Pages to Pens - My Author Journey

Books have always been more than mere collections of pages. For me, they were portals, each page a step into unknown worlds and lives. My journey began as a wide-eyed child, with a flashlight under the covers, devouring stories past bedtime. Every book I read added layers to my understanding of humanity, cultures, emotions, and dreams. Little did I know, those whispered stories would one day transform into the echo of my own written words.

My first attempts at writing were rough sketches, crude imitations of the masterpieces I admired. But with each paragraph, I felt my confidence growing. The characters in my head demanded to be heard. I wrote about them in stolen moments between work and chores, at cafes, on commutes, and during restless nights.

I grew up in a bustling town, surrounded by a loving family who valued education. But like many, I never took to books. I believed I could learn everything I needed from the world around me. I relied on experience rather than reading, confident that my sharp mind would guide me through life’s complexities. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

At first, my approach seemed to work. I breezed through school with average grades, got a decent job, and settled into a routine. However, over time, I noticed gaps in my understanding. Conversations with colleagues often left me feeling out of depth. Historical references, philosophical debates, and even simple trivia questions exposed my ignorance. I began to realize that while experience teaches, books broaden and deepen that learning. Or, as I like to call it, “Oops, I should’ve read that.”

One day, a mishap at work turned into a harsh lesson early in my career at Unilever. I was assigned a project that required deep historical knowledge and critical analysis—skills I had arrogantly neglected, thinking I knew everything. But I was wrong, and how! I struggled, fell behind, and ultimately had to face the consequences. It was a wake-up call, a moment of reckoning. Nothing like a good professional crisis to kickstart a reading habit, right?

Determined to change, I turned to books. I started with topics I was curious about and gradually expanded my horizons. The more I read, the more I understood the value of the wisdom contained in those pages. Reading not only filled the gaps in my knowledge but also enhanced my ability to think critically and empathize with others.

Witnessing my own transformation has reinforced my belief in the power of reading. The stories we consume shape us, guide us, and sometimes rescue us from our own shortcomings. Plus, they’re cheaper than therapy! With over 300 books read in nearly a decade, I feel immensely proud. I know this has given me a perspective that goes beyond what most people see.

The breakthrough came when I embraced vulnerability. Writing isn’t just about creating; it’s about sharing a piece of yourself. I began to pour my heart into the narrative, letting my experiences, fears, and aspirations color my characters and plots. My stories started to breathe, to resonate with authenticity. Also, it’s a fantastic excuse to sit in coffee shops looking mysterious and brooding.

There were countless drafts, edits, and rejections. Yet, each setback was a lesson, each criticism a guide. I learned the art of patience and perseverance. I joined writing communities, attended workshops, and sought feedback. The journey was arduous, but the dream of seeing my book on the shelf kept me going.

As I conclude my manuscript for the book, it gives me immense satisfaction to know that I have done it, and the day is not far when I will see my first book on the shelf. I strongly believe it will bring a revolution in the target readers’ age group, and as an author, that is my conviction. In my first book, I tackle a subject on a character we all seek but rarely find, especially in those crucial years from 18 to 30. During these years, we often rely on the limited guidance around us, mistaking experience for wisdom. This character is more than just the sum of years; it’s an embodiment of something deeper, with insight on all possible subjects and important chapters of our life. Any guesses on which character I’m referring to?