Neelakshi Singh, Author at Booked4Books

28 Oct

Talk the Talk: The Dos and Don’ts of Writing Accents

Neelakshi SinghArticlesconsistent voice, Writing Accents

Using dialects and accents in dialogue can be a powerful tool for character development in writing. However, as with most things, it requires care and precision. When done well, it gives a voice to characters, distinguishes them from one another, and adds a rich texture to the story. When done poorly, it can come off as offensive or difficult to read, and that’s a pretty quick way to lose a reader's attention. The goal in writing character dialogue is to make each character sound like themselves. It’s all about their voice—not just what they’re saying, but how they say it.…

21 Oct

The Glamour of Gloom: How Gothic Romance Makes Misery Look Good

Neelakshi SinghArticlesGothic Romance

Here, sadness is a whole mood. It’s as if the characters woke up one morning and said, “You know what would really spice up my love life? A bit of emotional torment.” But why do these books make misery look so… well, attractive? Is it just to up the drama, or do they actually believe that the path to true love has to include a few sleepless nights and some dramatic hair? You’ve seen it: the looks, the moonlit strolls through the cemetery, the mystery lover who may or may not be a vampire. But have you ever wondered if…

05 Oct

Trendsetters or Trend Chasers: Who Really Rules the Book World?

Neelakshi SinghArticlesFOMO effect, The Hunger Games, Twilight

Ever feel like you're being led on a treasure hunt, but the treasure is a never-ending series of love triangles and dystopian societies? Yeah, you’re not alone. The question of whether fiction trends are shaped by what readers crave or if we're just following the shiny, publisher-designed breadcrumbs is like trying to figure out if the chicken or the egg came first—but with a lot more glittery vampires and tortured bad boys. So, tighten the seatbelts, dear reader, as we dive into the conspiracy that is the publishing industry, where the lines between what you want and what you’re given…

25 Sep

Graphic Novels: Serious Literature or Just Entertainment?

Neelakshi SinghArticlesGraphic Novels

If you think graphic novels are just fancy picture books, brace yourself — we’re about to see why they deserve a heck of a lot more respect. Let’s be real, the whole "comics aren’t cool" vibe is kind of a relic, right? Like, are we still stuck in the 1950s when comic book fans were nerds hiding their Batman stash under their beds? (Pffft, give me a break.) And I know some people out there still think graphic novels are nothing but superhero capes, pow-bam-boom action, and simplistic plots. Spoiler alert: you're wrong. Graphic novels have evolved into an art…

24 Sep

Revenge in Books: Catharsis or Harm?

Neelakshi SinghArticlesCatharsis or Harm

You know you probably shouldn’t be rooting for the hero to go full “scorched earth” on their enemies, but when they do... oh, does it feel good. The whole revenge plot is like that irresistible junk food: satisfying in the moment but leaving you wondering if you’ve just fed your darker instincts. From classics like The Count of Monte Cristo to modern hits like The Boys, revenge tales often have us cheering from the sidelines, wanting the villain to get their well-deserved comeuppance. But hold up! Just because it feels cathartic doesn’t mean it’s without consequences. The real question is:…

21 Sep

From Classics to Marvel: Can We Appreciate the Art Despite the Artist?

Neelakshi SinghArticlesFrom Classics to Marvel

Let's say, You’re halfway through a novel, completely gone, when suddenly you come across a headline announcing that the author has been caught in a major controversy. You pause, book in hand, and think: "Can I still enjoy this book knowing what I know now?" It’s a modern dilemma, isn’t it? Literature and controversy seem to walk hand in hand these days, and with every new revelation, we’re asked to re-evaluate how we engage with art. Now, if you’re someone who likes to dip in a little Stoicism—a philosophy centered around self-improvement, emotional control, and clear-headed thinking—you might already have…

18 Sep

Twisted Thursday: Your Thrillers Fix

Neelakshi SinghArticlesTwisted Thursday

If there's one thing I love more than a cozy night of reading, it’s a book that keeps me guessing until my brain feels like an active psych ward. You know the ones—those psychological thrillers that mess with your head, flip your expectations upside down, and leave you staring at the last page, wondering what just happened. These are the books that make you question everything, including your ability to tell on even the most obvious plot twists. Trust me, I’ve fallen for every single one of these—and absolutely loved every minute of it. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn:…

13 Sep

Typing in the Time of Outrage: Does Cancel Culture Hinder Creativity

Neelakshi SinghArticlesCulture Hinder Creativity

Ah, cancel culture. The modern audience haunting the dreams of writers everywhere. Once upon a time, an author's greatest concern was whether their book would make it onto the bestseller list or if a few grumpy critics would put them in the book review section. Now, however, there’s a new, infinitely more terrifying question keeping writers up at night: “Will I get canceled?” And if so, “Will I get canceled before or after I finish my next novel?” Cancel culture—this phenomenon where an individual is publicly shamed and ostracized for offensive or controversial opinions, behaviors, or works—seems to have set…

31 Aug

Is It Possible to Write a Truly Non-Cliché Romance Novel?

Neelakshi SinghArticles

Romance novels—beloved by some, mocked by others, and often the go-to comfort read for a rainy day. They’re packed with swoon-worthy moments, heart-fluttering confessions, and just the right amount of drama to keep you turning the pages. But here’s a question that haunts both readers and writers alike: Is it possible to write a romance novel that’s completely non-cliché? Can you craft a love story that side steps every predictable pitfall and still makes readers swoon? Well, let’s pour ourselves a glass of wine (or a cup of tea, if that’s your thing) and dive into this eternal conundrum. Fair…

28 Aug

The Challenge of Genre-Mixing: Crafting Stories That Stick

Neelakshi SinghArticlesCrafting Stories

Genre-mixing in fiction is like trying to cook a fusion dish: when done well, it can create something innovative and delightful. But when done poorly, it’s just a confusing mess that leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. There’s a reason why many readers and viewers tend to react badly to genre-mixing—it’s tricky to pull off effectively, and when it goes wrong, it often comes across as cheesy, low-brow, or simply not believable. However, when executed with care, genre-mixing can lead to some of the most memorable and impactful stories in fiction. One of the main reasons genre-mixing can feel…