Notes to Myself: Craft of a Story

Every writer has a bunch of notes to him/herself for ready reference on the craft of story writing that suits that particular writer’s style of writing. For me, it has evolved over the past few years of writing. As I started with blogging to writing articles, and then jumped to humor and slice of life … Read more

On Strength

Swami Vivekananda on Strength: The only way to rise is by doing the duty next to us, and thus gathering strength go on until we reach the highest state. The infinite strength of the world is yours. Drive out the superstition that has covered your minds. Let us be brave. Know the Truth and practice … Read more

Writing Advice from Stephen King

I made a bunch of notes on Writing Advice by Stephen King. I like to refer to this list from time to time. Here I reproduce it for your reference and reading pleasure. Stop watching television. Instead, read as much as possible. Prepare for more failure and criticism than you think you can deal with. … Read more

2nd Round Editing

After my first draft, my first round of editing is about getting the story right and sharp. In that round, I focus on getting the character, its conflict and the resolution of that conflict correct and smooth. My second (and usually last) round of editing is more technical and focused on finishing. Here is my … Read more

On Religion

Swami Vivekananda on Religion: We know that all religions alike, from the lowest fetishism to the highest absolutism, are but so many attempts of the human soul to grasp and realise the Infinite. It is an insult to a starving people to offer them religion; it is an insult to a starving man to teach … Read more

Good vs Great Music

When a piece of music is good, it gets a lot of claps. When a piece of music is great, it gets silence. It is easy to compose and deliver music that gets claps. It is the work of a true genius to compose and deliver music that gets silence. No claps, no words, only … Read more

Drona: Virtue vs Envy

How much is a teacher responsible for shaping a student and how much of it is the student’s own making? How much does external training shape someone and how much is driven by internal traits and talent? How much of a student’s success and failure can a teacher be held accountable for? These are questions … Read more

On Love

Swami Vivekananda on Love: Love unselfishly for love’s sake. Love, truth, and unselfishness are not merely moral figures of speech, but they form our highest ideal, because in them lies such a manifestation of power. Every act of love brings happiness; there is no act of love which does not bring peace and blessedness as … Read more

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