A Hundred Quills
"Words.Words.I play with words, hoping that some combination, even a chance combination will say what I want" -Doris Lessing
Zen ( See Through Words)
Zen has been on my mind for a long time now. It’s been creating a lot of buzz and I’ve always wondered why! Not a religious person per se, I’ve always been weary of reading/talking/writing about religion. However, for a while it has been like ‘Zen’ has been following me around. My daughter who enjoys art has recently been trying her hand at Zentangle and doodling.
Consider this- ‘Zen’ and ‘tangle’ and keep these in mind. I’m going to come back to this. Now for the other stalker. Ha! Well, Ravish Mani who is well-known in the blogging world for his book analysis and reviews as also for his posts on spirituality, talks about Zen in his latest book, ‘See Through Words’ which is part of the Blogchatter eBook Carnival, 2020.
Papa & I- Not a Book Review
Last evening, I read Pooja Priyamvada’s eBook ‘Papa & I’. Registered under Blogchatter’s eBook Carnival, the book offers perspectives on losing a loved one to death. A combination of few prose pieces, twenty-eight poems and certain random notes, it is dedicated to the author’s late father, who she fondly remembers in the book.It is hard to review a book such as this. For it is a sentiment, one that is relatable and feels closer home. Death is an inevitability that cannot be denied. And no matter how prepared we may consider ourselves; we fail to accept the only eventuality when it happens.
IWSG June 2020- A Writer’s Secret and a Pinch of Hope
June 2020 musings on the Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG)! To know all about this wonderful place where you can share your doubts and ask anything related to writing, visit here.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The awesome co-hosts for the June 3 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!
Before I move on to answering this month’s optional question, I have so much to share with my peers in this group. May was extra special because I managed to put my A to Z posts based on tidbits from history for children in the form of an eBook. It is presently available for free download on the Blogchatter platform. I am hoping I shall be able to take it to Amazon in July.
Blogchatter Ebook Carnival- Dots and Streaks (Book Review)
Life’s principles are subjective. Yet, if viewed stoically, the philosophies of life apply to all and sundry. However, it needs the heart of a poet and a great emotional connect to visit life the way Ellora Mishra does in her debut book of poetry, ‘Dots and Streaks’- a collection of twenty-six pieces of writing.
About the Author
Ellora Mishra has a degree in Chemical engineering from BITS Pilani and Masters in Business Administration from XIMB. Having taken a short break from her twelve-year long corporate career, she has put her time to good use by pursuing her passion for writing, photography, reading and travelling.
Book Review- Ebook Carnival (Marvellous Rhymes by Jyotsna Atre)
‘Marvellous Rhymes for children about the Wild’ by Jyotsna Atre is a trove of beautiful rhymes coupled with colourful illustrations. As the title suggests, the poems are all about wildlife.
About the Author
Jyotsna Atre isn’t new to the world of writing. Some years ago, her retelling of the tales of Tenali Raman had been published in two volumes. Her stories for children have won awards on several platforms. Professionally she is an instructional designer and creates learning content for children. She has also been conducting cyber safety workshops for them.
We now know why a book for children!
शोर
अंग्रेज़ी में एक कहावत है, Grass is greener on the other side. दूर से जब हम क़ामयाबी और प्रशंसा को देखते हैं तो वो ताजमहल प्रतीत होती है। मगर पास आने पर वो कामयाबी सिर्फ एक खूबसूरत मक़बरा बन कर रह जाती है। उसका मधुर सा लगने वाला संगीत शोर बन जाता है। ऐसे ही कुछ विचारों पर प्रस्तुत है एक कविता…
वो तो एक गीत था
हरे मैदानों में बहता हुआ
सूरज की लालिमा में विलीन
निर्मल साधना सा
उत्सव मनाता संगीत था
रंगीन पंखों पर उड़ान भरता
मुझे सुनाई दे रहा था
कहीं दूर से आता
एक मधुर तराना
मुझे उसकी चाह हुई
जीवन की जैसे वो
राह हुई
फिर वो कुछ
करीब आया
लगा कोई
रकीब आया
अब वो संगीत नही
शोर था
मेरे तो चारों ओर था
कानों को माने
काट रहा था
मैं अब उससे
भाग रहा था
ताली ने कैसा
यह नाद बजाया
उत्सव सा मन
मायूस हो आया
हरा मैदान अब
कहीं दूर था
कुछ अजीब
मन के हालात थे
स्तुतियों ने
बहा दिए जज़्बात थे
मैं नही चाहता था
शाबाशियों का ढेर
मुझे फ़क़त अपनी
कलम का इंतज़ार था
करताली नही
मैं जान गया था
लिखना ही उपहार था
लिखना ही उपहार था।
©Sonia Dogra
To download my book on historical verses click on the link given below
https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/unlocked-by-sonia-dogra/
Book Review- The Woman That I Am
The Woman That I Am – An Anthology Celebrating Womanhood is like a bouquet of flowers with several shades and variety that blend in perfectly to give you a charming ensemble.
Conceived and compiled by Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul it brings thirty writers under one roof, which in itself is proof enough of the diversity the book has to offer. Rashi Roy, who was an HR Professional, is now a multi-lingual blogger, author and You Tuber. She dons multiple hats with much elan. Manas Mukul, previously a Business Consultant has been blogging for ten years and is passionate about theatre. The experience of the duo who successfully pulled off two blog hops earlier this year is reflected in the book which is structured and threaded well.
Content
- The book is a collection of poetry and prose- fictional, non-fictional and poetic. It is bilingual with contributions in English and in Hindi. For a poetry lover like me, the poems are definitely one up but prose is a good match too.
- Both the compilers Rashi and Manas have penned powerful pieces of poetry. While Rashi sounds fiery and assured, Manas offers to encompass the universe in his representation of a woman.
- POETRY- From the irony that stands out in Mayuri’s rhythmic piece to the profundity offered by Namratha Varadharajan’s dewy words; Nidhi Rawal’s unapologetic acceptance of womanhood; Pragun’s placid depiction of a woman; Srishti’s affirmation of self-belief or Srivalli’s seamless flow of words; Ujjwal’s candidness to Surbhi’s call to awaken the power within- poetry is definitely the favoured one in this anthology. And it’s hard to choose one!
- PROSE- Deepika Sharma’s story, I- Am a Woman is such an inclusive piece of writing that is sure to warm the cockles of your heart. Deepti Sharma offers both prose and poetry together and both splendidly penned. You wouldn’t want to miss her contribution. Jyoti holds a mirror to society while Noor pens an ordinary story of an ordinary woman in a most extraordinary way. Priyanka Nair is the woman on fire in this anthology and how you love her for saying all that she does. ‘Sanity in Sanitary Pad’ – Does that make you curious? Well, you need to check out this honest prose piece by Meera V. Swarnali’s ‘All of Me’ and Supriti’s ‘I Make Her the Woman’ make for beautiful reads.
- HINDI- There are only four contributions in Hindi by Deepika Mishra, Pooja Priyamvada, Ramandeep and Sangya and all of them truly stand out in this collection. Pooja Priyamvada’s dedication to her father leaves you teary-eyed while Sangya Nagpal holds your attention with her style and content both.
Did I miss something?
Just a few more writings in Hindi would have been a double treat and a concluding note at the end, the icing on the cake!
Concluding Remark
Finally, womanhood joins all the dots and each piece stands as a reflection of the other, while maintaining its individual identity. That is the beauty of The Woman That I Am. An absolutely enjoyable collection that completes your reading experience. You may download the book from the Blogchatter library by clicking on the link given below.
EBook Launch
Dear friends
The hysteria on Twitter doesn’t seem to be dying out today because it is the Blog chatter Ebook Carnival!
Unlocked- Historical Tales in Verse my debut book based on the A to Z Series 2020 is enlisted right there and is available for free download for a short period.
So, what are you waiting for? This book that can be enjoyed by both children and grown ups is right here. Just click on the link below and there you go!
https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/unlocked-by-sonia-dogra/
Thank you!
जो छूट गए…
जो छूट गए
वो पल भर थे
सागर नही
बस लहर ही थे
मंज़िल तो नही
पथिक ही थे
फिर क्षोभ है क्यों
उनके जाने का
क्रोध है क्यों
संसार मे जिसने
जन्म लिया
पृथक ही उसने
जीवन जिया
आते जाते कुछ
हाथ मिले
जो एक मोड़ तक
साथ चले
फिर राह चुनी जो तूने
उनकी राह नही वो थी
जो तेरी थी इच्छा
उनकी चाह नही वो थी
फिर क्षोभ है क्यों
उनके जाने का
क्रोध है क्यों
जो संग जिया
वो खूब जिया
क्यों मांगे आँचल सारा
सौरमंडल की आस में तू
भूल न जा इकलौता तारा
जो साथ अभी है
रात जभी है
वही रहनुमा
सौगात वही है
अब जीने की
आस वही है
तो क्षोभ न कर
तू क्रोध न कर
वो छोड़ गए, अफसोस न कर
जो है वो साथ निभाएगा
समय पूर्ण होने पर वह भी
अपनी अलग राह बनाएगा
लिखा है जितना साथ है जिसका
उतना ही वो निभाएगा
एकल जो तू चला कभी तो
प्रभु सखा बन आएगा
प्रभु सखा बन आएगा!
©Sonia Dogra
#IWSG Post for May 6- Writing Rituals and Co-existence with a Virus
Another IWSG Day is right here. Thank you to the wonderful team of the Insecure Writer’s Group for this uplifting and encouraging group, where writers can share their feelings without the fear of being judged.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting! If you wish to join please
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!!!
May 6 question – Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?
The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!
Do visit them and show some love!
********************
I missed posting last month because of A to Z. I’m bad at multitasking and I was already doing a lot of that due to the lockdown here in India.
So, how has living with a deadly virus been? I’m confused. On days I feel blessed to be in a better position than so many other people; I feel glad for my family, for their safety and for other little things in life. On other days I feel like we’re all treading a tightrope and it’s going to collapse soon. However, I do believe that for a long time we will have to live with these vacillations and contradicting thoughts. The virus will co-exist and the only way to deal with this is to learn to live with it, at least for now.
With this in mind, I feel glad to share that I have decided to turn my A to Z posts into an e book under Blogchatter’s Book Carnival next month. It’s the first step I’m taking towards developing a body of work and I hope there will be no looking back. To plan in these circumstances seems a little weird, but to not plan seems like giving up too soon.
Now for this month’s question.
Do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?
I’ve never followed any sort of ritual when it comes to writing. But if reading could be called one, then I’m doing it most of the time. It helps me to stay focused. I could also say that most of my thinking happens after lights out at night. And I sleep with the iPad by the bedside. Think and save, think and save… until my eyelids become heavy enough. So, maybe, lights out is my idea of getting into the zone.
I hope we all find our ways and means out of the present maze and can heal ourselves and others through our writing. At least offer some sort of coherence in this mayhem.
Wish you all safe and happy times!
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