Bollywood and Books

In Conversation with Surabhi Kaushik on Writers Beyond Borders and Much More!Meet An Extraordinary Woman - Surabhi Kaushik“Writing has been my passion and profession for over 2 decades now. “Surabhi Kaushik is a professional writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She and her husband and son moved to the US in 2105 from Mumbai, India.We met by chance, as fans of Author Alka Joshi, and I knew Surabhi’s story had to be shared with my listeners!Surabhi doesn’t have a work visa for the USA yet, but she gives of her time and talent and serves the community as a volunteer. She initiated a writing group—Write Like You Mean It, at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, and she conducts writing workshops in other Charlotte, NC libraries.Surabhi led writing programs and assisted hosting events at the library for five years. In that time, she logged well over 500 hours of service. Kaushik shared, “Volunteering at the Library has been an enjoyable learning experience for me because it has given me a space to showcase my talents, meet new people and be part of a welcoming community. The writing group has given me a sense of belonging which was important to me as a newbie immigrant.”In November 2020, Surabhi received the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service.  Her work has been published in several magazines and on websites in India and the US. Some of her writing may be found on India Currents . Check out her writing talent on her blog Writers Mind.Surabhi .SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES & LINK TO SURABHI'S PROGRAM WRITERS BEYOND BORDERSFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/surabhi.kaushik.52/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/writersmind.surabhi/Writers Beyond BordersThe virtual program hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. The FREE ONLINE PROGRAM meets the third Wednesday of every month. It is a FREE program. Register for the program here.

Alka Joshi - The Henna Artist - Part IIThanks for listening to Part II of my two-part episode featuring my conversation with New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi. In this episode, Alka continues her discussion about her path to publishing her debut novel The Henna Artist. It’s a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.Reese Witherspoon said, “Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.” Alka talks about hiring two developmental editors for her manuscript after she had been working with her agent for several years on changing her novel. Initially she resisted the feedback, but she realized the comments were nuances and brushstrokes that could help elevate her novel to bestseller status. Now she encourages everyone to find a developmental editor, but particularly ones that are interested in the genre they’re writing.Alka discusses the reasons she cut almost 150 pages from her novel, and it wasn’t because of the reason I imagined. We discuss the publication of The Henna Artist and the novel’s meteoric rise to bestseller although it looked like the 2020 launch might not succeed after the pandemic caused everything to shut down in March. We talk about the Netflix series in the works for The Henna Artist and book two in the trilogy The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, and we discuss the third novel that Alka will publish in 2023. Alka shares the ways readers can find her online and she encourages writers to visit her YouTube channel to see the videos she made about traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. She talks about how to get an agent and how to deal with self-doubt. She encourages every woman to write her story.Make sure to listen to Part I of the conversation with New York Times best-selling author Alka Joshi. www.alkajoshi.comwww.thehennaartist.comNow a Netflix ProjectNew York Times BestsellerReese Witherspoon Bookclub PickLA Times BestsellerUSA Today BestsellerToronto Star BestsellerGlobe & Mail BestsellerIndie Bookstores BestsellerPublishers Weekly BestsellerLonglisted: First Novel, Center for FictionAmazon Summer 2020 Readers PickGoodreads Finalist Choice Awards 2020: Best Debut Novel & Best Historical FictionIndigo 10 Best Books of 2020HCC Spring 2020 Fan Choice WinnerFollow Alka:  Instagram  Facebook Twitter  Bookbub  a...

NYT Bestselling Author Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of JaipurIn Episode I of this two-part episode of Bollywood and Books, New York TImes best-selling author Alka Joshi talks about her novel The Henna Artist. In our conversation, Alka talks about her childhood in India and her path to publishing her debut novel The Henna Artist. It’s a New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub Pick. It’s also an LA Times Bestseller and a USA Today Bestseller. The Henna Artist is now a Netflix Project. We’ll talk about that in part two of the conversation.Alka discusses the reasons she launched an ad agency and hired women to help her implement projects for clients. It was all about empowering women.  She created the character Lakshmi to give her mother the chance she never had--to lead her life in the independent way in which Alka has been able to lead her own life. She wanted her mother to experience that independence. She talks about her fascinating journey to publication. She advises writers that they need passion, patience, and perseverance--stick-to-itiveness, to get good at what they're doing.   Make sure to tune in next week for part two of the episode with author Alka Joshi. We'll talk about the Netflix project for The Henna Artist and book two in the trilogy The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and we’ll discuss the third novel that Alka will publish in 2023. www.alkajoshi.comwww.thehennaartist.comNow a Netflix ProjectNew York Times BestsellerReese Witherspoon Bookclub PickLA Times BestsellerUSA Today BestsellerAlka shares her writing tips on her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNLMIc32Z-y4hzkiE3o6rQ. Follow Alka Joshi: Instagram Facebook Twitter BookbubYouTubeOrder on: Amazon Barnes&Noble Goodreads Indiebound Target BooksAMillion Walmart & your favorite indie bookstore.Listen to Episode 11 of the podcast on your favorite podcast players or by visiting the podcast page...

Guesthouse for GaneshaAuthor Judith Teitelman talks about her award-winning debut novel Guesthouse for Ganesha. Weaving Eastern beliefs and perspectives with Western realities and pragmatism, Guesthouse for Ganesha is a tale of love, loss, and spirit reclaimed. Kirkus Reviews writes: “Teitelman paints an intensely beautiful world in which different cultures merge in surprising ways.”” Khaas Baat, a publication for Indian-Americans writes: "Ms. Teitelman, please take a bow for an inspiring and touching story of love, loss and spirit beautifully told with great conviction and style. The debut novel, which weaves Eastern beliefs with stark realities, speaks volumes about the talent of this budding author.”Guesthouse for Ganesha is the 2022 Official March International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book of the Month. Purchase your copy of Guesthouse for Ganesha from the The Pulpwood Queen Book Shop  or your favorite independent bookstore. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guesthouse-for-Ganesha-317749368845421Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithteitelman/Website: https://guesthouseforganesha.com/

In his podcast, Movers Mindset, Craig Constantine's talks with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. This podcast is part of the Movers Mindset project, which he started so he could explore movement's underlying motivations, and movement's fundamental place in society. Interested?He interviews me and we talk about podcasting, writing, Akimbo workshops, Seth Godin and generosity.

In Conversation with Anju GattaniFiction author, freelance journalist, fiction writing instructor, blogger and former newspaper reporter, Anju was born in India but grew up in Hong Kong. She has also lived and been published in Singapore, India, Australia, and USA in cover stories, fiction, feature, news, interviews, travel, perspective pieces and more. She finally dug her roots in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with her husband, 2 dashing boys and a rebel lion-head rabbit.Her Winds of Fire series, was optioned for film / TV to Double Strings, Inc, ranked on the Amazon Bestsellers List and is honored to be a book of the month pick by International Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy Book Cub Reading Nation. Reviewed as Crazy Rich Asians in India “Downton Abbey-style saga, but set in India!” by BooksByWomen.org. The series advocates for awareness of abuse, domestic violence, mental health and more...Anju also interviews writers and publishing industry professionals on her Youtube channel, Story Mantra. Anju hopes her books will Bridge Cultures and Break Barriers.Social Media:website:https://www.anjugattani.comFacebook: Anju Gattani AuthorTwitter: @Anju_GattaniInstagram: Anju_Gattani27Bookbub: @Anju_GattaniYoutube: Anju Gattani, Story Mantra                  “Hard to believe this lush, passionate novel is the author’s first. In Duty and Desire, Anju Gattani has created an utterly immersive reading experience—fascinating characters, evocative details, compelling dramatic turns, all set against the teeming irrepressible vibrancy of modern-day India. A bravura performance.” —David Corbett, award-winning author of The Art of Character“Like all good stories the story of Sheetal conveys deeper meanings about human experiences and relationships. Duty and Desire is definitely a bridger of cultures; educating readers about and celebrating Indian culture whilst keeping the reader well hooked.” ~~Qaisra Shahraz, peace activist, author of ‘The Holy Woman’ & Founder/Executive Director of Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, UKw

I'm excited to introduce today's conversation with Veena Rao, Atlanta-based author of Purple Lotus that has won all kinds of awards. The 2021 Winner of the AmericanFiction Award, Rao was Georgia Author of the Year Award Finalist in 2021. She's an Award-Winning Finalist in Women's Fiction for the 2021 International Book Awards. Rao is also an Award-Winning Finalist for Multicultural Fiction in the 2021 International Book Awards.Just listen to what Newsweek magazine has to say. "Rao’s resonant novel is an ode to the value of personal dignity and the importance of being true to oneself  that carries on long after the final chapter."Kirkus Reviews calls it a moving and polished novel that highlights Rao's literary promise.Purple Lotus is the dazzling tale of an Indian American woman finding her way through the labyrinth of tradition to self-awareness in the modern world, according to Author Elaine Neil Orr.Tara's story is one of hope and a woman's finding her own self-worth. Rao’s novel is about women empowering other women. Website: https://www.veenaspulse.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veenaraowritesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/veenarao/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/VeenaRaoNRIAmazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Lotus-Novel-Veena-Rao/dp/1631527614

I wanted to see Rishikesh where the Beatles stayed with the Maharishi . . .I'm wedged into the third-row seat of an SUV between two young girls, Israeli soldiers, and three other young Israeli soldiers, my partner and a Sikh driver with his turban. We're in the Pajar Ganj in New Delhi at a traffic light on the way to Rishikesh when there's a knock at the window.I see a hand with long fingernails painted red and lots of bangles up the forearm. It's a he /she, a Hijra, India's third gender. The Sikh driver rolls the window down, drops some coins into her palm and we’re on our way to Rishikesh.  Want to learn more about the trip from New Delhi to Rishikesh, the James Bond movie set in Rishikesh and how we got out of Rishikesh? Listen to my podcast, Bollywood and Books - Episode 6.Just follow the link to my website and the web page for Bollywood and Books podcast. You can also listen on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or your favorite podcast player. I hope you'll listen in and let me know what you think. Please leave a rating and review.

Meet Vishesh Azad, screenwriter, cinematographer, and director. He dances. He sings. He's a filmmaker and academician. His name means Special Freedom in Hindi, and the name fits. He's Assistant Professor of Photography at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi and he shows his students how to live life large. He enjoys what he describes as ordinary treks to Triund in the foothills of the Himalayas. That’s a trek from Dharamkot near McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh. Then again you may find him on a road trip where you'll see some of the most spectacular mountainous scenery in Northern India.Make sure you visit my website: https://www.lovelacecook.com where you'll find a gallery of incredible photos of Vishesh Azad and links to his videos on his YouTube channel where you can see what a fantastic dancer he is. There's also a link to his most recent film Dear Shalini with subtitles in English, and his synopsis of the film is on my blogpost about Vishesh.Check out my YouTube channel to see the video chat that is an unedited version of our podcast conversation.

Varkala, Kerala India is a place of stunning contradictions with surfers, sunbathers & sacred Papanasam Beach. It's where I met Willie who gifted me with her copy of Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie.

Get to know Kathy L Murphy, the Pulpwood Queen, and the book club she started over 20 years ago - “where wearing tiaras is mandatory and reading our good books is the only rule.” She is the author of “The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life” and “The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate 20 Years!”The International Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy Book Club Reading Nation is the biggest meeting and discussing book club in the world - with 800 chapters, including chapters in 20 foreign countries. Be sure to check out the Reading Nation Magazine, where you’ll find out about many of the Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy authors and more information about Kathy.Check out my video: YouTube Conversation with Kathy L. Murphy where you'll see just how fabulous the Pulpwood Queen is and visit the wonderful interior of her magical home Murphy's Law.Here are links where you can find out more about Kathy:www.thepulpwoodqueens.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Pulpwoodqueen www.twitter.com/Pulpwoodqueen www.instagram.com/thepulpwoodqueenDesigner at www.shopvida.com/collections/thepulpwoodqueenArtist at www.decorateornate.comBookshop at www.bookshop.org/Shop/ThePulpwoodQueenBookShop

And then there are the travelers we meet along the way ...UK Resident Maddy Turnbull travels fearlessly and for extraordinary causes. In between gigs with the BBC and ITV, Maddy traveled to Base Camp of Everest where she wore the t-shirt for the Mini-Mermaids UK charity she supports. Then Maddy crossed the Arctic, the Finnmark Plateau in Norway, with an all-woman team pulling their own pulks (sleds!) to raise funds for the charity. The first time an unsupported all-woman team had every accomplished the crossing.You're listening to the music of Edinburgh's Red Note Ensemble and the album Reels to Ragas with renowned tabla player Kuljit Bhamra.For more information, please visit BollywoodandBooks.com and my website: Lovelace Cook.

Episode 1 - Why Bollywood and Books?[00:00:00] Join me on an adventure. A literary romp through India. Meet me at the corner of Patchouli and Chai, where books, cinema, and conversation collide. I'm Lovelace Cook. I'll be your tour guide. Welcome to Bollywood and Books.[00:00:23] Travel to India was never on my radar. I awoke one day like Rip Van Winkle, and I felt like my life had slowed to a state of torpor. It was the month before my 62nd birthday. My life was just stale. I wasn't growing, my friends were retiring nearing retirement age, but they seemed like they were approaching life as if it were the last chapter.[00:00:58] I couldn't see that for myself. There had to be more. So I decided to open myself to the universe and I literally said I'm open you're limitless. I did it fearlessly, not anticipating what was just around the corner. Life handed me in an adventure, an unexpected journey. I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone, but I learned be careful what you wish for[00:01:26] By chance, I met an Englishman who was visiting my little town. He talked about India, showed me photos of his travels and we fell in love. Of course, life is never so simple, but it does make for a good story. I was saving to travel to Machu Picchu. I envisioned myself on a trek, riding horses and camping with a group in Peru.[00:01:53] The Englishman plan to travel back to India in January, 2013. And he asked me to meet him in [00:02:00] Mumbai. It almost became a dare. It must've been after midnight when we were on a Skype call on a cold January night, the Englishman was in Gokarna in the marketplace. It's a little town South of Goa. He said, you're not coming are you.[00:02:21] I heard a chanting in the background, Ram Nam, Ram Nam and I asked him to turn his iPad so I could see what was going on. There was a procession of Indian men, all wearing white, and they were carrying a stretcher with the body of what had to be a Holy man. He had long white hair. A long, white beard. He was dressed in white and covered in marigolds. The sun seemed to envelop the procession in an other worldly glow. There was magic in that moment and it [00:03:00] touched m[00:03:10] Okay. That's it I'll come. I didn't have a clue what was in store for me. Two weeks later, I was living in a tree house on the beach next to the Arabian sea. This was not your Airbnb luxury tree house, not even a Tarzan and Jane tree house, but a crude little dwelling perched in a tree with Palm fronds for its roof, and a bamboo ladder to climb up through a hole in a plywood floor no less.[00:03:43] There was a naked light bulb hanging from the rafters. It was crude. It was outhouse, an outdoor shower, rugged. Who knew two people could be so different in their travel styles. He was used to wild camping, and I'd been a miserable girl [00:04:00] scout. It became apparent from the start that our trip was to be nothing like the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.[00:04:08] My friends all imagined that was what was happening for me, but it was much more of a Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad experience. And I'd brought along a copy to share with my Englishman thinking it apropos, but not really understanding just how well it would fit the situation. The heat and humidity in India were incredible.[00:04:32] It was a challenge. I left comfortable, sleepy little town life with hot and cold running water temperature controlled environment. People I knew who went to India, went on a yoga retreat or maybe a spiritual quest, or even for mission work. I simply went to see what I was made of and when the going got tough, as it did pretty quickly, I felt I needed to prove myself to myself.[00:05:00] I confess at the outset, I was truly the ugly American. It didn't occur to me until much later, maybe three months after I got back home later that I traveled, expecting things to

Welcome to Bollywood & Books! A podcast for people who love travel, the written word and words into pictures - moving pictures. Join me on a literary romp through India. Coming soon!