First Anniversary
This September marks one year of the publishing of my first book, Through the Mist. It’s been an unparalleled experience of working with a diverse team. The book is not just a collection of short stories; it involved working with four other authors to finish the stories. It wasn’t only writing but also switching points of view; thinking not just of the reader but also the writer who was going to complete my story.
Through the Mist, a collection of five stories, written by five authors was a unique idea to start with. The starting point of each story was a picture. Each author started a different story, a different genre, with a set of characters that she liked. Then that story was handed over to the next author for her to take the story forward. The process repeated itself till each story had been written by all five authors.
So, we got five stories born out of the rich imagination and diverse experiences of the authors. Even though we all looked at the same picture, we had very different takes. The protagonists and the settings were wildly different from each other.
Languish in Love is a love story with a twist. It is narrated by a poet who is searching for his long lost love. It meanders through bitter sweet memories till he is on the verge of finding his love.
A Middle Class Story is just that; the story of a middle class family, with typical middle class aspirations especially when it comes to marriage and looking for a life partner. It could be a commentary on social values but it is a good laugh riot.
The Lone Man portrays fear and loneliness from the loss of a partner which soon descends to chilling horror when John finds the mysterious book in the library he works at.
A Strange Life has Aarya, struggling to climb the corporate ladder and who finds herself slipping into an alternate reality when she encounters a strange dwarf who guides her to psychics.
Turn of the Tides is the story of the mightiest element of nature, the sea and of the men who are at the mercy of her power.
The five stories were overseen by the in house editor who made sure that the stories were coherent, that the expressions did not vary widely and there was a smooth flow in the narration.
It has been a labour of love, right from the putting together of the team to publishing the final product.
Collaboration: A Supportive Process
Writing can be a very lonely process. For me, the story arc gets intimidating. I spend too much time in creating the setting. My characters need a lot of space to develop. I flounder at ending stories; I just can’t seem to get to the finish line.
In this entire process of writing Through the Mist, I was supported by my team. The photo acted as a prompt. Even though it showed a mountain, my mind imagined a sea beyond that mist. This helped me create a two-protagonist story with alternating point of view, both in the first person narrative.
For the other stories, it became easier to take over the baton. The setting was there, the characters had been introduced, I only had to write the next part. This was helpful because I can get quite indecisive about which direction the story should take.
Ending another story was challenging because I had to unravel a mystery and explain the loose ends. But the hard work done by all the authors before me helped.
The editor took care of the flow of the story. I really did not have to worry about how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Gratitude
Immense Gratitude and Thanks to every person in my team. Jithin, who conceptualised the idea and gave all the five authors their first published book. Aadhira, who worked tirelessly over the months, co-ordinating, editing and smoothing out obstacles.
My four excellent co-authors, Abirami, Aadithya, Nimitha and Rupali who helped me in giving direction to stories and tying up the ends neatly.
Holding the paperback in my hands was well worth the effort of the preceding months.
If you would like to read this unique book, you can buy the paperback from the Publisher.
Kindle edition lovers, buy the book from Amazon.
You can read the book free on Kindle Unlimited.
This post is part of #MyFriendAlexa. I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.
Wow! This seems to be a story of too many cooks creating a fine broth. Congratulations! Collaborative writing is not just about integrating but also weaving a cohesive story that captures the interest of the reader until the end. I look forward to reading your book soon. Cheers!
Dipali ( https://www.spoonsandsneakers.com/ )
LikeLike
Thanks for the understanding and the kind words, Dipali.
You do understand the challenges and the benefits of collaboration.
I would love to hear the feedback regarding the book from you!
LikeLike
Congrats Sona on the book. This sounds like an interesting book of stories. Good to know about you through #MyfriendAlexa
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy that you find the book interesting, Deepa.
This is such a good thing, #MyFriendAlexa: I have found so many good blogs and bloggers 🙂
LikeLike
Will definitely give it a read.congratulations.
#sindhureads #myfriendalexa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the interest in my book. Would love to hear your feedback, Sindhu!
LikeLike
Will do
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful journey and a rare one! Rare because it doesn’t happen often that so many ppl come together a create something beautiful. Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Samarpita!
I think it was our good fortune to have such a wonderful team.
LikeLike
The concepts of the stories sounds just as good as the story behind the conception of the book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Roshan!
The book was written in an unconventional manner but it has been a very good learning experience. And yes, fun as well.
LikeLike
Writing is a lonely job indeed. and taxing, and vexing. Kudos to you and your co-authors for collaborating on your successful book. It takes a certain amount of comfort factor and trust in each other’s creative process and thinking to pull off a collab. Some can do it, some cannot. I fear I belong to the second category. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also belonged to the second category, Varad, till my team showed me that it can be done.
Writing brings in a a lot of self doubt too but here I had people who were my sounding boards. That helped a lot. The honest appreciation and the constructive criticism built trust over a period of time.
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Collabrative writing is not a joke. It is not only about writing good but about team work. I love your writing and exaining style. Congratulations for your book. I know the feeling as I am always published my first book. The feeling of holding your own book is amazing!! Isn’t?
#MothersGurukulreads #Myfriendalexa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tell me about your first book Aparna. Your paperback? That really must be an awesome feeling.
I am so glad you like my writing and my blog. It’s a lot of encouragement to be appreciated.
LikeLike
What a beautiful concept for a book and a story. It must have been truly fun and uplifting to be a part of this team. Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yes, it was a wonderful journey of writing and publishing.
LikeLike
Wow this is just amazing, and I agree, collaboration always help us to grow and learn. it looks like you all done really awesome work. will surely check this out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Surbhi! I am glad you like the concept. You must read the book. It is available both as Kindle edition and paperback.
I have given the links in the post.
LikeLike
Congratulations Sona… Updated my reading list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sudip.
I’ll look forward to your feedback on my book.
LikeLike
The cover itself seems so intriguing to me, congrats Sona on the 1st anniversary. #myfriendalexa #mommyinmereads
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the wishes, Jhilmil. The cover is meant to arouse curiosity so that readers are tempted to pick it up.
LikeLike
It is indeed inspiring to read your story. Best of luck for your future endeavours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your wishes, Agnivo!
LikeLike
Its really good to appreciate your team members. And Congrats on the book 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your wishes, Iram.
My book got published only because of my wonderful team.
LikeLike
You are setting a standard for future writers to start from. As in giving out the message that ideas can be born out of anywhere and anyhow. For instance, yours was from a picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Inspiration is all around us, Ranjini. We just need to be open and receptive.
Thanks for the comment.
LikeLike
Congratulations on getting the book published and the journey associated with it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Sashwata!
LikeLike
This is really inspiring for an aspiring author! Getting the book now 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Surbhi!
You must check out the Kindle edition. You’ll get a good discount if you order now.
LikeLike
I totally agree collaboration really helps to grow and learn together also at the same time believing in each other. Congratulations!
#MyFriendAlexa #MumsBabiesreads
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Pooja. It’s been a good experience.
LikeLike
I would love to read this book. Congratulations for your published novel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your interest in my book, Anchal. The Kindle edition is on sale now. You must check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations for book release loved ur information #myfriendalexa #blogsikkareads
LikeLike
Thank you, Sneha for your wishes!
LikeLike
Amazing and inspiring post. Collaborative requires a lot of team efforts and co-ordination. Through the mist book seems to be best for the short stories. Great thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. All the short stories are penned by all the five authors.
LikeLike
Congratulations Sona, on your book. Being an author and writer myself I can understand the smiles, the jubilation you must be having on your face. Good luck on your writing, Sona!
https://www.rohankachalia.com/2018/09/payback-part-2/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot for your wishes, Rohan!
This book has made me understand the power of collaboration and the joy of being published.
LikeLike
Congratulations on the anniversary of your book. All the five stories seems very interesting. Will check out soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Paresh!
You would like the stories. There is a discount on the Kindle edition right now. You can find the link in the post.
LikeLike
I sure will grab a copy soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, thanks Roma!
There is a discount on the Kindle edition now. You must read the book.
LikeLike
Congratulations on anv of your book, will surely check out on Kindle.
Cheers
MeenalSonal from AuraOfThoughts
#MyFriendAlexa #MeenalSonalReads
LikeLike
Nice to know your experience on getting your book published.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rashmi!
LikeLike
That’s so inspiring! Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the book! Collaborative writing is hard but extremely rewarding! Hope to read it soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Veena.
If you would like to read the book, there is a good discount on both Kindle and paperback editions for a few days. Check out the links in the post.
LikeLike
Congratulations dear for this accomplishment, I am also joining you through my friend Alexa
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Neha!
Maybe you will do a collaborative book for Blogchatter’s next eBook Carnival 🙂
LikeLike
This sounds like an amazing outcome to all the effort and planing!! great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your wishes, Honey!
LikeLike
Congratulations for your book. I hope it becomes a bestseller soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Iram.
Bestseller sounds Very Good 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! It sounds like a wonderful book. I love the title. A very unique concept. Wish you all the success, Sona 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your wishes, Priya.
You are a great support!
LikeLike
Perfect #MondayMotivation for an author struggling to publish his/her book. Thank you for writing this one.
Finding like-minded individuals makes you a very lucky person. Will surely take a look at your book. #MyFriendAlexa #MayuraReads
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this wonderful comment, Mayura!
Do check out the Kindle edition. It has a discount for the time being.
LikeLike
A group of supportive friends can be wonderful in creative efforts.Congratulations on the book .Will be checking it out on Amazon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amrita!
We writers need each other for support and feedback. Especially in periods of self doubt.
There’s a good discount on the Kindle edition right now if you would like to read.
LikeLike
Congratulations! That’s a different concept. Sounds like a book to be picked up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must read this book, Shree. I am sure you would like it.
Thanks for your wishes.
LikeLike
Many many congratulations. Wishing you many more ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot for your wishes, Ruby.
LikeLike
Congratulations
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
My pleasure.
LikeLike