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Author Ruchi Singh’s review for contemporary romance More Than Just Desire:
“More Than Just Desire does full justice to Summerita Rhayne’s brand of sensuous romance. The author effortlessly pulls you into the glamorous world of Arfaaz and Piya.
Set in the back drop of India’s film industry, Bollywood; MTJD takes us through an emotional journey of Piya. A top actor—a Diva to millions—had abandoned everything to seek peace in life and discover herself. But as they you can never ignore your inner calling; she comes back to Mumbai. Arfaaz, the handsome director, her estranged husband, comes to know about her return and plots to meet her and make her pay for leaving him in a soup. And the drama begins.
The author has painted a sophisticated picture of mechanics of Bollywood and that’s the USP of the book. I loved the setting and the way Arfaaz is portrayed in the story. Summerita narration is smooth and entertaining giving us a peep into Piya’s tumultuous childhood and to why Piya is the way she is.
Highly entertaining, a recommended read for all romance lovers.”
Thanks to Ruchi Singh for her valuable opinion.
Read the review at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1PN13ZH996VMK
Check out the book at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Desire/dp/B0179U58YG
I am happy to review this book which is written by dear friend and a lovely person, Ruchi Singh
She has taken the sensitive topic of abuse in marital relationship and spun a story around it that combines romance with a dramatic twist at the end.
While physical and mental harassment causing a failed relationship is a topic that has been dealt before, her book is different for her lovely prose and her vulnerable heroine.
I usually expect dominant and confident heroes in romance. Abhimanyu was different but still managed to be captivating because of his sensitivity towards Priya. I did feel like shaking her on occasion to get some sense in her because she was so blind to her husband and his flaws but here Ruchi has stuck to the reality of the character she portrays. Her character represents women who become emotionally dependent and because of inherent mental make-up and social shackles find it difficult to end a bad marriage going worse.
The twist in the end felt a little off course but managed to hold interest and got relevant towards the end.
Read this for realistic portrayal of a traditional woman in an abusive relationship and for the very tender loving hero.
Four stars.
How much do you identify with your characters in your life?
I’m sure we have wondered about this when reading fiction and wanted to ask the author this. Today I have Ruchi Singh on my blog. Let’s hear her take on this same question.
Take it away, Ruchi!
……………………………………….
Thank you Summerita for having me on your blog!
Before I answer the question, let’s examine the process of characterization. Any work of fiction starts with a germ of an idea which can be character or plot based. This idea can be picked up from a trait in one’s partner/ friend or an incident which the author has read or come across, or any other event happening around the world. Then the protagonists’ biographies are thought through and their personalities are chalked out.
In the example above, I totally identify with the characters at the beginning. This doesn’t mean that the characterization is over by any means. As the product takes shape the characters start asserting their own whims and fancies. They might want the author to add a quirk or two or they might demand to delete certain personality traits given to them. It may happen that the initial real-life trait has to be discarded altogether.
By the end of the churning of the initial idea, adding layers of plots, characters and sub-characters motivations, the real-life germ should shine as state-of-the-art fiction. At this point in time I may not relate with them at all. Or it may happen vice-versa; I may start with a fictional character, with whom I may identify with at the end of the story.
The degree of identification, with reality of life experiences, keeps changing with the changes in the character arc. There is no right answer. Or in other words, all the answers would be correct. As writers or authors, we should be flexible and open-minded during the first draft, because the traits of a character evolve throughout the writing phase i.e. till the story is complete.
The genre that I am currently writing requires larger-than-life ideas and setting for the story to be truly entertaining, so the real-life experiences are unlikely to manifest in the characters.
As they say fiction writing is more of an art, the rules of the game are never the same. I would like to conclude with one last thought, as a good human being and citizen, I identify with all the positive traits of my characters. J
Meet the Author
Ruchi Singh is a novelist, and writes in two genres; romance and romantic thriller. She has a degree in Electronics Engineering and has worked as Quality Consultant in the IT field. She began her writing career writing short stories and articles, which have been published on various online forums. She has been a contributing author to many anthologies and has published her first book Take 2, which is a contemporary romance with a spice of social drama.A voracious reader, she loves everything—from classics to memoirs to editorials to chick-lit, but her favourite genre is ‘romantic thriller’. Besides writing and reading, her other interests include dabbling with Indian classical dance forms.
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Posted by Summerita Rhayne, author of contemporary and historical romance
Hi Folks,
Today I have Ruchi Singh on my blog, chatting about her book Take 2 and all things writing. Please welcome her.
Interview from Summerita
RS: Thank you Summerita for this wonderful opportunity to talk to you.
How did you become a writer, by chance or by choice?
RS: A bit of both in my case. It started by chance, like an epiphany that yes I can and should write. After the first draft of Take 2, it was my choice to continue writing since I immensely enjoyed the process of creating something new.
Are you a genre writer? Why (or why not)? Which genre appeals to you the most?
RS: Yes, I think I am a genre writer. I love reading romantic thrillers and the creative thoughts flooding my mind also resonate with the same genre.
What makes this book special to you?
RS: This book is very special for two reasons. Firstly, because it is my debut book, and secondly, because it captures the emotional vulnerability of women in our society.
I have observed it up-close, women just can’t let it go. No matter how many times an abuser apologises, there is no change in the status quo. It’s like a leopard never changing its spot. The victim has to take that first step to break-free, then only they would find the strength to move ahead in life.
Though it’s a grave issue but I have tried to handle it in a light-hearted manner in the book.
A brief description of the book and its main characters.
RS: There are two main themes which I wanted to highlight in Take 2, firstly the plight of women who were divorced or thinking of divorce, and secondly the co-existence of conservative and modern India.
Take 2 is about Priya, who is a small town, intelligent girl, for whom ethics and family values hold an important place in life. The story revolves around her struggle to carve a life for herself braving the conservative society and realizing that the choice to be happy remains with her.
Abhimanyu’s character was conceived to compliment Priya. He is far more mature than his age. If you are in love with someone you have to nurture it by showing support, care and affection. And that is what Abhimanyu does for Priya. I have tried to bring out that sentiment in the story along with some drama to entertain the readers.
And since I am an eternally optimistic person and all my stories would have HEA. I also admit to bringing a bit of Bollywood to make it a light read.
What are your writing fads or quirks?
RS: I can’t move ahead until all the colourful wriggly lines (the MS editor throws) are resolved in the paragraph/ line that I have written. My friends tell me to switch off the editor, but my conscious doesn’t allow me to.
Thanks, Ruchi. Emotional and physical abuse in any relationship is a grave issue and needs to be brought into open. I am glad you have chosen to write about it in a relatable and light manner. It was lovely having you here.
This interview is a part of the Book Club Tour for Ruchi’s book. Here are the details. Do check it out.
Check out The Book Club Tour Schedule
Posted by Summerita Rhayne, author of contemporary and historical romance
Second Chance At Happiness
by
“Happily ever after has become a myth for Priya and trying to keep the relationship platonic is becoming more and more difficult for Abhimanyu”
Blurb
Happily ever after has become a myth for Priya and trying to keep the relationship platonic is becoming more and more difficult for Abhimanyu.
In the tussle between ethics, fears and desires… will Priya embrace a second chance at happiness?
Ruchi Singh
Ruchi Singh has a degree in Engineering and has been working in IT industry as a Consultant. She began her writing career writing short stories and articles, which have been published on various online forums. Her story ‘Boomerang’ in crime genre, won the Indireads Short Story competition in 2014, and is part of the Anthology ‘Voices Old & New‘. Her, another, short story ‘Debt of Kheer’ is part of Author’s Ink anthology ‘The Turning Point of Life’, both available on Amazon. ‘Take 2’ is her debut novel.
A voracious reader, her favourite genres is ‘romantic thriller’. Besides writing and reading, her other interests include dabbling with Indian classical dance forms.
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