The grand festival, celebrating the city’s cultural richness, featured an unforgettable fusion of music, breathtaking visuals, and immersive soundscapes that elevated the concert experience to an entirely new level. Kolkata Odyssey was not just a performance, but a tribute to Kolkata’s vibrant spirit, bringing together the city’s love for music and art in a spectacular show of lights and sound.

B Praak, one of the most beloved voices in the Indian music industry, mesmerized the crowd with a perfect blend of his iconic tracks and his latest hits. The night featured soul-stirring performances of songs such as Main Kisi Aur Ka Hun Filhal, Rab Bhi Khel Hai Khele Roj Lagave Mele, and the recent chartbuster Saari Duniya Jala Denge, from the movie Animal, leaving the audience captivated. The energy was electric, with thousands of fans singing along to every note and celebrating the magic of live music.

Mr. Pranav Jaiswal, Organiser & MD of Bivita Events & Co. said, “We are overwhelmed by the response from the crowd. Kolkata Odyssey was a dream come true for us. The incredible energy from the audience, combined with B Praak’s powerful performance and the immersive visuals, made it a night to remember. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us, and we’re proud to have created an experience that truly celebrated the magic of music and togetherness.”

Kolkata Odyssey not only showcased B Praak’s extraordinary talent but also served as a testament to the power of music to bring people together, create memories, and honor the rich heritage of Kolkata.

Classic Red Bodycon Dress

 

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Giorgia flaunts a striking red bodycon dress, featuring an alluring knotted backless design that perfectly accentuates her silhouette. The dress hugs her curves in all the right places, creating a captivating look that is both elegant and sultry. She opted for loose, center-parted curls, and minimal makeup added a touch of glam to her chic look, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. This outfit can be your perfect inspiration for a cozy brunch or an intimate gathering showcasing the radiate charm and confidence.

Red Hot Tube Neck With Thigh High Slit

 

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Giorgia opted for a sleeveless, tube neck outfit that showed a unique and bold style, with a sweetheart-shaped neckline and a thigh-high slit cut. The outfit beautifully flaunts her perfect figure, with the sleeveless design drawing attention to her collarbones, while the high slit adds a dimension to her look, flaunting her curves and offering a glimpse of her toned sexy legs. Giorgia paired this stunning red dress with minimalistic medium curls, nude makeup with a sultry fox eye look, and a brick reddish-brown lip color, creating an effortlessly chic appearance. This ensemble is ideal for a family Christmas dinner or Christmas Eve Celebrations, This outfit is a perfect balance of festive elegance and sultriness, making it a standout choice for any Christmas occasion.

Halter Neck Backless Silk Red Gown With Trail

 

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Giorgia is wearing a halter neck backless, silk red gown that oozes elegance with a bow-shaped tie-up at the back adding a delicate touch. The front of the dress has a deep plunging neckline, beautifully flaunting her bust and collarbone, while the smooth silk fabric hugs her curves. The gown’s flowing design, complete with a subtle trail, gives off major princess vibes, making it an ideal choice for a stunning Christmas Eve look. Giorgia paired the outfit with bold makeup, including a sharp winged liner, wavy hair, and rich brown lip color, creating a glamorous effect. This outfit is perfect for anyone looking to make a show-stopping entrance, as it elegantly highlights the upper body while emphasizing her curves. The silk fabric adds a luxurious feel, and the gown’s graceful movement ensures you’ll capture everyone’s attention as you glide into any Christmas celebration.

These outfits of Giorgia’s can definitely level up your Christmas fashion game, and if you are still looking for more Christmas outfit inspo, then Giorgia’s Instagram is the perfect place to find it. Do let us know which look of Giorgia’s you liked!! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas in advance.

For Seerat Kapoor, 2024 has been a year of donning multiple characters, from portraying an urban stylish girl, to a native avatar as girl next door, to playing a sensuous and intelligent actress or even show casing her marvellous dance skills, Seerat has been a complete package this year. Let’s take a moment to reflect on her power-packed year, celebrating the stunning performances that wowed the audience.

Bhamakalapam 2: Zubeida, the Sensuous Bold Avatar

 

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Kicking off the year, Seerat Kapoor stunned everyone with her performance as Zubeida in Bhamakalapam 2. Portraying a sensuous, sharp and bold character. Seerat’s performance firmly cemented Seerat as an actress unafraid to push the envelope.

Manamey: The Love Triangle

In Manamey, Seerat Kapoor played Tanya, a lively and optimistic tourist guide who becomes an integral part of a love triangle with Sharwanand and Krithi Shetty. This light-hearted yet emotionally charged film saw Seerat bring depth, relatability and a finer nuances to her character. The actress also dubbed her own voice for the role, cementing her effortless performance.

Save The Tigers 2: Hamsalekha, the Reputed Actress

Adding a dose of humor to her 2024 portfolio, Seerat appeared in the hit comedy series Save The Tigers 2 on Disney+ Hotstar. She played Hamsalekha, the most reputed actress in the series, bringing her signature charm and elegance to the comic narrative. Seerat’s character added a refreshing dynamic twist to the story, earning her accolades for her comedic timing and magnetic screen presence.

Usha Parinayam: Lighting Up the Screen with “Ghallu Ghallu”

 

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Seerat Kapoor turned up the heat with a special power-packed dance number, Ghallu Ghallu, in the film Usha Parinayam. Seerat’s electrifying performance in the song became a major highlight of the movie. The song was a chartbuster and further solidified Seerat as a versatile performer.

For the unversed, Seerat Kapoor won the Tycoon Global Award for – The Most Iconic And Promising Actress Of The Year 2024

Seerat Kapoor reflects on a year filled with challenges, growth and artistic experimentation. She says, “2024 has been one of the most fruitful years for me professionally. I am grateful for the opportunities that have aligned my way. It felt therapeutic to go beyond my comfort zone and tap into a versatile range of characters. This year has been very rewarding on exploring myself as an actor. I am humbled by the overwhelming response and love. 2025 promises even greater opportunities and I can’t wait to share all that’s in store!”

With several exciting projects lined up for 2025, including collaborations with J.D. Chakravarthy, Seerat Kapoor is all set to continue her journey of excellence. Her impressive work in 2024 has set the bar high, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for this powerhouse of talent. Here’s wishing Seerat Kapoor another year of success, creativity and memorable performances!

As India’s premier designer hand-knotted carpet brand, Luxurify brings a symphony of colors, textures, and timeless elegance to Indian homes. Each rug, a masterpiece crafted by skilled artisans, embodies the brand’s commitment to unparalleled quality and innovative design.

A Trio of Iconic Collaborations

To elevate its designer appeal, Luxurify has partnered with three iconic Indian supermodels, each a symbol of style, grace, and sophistication. Just as supermodels captivate audiences with their unique personalities and impeccable style to showcase designer brands, this is a first wherein supermodels will endorse a designer brand label that promotes true craftsmanship curated by rural artisans of India!

• Carol Gracias will infuse Contemporary flair into the brand’s offerings, curating bold and innovative designs that mirror her own edgy and sophisticated style. Her collection will feature geometric patterns, abstract motifs, and vibrant color palettes, appealing to the modern and discerning consumer.
• Rickee Chatterjee will bring a touch of Modern luxury, presenting sleek and stylish rug collections that align with her minimalist aesthetic. Her designs will feature clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle textures, creating a sense of calm and elegance.
• Deepti Gujral will celebrate the rich heritage of Persian, Turkish, and Roman design, crafting stunning Traditional rugs that evoke a sense of timeless beauty. Her collection will feature intricate patterns, opulent colors, and luxurious materials, appealing to those who appreciate classic elegance.

A New Era of Luxury Living

“We are thrilled to introduce Luxurify to the discerning Indian market,” says Neha Baranwal, Partner at Luxurify. “Our goal is to elevate the standards of luxury home decor and provide our customers with exquisite, hand-crafted rugs that reflect their unique style. With the support of our iconic parent brand, RKS Carpets, and our esteemed partners, we are confident that Luxurify will redefine the Indian luxury landscape.”

Luxurify’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is unwavering. By partnering with 10,000+ skilled artisans, the brand ensures that the age-old art of hand-knotting continues to thrive. Each rug is a testament to the dedication and expertise of these artisans, transforming living spaces into havens of luxury and comfort.

About Luxurify

Luxurify, a brand of RKS Carpets, is a global luxury brand that offers a curated collection of designer rugs. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, design, color hues, and sustainability, Luxurify is committed to providing its customers with the finest collections of luxury rugs for luxury homes and curated office spaces.

Visit www.luxurifyhome.com to view Luyxurify’s 5 new collections in each category of rugs categories unveiled by India’s top supermodels or visit our flagship store at Luxurify,145 Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Speaking on her new role, Dr. Ananta S. Raghuvanshi, Chairperson of NAREDCO Mahi, remarked, “This is an important step in NAREDCO Mahi’s ongoing efforts to provide a platform where women in the real estate industry can thrive. Inclusion and professional development are central to our mission of empowering women to make significant contributions to the sector. Together, we aim to create policies and opportunities that have a lasting impact on the industry.”

Ms. Smita Dhanraj Patil, the newly appointed President of NAREDCO Mahi, shared her vision for the organization, stating, “NAREDCO Mahi is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration among women leaders and influence key policies for the sustainable growth of the real estate sector. I look forward to working with our members to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.”

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Mr. G. Hari Babu, National President of NAREDCO, commented, “The leadership transition within NAREDCO Mahi reflects the organization’s commitment to empowering women in real estate. The contributions of leaders like Dr. Ananta Raghuvanshi and Ms. Smita Patil are vital in shaping an inclusive and progressive industry.”

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, emphasized the significance of increasing women’s participation in the construction industry, stating, “More women should join the construction industry. The rise of women leaders in real estate is a promising sign of the industry’s ongoing transformation. Under the leadership of NAREDCO Mahi, we are confident that the organization will continue to drive meaningful change and promote greater inclusion of women in the sector. The construction sector in India is currently growing at an impressive rate of approximately 20%, with even greater acceleration expected in the future. Given this rapid expansion, propelling women workforce integration into real estate industry will fuel double engine growth”

 Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, added, “Sustainability and inclusivity are key priorities for the future of real estate, and NAREDCO Mahi is making significant strides in these areas. I am certain that this new leadership team will further these efforts and inspire the industry as a whole.”

The ceremony also featured two panel discussions that addressed pressing issues in the sector. The first panel, “Women at the Helm: Shaping the Future of Real Estate,” brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of women in real estate. The second panel, “Building a Greener Future: The Role of Sustainable Realty,” focused on the integration of sustainability into real estate practices.

NAREDCO Mahi’s mission continues to center on providing women leaders and professionals with the resources and opportunities needed to contribute effectively to the industry’s growth and evolution. Through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy, the organization remains committed to advancing inclusion and fostering professional excellence.

About NAREDCO Mahi

NAREDCO Mahi, the women’s wing of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), was established under the patronage of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to promote women’s leadership and participation in real estate and allied industries. It provides a collaborative environment for women professionals to share experiences, develop skills, and contribute to the development of the sector. NAREDCO, the apex body for real estate development in India, works under the guidance of its Chief Patron, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs.

Efficient and Patient-Centered Design

The 9-story hospital employs evidence-based design strategies to enhance operational efficiency and patient experience. Key features include:

• Grouping related functions for workflow efficiency.
• Lower-floor placement of emergency, ambulatory, and surgical departments.
• A central light-filled atrium and a courtyard to create a calming and visually engaging environment.

Commitment to Sustainability

The hospital is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency. Sustainable design elements include:

• Insulated façades to reduce heat gain.
• Solar panels offsetting 20% of the energy load and meeting water heating needs.

With its innovative design and focus on sustainability, the hospital sets a new standard for healthcare in the region.

To read more, Visit- https://healthcaredesignmagazine.com/projects/paras-yash-kothari-memorial-hospital-kanpur-uttar-pradesh-india-photo-tour/#slide-8

Global star Ram Charan is all set to hit the big screens with his magnum opus Game Changer. With director S. Shankar at the helm, the anticipation surrounding the film is immense. Promising to elevate the audience’s cinematic experience, Game Changer is set to showcase Ram Charan in an intriguing avatar. Amid the excitement, director Shankar revealed the reason behind casting the global star and praised his exceptional talent as an actor. He also shared that Ram Charan’s decision to star in the film was made even before the release of his cinematic extravaganza RRR.

“Ram Charan’s decision to do this film was made even before the release of RRR. Dil Raju felt that it would be good if Ram Charan was in this. It seemed appropriate to me too. Some of my stories are universal themes that can be applied to any hero, so they would be perfect for a big hero. There was a good journey with him in this film,” said Game Changer director Shankar.

Speaking about Ram Charan’s acting prowess, Shankar further added, “When you look at him, it seems like he is controlling the power inside. It also seems like he will explode when required. He is an artist who can give in-depth performances. He has a good screen presence. No matter what kind of scene it is, he handles it beautifully.”

Game Changer is expected to feature Ram Charan as an IAS officer who goes all out to cleanse the corrupt political system. Adding to the intrigue, the movie’s teaser showcases various looks of the actor, offering glimpses of high-octane action sequences intertwined with political elements. In addition to Ram Charan, Game Changer also stars Kiara Advani, SJ Suryah, Samuthirakani, Anjali, Naveen Chandra, Sunil, and Srikanth.

Currently, the film’s songs “Jaragandi,” “Raa Macha Macha,” and “Jaana Hairaan Sa” are topping the charts. The next song, “Dhop,” is slated to be unveiled on December 22.

With Thaman’s riveting music and S. Thirunavukkarasu’s cinematography, this Shankar directorial promises to be a blockbuster and wreak havoc at the box office. Produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under the banners of Sri Venkateswara Creations and Zee Studios, the cinematic spectacle is set to release worldwide on January 10, 2025, in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.

It was right at the start of the pandemic, when everything felt so chaotic and uncertain. Writing has always been my way of finding peace, so I naturally turned to it. I remember journaling during that first week of lockdown, just trying to make sense of everything, when this random thought hit me: How long would it take to find an antidote if something like this happened in a fictional world? What would it take to actually stop it?

That one idea wouldn’t let go. I started scribbling down notes, playing around with scenarios, and before I knew it, a story was taking shape. I didn’t have a grand plan at the time—I just followed the curiosity, and somehow, it all came together. Fiery ended up becoming a much bigger adventure than I initially imagined, but it all started with that simple “what if.” The rest became history.

2. Could you elaborate on the steps you use when writing? Do you adhere to a set schedule or have any special customs that facilitate your ability to be creative?

Since Fiery is my debut book, I didn’t start with a well-defined writing routine. At the time, I was more of an aspiring writer figuring things out as I went along. Thankfully, I had the time and space to develop a process that worked for me.

I quickly realized that knitting a deep mystery wasn’t just about the writing—it required a lot of research. Mornings became my “prep time,” where I would dive into research, gather references, and create mood boards for the storyline. By the afternoon, when the world felt a little quieter, I would sit down for 3-4 hours of focused writing. Noon was the perfect distraction-free window for me to immerse myself in the story.

Of course, like most writers, I faced my fair share of writer’s block and imposter syndrome. To push through, I created a few rituals that helped me get into a creative flow. I started every morning with 30 minutes of meditation and visualization to clear my mind and set the tone for the day. I also created my own cozy writing nook with comfortable seating (essential for long hours) and made it a little ritualistic by lighting a scented candle every time I sat down to write. Choosing a new candle each week was a small way to keep things fresh and exciting.

I also set personal milestones to track my progress. Writing has always been cathartic for me, but writing an entire book felt like an entirely different adventure—it required discipline, patience, and constant self-check-ins to stay on track. Looking back, it was challenging but deeply rewarding, and I’ve grown so much through the process.

3. Your book’s characters stand out and are memorable. Did they develop entirely from your imagination, or are they based on actual people?

A little bit of both, honestly. I think every author pulls inspiration from their experiences and the people they’ve crossed paths with, even if it’s not always obvious. Since this is my debut book, I’ll admit that some of the characters, including the protagonist, were influenced by a few real people who’ve left a lasting impact on me. Others, though, are more of an idealized version of the kind of people I’d love to meet or even be like.

Creating strong, memorable characters was really important to me because, as a reader, I’ve always gravitated toward stories with characters that feel real and complex. Mira and Ryan, for instance, started off as these fictional creations with bits of real-life inspiration thrown in. But as the story progressed, they really grew into their own people—by the end, they felt like they were just themselves, no longer tied to anyone or anything else.

4. Your book delves into [specific theme or issue]. What motivated you to explore this theme, and what messages or discussions do you hope readers will take away from your work?

Fiery falls into the Romance Mystery genre, which has always fascinated me—I’ve had a hyperactive imagination for romance, danger, and adventure for as long as I can remember. When I started writing this book during the pandemic, my goal was simple: to give readers a safe escape. At a time when reality felt overwhelming, I wanted to create a world they could dive into, full of passion and mystery.

Looking back, I’d say the deeper message in Fiery is that life doesn’t feel complete without a bit of passion, adventure, and creativity. I hope when readers pick it up, they sign up for a few hours of excitement that takes them out of their daily routines. It’s my way of reminding them that there’s always space for a little thrill, even when life feels predictable or challenging.

5. Your novel’s world-building is engrossing and extraordinarily rich. Did you get any ideas for the setting from historical events or actual places? How did you go about constructing it?

Since Fiery is set against the backdrop of the lockdown pandemic, I focused on creating detailed, immersive environments that captured the isolation and intensity of that time. The characters spend much of their time indoors, so I paid extra attention to describing their surroundings—their homes, workspaces, and even the little corners where they retreat for safety or reflection.

While the mapping of the world loosely aligns with real-world locations, every architectural detail was something I imagined. I’ve always had a fascination with design and spaces, and I think these ideas had been simmering in my mind, just waiting for the right moment to be written down.

I also believe that every great book creates a world of its own—a place readers can step into and get lost in. That’s what I aimed for with Fiery: a setting that feels tangible and alive, where every corner has a story to tell.

6. How do you, as a writer, strike a balance between the genre’s expectations and the necessity for originality? Did you find it difficult to add your own twist to well-known elements?

As a debut author, finding that balance was definitely a challenge. There’s nothing truly new under the sun, but the key is to spin familiar elements in a way that feels fresh. For me, it was about weaving originality into the plot, character development, and overall writing style. I drew a lot of inspiration from western romance writers, but the challenge was making sure my characters felt real and relatable, not just like clichés. It was important to me that they didn’t fall into the trap of being too generic while still staying true to the genre’s expectations. Finding that sweet spot between familiar and unique was definitely one of the most exciting parts of the process.

7. The story’s well-written flow keeps readers interested from beginning to end. Could you describe how you keep the story moving forward and creating tension?

I’d definitely credit a lot of my pacing insights to binge-watching shows during the lockdown! Netflixing during those months taught me a lot about how to build tension and keep readers hooked, chapter by chapter. I structured the story in a way that alternated between key scenarios and storylines. The chemistry between the protagonists was a central focus, but I also made sure to drop subtle hints about the bigger mystery, keeping things layered and unpredictable.

My approach was to break the plot down into what I call “turning points”—those moments where big revelations come to light or the romantic tension ramps up. That way, the story kept unfolding with enough surprises to keep readers on their toes, while still building toward that final payoff.

8. How do you envision the function of conventional storytelling changing in the era of quickly shifting media and reader preferences, and how do you modify your work to appeal to modern audiences?

I think traditional storytelling is evolving right alongside the cultural shifts we’re seeing around the world. The classic, cliched “Beauty and the Beast” type of narrative is becoming less relevant, especially as readers crave more diverse and nuanced stories. Characters no longer fit into neat boxes defined by gender, age, social status, or nationality. Today, audiences want to see themselves reflected in stories, with characters who feel authentic and relatable.

To connect with contemporary readers, I think writers need to embrace inclusivity—not just in terms of cultural backgrounds, but also in mindset. Incorporating the technologies, social changes, and real-world issues that shape the present is key to making stories resonate. The world is moving forward, and our storytelling should reflect that—otherwise, it risks feeling out of touch.

When I wrote Fiery as an Indian author in the Romance-Mystery genre, I was conscious of the need to make my writing resonate with today’s global audience. It was important for me to strike a balance between creating relatable characters and building the kind of chemistry that readers from different cultures and backgrounds could connect with.

Dive into this electrifying tale of passion and suspense. Buy your copy of Fiery today on amazon!

I’ve always been a fan of speculative fiction and time travel stories. The inherent complexity of storytelling under such contexts is what makes this genre so appealing to readers and writers alike. But be it the lighthearted situations in a ‘Groundhog Day’ (the 1993 Classic) or the tumultuous predicament of the core characters in a ‘Dark’ (the Netflix blockbuster), what sets these stories apart is the basic human emotions that come to the fore under scenarios that normal human beings like you and me would have never been exposed to. How do you make the readers relate to such speculative scenarios? How do you make them feel for these characters? Those are just some of the questions that for me, as a writer, acted as a motivation behind piecing my story together.

2. Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you follow a specific routine or have any unique rituals that help you get into the creative flow?

I see writing as a means to relax my brain cells, focusing them on something that truly takes my mind off material things, and my thoughts away from the world and happenings around me. In many ways, it truly lets my mind wander into a world that is mine to create. I like studying people and observing situations around me, and then pondering over the ‘Why’s behind them. I believe this knack of keenly observing things, before I open my mouth or interject, is something that has helped me as a writer as well. I honestly believe that you need a certain level of research for penning down any relevant piece of literature – in my case, a large portion of this research comes from observing people and situations around me.

3. The characters in your book are quite distinct and memorable. Are they based on real people, or did they evolve purely from your imagination?

While none of the characters in my book are based on real people, some of the situations that they face and their respective reactions are inspired by real life situations that I’ve observed throughout my life. For example – the book alludes to the growing communal and caste-based sentiments in the India of the 90’s and early 2000’s, and how it changed the mental makeup of some of the most rational human beings you knew around you. Most of the other character traits and details are based on careful persona detailing done at the start of the book, the journeys that each of the characters takes after this.

4. Your book delves into how contemporary issues shape individuals. What motivated you to explore this theme, and what messages or discussions do you hope readers will take away from your work?

In a world where most of us tend to look at things and people as Black or White, only a few dare to look beyond this façade and realize that everything and every person around them are actually different shades of grey. The degree of this greyness is often defined by the situations and circumstances that each individual goes through, and how these changed their perspectives of themselves, others and the world around them. If only more people get to realize this, they might get better equipped at dealing with their surroundings and understand each other’s perspectives. While the central theme of the novel is around time travel, it is this innate understanding of human conditioning that is core to its build up.

5. The world-building in your novel is incredibly rich and immersive. How did you go about creating the setting, and did you draw inspiration from any real-world locations or historical events?

Much like the situations these characters go through, that have been borrowed from real / contemporary ones, many of the locations and events covered in the book are also inspired by real locations and events. The only complexity here was figuring out how these might change as the characters travel through multiple realities and timelines, especially when they aren’t the only moving pieces in these universes.

6. As a writer, how do you balance the need for originality with the expectations of the genre? Were there any challenges in putting your unique spin on familiar elements?

For me, originality comes from the way a story is told, the execution and the varied perspectives and elements it is able to bring together, that might not have been tried in the past, when a similar idea was laid out. The biggest challenge that I faced was around the running commentaries on contemporary issues in the book that may or may not have appealed to the mass public opinion – as a writer you have to be aware of these, choose the ones that are necessary for storytelling, and then stick to your guns in terms of not letting external opinion drive your narrative. It’s easier said than done, or so I realized during the 2 rounds of extensive editing that my book had to go through. But what makes this effort worthwhile is knowing that the outcome is something that you know is essential to the core story of the book – anything else could potentially be a distraction.

7. The pacing of the story is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Can you share your approach to maintaining tension and momentum throughout the narrative?

When I first shared my book with a group of beta readers, some of their initial reactions were that the book lacked pace to start with, but gradually, as they read through the entire manuscript, the common consensus was that there was a need to have a dual pace while telling this story – the first part of the book is more detailed and nuanced, as it helps the readers really get to know these characters and appreciate their choices; once this is established, the second part is naturally more pacey, building up the right oomph and thrill to the story that this genre demands. There is a risk here that many hardcore readers of this genre might decide to take a pause before the start of Part 2, but for those that decide to stick through, the payoff in the second half and the ending will be worth the buildup.

8. In the age of rapidly changing media and reader preferences, how do you see the role of traditional storytelling evolving, and how do you adapt your writing to connect with contemporary audiences?

There’s a reason why more novels like ‘Falling In & Out’ are coming out in 2024 and not back in 2004 – the changing media and reader preferences have given opportunity to more forms of alternative story telling that would not have had the appeal in the decades gone by. While I still believe that a good story would always stand out regardless of which year or what era it comes out in, one cannot turn a blind eye to the changing demands of readers and audiences, who ultimately decide the fate of a book. At its core, storytelling is about connecting with human emotions, values, and experiences—an aspect that technology or trends cannot replace. However, how stories are told and consumed has evolved, demanding writers to adapt. And the way you adapt is by:

1. a) bringing in more contemporary issues,
2. b) making your characters more diverse and the themes more relevant to these contemporary issues,
3. c) from a pure selling perspective, leveraging multiple platforms and formats to be able to reach the right audience who would be appreciative of such themes.

Grab your copy today on amazon and step into a world where every second counts!