Blog Archive

Monday, January 27, 2020

Drifting Into the Unknown

What I'm supposed to write about the past decade? The question haunted me long enough after I signed up for the event. Not being the kind to bare my soul, writing about me wasn't appealing. A story sounded great if only my brain could churn something before the deadline. Struggling with a half-written story is bad enough (got less than two days to hope for a miracle). Yikes! 

But I already joined the team, and no way I was going to step back after the event started. At least I had the sense to pick a day halfway through the event.




And... Here we go into the past...

2010 started with yet another canceled exam session (for the third time). It was the year we ended up giving exams for three semesters, organized a college fest, a farewell event for the seniors and a freshers event for the juniors, had an eye-opening experience in the corporate that lasted less than a week and worked on the HR project. Phew! 


The next year gave me an MBA degree and a broken leg. Spending a quarter of a year confined to bed with a cast on the leg was no fun. Ugh! 
The less we talk about 2012, the better. I read loads of books and idled, dabbling in writing, drawing, and did nothing productive. 

From 2013 to 2015, I found a sense of purpose by getting an MA in English Literature via distance mode. Loved studying on my own without attending any classes. The freedom! 
Yet again, the question of what next haunted me. Should I write? What should I write? Can I continue my long-forgotten blog (the same one you're reading now. I revamped it)? Should I do something else? Of course, I continued to read like a maniac and played Criminal Case on Facebook. That's an addictive game, I tell you. 

Let's fast forward again to mid-2016. A chance comment by a neighbor gave me an idea for a blog series. One day, I hope it'll become a book. 

2017 was when things began to come together (or so it seemed back then :/ ). Finding a Writer's group gave me the chance to step into the writing field with determination. The feedback I received on my writing ensured my feet were firmly on the ground. I had a looong way to go. NaNoWriMo was another experience that told me I could indeed complete a novel no matter how horrible the draft reads now. It was my first ever full-length novel! (I'm a short story person)


Grammarly came into my life that year-end and stated with me ever since. The best thing about free versions is that we've got to use our brains to figure out where the errors are and how to clear them. That's when I realized I don't like too many adverbs in the stories. Now, I'm hovering on the edge of becoming an editing freak. Agh! 

2018 and 2019 made me a part of quite a few anthologies. I even published two ebooks- Violets in Hand and The House of Justice on Amazon. Selling them is no small task. Sigh! My minor marketing degree isn't helping (or maybe I'm not putting enough effort)

I've made new friends, stayed in touch with some of the old ones, drifted away from others, and tried my best to keep away from negative people (not easy, as I find them in plenty). 

In between those 'What Should I Do With Life' moments...

Did I mention my cookery YouTube channel in between? Yeah, mom and I cooked, and I made videos and wrote recipes (here). It's pretty dormant now, but I love to cook and bake. Chocolate cake is always welcome (if I don't have to clean up afterward). 

Do you know learning Russian isn't easy? Spanish is interesting and has some words similar to Sanskrit and Telugu. 

Making bookmarks is so much fun! I've loved creating and gifting them to friends. DIYs are a great way to relax.



This year of 2020...

Having a paperback exclusively to my name is the biggest aim. Can I do it before the year ends? That is a question I'd rather answer with some action instead of words. 
After boring you enough with my story, I'd like to thank you for reading this (not so planned) long post. Before you leave, tell me about that one thing you've always wanted to do in 2020.

*****

“This post is a part of ‘DECADE Blog Hop’ #DecadeHop organised by #RRxMM Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul. The Event is sponsored by Glo and co-sponsored by Beyond The BoxWedding ClapThe Colaba Store and Sanity Daily in association with authors Piyusha Vir and Richa S Mukherjee”

121 comments:

  1. All the best for getting that paperback, hope all the varied experience that you have gathered might come in handy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Srivalli, you are one bundele of talent. So much in a Decade!! I have always loved your stories and I am sure your paperback will be a blockbuster too. Best Wishes :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Piya. Fingers crossed, you know. I get nervous thinking about it. Best wishes to you too. :)

      Delete
  3. What an exciting and interesting decade you have had Sri.You have got so many accomplishments under your belt. And we already know about your excellent writing and poetic skills. But I dint know that you are a Youtuber too..You are so multi talented my girl..Wishing you all the best and many you add more feathers in your cap in the next decade as well !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I dream of a lot many things to achieve in 2020. fIngers crossed . Hope at least one box is ticked by the year end ..hehe!!

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much, dearie. Not exactly an Youtuber. Just a few videos of cooking. *blush*
      I hope you can tick more than one box by the year-end. :D

      Delete
  4. A great journey Srivalli. I hope you will complete the book you have in mind. I will check out your youtube channel too. All the best for the new decade.

    As for your question: What do I want for 2020? Hmmm..... I want to write a series of short stories. Lets see.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Meena. If you like South Indian (Andhra) recipes, you might enjoy the YouTube channel.
      That's a great aim. Go for it. I'm a fan of short story collections. :D

      Delete
  5. I've read a couple of your stories on the Facebook Artoons page. But I didn't know that you have a YouTube channel. Will look that up too. Nice story. Good luck!

    Janaki(@beyond the familiar)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Janaki. ArtoonsInn is one of my favorite writing groups. Would love to see you there. :)
      It is a cookery channel. Hope you like the recipes.

      Delete
  6. You are undoubtedly a multi-talented girl Srivalli, having many feathers to your cap yet grounded, enjoyed your decade journey, found it inspirational, best wishes for coming decades.

    Archana

    ReplyDelete
  7. Interesting decade you have gone through!! All the best for your future endeavors!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Srivalli! Sad to know about the accident you met and spend many months on bed. I did the same and I know the pain of loneliness. I really wish you all the best for ur dream of paperback. It will come true very soon. Just keep working on it. Best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Swarnali. It was frustrating, especially because I used to yell at my parents. :(
      Luckily, we tided over that phase. :)

      Delete
  9. Indeed an eventful decade for you Srivalli with some major achievements. Kudos to you. Glad to have discovered your blog all thanks to the blog hop. Wishing you the very best for your paperback. Keep inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Ritu. :) Happy to have you here. Enjoy reading.

      Delete
  10. Wishing you all the best for your paperback. I'm sure with your experience it wouldn't be difficult Al all. About 2020.... I hope to continue writing storie.
    Wishing you success.
    Deepika

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Deepika. :)
      That's a great resolution.

      Delete
  11. A very eclectic canvas! Spanning cookery to writing to Russian! A really nuanced list of hobbies! Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Pallavi mam. I only tied to learn Russian and gave up. One day, I'll take it up again. :)

      Delete
  12. Wow, MBA with post grad in literature, such beautiful crafty bookmarks, you tube channel and a books to your credit you have come a long way. look forward to read your books as you seem to be amazing at writing. I wish you luck for your paperback this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Pragun! I just checked your potpourri cafe blog and bookmarked it. Going to try your recipes. :)

      Delete
  13. Hi Srivalli. You are interesting and you did have an interesting decade too. I would love to read some of your stories. Let me look around for you. With languages and a youtube channel already under your belt, I'm sure the paperback isn't far away. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sonia Dogra. I've heard about you from my friends. Feels great to read these words from you. You can find a good number of my stories on artoonsinn.com. :D

      Delete
  14. Hope you get to publish your paperback! I hope to catch more videos on your youtube channel. Once you are published I would love to read your book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Shail Thosani! :D Would love that!

      Delete
  15. Srivalli.. u r an amazing writer. From MBA to MA to blogging to novel..u truly deserve every bit of it.. But cooking? I never saw that facet of yours.. u seems to have a knack for art. The bookmarks are beautiful.. N did u say criminal games? I am also guilty of indulging in it bigtime. (Sneaking under the bed now..)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Supriti! :D
      I get bored with routine food so mom told me to try and cook something I'd like. Slowly, I realized it was fun to cook (even if I messed up some dishes on the way).
      Goody! It was a favorite game of mine. :D

      Delete
  16. This is a sweet and simple post. All the best for your upcoming paperback and congratulations for 2 ebooks. You are able to manage lots of things simultaneously which is great. The cooking channel also takes a lot of efforts and time. Kudos for your multitasking efforts. Bookmarks are so beautiful. You are a creative soul!

    Deepika Mishra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Deepika! Though I'd like to take credit, my mom helped me a lot with the cookery channel. She planned recipes and cooked while I took videos and edited them. :D

      Delete
  17. Hey we both are sailing in the same boat where the book is concerned. Wil I wont I is the issue..here is to both us getting published this year. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Srivalli, you've got loads of talent and more than that you have focus, discipline and consistency. Those are by far the traits one has to have if one wishes to make a mark. All the best for your future.
    I was hoping to peek into your life which you have masterfully avoided 😉
    PS: your first heading reminded me of the song 'into the unknown' that I keep hearing in the loop, thanks to you know who

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, di! <3
      Haha... :P Never been comfy with that.

      Delete
  19. For someone who couldn't think what to write in the beginning, this post ended up having so many interesting things finally! You are one "Jane of all trades!" Am amazed by your energy and enthusiasm. Keep doing all the things that give you happiness. Best wishes for that paperback!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha... Thank you, Radhika! It was quite a surprise that I wrote as much.
      I do actually call myself Jill of all Trades, at times.
      Thank you for your warm wishes. :D

      Delete
  20. In awe with your accomplishments.I'm glad how the blog hop is taking me to treasured gems. Going to check your wide varieties of work. Best wishes for paperback.

    ~Pragnya (www.lifewithmypenguin.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Pragnya! I echo your sentiments. I'm getting to know some wonderful people through this event. :D

      Delete
  21. Srivalli! My god this fragile looking you has gone through so much. Your description of the free version of Grammarly is spot on. And I really do hope that your paperback is out before this year ends. the ebooks are sure on my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, girl! Would love your reviews. :D
      Haha, Grammarly is a boon.

      P.S: Thank you for the 'fragile looking' term. I'm grinning from ear to ear. ;)

      Delete
  22. So many accomplishments!!! You had a very eventful decade..Loved reading about your growth..Will definitely read your stories.. And all the best for your paperback...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Comment came as unknown..It is from Pashmeena..

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm sure you would be successful with you paperback coming out this year! Loved reading about what led to revamping your blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Where there's will, there's way. Will wait for your paperback.and promise will review it too. Ruchi https://thevagabond.me

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hey Srivalli! All the best for the paperback. I am sure it is in the making. I have too many plans for 2020. That's the problem, all the plans compete for the limited time and energy available. A poetry chapbook, maybe?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Namratha! Thank you so much! I so get your point. A poetry chapbook would be great. There are some international sites that accept chapbooks. Worth checking out, I'm sure. Good luck with it. :D

      Delete
  27. I also love how you have so many different interests and paths.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Foot cast et al? I have seen that and done that...and that is a tough experience...good that you sailed through it and got your degree...all the best for your new book... warm wishes for an awesome decade! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, it was horrible. :(
      Thank you so much, Jayanthi! Best wishes to you too. :D

      Delete
  29. Wow!!You are one talented person!! You have achieved a lot and I wish you all the best for your book. Wishing you a great decade ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I should head to the YouTube channel for the chocolate cake recipe. You have accomplished plenty in last decade and one thing I liked the best is completing post graduation on your own pace.Maybe I should take inspiration from you and complete one more degree this decade. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Dishki. Love your name! Yes, go get that degree. :D
      Erm... I'm not sure if the channel has the recipe. It might be on the blog or on FB. (I know, I lost track).

      Delete
  31. That's been one eventful decade, hasn't it?!! I have seen your name pop up on my feed, via mutual friends, but I'm glad I got a chance to read your work.
    Writing a novel, even a bad one, is no mean feat. I'm a short story/flash fiction writer too, and I know the struggle! So kudos on getting that done and I'm excited to read your paperback this year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Firstly, congratulations for winning the Orange Flower award. :)
      Yeah, this decade has been life-changing in many ways.
      Thank you so much! Would love your review.
      Haha, yup. It's quite tough to stay interested long enough to write as many words. ;)

      Delete
    2. Aww thank you! I would be honored to review your book when it comes out <3

      Delete
  32. Hope to see your paperback soon! Best of luck! And restart that cookery channel once again - if you love it, do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sonam! Yes, I have to start working on it again. At least, I've been cooking once in a while. :D

      Delete
  33. This is such an amazing journey and I could con relate with so many points..I had also similar kind of struggle during my writing journey and grammerly helped me a lot..I am glad with this blog hop, you had started again..wishing you all the best for next decade.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Surbhi! Grammarly helps a lot. :D
      Wish you the best for this decade and the rest.

      Delete
  34. This year you will definitely have paperback published with your name on it. See the post you started with no plans came up so well. Wish you loads of luck in 2020

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, so many talents in a single person. Would love to read your book. Also yeah, will visit your youtube chanel too. This is my first time on your blog and found your journey interesting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Suhavijay!
      Hope you like the recipes shared there. :)

      Delete
  36. Novemberschild (Romila)January 28, 2020 at 2:22 PM

    we have the same dream - paperback and I am sure you are working hard to make it a reality. You are so multi talented. Amazed and all your plans should be successful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Romila!
      Let's make the dream come true. Best wishes for the paperback. :D

      Delete
  37. I have read your work on Facebook and I admire your skills. The last decade has been so eventful for you with so many feathers in your cap. All the very best for your paperback - vartika

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hope to see you with your paper back and going to look for your yt cookery channel. Good luck 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sivaranjini :D
      Love your name.

      Delete
  39. What a roller coaster ride your journey has been! Your story teaches us to be consistent. I am happy for your achievement which are numerous even for a decade! Wish you many more! More power to your pen. Regards. Rohit Verma

    ReplyDelete
  40. Bookmarks are cute . And I hope chocolate cake turns out yummy every time . Good to know your achievements in studies and publishing your ebooks . Best wishes for paperback ! In 2020 I want to start planning for my paperback .wish me luck

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Monika!
      That's great. All the very best for the paperback! Rock it. :D

      Delete
  41. Like you stayed away from negative people and made progress, being positive has its own benefits. I loved your writing as much as i loved this post. I hope to read more from you in the future.
    -- Rightpurchasing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Would love your feedback on my posts and stories. Good luck :)

      Delete
  42. Manisha - I hope and wish you have a paperback in your name as you wish. I hope you fulfill many more milestones in decade. All the Best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Manisha.
      Best wishes to you too. :D

      Delete
  43. All the best on your writing journey ahead--I love chocolate cake as well, both baking it and eating it :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. All the best for the paperback I know how it feels to see your name on a book. You are a talented soul and lived your DIY bookmarks. Keep writing and do whatever your heart aspires for.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Srivalli, thank you for this decade story. I am happy to know and it's this 2019 that gave me a new friend. I always love reading your quills

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, darling girl. I'm happy to have met you last year. <3

      Delete
  46. Nice writing. MA in English through distance learning has been on mind for quite some time. Please tell me from which university did you complete your course. Also tell me how was your experience

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I did it from Osmania Uni. You can check their OUPGRRCDE website. The experience was great. It's more rewarding (not in terms of marks). :)
      Go for it. You'll earn more than just a degree.

      Delete
  47. I’m hoping to have a paperback out in 2020 too! Here’s to both of us achieving our dreams! Good luck.
    Noor Anand Chawla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Noor! Good luck to you too. May our dreams come true this year. :)

      Delete
  48. Waiting to see your paperback soon, felt bad that you met with an accident. Best wishes with this decade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Priyal! It was a while ago, but the scar stays.

      Delete
  49. I would say the past decade has been one of a lot of accomplishments (minus the broken leg, of course!) All the best for publishing that paperback and hope it is a huge success, Srivalli!
    Mayuri/Sirimiri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mayuri. In a way, it has been life-changing in many ways. :)

      Delete
  50. Such a happening decade. Paving new paths, reaching new heights, achieving goals, having many accomplishments...life may have thrown obstacles on your path.. but you have come out from all of them as a warrior. Kudos to you.

    #readbypreetispanorama

    ReplyDelete
  51. Lovely post, also like the background of the blog. Your journey has been fruitful, please wake up the dormant culinary show and continue writing about what you do. It's amazing to read through with different things happening and you staying on top of it just doing your bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Srishti. :)
      I really have to wake it up (procrastination, maybe).
      I try.

      Delete
  52. Everything had it's it's and time and I'm glad that even if by chance you got into blogging. You have so many feathers in your cap. Cooking, baking, writing, you do it all! Hope to see you writing and publishing more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Varsh. :)
      I tend get into too many things at times. :D

      Delete
  53. Enjoyed reading your journey, you already have so many feathers in your cap and you know Russian & Spanish, WOW! All the best for your upcoming book. Also, those bookmarks are too cute :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Neha! Actually, I don't know Russian and Spanish. I tried to learn and gave up for now. One day, I will learn them. :)
      Thank you, again. I love them.

      Delete
  54. Such a achiever you are. Writing, cooking, crafting so much you do. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Shipra! I try to manage them all with little success. :)

      Delete
  55. Tharmts like a pretty decent decade you had. I hope 2020 has a lot more things in store for you. Wish you all the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Maya. It sure was, now that I look back. :)

      Delete
  56. What a lovely journey. And the bookmarks look adorable. I've heard a lot about our cooking talent as well as your poetic one, to which I'm. No stranger. I'm sure a book will definitely will be in the offering by the end of the year. Kudos and keep writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Zenobia. :)
      Best wishes to you too.

      Delete
  57. All the best for the paperback. Keep writing and delighting.

    ReplyDelete
  58. That's a decade full of achievements. Am sure you'll continue to achieve success in everything you do, including a bestseller :) So happy you joined the blog hop and shared your journey with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Rashi. I'm glad to have been a part of Blog hop. :)

      Delete