Mystery

Mystery creates History!

Yes, it’s true in a way.

Every mystery is an intriguing story that transforms itself into a historical event. Only … if … someone bothers to see it that way …

Brain racking, subtle, fast-paced, coded, etc … mysteries are written in various forms and styles.

When you do your research, do a little more on codes, crypts and different types of secret messages. There are innumerable ways to communicate a secret message to your friend or partner.

I’ll share a secret. Take a blank paper, a thin stick and lemon juice. Put the stick in the lemon juice and write your secret message on the blank paper. Once it dries after a few moments, take the black paper near a candle and slightly heat the paper. You secret message will appear like magic on the blank paper!

Do read,

1. Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Canon Doyle

2. The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon

3. The Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene

4. Mystery Tales of Edgar Allen Poe

5. Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

It was a pleasure writing my own mystery novel about an antique chest that holds a strong secret. You may enjoy reading it.

The Mystery Crackers: A Chest’s Tale

Happy Mystery Hunting!

Science Fiction

Things like The Time Machine, gadgets and gizmos, special powered equipments, flying objects, robots, etc did fascinate me during my childhood.

They lured me towards books and movies that showcased these things in a scientifically yet a magical way!

Yes, a nice combination of Science and Magic can open up varied ideas for a Science Fiction story.

According to a source, Science Fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or SF) is a genre of speculative fiction, typically dealing with imaginative concepts such as advanced science and technology, spaceflight, time travel, and extraterrestrial life.

Movies like Koi Mil Gaya and Aliens in the Attic still make me wonder – What if Aliens truly exist? What if, they visit earth? Then, how will our lives transform?

Best novels of Science Fiction like

1. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

2. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

3. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

4. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

5. 1984 by George Orwell

would definitely give a broad overview of plunging into this genre.

So, if you wish to time travel, dance with a robot, fly in a spacejet or befriend an alien, then, research properly and zoom away your story!

Historical Fiction

There was a time when History as a subject used to bore me to the core.

Then, God sent a pretty gem – Ms Benaifer Wykes, a lovely History Teacher in my life.

Her heart was as pretty as her face. She used to turn our monotonous lessons into intriguing stories and make us remember tedious historical dates and events like a piece of cake!

If you like reading about Kings and Warriors, personal titbits about historical characters, antique objects, important documents and more, then, Historical Fiction is your subject.

As per Collins English Dictionary, Historical Fiction is a fictional novel which is set in real events in history.

Besides in-depth research, extracting legal facts and gaining complete knowledge of a historical person or an event, is quite essential.

You may read –

1. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

2. Daniel Defoe by Robinson Crusoe.

3. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.

4. The Red Queen by Phillippa Gregory.

5. Snow Flower And The Secret Fan by Lisa See.

History is beautiful or gory with vast extremes. It depends on your choice … what you wish to read and how much can you handle it emotionally.

As a writer, dvelve deep inside History … just any History and you are sure to meet splendid surprises. It is up to you, how you use them to stun your readers.

Eagerly waiting to read some fresh and unique Historical Fiction from you readers.

Happy Hunting!

Fantasy

Magic, fairies, witches and wizards, mesmerising creatures … A colourful world of weirdest things happening in the most unexpected ways!

Yes, this is the world of Fantasy Genre.

According to Oxford Dictionary, Fantasy is a genre of imaginative fiction involving magic and adventure, especially in a setting other than the real world.

If you enjoy reading the Harry Potter and Twilight series, stories like Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit and The Game of Thrones, then this genre maybe your calling.

Free imagination, unimaginable characters, bizzare settings and supremely creative plots are your keys to success.

Usually, fantasy novels have giants, fairies, dragons, dungeons, goblins, mermaids, bats, sea monstors, nymphs, trolls, vampires, werewolves, elves, sphinxes, witches, wizards, etc.

You can add creatures of your own.

Of course, you have to read and do thorough research to give your story a realistic appeal.

See how other authors have used their imagination to craft a bestseller.

You never know, you could be the next one!

Genres

When an idea strikes you, the first thing in mind comes your genre.

Genres are categories like Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Romance, War, Western, Humour, Tragedy, etc.

Choose any genre, do thorough research regards the same, read famous books of the same genre and then get back to your idea.

Now you will have plenty of ideas to go about your story. Jot down your ideas on a paper. Prepare an outline of your story. Do character analysis of your various major and minor characters.

Then, wait for two days and then start writing your story.

First, I choose to write on paper as it gives me a tremendous creative flow. At that time, I don’t worry about grammar, structure or spellings. I just keep writing. Once I am done with my rough draft, then I start writing my story on MS Word.

After finishing my story, I start proofreading and editing. Then, I give it to some close people to read it to gain their frank and critical views.

Later come Typesetting and Illustrations along with Cover Page and Back Cover.

You need to create a crisp and attractive Blurb for your Back Cover too.

I will be explaining all the major points in detail in my upcoming posts.

So, stay tuned.

And.

Happy Reading!

Word Blocks

You are damn excited! You have a blank page in front of you. You are all set to write a new piece.

However, you encounter a sudden Word Block!

Word Blocks are damn frustrating and time wasting. Imagine you have a deadline to meet and a Word Block pops up immensely teasing your nerves.

What would you do?

Run away from it for a while or force your mind to write something?

Even I have faced Word Blocks and trust me at times they are nerve wrecking.

Nevertheless, after doing a little research, I found a few ways to combat them. Let me share them with you. Who knows, you may use one of them and squash away your Word Blocks for ever!

Tricks to vanish Word Blocks

1. Walk away from your blank page for a while. Do any other activity, such as dance, sing, watch TV, surf on the net, chat with a friend, cook, sleep, read or go for a walk.

2. Discuss what you want to write with someone close and trustworthy. I usually discuss things with my Mom – Falguni Doshi or my brother – Harsh Doshi. They are patient listeners and critical advisors.

3. Read something familiar to give you some idea.

4. Search on the internet for Writing Prompts.

5. At times, I go to the garden and sway on a swing happily. Innumerable ideas flash in front of me!

6. Dance or listen to your favourite music.

7. Play with a child or a pet. Trust me, it’s very soothing.

8. Check out your Cutting’s File for ideas.

9. Read your own previous written or published work. (It’s damn motivating!)

10. Last but not the least – just write … something … anything. It will trigger your creative nerves and words will flow like magic. You can always edit later.

So, face your Word Blocks boldly and create brilliant pieces!