I enjoy gatherings over books. Book readings with authors can be exciting. At times a well-read extract can kindle excitement about the book, help to dally a few arguments with the writer, and a conglomeration that gathers around a good book can make for engaging conversation and lively debates.
It’s been many years since I attended book readings. It’s a Saturday evening and a fuschia coloured invite twinkles on my table. It’s yet another book reading invitation. I usually admire the elegant looking ones, the funky ones and the fancy or sober ones, run my fingers over them longingly, sniff them, because I like the whiff of fresh paper, before I toss them mercilessly into the bin with a quiet sigh. The haloed company of Indi authors is no longer mine I say.
In current times writing that was held to be the privileged activity of a select few has turned egalitarian. It is a huge activity now, thanks to blogging. We are all writers, we all have opinions, we are all stories waiting to be told, we are all making virtual diaries of our lives for posterity, our words shall outlive us, we become larger than our words as we blog, develop identities, personalities, fame, notoriety, and attitude. We become as we blog. We also die as our blogs fold up. We are blogged out as our ideas become outdated and turn no longer inspiring or interesting or are overrun by new bloggers, newer ideas and fresher perspectives.
If I were to be honest, I’d admit that I remain vague about this blog of mine. I’ve never held a hobby down before. If this blog qualifies as a hobby it’s a milestone that I’ve been consistent this long. I’m ambivalent about its identity, my attachment remains unreliable, my curiosity dampened by sloth. A hazy pitch for gossip and that my ability to write has not rusted keeps me going. I shall not mourn its death because I’d at the most remain wistful that I have let go of some form of writing that I enjoy and have managed to kill the addiction of enjoying the company of some interesting minds. As creepy and stupid as it sounds, on odd days, I feel a bit lonely without the identity of my job.
“Blogs make for great books”, says M, who has a background in the book publishing business. She’s on the phone, egging me to join her and pick the fuschia invite and come along to a bookstore where a book reading will be on in the evening. It’s a book that has its birthing from a blog. “Very popular, more than eight lakh visitors”, she raves. It’s a formula that the young and restless would surely enjoy. A chick blog, a bitch blog call it what you will. The author is 20ish, sassy, “smokes post-coital cigarettes”, a metro chick who has boyfriend issues, mambo questions, is loopy and has loads of attitude and the boyz love to play troll in her blog and the nice blokes find her dangerous profile intriguing and well, she gets her hits and fans and right now a book launch.
She arrives fashionably late as a motley crowd gathers sipping ginger and mint drinks. The reading is in a mall. It’s Saturday, the sale announcements are blaring over the sound systems and someone is playing Parineeta songs on a Baldwin type piano at the foyer while the mikes are all screwed up and screeching. She is in a low necked top, white heels and grubby jeans. Her coloured hair is artfully crinkled and she fusses with its ends with her fingers and chews her lips and giggles, “The blog is not my book” and she just needed to give voice to PSUs: “young, metro minded, single and carefree”. So she hails a wisp of a girl who reads a bit here and a bit there from the book that left the small gathering deaf with straining to catch the words over the shopping cacophony. Mercifully the announcement as part of the promotion saying, “Twenty per cent discount on the book if you buy it this evening and she will autograph it for you”, added some action and those interested went to buy copies.
I snuck out quietly.
M says, “This is the first Indian blog to turn into a book”.
“So?” I ask sharply.
“And she’s just 25!” marvels M.
I groan, “How lucky can people get?”
M is giggling quietly.
“What? What?What?” I ask.
“Sour grapes Maami!” she roars.
Yay.. first comment. Now let me go read it and then I’ll put my actual comment.
Oh.. nice one..
I don’t think it’s sour grapes. Your book (if and when it is released) deserves a whole lot more publicity than a blog which seems to be attracting visitors perhaps for reasons not as good as yours.
So when are you releasing your book? I shall be interested in finally attending a book reading (never done that before).
(I don’t think there’s a writer in me. Even if there were I’d surely kill her with my laziness)
Ah, I take it you attended The Compulsive Confessor’s book reading?
(Yup)
Maami, I haven’t read that blog (just visited it from what ggop said). I am just wondering If you judged so, after reading that blog or is it just a feeling that blogs are not worthy of becoming books? In any case, bloggers like us like to blog to express and have fun. We don’t start off trying to make it the best blog, turning it into a book and sitting piles of cash, hardly.
(This is just my sweeping judgment ya! For material hungry publishers blogs are a fantastic way to identify writers. Bloggers write for a variety of reasons known best to themselves and who am I to question that)
I won’t be too judgmental about these things because I don’t follow that blog and I don’t think I’ll read the book either in the near future(if that’s the one). I did hear about it from various sources but didn’t give it any thought.
So this post makes me say just one thing- that I hope your ability to write never rusts. And hope you keep coming back to this for that identity of your job.
(You are a darling pa. I shall fedex vella cheedai for Srikrishna Jayanthi today )
enna maami…idukellam poi upset aalamo?
unga vazhhi thani vazhi…yezhudhungo!
(Nanba, I’m singing, “Chi chi inda pazham pulikkum”)
I’m pretty sure I know who you’re talking about and I too have been less than impressed by the blog of that girl with the Gulti name. I must admit here that I’ve read less than 10 of her posts and so, my sample size may not be statistically significant to judge a blog with hundreds of posts. But still, based on what I’ve read, I strongly believe that her popularity is primarily based on her first-mover advantage in the realm being a young, hip and sexually active chick with a penchant for confessing. (and really, which (single or not) man wouldn’t wanna know what single women truly, honestly think about sex, love, relationships, etc.) Like all late entrants in to the world of blog-reading, I’ve read edgier and wilder blogs than hers, like that of her younger and way wilder clone from the city-state to the East (and who’s unfortunately quit blogging), and may be because of that, hers is just like a technicolor movie to me.
Having said that, I would still give her kudos for having written openly (albeit anonymously) about that stuff (and that too, starting 4 years ago) in a country where 8/10 people would call a girl a whore for having done 1/10th of what she has done.
(You know what my problem is? I’m not 20 anymore. I find myself judging from the weathered, beat perspective of my age group. Or perhaps I no longer move in a mixed circle that I would have if I held a job to be more engaged with the young. I realise that it’s wrong. Wonder what would I write if I were 20 today?Books have become commodities a long time ago. You have self- help, chicken soul stuff, books for effect, fluff and more. So it’s a bit like me wrinkling my nose at a new brand of spiffy perfume that I don’t care for because I’m not attracted to its scent.The book will be a benchmark for all reasons you mention. Hopefully we’ll get better books out of blogs in the future though.)
Flakey at best, shallow at worst but quick on buying fame. That’s what it’s all about these days Maami.
(Hmm whatever! Good on her!)
Ok first person with some exp! I am guilty as charged!
I have read eM’s blog for over a year and I’m in a better position to comment. The girl used to write her mind and care two hoots bout her rather-objectional lifestyle! Like every guy you said, I’m no diff. But then this desi carrie bradshaw was gettin a bit too predictable!
Then the book deal, and that blew the cover on her anonymity. There werent so many visitors before, but the publicity shit and the NDTV exposure anol ke bad i lost interest!
I liker her for what she is and her attitude, but then as a writer one must not get predictable!(shez hot though!)
I cant read books for I’m literaryilly challenged, but once in a month I dont mind chckin wat shez written! Ok you can call me a dog now!
(Babu, as I said I’m feeling outdated. It’s my problem that I go ‘hrrrmmm’ like Marge Simpson over her success. Vella aval payasam saapadaraiya kanna?)
Maami,
You really should take a shot at it. I don’t mean smoking post-coital cigarettes, which anyways is not a bad thing in certain circumstances, but actually making coffee and sitting on your desk ( I hope you have one for yourself) and bangin’ away on the first or next book.
I would buy you, your book, I mean!
(Issh Ramboda:Apnee etho misti keno?)
I don’t read much books except the academic ones and those lousy magazines. :sheepish grin: But if i ever read a book or go for a book reading, it will be yours. You rock Maami! Period.
(Thank you ma, but I hope it doesn’t look like I’m fishing ‘coz I am not
)
Actually, I saw that blog sometime back but decided not to put it on my reader. But I am intrigued at the popularity. Maybe ‘we’ are from a slightly older generation?
Destination Infinity
(My destination is superannuation, so I guess you are right there
Looks like I’m a tad bit late. I just visited the blog you’ve discussed. Looks like the girl’s life is an open-book. Honest, cut-throat-or-spit-in-mouth style. Some posts are outright nasty. Although not worthy of being made into a book, she still caught the publishers’ attention. For better of for worse, she shot to fame and now she’s basking in that glory. That shows what people are dying to read these days. Her racy scandalous life is what makes for today’s ‘literature’. How condescending! It’s not her fault, she only vented in her blog. And I also admit I read a few posts out of sheer curiosity (I know, how cheap!).:D
But maami, the style and proficiency with which you write is a class apart. There is no comparison. Remember, I asked you to offer an online course in creative writing? If you ever contemplate on it maami, I’ll be your first student. You have my word! Your writing skills will never rust. The sun will burn out before that happens. If laziness gets the better of you, then we’ll wait till you wield the keyboard again. Never stop writing maami!
Sthitapragnya
(The blog probably works for her young readers but the book drips and the book reading was such a washout. And you, such kindness? Aww bangaru babu meeru!)
@ Idling: ‘Gulti’ name aa? hhhaaavvvvaaa! giuvw resfutt, i say! How much daring you call us ‘Gulti’. Naansense! There are Telugu people reading this blog too. I hurrtedd, u know!
@ maami: Sorry maami, couldn’t stand being called ‘Gulti’!
(It can’t get worse than the label of a Madrasi maami
As maxdavinci said I like her for her attitude and have just read her blog a couple of times ages ago. Last week’s B’lore times said she reveals her “dark secrets” in her book, I wonder what else isleft to reveal…or may b there is…
Selling is the key today and most often such books are read by people who don’t read I suppose.
I pray u kill the lazyness instead and come out with a lovely book and send me an invitation for the book reading which would be treasured too.
always ur faithful visiri
(What have I done to receive such affection? Thanks
@ sthitapragnya: tension odhayya, u just reminded me of someone who slapped a junior in college when he called him “Gulti”
Acho, no way! I haven’t read that blog in question, and i don’t care to either. I was just proclaiming my fondness for your writing, avlo dhaan.
(A darling girl you are!)
Maami, sorry this comment has only a tenuous connection to your blog, but its your fault that I became curious and read that blog. I am appalled at the depravity and decadence involved. I am also in my 20s (albeit late 20s) and left India a mere 5 years ago….Have times changed this much? Was I from some parallel zone in Chennai? I cannot imagine what kind of people would buy this book. I am in no way an intellectual snob or some sorry loser who has a closeted life, but I truly find such a life (and a book about it) repugnant. I may be missing the point of your blog, but here’s something. I would wait gladly wait in line to buy a book written by you. Something with wit and substance, I’m sure it will be, and enjoyable too. Not just something meant for voyeurs and people trying to live other people’s ‘racy’ lives.
(I forgot to mention, on Friday evening the publishers threw a party at a discotheque in the capital to promote the book among the swinging young folks. Listen if I ever write a book my book reading will probably be at Ambika Appalam Depot, Mylapore!)
wow maami! did u really intend for us to know the name of the blog? hmm, if the said author got wind of this, and if she is indeed as streetish as you paint her, it would be a really interesting situation for us readers.
i myself don’t approve of this coffee, cigarette, alcohol business. if i had to do a similar header as the said author, it would include coffee, redbulls, birds nests, cigars, cigarettes, beedis, toddy, beeru, other alcohol, a whole lot of i don’t know what, all kinds of creeping, crawling, swimming, walking, flying creatures etc.. eppome oru variety-aa try pannungappa.
(I don’t think she’ll be graceless during her hour of fame.She is riding on a crest of success and a small parts blogger dissing her book is not worth her fight.)
Ambika applam depot, here I come. There’s the added advantage of nenthranga chips and paruppu podi. Woo hoo.
(Paruppu podi, nenthranga varuval, kadarangai oorgai…Hullo, will anyone listen? I’m reading away at the corner and you guyz are busy ordering, ‘oru 100 gm naarthangai voi’)
I read that blog a long time ago, when it was written up somewhere that her identity was leaked…and didn’t think it was any great shakes. It was actually a little boring. A little too predictable and trying too hard to be Carrie-like (SatC). With out the intelligence. Would love to go to your book reading…!
(There’s a huge readership for saucy writing, wicked punches, perky girl going places story. It’s good fun. There was such enthusiasm when Kavya Vishwanathan’s book came out and then it ended in infamy. I just wish this book-with all its attitude, pluck and single saucy chick in place- had been made into a good smart alec read. Bridget Jones was such a hit, the characters were well etched and the wit sparkled and had the reader and audience rooting for the single plump London ladette.)
Maami, I’ll gladly wait in line for your book at Ambika Appalam Depot, 20% discount or not.
(Awww, thanks. Wish I could write though. I just go about faffing!)
sthitapragnya: That shows what people are dying to read these days.
I disagree. I think it just shows what publishers THINK that people are dying to read these days. The success of eM’s book has nothing to do with the reading habits of Indians. We will see a few more books from bloggers, I am sure. And a few of these bloggers will succeed and that success will not depend on their blogs, even if the door opened because of their blogs.
I don’t know what eM’s book’s about, but her blog’s is (or at least was) rather refereshing. I am not much of a writer myself, so I wouldn’t be able to judge her writing, but in the middle of all the “random thoughts” or “random ramblings” or just plain “ramblings”, her compulsive confessions were like dark clouds on a hot Madras afternoon, a pleasant change. You have to give it to her for using the first movers advantage.
As for the book deal, if the material is uneven, the publishing house is as much as responsible. Let’s not knock her blogging for blog for that.
Maami: You will sign your books at at one of the three T.Nagar Ambika Appalams too? As someone else mentioned, the paruppu podi is worth dying for and deserves a popularity bump. Speaking of which, my stock’s running low and i need to call Chennai for replenishment!
(P.S: You don’t write for a living? Come on. You are kidding, aren’t you?)
(No longer ba.I chase my days listless and bored)
I object to the venue- make it Grand Sweets- customers cleared for the morning (so the lady doesn’t announce token.. 9..6..7)- us seated on jamakalams on the floor- your reading punctuated with karaks muraks from thattai-eating..
Pasikardhu maami..
(Pasikaradadi kannu? What mummum you are wanting?)
Ambika sounds good.
Menu : Vella cheedai, thattai & kaapi.
Maami will sign copies of her book and also launch the new “Yechumi Patti” brand of Poppadums.
One complimentary packet of Poppadums along with each book.
10 % Discount on all purchases from Ambika – Paruppu & other podies ( except mooku podi, as per Ambika’s business policy ).
Ok Va ?
(Mooku podi? Guhahaha!)
I’ve read that girl’s blog too! Its like reading a Chick-lit novel, sometimes you even wonder if she’s for real. But I think there are more eMs out there and its just that she’s the only one who writes all of it down for the rest of the world. I think she’s a very, very brave girl, like Mr.Idling said, to be honest about everything in a country where “virgin” remarks can evoke mass protests.
But coming to the writing style, its a lot like Sophie Kinsella’s. Which is o-kay. Amusing at the start but predictable after a while.
Maami, vidungo. Andha book-a padikaravaaloda unga blog-a padikarava dhaan jaasthi.
(One brave girl= one brazen book?)
Oh her!??! I have read her blog once or twice in my blog-hopping sessions.
Ya, very ‘SATC’ or one of those other chick – lit inspired Hollywood movies types. So, is she actually someone who is lonely, lost and all that?
(A waiter rant blog that has turned into a huge book success in America. I read it a while ago-poignant, funny, nasty, lonely, humane, so very real. Wish I could get a copy of that book here)
I guess i am more old and out-of-date than I realize, as I have no clue which blog that is. Bummer
! But then maybe you are saying – it maybe a good thing?
Arun
(I was interested in observing how a blog personality reflects in a book format. The reviews so far have been dismissive. And pliss don’t talk about out datedness in my presence, I’m withering you know
I want vella cheedai too!
(One plate coming up sir)
Will you be surprised if I say that I am a fan both blogs
– Yours and eM’s?
Today as a part of my usual weekday morning ritual of checking blogs – I read her blog first ( not always though … but now a days I want to read abt her book readings and really miss the Indian newspapers now) and come to your blog expecting you would have a new write up
and what do I see – you have written about her …
And was I surprised!!!
I like her coz I like SATC and Bridget jones and
also I am a Malayali & she is a half malayali (her dad is one of the serious kind authors in Malayalam. In fact his book about the Sikh riots in Delhi has been made in to Hindi movie too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._S._Madhavan
I wonder what he thinks about his daughters writing…)
Her writing style might not be A class, but then she is open and she does represent, though a very small, percentage of today’s young generation in India.
You will find 100’s of eM copy-cats in lifestyle and thoughts in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and I presume in Chennai too (after I talk to some of my frnds in Chennai these days)
Be it movies of food, it is always interesting when we have variety.
For example – You would love the story and direction of a Adoor/Satyajit ray movie at the same time you will laugh at Arshad warshi’s jokes and have fun watching Govinda dance.
The same with blogs or books – People like you provide fodder for the brain and people like eM entertain the hearts/minds.
Reading both kinds of blogs brings a balance to my reading and thinking
(I’m not conversant with her blog so I can’t speak of that. As a book I wish it represented the young Indian chick better coming as it did with so much hoopla)
Its ok..Better luck wid the next Book reading maami..
Btw..puun patta nenjathei..Amitav ghosh oda,”Sea of Poppies” padichu tettikongo ..
Given ur liking for cheedai…I was expecting some post on Cheedai..uppu or vellam..on K(r)issna’s Bday..Ok ..
(Karukmurkukkk, I’m good at eating- “Meedum Kokila” types only!)
i just hope someday this writing thing makes me some money!! i dont mind skipping the fame!! :p
but seriously i have been so off chicklit ‘coz they just dont seem to have a repeat value!!
and lot of Indian authors doing well these days are writing these so called “identifiable” charachters that make readers out of people who hardly even read paper everyday!!
chetan bhagat is a classic exampl! he writes crap, but someone who has never read feels damn proud of having actually read a “novel”! :p
yet, nothing succeeds like success!! so way to go!
and since you said you arent fishing, i wont tell ya, i would buy your book gladly!
cheers!
(Absolutely, give me the money honey)
I do read her blog on and off but her planet and mine are so far apart that I don’t lend it much thought. However, she did a great piece on blog trolls that had me in splits: http://thecompulsiveconfessor.blogspot.com/2007/12/open-letter-to-my-not-so-nice-anon.html
Sukra dasai for her. What say, maami?
(Naan Tiruvonam! Shani thaan!
I’m surprised that the culture vultures haven’t banned the book already. And this blog for writing about it!
But seriously, when is your book coming out?
(Seriously I ain’t writing nothing man
Maami – read this
http://thebratthebeanandbedlam.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/i-was-there/
(I recall the lady asking about the ‘outrageousness’ bit on the book
Ya, I am familiar with that blog – tried reading it a few times but could not relate. Seemed like she was playing to the gallery rather than straight from the heart kind of stuff I enjoy. In any case that is a world I dont know and am quite glad I don’t belong to. Me too in the same boat as you:’wrinkling my nose at a new brand of spiffy perfume that I don’t care for because I’m not attracted to its scent.’
With your stories it is a different story. It is all like listening to a friend about familiar places and people. And your narrative style and command over language are amazing. A book from you would be like going to a friend for company. when maami, when? you owe it to so many of us. lazy, beezy ellam othukka maten. I would be too happy to supply you with vella seedai, uppu seedai and hoot kaaapi when you write. I will even massage your hand tired after writing. So please don’t close the idea.
(Aww Usha! Much thanks and love you for the warm offer-uppu cheedai here I come!
P.S. The master of my house says, the ‘young intelligent journalist to watch out for is Sid Vaidyanathan’. Know him?)
So offer accepted!! HUGS!!! I have soaked rice to make the flour for uppu cheedai.
The young intelligent journalist’s name sounds vaguely familiar. ( blush!) Thank you. he is just packing his bags for a one year M.S at Northwestern. Will pass on the masters words of encouragement.
(Best wishes for the groom and his bride)
Sorry for commenting so late… I haven’t read her blog, but saw an article about the launch in one of the sunday papers.
Yes, she has oodles of attitude and all that, but why did she have to pose in front of a window with her under-garments hanging just outside?! Is she trying to tell us something or it just happened to be there?!!
I shall read her blog and comment more
In the meanwhile, you better come out with a book of all your posts! It has so much more substance and style…
(I ‘m off to hang my voluminious madisar on the clothesline to dry!)
oh hey maami – someone told me you wrote abt eM too! You were there too? I wish I had known!
(Sssh, I slinked in and out
oh well at least now I know you live in Delhi – now I shall try and catch you some other time
(Someday perhaps when I visit Delhi again)
Maami…
I have to confess I have you and the other writer on my favorites list.. its like switching between sudha raghunathan concert and sex & city episode on tv.. you both are experts in your field.. and I will definitely be buy your book if you decide to publish
( I think the Indian metro chick has more layers to her that has not been revealed by the main character in the book)
Warning: * Long ramble
*
Maami,
LTRFTC (Long time reader first time commenter – I’ve been trying to popularize this acronym for far too long with far too little success).
First things first, I must compulsively confess a love for what you do with words and syntax and also to reading eM’s blog much longer than yours (such is the way with populism). I derive a different level of satiety from each, sort of the difference between eating kaara sev and kaarakozhambu w. rice or between listening to Raaja and Radiohead. While I love Polla Vinayen, I still need Paranoid Android.
When I initially started blog hopping (or stumbling – baby steps n all that) about 4 years ago and came across her blog, it was validating in some ways. Growing up in Madras in the 90’s, I knew that there were other parts of the country (Bbay/Delhi) and other social strata’s that did not need to comply with the silently pervasive cultural constructs of my milieu- through cousins in Bombay or friends of friends from Delhi – but never got a first hand taste. Em’s blog was the confirmation I was looking for and a perspective I wanted to “get”. Of course, the gratuitous insight into an existent sex-life didn’t hurt. She can hardly be called a literary giant though – understandable when Candace Bushnell is the apex of the trajectory you are on.
Over the course of some self-discovery, I’ve discovered I preferred Kaara kozhambu w. rice, Raaja and Polla vinayen but I understand why the Kaara Sev exists – hec I even reach out for the odd munch between meals.
* End Long ramble *
(Welcome. Er, whaffi dhhhgg zu shey? I’m munching kara sevai.
Maami,
This is my first comment here.( hello:))
Chetan Bhagat who people tell me is one of the most successful Indian author in terms of sales within India writes book which are as cliched as the Hindi film stories. I have only read his first book that was bad enough to put me off from trying the rest.
Quality is inversely proportional to Quantity(more the # of readers) and all that.
So, eM’s book might be a roaring success probably.
I do like eM’s blog but was disappointed reading just the excerpts of the book.
(There are girlie books, boyz stuff, lesbian lit, fiction, non fiction etc. These are categories for our ease-a book is good or bad and like all forms of art is intrepretative and personal. I liked Bhagat’s latest.)
Hey, I have visited your blog on very few occassions!
After reading this post, I read hers as well. This not an attempt of flattery, but I swear, yours is more engrossing and more close to an Indian heart than hers!
I mean it.
And by the way, remember to reserve the signed copies of your first book for us
(I’m rapidly greying, yet a young man’s attention is flattering.Thanks
Maami i do realise that you are not fishing but i will pay good money to read your book.
(Awww thanks!)
Hey, that’s really honest. I haven’t read the book yet, though I do read the blog occassionally.
But also, I don’t think it matters much what other people are doing, though the media frenzy at times can belie that opinion.
You should just write your own book. Even if everyone else is a writer.
(Hmmm!
I agree how lucky people can get…
My first time here, u’ve got some interesting reads
Keep writing…
(It’s all about luck darling
would someone enlighten me about this blog everyone seems to have read but wont give a name to ? Hmm.
(Aaaaargh!)
[...] best way to kill most blogs is to write a book. Some blogs like Maami, Tamizh Penn, Neha seem to have many books in them, though I wonder if any of them will ever write [...]