Book Launch: The Purple Moon By Neelam Saxena Chandra in Mumbai


Venue: Kitab Khana
Opp Flora Fountain, Fort Mumbai
Date: 15th April 2015
Time 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

On a beautiful sunny day in April, a book consisting of 100 Poems which emote different phases and sentiments of love, Titled "The Purple Moon" written by "Neelam Saxena Chandra" was Launched by Ms Rita Hemrajani  who has held many reputed positions in the Indian Railways, and is currently the Director of Administration at the Films Division, Mumbai. In her vast career profile, she has contributed a lot to the Central and the Western Railways, and has directed films titled “100 years of Indian cinema and “Train within 24 frames”.  along with,  Mr. Mohammed Ali Shah who is a Bollywood actor and a talented theatre artist. He has had a legendary life and a heavy timeline of life. From being an English Literature graduate and alumni of IIM Calcutta, to serving as a major in the Indian army at the J&k border, Mr. Ali has proved his mettle as the most eligible all-rounder we have known till date. He has appeared in films such as Haider, Agent Vinod and is all set to star in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Vidyut Jamwal starrer- Yaara, where he plays a significant role. He has also been a part of many stage plays, like ‘Caine Mutiny Court Marshall’ directed by famous actor Mr. Naseeruddin Shah, who also happens to be Mr. Ali’s uncle.

Going through the title Neelam Saxena Chandra explained how this particular title was chosen. Its during her courtship days that the poems were written. Many poets idealize moon in form of poetry, and for her the colour of love was purple. This title was given to her by her husband.

As the event continued Mr Ali read out the very first poem of the book.


The moon appears purple
Since I have met you.

What,


You think I am crazy?


Hmm…
In love, the colours change
And the eyes see what they wish to.

I still remember
That it was a Thursday when I met you
And there was an instant connect,
As if some peace of mind
Has descended upon me.
I got a feeling
Of fulfilment – a spiritual fulfilment,
And everything looked purple-
Including the moon.

Yeah, I love you
As much as I love the purple moon.

Rather,
The purple moon
Looks like the symbol
Of our love.

After all,
In love as well as in the purple moon,
There is mysticism and magic
And both are as charming as ever


With over 20 published titles Neelam Saxena Chandra holds the Limca Book of Records and the India Book Of Records for the most published titles in a year. which is so very ironic that she is published with First Step Publishing, holding records for The most published poetry books in a year and Shortest titled Book by Limca Book of records and India Book OF Records.

The poem which has caught my interest in the book is titled "The Ink"

The ink

Shall freeze one day,

Or it may lose
Its colour
And while words get written
They may remain invisible.

It could even be
That the hands quiver
And refuse to deliver
What the mind says,
Or the eyes just can’t read
The written words.

Will you be by my side-

Reading to me,

Writing for me
And give my ink
Some colours?






In Conversation with Contributors of "i" An Anthology- Limca Book Of Records Holder Book


"i" An Anthology of short stories published by First Step Publishing  has entered into Limca Book Of Records so we got a chance to approach some of the contributing Authors of the book to have their view about the book and the Publishing Firm.
About the book:
Its a compilation of short stories based on the topic "i".
Awards and Credits 
The book has been entered into 

  • Limca Book Of Records 
  • India Book Of Records 

for the shortest title of book ever published.

Contributing Authors are from 3 Countries 

  • South Africa
  • U K 
  • India

"i" has been written in 10 different languages on the cover which include 5 Indian Languages and 5 Foreign Languages


Aileen Friedman 


1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a huge honour to be a part of this award. To be selected from not only numerous authors but also from a far away country like South Africa is very special.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

They are a superb bunch of people and very honest.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

Daphney is returning to her home town after running away sixty years ago. She is to give a talk at her old high school but  the past and her memories of that traumatic evening become very challenging.


Nehali Lalwani

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

To be frank enough, I never thought the book consisting one of my short stories will ever be listed in Limca Book Records. I was overjoyed when I was told about it. This book is really close to my heart and it will be close as I have given my first ever written short story for I an anthology of short stories. I really want this book to reach to the masses.  I feel delighted when my parents share this news with their acquaintances and feel proud about it.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

Wonderful! It feels so good to work with a passionate team that works so efficiently. I would like to thank the entire team of First Step and specially Dr. Rohit Shetty for giving me a wonderful opportunity as a debut writer. I have been part of 2 books till date that has been published by first step and honestly, I would like to work  with them in future as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " 

My story, titled as “Destiny wins over love” in I – An anthology of short stories is an inspirational tale about a combat amid destiny and love. Many times in life, we are mistaken in identifying the factual facade of our close ones because, we are blindly entailed into them and when reality strikes in we end up blaming destiny.

The moral of my story is, whatever happens, happens for something good. At times, If God/ destiny seizes away something from you that’s because, destiny have plans to surprise you with something better.
The story ends up with a positive note and I’m sure reader's belief in fate will befall stronger after reading Destiny wins over Love.


Lt Col Ankita Srivastava


1.  Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

I am feeling totally honored to have been one of the contributing author in this amazing anthology called "I". It is indeed a moment of rejoice for me and my family to know that the anthology that I contributed in has been selected to be entered in Limca Book of Records.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

I had a very smooth work experience while being associated with First Step Publishing. The entire team had been very efficient and proactive. They were prompt and kept to their words in terms of publishing the author's  work. There was timely updates to each of the authors and they put in lot of efforts in designing the catchy cover with the word I written in different languages. As an author I felt  highly motivated to contribute in their other two anthologies as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story titled "The Lost Identity"  is my personal story in terms of what i felt when my short service tenure with the Indian Army got over after putting in 14 years of long  military service. I felt lost in the civil world and how I developed hatred for one of my junior lady colleague whom I could
not bear to see having taken my place. I struggled hard to re assemble my  professional life just to earn my lost identity back.  Three years later when I was called by the  specialist doctors of RR
Military Hospital to help them decide upon a case of Lost identity of a military lady officer who was in coma since last 6 months due to a serious road accident , I come across that same colleague as this patient. I had to make her remember me as only that would have assured the doctors to continue her treatment or else declare her brain dead. I made her recognize me. I made her live. I didn't make her lose her identity of being a living being.


Abhishek Agarwal

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a special feeling to be a part of Limca Records. It is my first book and being a part of such prestigious list its overwhelming.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

I always wanted to pen down my thoughts and first step gave me the opportunity through " I" . It was a privileged to co-author it with 12 esteemed writers. to I am thankful to all and specially Rajesh and his team of first step for the co-operation.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My Story" Amchi Mumbai" talks about the experience that i had during stay in mumbai, and what actually makes the city different from the rest of the world. Right from impressing a girl to making new friends, Mumbai and Mumbaikars offer experiences which became un -erased pages of my life. I am sure that my readers will develop a new perspective of mumbai after reading the story.



Dr Nayab Patel

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

I feel very proud of the fact that I am amongst the handful of authors whose publication has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. Considering this is my second publication it is a huge achievement for a budding author like my self and others who have contributed towards "i". Although there were some delays with the publication, considering the book has made it to the Limca Book of Records for 2015 it was worth the wait.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

It is a real pleasure to work with First Step, they are very professional and proactive. They deserve credit for putting their trust in new/unpublished authors and giving us a chance to be able to get published. They have excellent Marketing and PR skills and make very good use of social networking website. I am looking forward to working with them in the future.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The best or worst years of my life" is about a school year in the live's of five friends. It has a mix of trust, emotion, jealousy and envy and tells a tale of how they go on from becoming the best of friends to complete strangers


Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is really gratifying and a great honour to be a co-author in a
book that is now in the Limca Book of Records. Right from the very
concept onwards, the publishers looked to be unique among all the
anthologies available in India and I am glad it has been recognised.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

The whole experience of working with First Step Publishing was very
smooth. Everything was done with clockwork precision from the contest
entry dates to a timely announcement, lovely bio pages for each author
and publicity campaigns online.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The Girl Without A Face" is a true story based on my
experience with a patient in an ICU and how her circumstances, her
attitude and her determination taught me a valuable life lesson.


Indu Pillai

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 

I think the concept of the book in itself was very unique and challenging. The news that 'i' has been entered into the Limca Book of Records 2015s Special Literature Edition is every more thrilling. This is a great achievement and I congratulate First Step Publishing and wish them many more such honours and accolades.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

It was an enjoyable experience. First step Publishing is that breed of publishers who are aiming to look at new formats and work with authors who are interested in telling stories in a unique way.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " -

The central theme of the story is hope. During the span of just an hour or so the story takes you through the journey of a lifetime.


Paras Bandha

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 
I would firstly, like to congratulate entire team and supporters of this book. Secondly, I appreciate each and every member of this book who is linked with this book directly and Indirectly. At last, I would like to sum up in short "It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of this book."

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

Working with Rajesh sir was wonderful experience but We are soon going to launch our next book as editing of that manuscript is done and I find probably fantabulous working with them.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

I" is itself explaining so many things within. All I can say is, one can see real life situation easily as this anthology acts as mirror.

Interview with Sabi Shaikh

We got a chance to catch up with Sabi Shaikh, an Indian Author who has a book titled Via Delhi to his credits as well as he is a part of  many anthologies as well.

1. Tell us something about yourself 
Hello to all my readers ... My name is Sabi Shaikh ... I am a Hyderabadi by heart but a Mumbaikar by soul. I am an extrovert by nature ...  An MBA Marketing post graduate from the ICFAI University. I am a huge fan of Mother Nature and an avid animal lover. I am a very simple guy who still prefers Pani Puri over Pasta. I love working out and talking, if not a writer I would have surely ended up becoming a gym instructor or a Radio Jockey. I am just like a coconut. I look pretty tough on the outside but on the inside I am a very emotional and sensitive guy. It’s rightly said that never judge a book by its cover. I love writing but I am not much of a reader. I am a go getter ... An opportunist who never lets any good opportunity pass by. I also love singing at Karaoke bars and partying with my childhood friends.




2. Describe your book
Saifuddin Khan was a Sunni Muslim boy who was pursuing his MBA and resided in the city of Nawabs, Hyderabad whereas Mridu Bhattacharya was a Bengali Brahmin girl who was preparing for her BBA entrance exams and hailed from the beautiful city of Dehradun. Destiny strikes one day and they meet in the early morning in a very unusual manner. They become each other’s moral support in no time. Their bonding grew stronger as the days passed by and beating all the odds the inevitable happened, they fell in Love. Their unique love story stared at the Indian Samaaj right in the face as even today people and parents claim to be very open minded but the thought of Inter religion marriage makes them go numb and the first thing that comes to their mind is “Char log kya kahenge?” These Char log have killed more dreams than anyone else ever could. Saif’s parents had a broader outlook towards life but sadly Mridu came from a very conservative and narrow minded family. They were a modern day couple who always thought that Love is greater than or equal to any religion and were ready to fight the battle for Love in their own respective ways. The city of Delhi played a very important role in their lives even though they belonged to different cities.
Their love story was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride with a series of ups and downs. A twisted love story to be precise...


3. What is the most intriguing feature of your story?
That would be the twists that I have created at the end of every chapter. It will keep you glued on to the book till the very last page.


4. Any future ventures you are working on? 
Yes, I have already started working on my second novel which would also be a very twisted love story just like my Debut Novel VIA DELHI. Apart from that I am also focusing on writing poems and getting them published in International anthologies this year. I will also be launching my own personal website shortly.


5. Tell us something about your published anthologies by far?
My first every published anthology was “The Notebook of Romance” which was a collection of short love stories. “Deaf and Dumb Love” was the name of my short story. Apart from that I am also a published poet in an anthology called “Winged Hearts”

6. Any Rituals for writing??
I usually prefer writing when my side of the world is fast asleep.  I need a very silent and peaceful environment to write so I prefer writing during the night. I don’t really follow any ritual for writing.

7. Any Advice for budding writers?
Write from your heart. At least that is what I do. Don’t write with the intention of making money or getting fame. Write to make people smile ... Write to make them fall in love with your style if writing ... Write to win hearts. Everything else will follow.

Deepanshu Saini:

Deepanshu Saini : An Indian Author who has 2 books by his name. Details of the books are below
To Know More about the Author or his books you can visit his website CLICK HERE

Girls Hostel:  


About the Book:

College life is carefree, fun and a happening phase...
Shreya, Shruti, Ridhi, Kriti and Meghna - all enjoyed being together at the Girls Hostel.
But the last night bonding was a little different...
The new secrets discovered and the new bonds grew... what suddenly made that happen?
The unspoken and unshared secrets of the dazzling damsels...
Girls - Wild Cats, Bad Witches or the Queen of Hearts... tough to guess.
Read to explore the realms of the Girls... Girls Hostel - Unspoken Memories





‘By The Mountains’:

About the book:
based on a real story……
Could any adventurous journey makes you fall in love with your life?
Do nature holds the power to teach you the language of love, happiness and above all trust?
Love at first sight – Myth or Reality?
A single smile so contagious that alters the pain of your life?
If your answers are in affirmative, it means you are on the right path – a remarkable journey ‘by the mountains’; where Dhruv is in the deep dark pit of depression from six months emotionally afraid, afraid to LOVE… afraid to LIVE…. Where, Anjali on the hunt of dying and consuming love but doesn’t try every other guy on the list.
Will Dhruv be able to control himself not to get struck once again by the girl’s detachment?
Will this trekking trip hold true love for Anjali’s destiny?
Love always finds its way, but if you love someone just say….
Isn’t It?
‘By The Mountains’ is a story filled with misconceptions between Dhruv and Anjali, ending on a memorable memoir that every lover craves for.
Read on… to climb through Dhruv and Anjali’s journey…