Month: May 2023

Posted on

Ambapali by Tanushree Podder #BookReview

May 24 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
Liked what you read? Share it!

I’ll be honest about why I picked this book up. I had never heard of Ambapali and the blurb seemed interesting. I love reading about history and people from the past without putting too much thought into how much is fiction and how much actually existed. It’s evident that a lot of what is written did exist and some fiction is created around it. Did the blurb live up to the expectation it set for me?

It did, let me tell you how. Don’t know how many of you know Ambapali’s story, but bear with me here (no, I am not telling the entire story here either). Ambapali was a royal dancer in the kingdom of Vaishali and lived over 2,500 years ago. It is said that her references can be found in Jataka tales and Buddisht scriptures.

Also Read: Everyday Revolution: Finding Clarity Conviction 
and Joy with Feminism

Honestly, a royal dancer many centuries ago just painted an image of an exploited woman in my head. And the image wasn’t totally wrong, yet Ambapali wasn’t a damsel in distress either. Podder begins the book with showing the readers Ambapali’s last moments in life. A once rich and famous woman wanted by powerful & rich men was dying in adverse conditions with only a bhikkhuni caring for her.

Back in her youth, at a delicate young age of 16, Ambapali found herself competing with the then raj nartaki Nishigandha at the behest of her teacher Suvarnasena. Full of inhibition, she gave her best for Suvarnasena who had put her on the stage to get back at Nishigandha who used to be her student too. Ambapali wins the competition and is announced the next raj nartaki.

Also Read: A Paradox Of Dreams by Harshali Singh

Found abandoned under a mango tree by Dharma Datta and his wife, she was brought up with a lot of love by the childless couple. The king had blessed her and despite not having riches in her life, Ambapali’s life was rich with the presence of her family and friends. Suddenly she was uprooted from her life and placed away from the people she knew all her life.

Overnight Ambapali’s life changed against her wishes and despite all the fight she put up, Suvarnasena took control of her life and her finances. We hear (and know very well) how resilient women can be, and Ambali was no different despite her tender age and the protected life she had read. She finds courage and lives a remarkable life. Her end has shown in the beginning of the books keeps the reader wondering what happened for her life to end up like that. But the story isn’t simple.

Also Read: #BookReview: Young Blood by Chandrima Das

Ambapali’s life was filled with extreme highs and lows, and Podder has put the story together in most interesting manner. It is easy to lose interest in stories set centuries ago if one cannot identify the situations or the characters. Ambapali’s story takes one through the raj nartaki’s life and also brings to life the culture and lives of people centuries ago,

If you love historical fiction, you will love Ambapali.

If you don’t care for history but love a well-written story, you will love Ambapali. Here is the blurb for you —

BLURB

Not every courtesan has gone down in the annals of history like Ambapali. She was beautiful, intelligent, talented and, as the nagarvadhu janpad kalyani-the bride of the city-she went on to wield immense power amongst the nobles. Until she renounced all worldly pleasures to embrace Buddhism.
This vivid narrative tells the story of a young woman forced to follow a path because of the machinations of powerful people. Propelled onto the cultural centerstage in the Vajji republic against her wishes, betrayed in love, disappointed by friends, Ambapali’s is yet the story of a strong woman determined to take control over her life. A remarkable, poignant novel about the dazzling glamour, daring romance, and sacrifice that marked Ambapali’s life.

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!
Posted on

Multiple POV Mistakes To Avoid In Your Writing

May 3 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
Liked what you read? Share it!

Writing a novel or a story with multiple points of view (POVs) can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It allows readers to see the same story from different perspectives, bringing depth and complexity to the narrative. However, writing from multiple POVs can also lead to mistakes that can confuse and frustrate readers. In this blog post, we will discuss some common multiple POV mistakes and how to avoid them.

Also Read: Overcoming Writer’s Block: Advice for Editors

Mistake #1:

Switching POVs too often One of the most common multiple POV mistakes is switching between characters’ POVs too frequently. This can be disorienting for readers, who may have a hard time keeping track of who is narrating the story. To avoid this mistake, limit the number of POVs in your story and make sure each character’s perspective adds something important to the narrative. Also, try to establish a pattern for POV switches, such as switching at the beginning of a new chapter or after a major event.

Mistake #2:

Using too many similar POVs Another mistake writers make is using too many similar POVs. If all your characters have similar personalities, perspectives, and experiences, the story can become monotonous and repetitive. To avoid this, make sure your POVs are diverse and distinct. Each character should have a unique voice, worldview, and backstory that informs their perspective on the story.

Also Read: Mastering Point of View: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each Perspective

Mistake #3:

Showing the same scene from multiple POVs While it can be tempting to show the same scene from multiple POVs to give readers a fuller picture of what happened, this can also be a mistake. It can lead to redundancy and slow down the pace of the story. Instead, use POVs strategically to reveal different aspects of the story that are not apparent from a single perspective.

Mistake #4:

Head-hopping Head-hopping is when the narrative switches between characters’ POVs within the same scene or paragraph, without clear transitions or markers. This can be confusing and disorienting for readers, as it’s hard to keep track of whose thoughts and feelings we are supposed to be following. To avoid this, make sure to clearly establish the POV at the beginning of each scene or paragraph and stick to it throughout.

Also Read: Killing Your Darlings: The Art of Cutting Unnecessary Words

Mistake #5:

Neglecting the main character’s POV In a multiple POV story, it’s easy to get carried away with secondary characters and neglect the main character’s POV. This can lead to a lack of focus and direction in the narrative. To avoid this, make sure the main character’s POV is prominent and distinct from the other characters. Their perspective should anchor the story and provide a clear through-line for readers to follow.

Multiple POVs can be a powerful tool for storytelling, but only if used wisely. To avoid common mistakes, limit the number of POVs, make sure each character’s perspective adds something unique to the narrative, use POVs strategically, avoid head-hopping, and prioritize the main character’s POV. By following these guidelines, you can create a rich and compelling multiple POV story that engages and satisfies readers.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge

***

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!
Posted on

Six Ideas To Make Your Solo Trip Exciting And Interesting!

May 2 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
Liked what you read? Share it!

Traveling solo as a woman can be daunting, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Here are six ideas to make your solo trip exciting and interesting.

  1. Stay in Hostels:

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. Hostels offer affordable accommodation, communal spaces, and organized events, such as pub crawls and city tours. They’re also a safe option for solo female travelers, as they often have 24-hour security and female-only dorms.

Also Read: How Sustainable Is Sustainable Fashion Truly?

  1. Take a Local Tour at Solo Trips:

Taking a local tour is an excellent way to learn about the history and culture of the place you’re visiting. There are many different types of tours available, from walking tours to food tours to bike tours. Local tour guides can provide insider knowledge and recommendations for things to see and do.

  1. Learn a New Skill:

Traveling solo is a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Sign up for a cooking class, language course, or dance lesson. Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also come away with a new skill that you can use in the future.

  1. Volunteer At Your Solo Trip:

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community you’re visiting and meet like-minded people. There are many volunteer opportunities available, from teaching English to working on conservation projects. Volunteering also provides a unique perspective on the local culture and way of life.

Also Read: What Exactly Is Sustainable Living?

  1. Attend a Festival or Event:

Attending a festival or event is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and have fun at the same time. Look up local events before you arrive, and plan your trip around them. There are many different types of events, from music festivals to cultural celebrations to sporting events.

  1. Take a Day Trip:

Taking a day trip is an excellent way to explore the surrounding area and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Research nearby towns or attractions and plan a day trip. You can take a bus, train, or even rent a car. Not only will you see more of the country, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.

In conclusion, traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. Staying in hostels, taking a local tour, learning a new skill, volunteering, attending a festival or event, and taking a day trip are just a few ways to make your solo trip exciting and interesting. The most important thing is to be open-minded, stay safe, and have fun. Traveling solo can be an incredible journey of self-discovery, so embrace the experience and make the most of it!

Liked what you read? Share it!
Posted on

Five Basic Rules You Should Follow When Travelling To Another Country

May 1 , 2023 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
Liked what you read? Share it!

Travelling to another country can be a life-changing experience. It provides an opportunity to explore different cultures, meet new people, and expand your horizons. However, it can also be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local customs and traditions. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are five basic rules you should follow when travelling to another country.

  1. Research the Culture and Customs:

One of the most important things to do before travelling to another country is to research the local culture and customs. This will help you understand the local traditions, norms, and etiquette, and avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas. Some of the things you should research include the local language, religion, dress code, and social customs. For example, in some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothing or show public displays of affection.

Also Read: Five Lifestyle Changes I Made To Maintain My 
Mental & Physical Strength

  1. Respect Local Laws and Regulations:

When travelling to another country, it is essential to respect the local laws and regulations. Ignorance of the law is not a defense, and violating local laws can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment or fines. Some of the things to be aware of include traffic laws, smoking regulations, alcohol laws, and drug laws. For example, in some countries, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public or smoke in certain areas.

  1. Be Open-Minded and Flexible:

Travelling to another country can be a significant culture shock, especially if you are used to your own culture and way of life. It is essential to be open-minded and flexible when experiencing new cultures and customs. Embrace the differences and try to learn from them. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, try new foods, and engage with locals. Remember, travelling is about learning and growing as a person.

Also Read: Build A Successful Blogging Career For Yourself

  1. Be Cautious and Aware of Your Surroundings:

travelling to another country can expose you to new risks and potential dangers. It is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep your valuables safe, avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of common scams and tourist traps. If you are unsure about the safety of an area, ask locals or your hotel staff for advice.

  1. Have Travel Insurance:

Having travel insurance is essential when travelling to another country. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, illnesses, or theft. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen baggage. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip and review the policy to understand what is covered.

In conclusion, travelling to another country can be an enriching and rewarding experience. However, it is essential to follow basic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Researching the local culture and customs, respecting local laws, being open-minded and flexible, being cautious and aware of your surroundings, and having travel insurance are essential steps to take when travelling to another country. By following these rules, you can make the most out of your trip and create lasting memories.

 

Liked what you read? Share it!