Chryselle D'Silva Dias

Now in Print: ‘Me Kajol, You Shahrukh’ – Marie Claire, October 2010

Miss Frangipani — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 06:11:36 +0000

My article on new trends in Indian weddings. Thanks to all who shared their stories.

Now in Print: Marie Claire, August 2010

Miss Frangipani — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:43:36 +0000

Pedal Pushers Inc (on Indian women who cycle to commute).

Thanks to all the lovely ladies who spoke to me for this.

Now in print…

Miss Frangipani — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:02:44 +0000

I have an article on the GoaChitra museum in the July 12 issue of TIME magazine – you can read it here.

Looking for India women who cycle

Miss Frangipani — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:19:09 +0000

For a magazine article, I’m looking for Indian women who use a bicycle to commute. If you know any, please put them in touch with me! Email or leave a comment here. Thanks.

I’m here

Miss Frangipani — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:26:02 +0000

These days, due to very little baby-free time, I blog more frequently on my other blog ‘The Frangipani Journals’. And if you are a tad obsessed about interiors and home decor, join the fun at ‘Frangipani Decor’.

Come, say hello.

37 Days

Miss Frangipani — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:58:15 +0000

Following a link on Marianne Elliott’s website, I found this intriguing site called ’37 days‘ where Patti Digh poses the question : “What would I be doing today if I only had 37 days to live?”

Here’s how Patti answered that question:

Write like hell, leave as much of myself behind for my two daughters as I could, let them know me and see me as a real person, not just a mother, leave with them for safe-keeping my thoughts and memories, fears and dreams, the histories of what I am and who my people are. Leave behind my thoughts about living the life, that “one wild and precious life” that poet Mary Oliver speaks of. That’s what I’d do with my 37 days.

My answer? Ditto.

Despite my ever-growing list of things to do, the one thing I really, really, really want to do is to keep writing. Being published is an additional bonus, but I think I’d be happy just putting pen to paper and making notes on life as it passes me by.

I’m afraid, though. Afraid of writing the truth, afraid of documenting reality as I truly see it. Would I want my child, when he reads my journals, to wonder who this half-crazed woman was? Will he understand my notes, my disjointed thoughts, my verse? Will he be judgemental or will he be compassionate, giving me the benefit of the doubt?

Are our written memories really safe with those we leave behind? Of course, we won’t know, but some words are bound to hurt; will they understand why?

I want to write about people, about issues I really care about, about life as I want it to be. I don’t do any of this (I used to, but it’s been a long time now). I stay on the safe side of the fence when being non-controversial is the new black. I hate playing safe when the stakes are so high.

What I am, where I come from, who I’m pretending to be – I need to be able to write this down and not destroy it (or me) in the bargain. My rosy dreams take precedence in my writing, my fears huddle together at the back of my head waiting for permission to walk on to paper. They’re there, alright. Just not allowed into the public domain.

That one wild and precious life. No, I’m not living it yet. And 37 days is just not enough to make amends for it.

Now in Print

Miss Frangipani — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:10:39 +0000

My essay “Running with the Sisters” appears in the ‘The Ultimate Runner’ (HCI Books, May 2010).

Now in Print

Miss Frangipani — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:33:03 +0000

Bride & Style, April-June 2010

* Renew your wedding vows (cover story)

* Heritage Homes (I wrote the section on Goa)

The National (UAE), April 2010 : Sotodecor

Hindustan Times, February 2010: Horse around!

Windows & Aisles, February 2010: Viva Carnival!

Windows & Aisles, February 2010: Romancing at Dudhsagar

Bride & Style, Jan – Mar 2010

Surviving a long distance marriage

Feedback from readers

Miss Frangipani — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:57:17 +0000

For a freelance writer, getting direct feedback from one’s readers (for magazines and newspapers) is somewhat unusual. Any letters or responses to your articles are likely to go directly to the publication unless your contact details are included, and they rarely are.

So, I was pleasantly surprised, while browsing through my freelancers copy of this national bridal magazine that I write for, to read not one, but three ‘letters to the editor’ commenting on an article I wrote in the last issue. The feedback was all very lovely and it was heartening to read nice things about your work by strangers.

The article really touched my heart…I really loved this issue.

The article was informative and made me nostalgic…

This refers to your well-researched article…

Feedback like this means a lot to us writers. So, please, if you like something in a magazine or newspaper (or even a blog – hint, hint), let the writer/publication know. It makes all the difference.

crossposted here

Writing Prompts make you verse

Miss Frangipani — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:24:39 +0000

Okay, so that was a bad title.

Readers of Lisa Romeo’s blog are lucky to be receiving a daily writing prompt from her this month. I signed up, hoping that a prompt would kick me into writing a little more spontaneous stuff. Stuff that required no research, no quotes, no statistics. Stuff straight from the heart.

I was surprised, however, to find myself responding in verse. It was instantaneous – like magic. Or like a delicious, unexpected sloppy kiss from my baby. I find myself looking forward to her daily emails – they reach me around 10pm Indian time. Within minutes, most of my poem is down on paper or screen. Like I said, delicious.

If you want to read some of my poetic musings, here’s where they are. Go on, indulge me.