Neelakshi Singh, Author at Booked4Books

06 Feb

How to Write for Audio Drama Podcasts

Neelakshi Singh1 CommentArticlesDrama Podcasts, Feed Drops, Paid Ads, Promo Swaps, Writing for audio dramas

*knock knock* *cue footsteps* So, you’re here wanting to write an audio drama podcast? First, congratulations on choosing one of the most challenging, creative, and most addictive forms of storytelling. Second, giddy up. Writing for audio dramas isn’t all easy, it’s more like navigating a thick forest with nothing but your brain, a pen, and maybe a mug of tea. Writing an audio drama podcast isn’t just about throwing some dialogue onto a page and hoping for the best. It takes a unique combination of skills, and at the top of the list is dialogue. Dialogue isn’t just important here;…

28 Jan

Kunzum: Where Books Meet Coffee

Neelakshi SinghArticlesBook Store, Coffee, Kunzum, LGBTQ+ literature

Ever turned on one of those wrong turns that ended up altering your life? That's exactly what went down to Ajay Jain in 2007, when he found himself lost in the middle of nowhere, or more accurately, in the heights of the Indian Himalayas. What he tripped upon was Kunzum La, a mountain pass that not only pointed him in the direction of his life but also influenced one of India's best and most unique ideas for a bookstore. Fast forward to today, and Kunzum isn't just a bookstore, it's a cultural idea that breaks all the rules of traditional…

24 Jan

Breaking Grammar Rules: When and Why It Works in Fiction

Neelakshi SinghArticlesGrammar Rules, Huck Finn saying, perfect grammar

Dear reader, Let’s talk about grammar, the prim and proper part of the language. It’s your school teacher wagging a finger, the grammar police blowing a whistle, and the unwelcome party guest correcting your “me and my friends” to “my friends and I.” But when it comes to writing fiction, sometimes you’ve got to shove that grammar guide under the couch and let your sentences chill a little. Breaking grammar rules is like jaywalking in fiction,you’re not supposed to do it, but sometimes it gets you where you need to go faster, and with way more swag. Want your character…

13 Jan

Breaking Grammar Rules: When and Why It Works in Fiction

Neelakshi SinghArticlesBreaking Grammar Rules

31 Dec

Why Feedback Loops Are Crucial for Writers

Neelakshi SinghArticlesLoops Are Crucial

The thrill of creating something from nothing is thrilling. But, as every writer soon finds out, there’s a catch: the story you see in your head rarely matches what you put down on paper. This is where feedback loops come in, an important tool for writers that improves your writing and also acts as a reality check. Feedback loops are not only about fixing what’s broken, they’re also about growth. They challenge a writer to step outside their bubble of self-assurance and invite others into their creative world. When done right, they’re the difference between an amateur’s draft and a…

26 Dec

Govt lifts ban on ‘Satanic Verses’

Neelakshi SinghArticlesSatanic Verses

After a 36-year hiatus, Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses has made its grand return to India, and it’s creating quite the stir. For those who missed the drama, this book was banned in 1988 by the Rajiv Gandhi government following protests from outraged Muslim groups who deemed it blasphemous. Rushdie’s creation has been described as "a work of art" by some, but a "fiery pit of controversy" by others. No surprise there—it was a little too much for people back in the day Now, after years of legal wrangling, the book is back in a very limited stock at Bahrisons…

24 Dec

The Author’s Guide to Visual Branding, One Post at a Time

Neelakshi SinghArticles

Creating your author brand on social media can be a lot like trying to make a cake with no recipe. You might get a masterpiece, or you might get a floury disaster. The good news? With the right visual branding strategies, you can create something that not only looks good but also makes your audience crave for more. Your book didn’t just happen—it’s the result of caffeine-filled nights, emotional breakdowns, and moments of pure inspiration. Sharing these moments humanizes you and makes readers root for your success. Show off your workspace! Whether it’s a Pinterest-perfect desk or a chaotic dining…

23 Dec

How to Write a Killer First Sentence for Any Genre

Neelakshi SinghArticles

Ohh the horrors of the first sentence. That little line of text is supposed to carry the weight of the world—or at least the weight of your entire story. It needs to pull readers in, set the tone, drop hints about the plot, and maybe make someone say, “Wow, I’m going to cancel my plans so I can read this.” No pressure, right? Writers stress over it, agonize about it, and sometimes even avoid writing their story altogether because they’re paralyzed by the pressure of starting it just right. Here’s the real secret: your first sentence is a work…

20 Dec

How to Transition Between Genres Without Losing Your Audience

Neelakshi SinghArticles

On one side, there’s the thrill of exploring new creative heights; on the other, the fear of leaving behind the readers who made you successful in the first place. The good news? Genre-hopping isn’t an impossible act. With planning and a hint of courage, you really can transition between genres without leaving your audience behind. First things first—if you’re thinking about a genre shift, consider whether a pen name might help. Contrary to popular belief, pen names aren’t about hiding and secret identities; they’re a practical marketing tactic. The goal? Segment your readers and make it easier for them to…

18 Dec

How to Start a Writing Blog That Gets an Audience

Neelakshi SinghArticles

So, you’ve decided to start a writing blog? Great! Welcome to the land of caffeine-filled late nights, grammar-induced existential crises, and the never-ending search for the perfect metaphor. But let’s be real—starting a writing blog isn’t just about slapping your thoughts onto a webpage. If you want readers to actually show up (and stay), you’ve got to approach this with a mix of strategy, creativity, and charm. Step 1: Nail Down Your Blog’s Purpose Before you even think about your blog's name or layout, let’s answer the big question: Why are you blogging? Are you here to share writing…