This throwback photo isn’t just a picture; it’s a window into a turning point in my writing career. Ten years ago, in my village home in Kerala, the mobile phone buzzed, connecting me to my first big interview with a major national newspaper, The Hindu.
Back then, the future was a blurry path, full of unknowns. Writing was a passion, not a guaranteed finish line. But fuelled by a budding dream, I took that first leap. Rejections became my unwelcome travel companions. Yet, with each ‘no,’ my determination grew stronger. Some even suggested a tempting shortcut of self-publication. However, my heart and spirit yearned only for the traditional publishing route. Finally, a well known Delhi-based publishing house, Srishti Publishers (@Srishtipub), saw the spark in my work and offered me the chance to transform my manuscript into a book.
This first book, When Strangers Meet, a bit rough around the edges but a symbol of both effort and learning, surprised everyone. It wasn’t just published, it took off!
However, that wasn’t enough. It was my first book, and I was literally an unknown writer. It was crucial for me to secure a review or interview in mainstream media. Influencing and viral marketing weren’t yet common avenues for the average person. So, I decided to approach media houses in the South as they were closer to where I resided. The road to that interview wasn’t smooth either because I lacked influential backing or recommendations. I made a long trip to Chennai, leaving my book with a sliver of hope on an editor’s desk. Weeks of waiting turned into a stroke of luck at a book launch in Kochi. A kind journalist, recognising a fellow writer on the brink of their debut, championed my work, granting me a crucial spot in The Hindu’s Metro Plus supplement.
This clipping, a cherished memento sent by my publisher, Arup Bose (@arupbose04), holds a special place in my heart. It marks the first time my name appeared in a major publication, a milestone that still brings a smile to my face.
Looking back, rejections weren’t roadblocks, they were stepping stones. Today, ten years, three films/series, seven published books, and countless media appearances (including that infamous podcast) later, I stand humbled by the success of that ‘rough around the edges’ first book. It embodies the power of perseverance and the life-changing impact of opportunity.
This isn’t just my story; it’s for every aspiring writer out there. Keep writing, keep believing, and keep knocking on doors (real or metaphorical). Your journey, with all its twists and turns, could be the next inspiring tale waiting to be written.
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