Our new friends closed the door behind them. We listened to their fading chatter as they meandered down the path that would connect them to the system of trails winding

Picture this: you wake up early on your only day off, and the first thing you grab is your phone to check what time it is. Yes, this, even while

Someone said writing is a lonely job. Or so we believe. Of course, it is often assumed that writers are mostly introverts. It is possible that introverts are more drawn

When was the last time you finished a book in a single weekend? Not because you were on a deadline. Not because it was for work. Just because you couldn’t

For decades, the authors and publishers relied on a simple assumption that readers discover books by genre. If you wanted a mystery, you browsed the mystery shelves. If you loved

What do you most enjoy on your trips? The memories you make, the people you meet, and the experiences you go through. But what happens when you try to string

There are some stories that simply refuse to leave us alone. Perhaps it is a family secret you discovered as an adult or a relationship that changed you. Maybe it

It takes significant willpower, motivation, and consistency to work on a story. After spending months or years writing a manuscript and finally getting it published, the experience can feel both

An overview Are you wondering about the book editing charges in India? Editing a manuscript isn’t easy, which is why, as a budding author in India, it is crucial for

You have been growing up, then just growing, at an exhilarating pace. You keep hopping on your life’s milestones at a breathtaking pace, as if the night will be over

Every day, thousands of books are published around the world. With so many titles competing for readers’ attention, it’s only natural for authors to wonder: How do I make my

We currently live in an era where learning resources are abundant. Thousands of courses, webinars, podcasts, YouTube channels and books that promise to help you become a better writer. Access

So, you attended a writing retreat and you’ve just returned from a writing retreat with your notebook full of ideas. Your manuscript moved forward after all the mentor feedback. You

This year, I have met a great many rare and endangered species endemic to Great Nicobar in, believe it or not, the nation’s capital city, New Delhi. I interviewed these

If you’ve never attended a residential writing retreat before, it’s natural to wonder what the experience is all about. Do you spend all day writing? Are there classes? Will you

(At an offbeat writing destination)

Writing residencies provide what is most valuable for writers – uninterrupted writing time in an environment that is conducive to creativity. Writers are lonely creatures even amidst a crowd. They

For many aspiring writers in India, writing often gets squeezed between a home to be run, a job to be done, friends to be met, films to be seen, Netflix,

13 Questions to Ask Before You Pay

Translation allows literature to travel across borders, histories, and cultures. It gives readers access to voices they might otherwise be able to experience and preserves stories beyond the limits of

From the narrow lanes of colonial Calcutta to the underbelly of modern Mumbai, suspense novels by Indian authors have cast quite a wide net over the years. A murder mystery

“How often do you read books?”  sounds like a simple question, but hidden inside it is usually something much more personal. People are often really asking: We are now in

Filling an application form for a fellowship or a scholarship can be more nerve wracking than applying for your dream job. The application has to do all the talking –

Nobody believes me when I say that even today, there are readers who love doorstopper books. I am instead told that attention spans are shrinking and there is no way

Writing after trauma, joy, or a long break. “Writing is a concentrated form of thinking” said Don DeLillo, and he’s right. But it is much more. Writing helps us deal

At some point between finishing your final draft and seeing it become a book, you will have to deal with a task that can be uncomfortable for most people. You

We all have had that ‘Books to Screen’ debate over and over, but we hardly ever talk about Books that came out of movies. I grew up believing that stories

Greek civilisation is one of the oldest and most pivotal civilisations. It began from 1000 BC and had an enduring legacy till 30 BC, until fragmentation took over and the

Disability studies as a dedicated academic field came into existence in the 1980s in the West. It gained momentum through the civil rights movement, paving the way for deeper interest,

AI is out now, and there’s no way to unrelease that proverbial genie. Writer’s reactions to AI range from denial to an Osho-like orgasmic fervour. Both are over-reactions. AI cannot

X.com is infamous for negativity and rampant trolling, and most of us have left it behind for some peace. However, from time to time, a short piece appears there that

Let’s begin with a very basic question first. What is Children’s literature? It is a body of texts such as poems, books, short stories and more that have been created

You have been disciplined about practising your craft for ages, but you feel like you may be regressing. How do you know if you are actually progressing and improving along

You finish a draft and feel that you have done a decent job. You are quite satisfied that it finally exists, and it says what you meant to say. That

You finish writing something and, for a brief moment, it works. The sentences line up. The paragraph flows. You read it once and don’t wince. You even feel a flicker

Most of us who read a lot tend to carry a quiet contradiction within us. We love literary festivals, and we dread them a little at the same time. The

It is ironic that ‘The Notables’ is based on a table. It is an elaborate sheet, actually, which captures the opinions of some of India’s top literary minds. The list

Writing essentially is a lonely process. Couple this with the fact that the virtually connected world has insidiously made us physically disconnected. Events that facilitate personal interaction of the literary

William Shakespeare is a name that reverberates beyond the limits of literature. He is one of the few writers whose work is truly timeless. From conflicts around jealousy and greed

Every new year brings new stories, fresh voices, and much-anticipated returns from readers’ favourite authors. In 2026, what are you looking forward to reading the most? Literary fiction, thriller, fantasy,

The Problem: 200 Events, 5 Days, One You If you’ve ever attended the Jaipur Literature Festival, you know the feeling. You download the schedule. You scroll through page after page

For many aspiring authors, “build an email list” immediately triggers resistance. It sounds technical, salesy, or premature. It is something you are supposed to worry about after you have a

Devdutt Pattanaik’s name turned up on the Himalayan Writing Retreat’s website, which I check routinely. There it was: Jungal me Mangal – a mythofiction talent hunt with Devdutt Pattanaik, and

As 2025 draws to a close, it feels only right to pause, look back, and take a look at the stories that added colour to our lives. Every year, the

Charles Dickens is often introduced to readers as an obligation. A school assignment. A “classic” you are meant to respect rather than enjoy. Thick books, long sentences, old London, moral

Some actors perform a role; a rare few inhabit it. And then there was Irrfan Khan, a man who did not just play the characters but seemed to ‘become’ them,

Two centuries have passed since an English woman named Jane Austen sat at a small table in a Hampshire cottage to write stories that she wanted to tell. She slipped

Long before we had girlbosses and dark academia, there were three sisters in a parsonage on the Yorkshire moors. They scribbled away by candlelight and created some of the boldest,

We have all come across the words ‘climate change’, ‘sustainability’ and ‘carbon footprint’. It’s either the topic of discussion in air-conditioned big conference rooms about how this year’s heat was

Vinod Kumar Shukla (pronounced as शुक्ल), is a man of rare simplicity, valour, and a celebrated writer whose words have a warm way of settling inside your heart. His writing

We’ve all heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Lovely sentiment but in publishing, it is terrible advice. Readers absolutely judge books by their covers. In fact,

Virginia Woolf does not need an introduction. She’s a pioneer in the world of literature and has contributed immensely to the modernist movement. She was a deep thinker, a radical

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Translation is the act of giving meaning while converting from one language to another. In this article, we will explore the act of translation, it’s importance and the ethics and

Social media platforms have become the epicenter of culture and conversation, especially for young audiences. These platforms hold tremendous power and can make any person or a work of art

When I meet an author who claims to have written a best seller book, I expect they’ve sold 10,000 copies of their book. That is the English Trade Publishing definition

If you are looking for your next read, whether it’s a classic novel, a poetry collection, or a niche academic text, here are twelve online bookstores in India that deserve a spot on your radar.

When we talk about “pirated books meaning,” most readers immediately think of those cheap paperbacks being sold at traffic signals or the free PDFs circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram. For many readers, especially students and young book lovers, the temptation is real: why spend money when you can get a book for free?

A few years ago, when I first took the tentative steps into the world of writing, the First Draft Club became my constant companion. I have participated in almost 10

Karadi Tales is almost synonymous with children’s publishing in India. They make Indian stories accessible, engaging, and truly unforgettable for children. Karadi Tales has carved out a unique space in

The seeds of the ‘Future Library’ were planted in 2014. You pour your heart into a manuscript, overthink every character, polish every sentence, wrestle with every punctuation, and then… no

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword. It has become one of the defining reality now. In the last couple of years, AI has begun influencing everything from the

The artificial intelligence conversation has broadly two sides. One says that this is going to be the holy grail of humanity, the next revolution and the transformation to unlock a

Literary devices are a writer’s sharpest tool to evoke emotion and aesthetic pleasure in their writing, making it more eloquent and effective. It adds richness to the text, introduces layers

Shakuntala, Sita, Chacha Chaudhary, Heer and Ranjha, Vikram and Betal are all legendary characters that we have grown up with. These seemingly two-dimensional figures, when done right, have the potential

I guess you are here because you want to get a gift for a book lover. They have shelves that groan under the weight of hardcovers and paperbacks, a TBR

Picking a book for someone else is tough. Sometimes it is even tough to pick your own next read. We’ve all been there, I think.  You finally pick up that

Somewhere between writing the last chapter and hitting “publish”, a question arises that most writers didn’t expect to ask: “How do I make people care about my work?” Not because

LGBTQIA+ books have lit up India’s literary landscape with a rainbow moment. And honestly, it’s about time. What started as whispered stories tucked away in the margins of ancient texts

Ever sat down to create something and ended up reorganising your bookshelf instead? Or maybe you opened a blank document and somehow found yourself deep into a YouTube rabbit hole

You know that feeling when you finish a book and just sit there for a second, staring into space? Maybe it’s joy, heartbreak, awe or all three. But have you

I still remember the first time I picked up a book by Devdutt Pattanaik because it wasn’t an ordinary read; it was a whole experience. Until then, Indian mythology felt

What is Mythological Fiction? Imagine reading a story about a common warrior who becomes a god after drinking poison. Interesting, right? Mythological fiction books are told in a way that

Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul. Better known as V. S. Naipaul, he was one of the most compelling and controversial writers of the 20th century. He was born in Trinidad to

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for books, content, or storytelling into a full-blown career, publishing might just be your calling. In India, the publishing industry is buzzing,

The day comes when the draft is done. Plot lines closed, and your characters have been given their karmic destiny. And it goes into the drawer for six weeks. (Stephen

Imagine working on your book for years, carefully shaping sentences, building characters, and refining your writing style. Now picture it finally getting published. Readers praise your elegant prose and smooth

Before we start diving into Dalit literature, did you know that Dalit History Month is being celebrated every April since 2015? Inspired by Black History Month and launched by a

Are you looking for a cozy reading nook or a creative corner to write your next big idea? There’s something magical about themed cafes because they have the capability to

Born in 1969 in Mumbai, Ranjit Hoskote stands out as a voice of lyrical intensity, intellectual depth, and cultural curiosity. A poet, art critic, translator, and curator, Hoskote is known

Do you consider yourself as a SciFi nerd? Did you know that science fiction stories are quite prevalent in various regional languages of India? Did you know that in the

What comes to your mind when we talk about contemporary romance novels in India?  Main characters in their twenties, college romance, Bollywood references, nostalgia, and overdone love story tropes? And

K.R. Meera was born on February 19, 1970, in the Kollam district of Kerala. She is a distinguished Indian journalist and author known for her impactful contributions to Malayalam literature.

Most writers believe that the end goal of writing a book is securing a book deal. But getting a book deal is just another milestone in the long journey of

Reading books is great, but have you tried listening to them? Once upon a time, books demanded all your attention- eyes, hands, and a quiet corner. But not anymore! Audiobooks

If this article finds you, then there are three possibilities. Maybe you’ve come across the term synopsis and want to know what exactly it is and what it does. Or

What if I told you that your late-night reading sessions, where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” and end up finishing the whole book, could actually make you money?

You have a full manuscript on your desk. Revised and edited. Multiple times. It’s such a bittersweet feeling that the book you’ve been writing for years is finally complete. But…

Anuja Chauhan is a prominent Indian author, advertiser, and screenwriter. She was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and spent her early years in various cantonment towns due to her father’s

Book subscription box is a comparatively new concept in India that has taken the reading experience to a whole new level. Ever wished your favorite stories could just show up

A knockout non-fiction synopsis is your power move to captivate agents and publishers. Think of it as the VIP pass for your manuscript and a preview that commands attention and

Introduction Ever stared at your completed manuscript and thought, “Now what?” That masterpiece you’ve poured your soul into needs one more crucial chapter: a query letter that makes agents and

As we welcome 2025, a new year, book lovers have plenty to look forward to. This year’s publishing lineup has us book lovers on our tippy toes with excitement. We

That time of the year is back! Some of you might have already collected a few of the below-listed titles, whereas others might have come here to find out which

Writing a good non-fiction book proposal can make or break your book. Are you ready to work on your non-fiction book idea? Or maybe you’re halfway through your book, but

2024 has been one heck of a year for Indian fiction- a year of stories that felt alive, relatable, and deeply meaningful. Indian authors have delivered an amazing range of

Anand Neelakantan is best known for his thought-provoking reimaginings of ancient epics and folklore. Born in Kerala, Neelakantan’s writing delves deep into the world of historical fiction and Indian mythology,

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a renowned Indian-American author, poet, and teacher, celebrated for her evocative writing that often explores themes of migration, identity, and the experiences of women in the

My Reading and Writing Journey A few days before my debut novel ‘Girls Who Stray’ was published, people have been asking me whether I have always been a big reader

Indian poetry in English began its journey under the shadow of British Romanticism and Victorian literary models. Early poets drew inspiration from luminaries like Walter Scott and Byron for long

If you are anything like me, finding a truly great book feels like discovering a story that speaks right to your heart. Well, 2023 has been an incredible year for

Did you know that the reading community worldwide tends to gravitate towards non-fiction books during November? Yes, that’s right! Non-Fiction November allows us to dive into the world of facts

What are Young Adult books? Young Adult literature consists of books usually targeted at an audience between the ages of 12 and 20. Although the books target this age group,

The act of writing a novel is solitary, but the journey to publishing is a shared dream.  Writing is a deeply personal endeavour for each one of us. Every word

Before we attempt to understand how much money does an author make in India, let us take a quick look at how does an author make money in India. An

So, you’ve finished writing your book. First of all, congratulations! That’s no small feat. You have poured your heart, mind, and likely many sleepless nights into bringing your story to

What’s the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, you ask? “An autobiography is the story of someone’s life, while a memoir is a story from someone’s life,” said a

What’s the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, you ask? “An autobiography is the story of someone’s life, while a memoir is a story from someone’s life,” said a

Vinod Kumar Shukla (pronounced without the a in the end: शुक्ल) is asking for the rights to his books back from his publishers. He is a multi-award winning writer, whose

Are you in a reading slump again? Staring at the overflowing pile of half-read books and getting overwhelmed? Does every book repel you? Do you feel like you cannot connect

You might need a short book (more or less 100 pages) for several reasons. Short attention spans, not in the mood for something huge, suffering from a reading slump, travelling

There’s something special about trilogies. Readers find a three-book series much more appealing than any other number of books in a series. Seven books might scare you off. Duologies are

Are you looking for books by Indian authors that are easy to read and perfect for beginners? Are you tired of recommendations that are as thick as bricks and just

The Ink & Quill Collective : An Insider’s Account of a Writer’s Community The internet can be a heinous, time-consuming monster bent on ruining a writer’s dream. But its power

Did you know that the readers worldwide pick up books by South Asian authors to celebrate the South Asian Heritage Month from 18th of July to 17th of August every

Do you love books? Do you often find yourself wishing for someone to discuss them with? You are not alone! While many people enjoy reading, finding a fellow book lover

If you are a writer in Hindi, then you’ve found the perfect page. Have you been writing poems, short stories, essays or even novels in Hindi but wondering how to

Indian writers have an incredible talent for crafting stories that captivate and resonate with readers around the world. From ancient epics to modern masterpieces, they have made a significant impact

My evolution into an author started with the pandemic. The time, not so long ago, when we were all locked down at home, consumed by the uncertainty of getting Covid-19

Today, we are going to take a look at children’s book publishers in India because what you read as a child is sure to shape up the person that you

As an author, there’s nothing more rewarding than having your work recognised. Winning a major book award and being called an “award-winning author” can really boost your career. In the

R.K.Narayan is one of my favourite authors and I often re-read his books as comfort reads. So it will not be easy for me to select the Best Books by

14 ways to use a tablet for maximum productivity, specifically for the writers’ workflow. The tablet revolution may have begun in 3200 BC, with the Mesopotamians using reed styluses on

If there’s one thing us readers love as much as reading a good book, it’s watching a great movie with a writer as the main character. You might think a

“The book is better,” they say, but isn’t there something magical about seeing our favorite stories and characters come to life on the small screen. TV adaptations of books are

Isn’t it awesome when you realize your favourite movie or show is actually based on a book? With all the movies and series out there, it’s cool to see how

Ruskin Bond, often hailed as the Bard of the Hills, is a household name in India. Growing up, Ruskin Bond’s books have not only helped us go on lovely adventures,

Sudha Murty is a household name in India. Her books are as much for as much they are for children. From love stories to mythology to spirituality to reflection of

Amitav Ghosh is a well-known name in contemporary Indian literary circles. He is acclaimed for his masterful storytelling and his exploration of historical and social themes. Born in Calcutta in

Anita Desai is one of the most distinguished and celebrated writers in contemporary Indian literature. She has had a career spanning over five decades and an unparalleled bibliography that includes

 It is said that no good deed goes unpunished. I tend to think of editing like that. A punishment. I’ve just created this literary masterpiece, and now I am forced

For a country as diverse as India, reading stories from different languages gives us a glimpse into the heart of the nation. India has a long tradition of storytelling. In

The opening lines of a book can set the tone for the whole book.  Picture this: You are peering through countless bookshelves one after another, searching for your next compelling

Isn’t it surprising that books can be banned for merely challenging common beliefs? It’s odd but not uncommon to see books getting banned in India despite the right to freedom

Indian short stories were a big part of our childhood. Remember the times when we, as kids, would sit around our grandmothers, super excited for their bags full of awesome

What is a travelogue?  A travelogue is a piece of travel writing that is essentially about giving readers a sense of place in a way that is engaging, unique, hopefully

Welcome wordsmiths looking to understand the ‘Role of Content Writing in Digital Marketing’ to help market your book/ content better. Grab your favorite mug of chai because we’re about to

So, what exactly is a writing project? Well, it is pretty much what it sounds like! Think of it as any writing task where you have the bigger picture in

Submitting an article to a newspaper or a digital portal is a first step to getting your name some writerly chops.  If you write directly to the Hindustan Times or

In the modern world, where everything is ruled by all things digital, blogging is like the Swiss Army knife of expression and communication. And, in the 21st century, you can

Mastering English Grammar and Writing Skills In a world where words are used to weave the fabric of communication & storytelling, mastering English grammar and writing skills emerges as a

In our previous blogpost we had listed the top podcasting platforms in India. But the creators of the podcasts that go on these platforms are the top podcast companies who

Podcasting has now gone well beyond the nascent, and has come into its own. 56 million Indians habitually listen to podcasts (as on January 2024). This usage is now habit

The freelance writing field has been growing a lot lately, thanks to the influence of social media and digital marketing. The need for good content is higher than ever because

In the words of Ernest Hemingway, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Yet every aspiring writer encounters that moment, when

Scriptwriting, aka screenwriting, is the process of writing stories for movies, TV, plays, and more. In scriptwriting, you are not only writing words; you are making a special plan for