Thought Lantern

  Thought Lantern recently organised a Short Story Writing Competition on the theme of Bookstore. Here are the best winning entries from the creative writers.  We want to congratulate our winners -  1. Dr. Romila Chitturi  Short Story -  Title - The Shared Margin  The smell of rain and old paper always drew Nilesh to "The Last Chapter," a cramped bookstore in Bengaluru. At 55, the silence of his home was a heavy shroud, one he only shed among bookshelves.  He was squinting at a spine when a woman nearby chuckled. "He kills the protagonist in the end, you know. It’s merciful, but heartbreaking." Nilesh turned. She was elegant, with silver-streaked hair and eyes that held the quiet resilience of someone who had walked through fire. "Loss usually is," he replied softly, noticing the bare spot on her ring finger that mirrored his own. "I’m Vidya," she said, smiling.  His eyes widened as he looked from her to the author photo on the jacket he held....

  We are delighted to present to you our guest author, Meera Iyer, who is an Author and Founder of My Little Book to You, and our Founder Palak Chauhan, ma'am, got a chance to conduct an interview with a talented author like Meera. Here is the sneak peek from the interview. This interview was conducted by us about her book "Everything about Him (not a Fairy Tale)."  Q1. Your title deliberately rejects the idea of a "fairy tale." What motivated this choice? How does this frame the emotional reality of the collection?  Ans 1 - I consciously avoided the “fairy tale” label because this book is not built on fantasy but on real experiences. The collection draws from moments in my own life and centres on the man I’m married to. The title sets the tone for the emotional reality of the poems—love as it is lived, felt, and endured, rather than imagined or idealised. Q2. The poems trace a relationship that unfolds in the digital age. How does contemporary technology s...

  If you are looking for a children's book that perfectly balances cultural storytelling with interactive play, look no further than "The Mystery of the Blue-Paw Prints" by Bhawana Sethi. This isn't just a storybook; it’s an invitation to an adventure that captures the heart and the imagination. The book follows a delightful narrative centered around one of the most beloved figures in Indian mythology— Krishna . The "mystery" of the blue-paw prints (a clever and cute nod to the butter-loving Krishna) provides the perfect hook to keep young readers engaged from the very first page. It turns a classic cultural motif into a detective-style quest that children can relate to. Key Highlights -  Vibrant Visuals: The illustrations are absolutely stunning. The use of bright, warm colors and expressive characters makes the story come alive, making it a visual treat for toddlers and early readers alike. Interactive Fun: True to its tagline, "A story to read, pu...

  Meet our Inspiring Awardees and their curated Masterpieces.  Special and Exclusive Feature  Dr. Romila Chitturi is hailed as a star storyteller by many writing clubs and is known for crafting narratives that transcend time and culture, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Romila's work is celebrated for its unique blend of depth, originality, and profound impact. Born, raised, and educated in Delhi, Romila now lives in Hyderabad. Her writing portfolio is extensive and diverse, including fiction, poetry, micro-fiction, and non-fiction. Beyond her books, her pieces have been featured in major publications, including Femina, Elle, Outlook, The Times of India, and Deccan Chronicle. Genre: Fiction & Poetry Publisher: Ukiyoto Year: 2021 Pages: 219 Available on: Amazon India / UkiyotoIndia Book store “A Bowl of Soul Curry” is a collection of stories and poems written by me over a decade. My characters are flawed, imperfect, and fully human. You will find my...

  Here we have our Guest Author, Pinki Bakshi ma'am. Giving us insights about her book, The Song of Our Bond, a testament to true friendship. Let's give you a little sneak peek from the interview.  Q1.  The title itself feels deeply emotional. What does “The Song of Our Bond” mean to you personally, and how did it come to you? Ans 1 - For me, The Song of Our Bond represents a single, fragile thread of connection that keeps relationships alive across time and distance. That thread could be anything: a memory, a message, a photograph, a melody. For Meena and Kasturi, it was their shared love for music and the song they created together—something that quietly held them together even decades later. Once the story was complete, I wanted the title to reflect that lingering emotion. The shared tune became symbolic of their bond, and that is how The Song of Our Bond came to life. Q2. At its heart, what kind of bond does the book explore—love, friendship, family, or something be...