Hello!
And just like that, it’s the end of another month and half a year is right behind us. I’ve fared very badly as far as my writing is concerned. I’ve been writing, but haven’t been able to publish much. I’m waiting for responses to my submissions, trying to send out more work but nothing substantial to show. I was published in Disobedient Girls by Tell Me Your Story ; a piece of prose poetry in NFFD UK ; a longlist mention in the Strands International Flash Fiction which did not make it to the shortlist, and is once again out in the world, trying its luck. I hope I can do better in the second-half of 2022.
Last month at the IWSG, I got some very useful advice about my WIP. I am happy to share that I moved forward, by an inch, maybe. The characters are etched out, and not just in my mind, their edges sharpened. They look better than they did in the first draft. The first chapter has been edited, and it was no mean task. Slow, right? I realize that I try to do way too many things together. So, just for now, this blog will take a backseat and serve only to chronicle my thoughts. No more participations for a while.
On another note, I am looking for resources on Surreal Poetry and even workshops, if any. I’d be grateful if you can drop links to the same in the comments section.
The IWSG will continue to be my ranting ground, I’m afraid. I also hope to be inspired by reading about the writing journey of others in the group. If you’d like to join us, please visit here.
The awesome co-hosts for the July 06th posting of the IWSG are: J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton! Thank you for co-hosting.
July 6th Question: If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?
This question got me thinking. My immediate thoughts were about the best fantasy worlds from Narnia to the Wizarding Harry Potter and the Middle-earth. I think the instant reaction is to think about fantasy. Much that I appreciate this creative world building, if I were to choose one it would be closer home. I wonder how many of my IWSG friends have read Malgudi Days by Indian author, R K Narayan. Malgudi is an imaginary, small, peaceful town in South India, inspired from many places in that part of the country. Its people, with their petty quarrels, represent the pre-independence India and bring forth the tussle between old traditions and the new-found elements of the British Raj. This town is full of believable characters, of whom my favourites are Swami and his friends- a bunch of school-going children with their own problems. The world of Malgudi is relatable to me, and hence I choose it over all others. In the words of R K Narayan, himself, Malgudi is where we all belong, and where we wish we lived.
I would like to add something interesting. In the year 2020, even as the covid-19 cases continued to rise, a Malgudi Museum was opened at Arasalu railway station in Shivamogga district in Karnataka. Of course, it’s based on the tele-series inspired by Narayan’s story of Malgudi and Swami.
What are your favourite book worlds? I am looking forward to reading what my fellow writers have to share.
Until next month, happy writing!
‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.’
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I enjoyed Malgudi too, but my favourite book life would be solving crimes in little English villages in the last century with Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple!
I have a question to ask – I have a short story I would like to submit to a publication that pays, but honestly, my knowledge of the world of fiction publication is very scanty. Do you have a resource or any advice you could offer? I would be very grateful! Thank you!
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It would be quite a wonder to live in the Malgudi days world. Was such a fan growing up. But yes, if you were to ask me, I’d love to be living in the world of Famous Five or the Five Find Outers from our Enid Blyton days. Would love to go camping by the ocean and savour the macaroons and buttered scones with tea. And catch some odd trouble maker here and there. Ha! Ha!
In the recent books I have read, I think it would be nice to be part of Ari and Dante’s world in the book Ari and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and the sequel too.
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Malgudi Days and beautiful memories of childhood associated with it are precious. Sonia, please don’t be disheartened and it’s completely ok to go slow. Keep writing and keep shining dear.
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Malgudi days you brot back my childhood memories and as for ur writing part there are time v all go into a hibernation period into some activity that we do on daily basis so ull b fine ur just on tat mode
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My fave book worlds have to be Harry Potter, and Anne of Green Gables- always wished I could have lived in those worlds
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Hey, Sonia, please don’t be disheartened. Look at me..I am 58 and still trying. I started writing at 40. Wishing you write literary masterpieces. God bless 🙂
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It’s a privilege to be a part of a forum where u can vent Sonia… n I am glad that you do. You are such an amazing writer… things will happen. I believe that ‘there’s a time n place for everything’ … our time eill come too.
Btw, Malgudi days reminded me of, ‘ta na na ta na na na na’… that tune when we used to watch it on DD sooooo long ago… it always does actually. Your post made me nostalgic.
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I had seen Malgudi days when I was a kid so I don’t remember much. Also you spoke out what’s going on with you and that’s good. Often there are blocks that we face. I’m calling it blocks because issues happen. But with time things get clear too.
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First of all, moving slowly is absolutely okay as long as we re moving forward 🙂 Secondly, I agree with you malgudi days would definitely be one of the best places to be at. Although, I would equally love to be a part of Harry potter world.
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Is it anything like the half done series? I hope not. I was quite disappointed when the series stopped half way and other stories began showing. it confused my kids and me.
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I guess Swami and Friends was left midway.
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Ranting can help writers work.
Malgudi sounds like an interesting world.
Thank you for stopping by my blog on IWSG day. I hope we’ll keep visiting each other.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
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Yes, Lenni. Thank you.
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Oh My! Malgudi Days would definitely be a beautiful world to live in 😀 Wow, I’m so glad you mentioned this. Love this. Thank you 🙂
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So glad it made you happy!
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The Paris worlds I have created in my books and flashes are my favorite worlds. I don’t read much fantasy, but I can see how some minds might fly straight to Harry Potter, LOTR etc. I wish you well with your writing projects. Anything I can help with let me know.
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I so agree about the fantasy part, Denise. Thank you for your kindness. I will keep this in mind.
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I have not heard of this author or these books, but they sound lovely. I think as far as deciding where to “live,” real places might be better than fantasy–because you’re not having to deal with all those crazy forces you have in fantasy.
I have never been to India, but I love books set there. I will check this book out!
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Yes, I’m so glad. Please do.
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It is great you’re moving forward with your writing. Every inch helps.
I’ve never heard of the book you choose, or the author, but I think you’re lucky to be able to choose a writer from your homeland. My preferences all go towards speculative fiction worlds, as far removed from my reality as I can get.
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I understand that Olga, having read many of your flash pieces I’m not surprised.
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I’ve had trouble making solid progress on my writing this year too. And I also tend to have too many projects going at once, which is frustrating and stressful, but I can’t seem to help myself. I hope you find your groove!
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Thank you!
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Inches add up!
Interesting world you chose. Yes, the fantasy ones are popular today.
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Awww… Thank you, Alex!
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oooooh! A new author to look for in a new setting! I’m on the hunt now. I’ve done lots of historical novels and would adore a visit to the Regency period. Let me get my dance card ready!
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So glad. I hope you enjoy it.
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Hi,
I hadn’t heard of Indian author, R K Narayan, but now that I have, I will check the book sometime in the future. I too love the world of Narnia.
Take care.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
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I hope you enjoy reading it, Pat.
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It sounds to me like you’re making pretty good progress. Glad the comments in June helped you and that you still plan to participate in the IWSG.
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That makes two of us 🙂
Aaah! Sonia! It is Malgudi and Narayan for me today and always will be. There is beauty in the way he brought the town alive with its many landmarks, the people and their mannerisms. And yes, I didn’t know about this little museum. I will put it on my wish list.
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India loves Swami, right? Thanks for stopping by, Sudha.
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Any progress is more than no progress. Well done for what you’ve achieved! I’ve struggled this year, too, and if not for the poems I’d built up over time and published, I wouldn’t have had anything new out this year. Hugs 💕🙂
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Hugs, Harmony❤️
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Even if it seems like a small move forward it is a move, nonetheless and you should take that with stride. Celebrate! I’m so happy for you.
The book you chose to live in sounds fantastic. I’d like to visit the place as well. But as for living there, I’ll pass. Only because I like where I live. And that goes for all my books
too. 😀 😉 👏
Happy writing. I wish you miracles.
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So sweet of you, Selma. Thank you!
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You are brilliant writer. Don’t be sad. I am learning from you, Sonia.
I would love to stay in Harry Potter book. Though Malgudi days are still my favorite.
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