Dear All,

I’ve not posted a personal blog entry for ages (apart from my column links). I’ve been quite active on twitter, a bit too active perhaps. It started around July last year, and then continued through the release of 2 States and 3 Idiots. I continued after that, essentially to stay connected to my readers. And twitter was fun – the silly one-liners, the inspirational quotes, the links to my columns and many times, just random musings was fun to share with the world.

However, that isn’t how writers operate. Well, at least when they are writing. I am an outgoing person, but during the writing process, I withdraw as much as I can. I can’t be a recluse or sit by the stream and write (though that remains a fantasy for me), but I do cut down on whatever I can.

The release of 2 States and 3 Idiots was an overwhelming time for me. I knew that I had to let the excitement and emotions related to it pass, before I jumped into a new project. Even otherwise, four books and two films in five years was too crazy a pace. I took some time off writing, did talks around the country, started a couple of columns, and of course, had loads of fun on twitter.

Alongside, I’ve worked on a straight movie script, a romantic comedy. It was something I did for fun, not for anyone in particular and to learn screenplays better. It’s looking good now, and let’s see if someone wants to make it.

But after all that, I think it is finally time to work on the next book. As always, I won’t reveal what the book is about until it is ready (nobody knows, not even close family).

Hence, the time to withdraw has come. This is how I have done all my books. I am out there, and then I am away for a while. I’ll reduce the talks, media interviews and general social interactions so that I can focus on the book. I am however, keeping my columns running (once every fortnight, TOI and Dainik Bhaskar), as they do get read by important people and offer a great opportunity to highlight issues faced by the country.

Most significant of all, this means, twitter has to stop. It’s hard giving up fun things, and I am going to miss interacting with my readers. However, I am not giving it up forever, just going to be away from it for a while – maybe six months or so, or,  until Feb 2011. My account is still there, but I won’t be tweeting much. I will however, tweet my column links for convenience, as and when they appear.

I will miss you all, but I need to do this. The characters of the next book are waiting.

I love you all for your support and try as I might, I will never be able to repay it. All I can say is – thanks.

Regards,
Chetan

Dear All,

My column in TOI today, “How to deal with a brat called Pakistan”. Tried a slightly flippant tone this time, and I guess there isn’t an easy answer to this one, but I tried. The column is here.

Appreciate if people read the comments as well, and those contributing, try to come up with constructive solutions – you never know who is reading!

Love,
Chetan

Dear All,

There’s violent internal strife in 15 out of 28 Indian states. Read my column on that issue here. As always, do read others comments as well as they add a lot to the discussion.

Love,
Me.

Dear All,

Here is my column in TOI today, on Bhopal. Must say was quite disturbed writing this one. Do read other people’s comments as well as they are often quite insightful. The link is here.

Regards,
Chetan

Our MPs feel they are paid too little. Maybe they have a point. However, they aren’t exactly lo-cost. My column on the real estate the government sits on, is here.

As always, your comments are welcome. I also encourage other readers to read the comments as well, as they often add new perspectives to the issue.

Regards,
Chetan