Author: Mohua Malik |Genre:Short Stories |Pages: 264 |Publisher: Buuks
Breaking Free: A Novella & Other Stories is a collection of forty micro-fiction and short stories, portraying different aspects of life crafted from everyday happenings. Breaking Free dives into the depths of a patriarchal society that turns a blind eye to sexism that is all pervasive. A disillusioned and embittered protagonist meets a determined suitor. Can he accept her reality? Can she break free and come into her own?
Vacations are on everyoneβs bucket list but they often donβt turn out quite as one expects. This theme is explored in a few shorts β Holidays! The Perfect Getaway, The Last Fling and The Vacation. Other shorts β The Murderer, Yesterday Once More, Of Men and Monsters, Brothers in Arms β explore the theme of love and betrayal, be it lovers, parents or siblings. Myβ¦
Life, as we knew it, changed forever in 2020 with millions suffering personal loss and suffering. Yet I, at least, have much to be grateful for and send out a big thank you to the Universe for being able to bid adieu to 2020 with equanimity. A quick look at the little lessons and happenings from a year that the entire world (including yours truly) is fed up of.
Be careful of what you ask for!
I began 2020 with resignation from my day job. Why? Well because I wanted to – work from home. Honest! I am not kidding. My request and resignation were both denied. You’ll never guess what happened soon afterwards! π
I have to confess, I enjoy WFH (just not the means I got my wish) and quite dread the thought of going back to traffic battles and regular office schedules. But then again, at home, there is no off office hours. And that’s another take home message – can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Shedding baggage
After decades of vacillating, I had just set in motion a workout plan and intermittent fasting schedule when lock down was imposed. With no distractions or excuses, in a first, I lost 5 kg. Close encounters with the coronavirus helped me lose another 2.5 kg which, I have since re-appropriated. I just hope I don’t catch the virus again for although the first one was a mild infection, the post-covid phase weakness, fatigue and muscle pain took over four months to resolve. Makes me wonder how the other survivors are faring – get well soon!
I broke free of the self-imposed shackles of anonymity and apprehensions of being a pretentious story teller and took the plunge. I self-published a collection of my short stories and despite misgivings and dropped the pseudonym too. I learned that I had needlessly worried the fall out of coming out as a fiction writer. Nobody even blinked! Ah well such is life.
I am grateful that despite everything, friends and family have bought the book (and waited endlessly for the paperback). I am particularly grateful to all those who took the pains to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. I was very touched with their kindness and generosity, particularly from my little ones (when did they grow up so much!!!) and couldn’t help creating a little slideshow. Thank you for making me believe, keeping my spirits up and not regret breaking free.
Yep, that’s moi – Mohua aka Dahlia π If you would also like to also see the face behind the ramblings click here
Que sera sera
As an indie author, there have been phases where I felt stuck and boxed in as I struggled to showcase Breaking Free and was met with high flying assurances but no action. It is interesting that the negative reinforcements were more powerful and overwhelming than the positive ones. But I have since made my peace with it and have no resentment, only gratefulness. Whatever will be, will be. As the Bhagwad Gita says, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of actions.” Released, I have found a new (well, actually the original) obsession – watch this space!
Predictions do come true!
According to ancient Maya predictions dated more than 2,200 years ago that the world, as we know it would end on December 21, 2012. According to this vision (and/or imaginings), there would be fires and floods, planetary collisions, extreme global warming and mass extinction, and explosions large and small. But, of course, the world didn’t end then, did it? Yet now, I can’t help think that perhaps that prediction did have some basis to it as the world as we know it has ended and there is now a buzz of the new normal. Besides, it was probably a miscalculation (or misinterpretation) of just 8 years. Interestingly, a friend accurately predicted I would break free this year, right down to the month!
Frippery apart, I am keenly aware and deeply grateful that I am among the blessed ones in these pandemic times with its uncountable deaths and immeasurable misery and suffering. For those who have suffered and lost, allow me to offer you my heartfelt condolences and hope that we all find peace and have a healthy 2021.
Here’s hoping for a happy, healthy, safe, enjoyable, productive and happening 2021 π
Hello! Hope you had a wonderful festive season π Although, it’s been less than a month since my book (ahem) was published, I thought of sharing the few early reviews. To be honest, nobody wants to read an unrated book. I am hoping these, albeit few, reviews, will help to nudge you in that direction.
A self-published author, especially so late in life, relies heavily on word of mouth to spread the word. So, if you have ever enjoyed reading my work, or just want to do a good deed, please do read Breaking Free: A Novella and Other Stories by Mohua Maulik (whom you know as Dahlia) and leave a review – even a single line or word with a rating would do! By the way the book is free on Kindle Unlimited (at least in India).
Hello! Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous Diwali. In case you hadn’t noticed, I have been off posting on my blog for quite a while now. Although I have been posting on the Pages section (which for some strange reason doesnt lead to a notification to blog followers – sigh). Anyway, coming back to the point, I utilized the extra time on my hands during the lockdown to compile my (choice) of the better short stories into a book. This is out in virtual stores now (links below). A fair warning though, these stories have been published on my blog and if you have been following my stories, you can safely skip this book. But then you would never know what you missed. π
Or you could share with your friends and family.
I know it’s a long shot but then nothing ventured, nothing gained, so here goes:
If perchance, you do purchase the book, read it and like it, I would very much appreciate if you could leave your comments on Amazon/Flipkart/Goodreads or wherever you are comfortable.
And the good news is that it is free on Kindle Unlimited!
Thanks!
Oh and yes, while the world’s population has been advised to mask up, I have opted to break free of my self-imposed anonymity and unmask myself, albeit in the virtual world.
That name on the book cover is my given name. π
Hello people! Cee’s put up a wonderful funny foto challenge this week, one that has dragged me out of my boring uninspiring world. Besides who can resist an opportunity to laugh or smile – well how about baring the teeth then?
At an outdoor event while the participants were readying, thise mom and child duo had a blast. It brought a huge smile to my face as they dashed about frolicking, jumping and generally freaking out without a care in the world. The little one was so quick on its feet that I could only manage a blur. The next one is a bit better.
Cute huh? That reminds me…
That’s a Minion! No it’s Superman err Superdog Scoobie Dooby Doo π Dont miss the Royal Ignore pose.
What’s so funny you ask? Well how about you tell me the time?
A scarecrow in the garden but the gophers aren’t impressed. After all they aren’t crows π
As usual I left my favorite for the last. Take your time and read it carefully. Or at least until you find tomato sauce. And then turn the page
And marvel at the meal that echoes but most of all salute the spirit and the determination to survive despite all odds.
Have a wonderful weekend and do share your favorite foto or menu π
She was late. All because of the cook. And so inconsiderate of him to take the car.
The signal turned green and the surging crowd spilled on to the road.
It was just February and already so hot.
Oww her shoes hurt.
Not as much as her piercing barbed comments.
Cursing, she hurried ahead of the riff-raff.
A melodious voice rose above the traffic din. βaaaa~aaaa am the one of happy colors.β
The next winner of Voice India!
She slowed down.
A garish electric blue sweater wearing strange mismatched socks limped past her.
Wait.
Not socks but a prosthetic leg.
***
*Main hoon khush rang Heena – a Hindi movie song.
Written for the Friday Fictioneer – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Marie Gail Stratford for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
“In the garden of good and evil there grew a tree. It was one of Dahliaβs trees, but it did not know it”. Click to read more: What you see when you are traveling
Cute huh? That reminds me…
What’s so funny you ask? Well how about you tell me the time?
A scarecrow in the garden but the gophers aren’t impressed. After all they aren’t crows π
As usual I left my favorite for the last. Take your time and read it carefully. Or at least until you find tomato sauce. And then turn the page
And marvel at the meal that echoes but most of all salute the spirit and the determination to survive despite all odds.
Stories and more 