL

We are back with a very simple contest for you.

Title: Love, Me and Bullshit! One man's dream, others' nightmare
Author: Vivek Kumar
Publisher: Srishti Publications (2012)

About The Book:

"She is a wish. She has no reason. There is no reason for what I am doing. I am just doing."

A guaranteed success. A chance at love. One wish. What will you ask for?

Searching for love. Trying out sex. Will it be a good substitute?

The noose of success. An empty handed freedom. What will you choose?

"Moments are not created, they are lived. We don't create moments, we get created in moments."

How far can you run from yourself? How long can you escape facing your fears?

What will you find when you face them? Will it be worth it?
You have a plan. Fate has a design. Who will overcome?
What matters is what happened. Is everything in life plain bullshit?

"Ah, this is mysterious. And also futile." 

About The Author:

Vivek is an alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad. He has worked with top-tier banking and consulting firms and is currently setting up a media venture. Love, Me and Bullshit is his debut novel. Prior to this he has published a novella and a short story collection. Apart from writing, acting forms his other key interest. He is an active member of the theatre group Dramatech. Vivek blogs at:
www.tocatchabutterfly.wordpress.com
He can be contacted at : vivglobal@gmailcom 

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CONTEST  

We have a very simple contest for you

You need to like the book's facebook page or follow on twitter to be eligible for the contest

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/lovemebullshit

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/lovemeandbullsh

Yes, that's it, just like the page or follow on twitter.

Three lucky people will walk away with a copy of this novel.

Dont forget to invite your friends for this contest.

You may like the page as well as follow on twitter to increase your chances of winning.

After you have liked/followed just Send us Your Full Name, Address with Pin Code, Contact Number and link to Facebook or twitter profile to bookreaderslounge@yahoo.com.

Contest begins Feb 22 and ends on Feb 27 at 10pm.

All the best

And the winners are

1. Arpan Chawala
2. Khushboo Sinha
3. Sujata Ghoshal

WIN COPIES OF THE NOVEL THE CAVANSITE CONSPIRACY BY MANJIRI PRABHU

Title: The Cavansite Conspiracy
Author: Manjiri Prabhu
Publisher: Rupa & Co. (2011)

About The Book:

The theft of the precious mineral stone, the cavansite, from The Crystal Museum of Minerals has left everyone puzzled, more so because the modus operandi of the theft has uncanny similarities with an international bestseller, The Cavansite Conspiracy by Chris Carver. While the police and the curator of the museum are on the hunt, a spiritual group in Bangkok too is interested in acquiring it by any means.

Meanwhile, Koyal Karnik, a communications lecturer working in Hamburg, Germany, arrives in Pune to attend her friend Jasraj’s wedding. Little does she know that she will not only be implicated in the theft of the cavansite, but that her friend will be murdered, and she will be forced to become a fugitive on the run. The only person she can trust is her ex-boyfriend Neel, with whom she takes off on a journey of mystery and love from India to Hamburg, then to the Isle of Sylt and finally, a London television studio. But can she really trust anybody? And what is the connection between Jasraj and the cavansite? What is Jasraj’s fiancée hiding? Finally, who is Chris Carver and what is his role in the mystery?

Romantic, fast-paced and thrilling, The Cavansite Conspiracy spans countries and continents to culminate in a nail-biting finish.

About The Author:

Manjiri Prabhu is a television professional, writer and filmmaker from Pune. She has written several books, notable among which are A Symphony of Hearts, Silver in the Mist, Roles : Reel and Real, The Cosmic Clues and The Astral Alibi. One of her unpublished novels has been adapted into a Hindi film titled Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha. 

WIN COPIES OF THIS NOVEL 

Watch the novel teaser below and answer two simple questions and you might just walk away with the copy of this book.

Click on this link to view teaser - link

OR 

Click on the video below

Here are three questions from the teaser. Answer any two to be eligible to win a copy of this amazing thriller

1) Which musical instruments are shown in the Teaser?
2) Which shots does the Teaser begin with and end with?
3) From Mulshi, which place does Koyal go to?

Send in your answers to bookreaderslounge@yahoo.com with Your Full Name, Address with Pin Code and Contact Number

Contest begins Feb 22 and ends on Feb 27 at 2pm.

All the best


Answers:
1) Flute and guitar
2) Blood shots or blood splatter or blood spots
3) Hamburg

Winners:

1. Kaladhar Battepati
2. Antara Jha

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - DOUGLAS MISQUITA

We recently interviewed published author Douglas Misquita

SHORT BIO

Hey, I’m Douglas Misquita and I write action-thrillers. When I’m not writing or thinking up a plot, I’m usually practicing with my guitar, playing with a rock-n-roll band or… working. There’s more about me at http://www.douglasmisquita.com. 

 

Tell us something about your novel – Haunted. Any specific reason for this title? How did this book happen and why did you choose to write about it?

Haunted is a raw, gritty action-thriller designed to give the reader a sense of being in the thick of the action. It’s got everything you would want: explosions, gun-battles, fist-fights, car chases, underwater action, espionage and double-crossing agents and some serious weaponry!

I wanted the title to convey the psychological trauma of one of the protagonists in the book – essentially he is haunted by the demons of his past. Hence the title, which actually makes people think I’ve written a horror story. I get quite a few questions on that, what a silhouette of a man holding a gun has to do with paranormal activity.

The book came about because I love large-scale action movies and always imagined these great action-sequences in my head. I wanted to put them down and turn it into one helluva action book. That, and I’m fascinated by dark transformations: how incidents in people’s lives can push them over the edge and drive them to do things they wouldn’t otherwise have.

When did you take to writing?

I took to writing after reading Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. I was so fascinated by Crichton’s ability to transport me into the story he was telling that I thought, “Wouldn’t it be something if I could grab people’s imagination and take them on a roller-coaster ride for a few hours in a story of my making.” I began writing shorts in 100-page single-ruled line books and suddenly, one day, it culminated in Haunted.

Where do you usually write? What is your favourite setting to write in?

I write anywhere peaceful because I need to hear myself think. Usually it’s at my computer desk before a large poster of 12 Hollywood film stars taking a lunch break from constructing the Empire State Building. At other times I’ll be doing something when suddenly an idea will strike me, and I’ll just stop what I’m doing, think through that idea and file it away to be used in a story whenever I’m actually writing.

Did this story  come to you easily or did you find yourself stuck with a writer’s block sometimes?

Well, I think no story comes easily. There’s always going to be blocks and it happens at anytime or any point in the story. For Haunted the toughest part was to interleave all the plots into a cohesive story: that means the underlying thread was the toughest.

Does this story have anything to do with your personal life? Or is it a story of someone close to you

Nah, nothing to do with my personal life or anyone I know. It’s just my fascinations and imagination on an adrenaline ride.

Tell us about your life online and the sites you maintain

At about the time Haunted was launched, I read this Jeffrey Deaver thriller about a killer who stalks people through social networking sites. I immediately went and upped the privacy on my social page. So I’m very cautious. I maintain a website and blog and a Facebook page. I’m also on Twitter and Goodreads. I personally think, we should be aware and regulate our online life and its impact on our personal life and society.

What are your thoughts on life – The one thing that it takes to live it?

Life is beautiful, our planet is beautiful. One thing that it takes to live: Acceptance.  Accept things that come your way and deal with them with grace, courage and confidence.

How has been your experience so far in the literary world? Any highs or lows being a part of this space that you would like to share here?

I think I’m not yet very famous to have major experiences. But it’s a warm feeling to see my book on someone’s book shelf, and also on my book shelf alongside the authors I love reading. The highs are when people appreciate the stories I tell; it makes me feel that all the effort and investment was worth-it. I did feel some ‘lows’ when initially people said, “Oh, this genre is not popular, I don’t know how well it will do.” Let them tell that to me now.

Tell us something about your work & hobbies?

My work is top-secret, classified. Joking J I work as a Project Manager with a mobile messaging solution company. I love music and I play guitar and sing with a rock-n-roll band called Victor and the Crowns. We cover classic rock and roll. For a list of our gigs, visit the News section of my website. I watch movies and read voraciously. Occasionally, I sketch.

So how did it feel when you finally finished writing the book?

I can’t say that in a few sentences, that’s a blog post in itself. I’d direct your readers to: http://douglasmisquita.com/blog/2011/01/22/i-had-a-dream/

Top 3 All-time favourite books

Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton

Total Control – David Baldacci

Temple – Matthew Reilly

CONTEST - GUESS THE NAME OF BOOK AND WIN

We have a simple contest for you. 
Answer a simple question and you stand a chance to win a book.

QUESTION:

Guess the name of the BOOK in whose SYNOPSIS the following line appears.

She has no reason. There is no reason for what I am doing. I am just doing." A guaranteed success. A chance at love. One wish. What will you ask for?

We are giving a clue to make sure  you get the answer correct.

CLUE  -  Here is the front cover image of the novel

Send in your answers to bookreaderslounge@yahoo.com with your Name, Address & Contact Number and the word 'Contest ' as Subject till 18 Feb, 10 pm.

The winners will be chosen via lucky draw.

All the Best!!

Answer :  Love, Me and Bullshit

Winners will be contacted by email. If you haven't won then we have two giveaways going live tomorrow, more books up for grabs. Good Luck

1. Akanksha C
2. Satya sandeep.illa
3. Pranav siddharth      

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - VIVEK KUMAR SINGH

We recently interviewed published author Vivek Kumar Singh

SHORT BIO

Vivek Kumar Singh was born at Arrah, Bihar ; a small town on the bank of Ganges. He learned conscience and sensitiveness in the jungles of Jharkhand where he did his schooling at Netarhat, a government residential public school, and a spell at Science College, Patna, made him a politically sensitive animal. At the time of Mandal and Kamandal when he passed out Intermediate Examinations.

He belongs to Class of ’96 of IIT Kanpur where he was President of Students’ Gymkhana. Since then, he has been part of the IT revolution — travelling across the globe and working for various companies. Presently, Vivek is based in Bangalore and can be reached at vivek_ks@hotmail.com

He is author of the novel 'The Reverse Journey' published by Frog Books during 2011

Tell us something about your novel - The Reverse Journey. Any specific reason for this title? How did this book happen and why did you choose to write about it?

“The Reverse Journey” is a story about a middle-class, young man faced with a decision - to follow his heart or brain. The heart wants happiness in India, among his family, friends and people who are like him. His brain wants money - without it what security does he have? All his friends are relocating to the USA. He feels isolated. And so he decides to follow 'the rat race'. He travels to America. Will the journey to a foreign land bring happiness? Will money be the answer to his prayers? Or will he finally realize that true joy is the sense of belonging?

Every journey has a purpose. Journey is supposed to fetch you some gratifications. I gave the name “The Reverse Journey” because there was nothing expected from the journey. The protagonist was not sure as to what was the purpose of his journey. He wanted to come back to India but did not know “why” ? His journey had reverse elements of a typical journey.

 

On my way back to India, I had a long transit at Singapore. I saw bunch of young Indians, enthusiastically taking their flight to USA as if they are about to land into the dream land. I recalled my years in USA and did a detailed Return on Investment (RoI) analysis, albeit on the human count. I was not impressed with the losses one has to make in an alien land. Then the idea to compile my thoughts in a book, germinated.

When did you take to writing?

I took up writing rather early. I used to write for school and college magazines, if asked for. Later on,  I started blogging, a great way of self-expression – without having audience in sight. But writing a book was totally different. It needs lot more of thinking and time.

 

Where do you usually write? What is your favourite setting to write in?

As a married man, with two hyper-active kids and a full time job, you really do not have luxury to choose your time and setting to write in. You have to steal it without annoying anyone. Anyway, I do not  have a disciple to write every day. But I make sure, I give at least an hour to myself every day. I ruminate and scheme the plot or article, I want to write about. Once it crystallizes in mind, then I write.  Typically I write at home ; outside I am too busy to observe man and nature.

 

Did this story  come to you easily or did you find yourself stuck with a writer’s block sometimes?

I was sure to write about “The Reverse Journey” which I had travelled. So the central theme came to me easily but writing a book around it, took me couple of years. That way blog is different where central them is presently in a page or two. In book, you have keep the reader engaged and alive, all along. Every sentence and page has to be pondered over.

 

Does this story have anything to do with your personal life? Or is it a story of someone close to you

Though the book comes under ‘fiction’ genre, yes, it is semi-autobiographical. Events and stories are build around me and my close friends. Our collective experiences are shared.

 

Tell us about your life online and the sites you maintain

Though I am a software professional but not much wired. My facebook id is www.facebook.com/viveksingh36 and the book page iswww.facebook.com/thereversejourney  I write blogs on Sulekha.com . I request your fans to share feedback. Typically I am quick in replying.

 

What are your thoughts on life – The one thing that it takes to live it?

Life is atomic. It does not come in chapters. What I mean is, it is not like -  if A happens then I will be happy or if B happens I will be rich. Life is a process and you can be happy and rich even without A or B happening. Do not plan too much and don’t put numerous conditions to life. Live as it comes.

 

“Belonging” is central them of life. Incidentally, It is also the central them of the book. If you throw yourself into the place or the company you do not belong to ( for short term gain), life would be stressful even you accomplish the short term goal.

 

How has been your experience so far in the literary world? Any highs or lows being a part of this space that you would like to share here?

This is my debut novel. I am new to literacy world. With my limited exposure, I found it very opinionated. Every critic and journalist has a opinion how a good book should be written. I wanted book review to be done so I approached one book critic. He replied back “One more IITian trying his hand at writing”. Somehow, I persuaded him to read the book and then he came back saying “Witty and Thought-Provoking”.

 

Tell us something about your work & hobbies?

I am a software professional. I work as Principal Architect with Yahoo! R&D, India. Travelling and Sports used to give me high. But, with life fast approaching forty, I do more “watch” than “play”.

 

So how did it feel when you finally finished writing the book?

There was a sense of relief – finally it is out of my head. But it was temporal. There are so many stories happening all around us. I feel more urge to write and tell the story. Sometimes, I feel restlessness that we are missing so much by not capturing it.

 

Top 3 All-time favourite books.

God father – Mario puzo

Love Story – Erich Segal

Madhushala – Dr. Harivansh Rai  ‘Bachchan’

Read reviews of his book from popular sites below

http://pune.thetossedsalad.com/2011/11/review-the-reverse-journey-by-vivek-kumar-singh/

http://bookreviews.bookrack.in/2011/10/reverse-journey-by-vivek-singh_19.html