Of launches, friendships and the silence between.

Apologies for missing the Wishlist Wednesday, last week. If you have connected with me on Facebook, you would be aware that I have been running around like a headless chicken, in the western parts of the country (Mumbai and Pune  to be precise, where I visited a LOT of book stores)  doing book launches (click on the names of cities to see photos of the events) and 'meet n greets' .

The rest of the month doesn't look any less busy either. But Wish list Wednesdays will run as scheduled till the end of the month. The results will be announced all together at the end of the month, instead of the following week. (That will give me some breathing space--thank you :) )

I would also be at the Taj Lit fest happening in Agra between 1st and 3rd February 2013. I would be in discussion with the renowned Prahalad Kakkar, on 2nd february at 2.45 pm. We would be having a discussion on 'creativity in daily life'. Come and say a hi if you are around :)

To tell you the truth, writing a book is easier than doing all this.  Honest.
For one, there is this business of clothes.
I have so many events now that wardrobe planning has become a thing-that-takes-considerable-time. Of course I want to look nice at my events :)
So even though I detest shopping, I am forced to.

If I had my way, I would just turn up at these events in my shorts and T-shirt and flip-flops. But a little voice in my head tells me  that it isn't  a good idea  and I think I will listen to that little voice :) For now :).

Then, at all my events there is the press. It is nice of course to be interviewed and asked about my books and to be featured. (Click here for press coverage--I have been getting some awesome ones).
It is hugely stressful to smile and pose for the pictures and answer all questions patiently with a smile on your face even though it is the 100th time you have been asked the same question.

And then there are those people whom you expect to be there at your event, but do not turn up. My book launch is a big event for me, and of course it means a lot for me to have people I consider close, present there. Maybe, much more than I care to admit. And it  is bad when some people are conspicuous by their absence.(It is interesting to note how last minute things crop up all of a sudden whenever my event happens at the city they live in).
So I am doubly grateful for all the ones who take the trouble and effort to attend my launches.

 

I was overjoyed to see Manish Rahul, my classmate, at the launch, and also Vasumathi, my senior. We all studied in the same school, KVIIT-Chennai.

Manish recently completed the Mumbai half-marathon and I was very proud of him. Manish and I used to play basket-ball together and our school  truly encourages sports a great deal. (we both went on to play for KVS nationals later)

 I was meeting Manish after eight years! I was meeting Vasumathi for the first time.

It was wonderful to reminisce about our school days.





I was also meeting a very dear friend after ten years. I was delighted she could make it. We were both very overwhelmed and I had to hold back tears of joy. The photographer captured the moment so well.

There is indeed something magical and marvellous about old friendships that are true friendships (Not all are). Sometimes time stands still and it feels as though nothing has changed, even though so much has happened in the interim. There are  a few friendships in my life that have stood the test of time--and I value them such a lot.  (They always find a way back into my writings--for example the friendship between Tanu and Dikhsa in The secret wishlist).

Apart from my friends, fans and readers, support from my fellow authors  means a lot to me.
I was very happy to have Kiran Manral (author of 'The reluctant detective) launch my book. I was also very happy to have Ravi Subramanian (author of several best sellers including the recent Bankster) at the launch. Thank-you to both of you!
Kiran has blogged about it here.

At Pune, I was in conversation with Dr.Manjiri Prabhu (author and film maker) and that was great as well.

At the end of three days, I was so exhausted, it was a miracle that I managed to stand up straight.While I enjoyed my events and meeting so many well-wishers, I also heaved a sigh of relief when it ended. I had been missing my work outs.I had been missing my yoga.I had been missing my quiet time. I had been missing writing in my blog. I had been missing my comfy t-shirt and shorts. I had been missing just being myself..I had also been missing the three people closest to me--the three who know me inside out, and who love me no matter what. I had also been missing my 3rd baby (my doberman) and I was overjoyed to be reunited with her.

And so for now, it is back to routine.

Until the next round starts.

I am grateful for all the success.
I am grateful for all the peace and the quiet time too.

It is so important, you know, the silence between.
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