2023: Writing Goals
I had a great year in 2022. I will write about that later. Before I wrap up my writing for this year, here are my writing goals for 2023.
Goal # 1: My two novel manuscripts gather speed.
a) My Rainbow Bridge:
What is a rainbow bridge? The mythical bridge that connects life — as in this physical body and the other side ( whatever that is). I am going to tell you what is on the other side. How? You have to buy a copy.
Wait, it is more than that.
My Rainbow Bridge is a story of my paternal ancestry laced with fiction; a perspective of how one sees life through the lens of death. The story also peeks into parts of my life. Is it semi-autobiographical? Yes. But I will disclaim all references about me and mine.
b) The Twine Shall Meet
I haven’t talked much about this. So let me let it be. Well, this won’t do justice. All I can say is that it is a story of lost love, interlaced with international crime, with some heavily packed conspiracy.
The story races between characters and these cities: Mumbai, Goa, Singapore, Guangdong, Dubai, and well, again, Mumbai.
I will talk about this more in 2023. I promise.
Goal # 2: Five books enter the editing/ publishing stage in 2023
a) A City Full of Stories (republished edition)
A City of Stories is my first work of fiction, so in a sense, my first love. I self-published this in January 2021 and it is almost two years since. These two years have seen me evolve as an author.
So when I read it, I felt that I could do a notch better. So, enter a new editor ( I shall name the person later.) Expect the book to be out in January itself.
b) River’s Heaven — Print Edition
I love the title ‘River’s Heaven’, a compilation of contemplative poetry that I call a journey of self-discovery and introspection. It is my second solo poetry venture. I had published this as an e-book, resigned to the fact that the book won’t sell.
It did not. My predictions stand true.
But I assure you the poems are fabulous. Well, that is what inspires me to go for the print edition. It does not matter, there are a few readers out there. Hope, my friend, is my friend.
c) Ponder 2022
Here is the best part of last year. What an incredible journey it was. My reviews got longer, and I won more hearts of poets this year.
The book contains multi-poem reviews, collaborative reviews, tributes to some great poets, and even a classical poetry review.
Ponder 2022 goes straight into the edits and will be self-published as is the tradition.
d) The Bachelor’s Wife and Other Stories: Tales Inspired by Ramayan
I had finished the manuscript. Then added two stories. I will write more about that in my writing journal for 2022. Now, to the point. I aim to take this book to a traditional or independent publisher.
The Bachelor’s Wife is the story of one of the most pivotal characters of Ramayan. The book delves in-depth into the minds and situations of characters, in a reflective and contemplative way. This is a labor of spiritual discovery and a milestone in my writing journey.
e) A City Full of Stories 2: Stories from the City of Joy
If there is a most definitive work of my evolution as an author of contemporary fiction, it is ACFOS 2. I wrote this book at a hospital, often in the back seat of my brother’s or my car, or near the bedside of my mother, as she commenced the last leg of her life.
The book has stories that reflect many aspects of the City of Joy, and with my first crime story, more so, with character crossovers from another author. It is a book like no other, and my proudest work to date. Let us see if we can get it out by 2023.
Goal #3: Finding a Literary / Marketing Partner
Those who follow my work on social media say — ‘Great poetry or stories.’ What do I miss? My books are in your hands. I need to reach you better. What I am doing is good enough.
I am in search of a literary agent/ partner AND a marketing partner. My published works span poetry, poetry reviews, short stories, and novels. I would love to work with somebody who loves my work and sees my point. Of course, I will work to improve all things on marketing, outreach, and showcasing. Let me know.
Goal 4: Existing collaborations continue
As a writer, I experience three journeys: a) Transcendence — an experience beyond the normal or physical level b) Transposition — positioning one character or event in another era c) Transformation — a change in character or plot.
To summarize, my evolution as an author has many protagonists, and I call them my collaborators. They are the pillars of my literary journey. Our work together is a cocktail of chemistry and creativity, and a labor of love.
Shweta Hitesh Joshi: Many works of mine are inspired by thoughts and snippets of advice from Shwetahitesh, a friend, philosopher, and guide for my literary journey. She took interest in my work right from my first poetry collection, and then actively partnered in my first fiction work, A City Full of Stories. We collaborated as co-poets in our work ‘A Verses of Universe’, a poetry collection. ‘Bachelors’s Wife’ is on her desk now.
Thaila Satheesh: More my elder sister and guru of sorts, than my cousin, she is my go-to person for editing for language and grammar. She is my linguistic editor and advisor and has collaborated with me on my fiction and poetry works.
Priya Patel: I discovered one of her poetry gems on LinkedIn, and from there, she has become my close friend, confidante, and guide. We have collaborated on poetry compositions and reviews. We go word for word, toe to toe, as if in a poetry ballad. She is a kind soul and melancholic romance is her strong repertoire. More to come.
Sarah Polyakov: Sarah is my self-prophecy come true. I always wanted to compose ekphrasis poetry ( poetry inspired by art). A few of my poems are part of the Verses of the Universe collection. My work with Sarah explores contemporary romance and feminism, Greek mythology, and Celtic history. She has promised to collaborate further and we aim to produce an anthology in the future.
Goal 5: Poetry Reviews continue
Last, but not least. Poetry Reviews are a year-long love affair. Just that the calendar flips. I don’t know what is in store for us in 2023. But I am sure that we will make friends with some new, great poets and review some great poetry. Our experiments will continue.
So, my dear friends, 2023 for me, the poet and author looks exciting. The goals are challenging but then what is the fun if they are not?
HAPPY 2023! Read more of me.
~Ashok Subramanian
Chennai, India — December 27, 2022
