"Read More If You Want to Become an Author"

Want to become a writer at Eat My News? Here is an opportunity to join the Board of Young Leaders Program by Eat My News. Click here to know more: bit.ly/boardofyoungleaders

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I come from a traditional Marwari joint family - quite a conservative lot. But am really lucky to have progressive parents. It is all because of their support that I could opt for Engineering. Am the first girl from my family to study science (and scored 100% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) and the first engineer from my family.

After spending 12+ years in the software industry, I took a leap of faith to follow my dreams. I and my husband founded our first startup Keeva Technologies in the 2013-2014 time period. But we were too early in the market and our products didn't get enough traction.

A failed startup was the biggest blow of my life and also a stepping stone. After that, there was no looking back. I made my love for reading and writing my profession. Since then, have authored five books and three more are in pipeline.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

When I failed as a startup founder, I went inside. It was self-realization - that I loved reading books and writing. So, got back to my hobby of reading. In school days, I was labeled as a book worm. That time, I hated it. But today, I don't care :D. I love books.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

Yes, it is if you give it all.

4. Who is your favorite writer and why?

That is a tough question. But I love reading Paulo Coelho, Dan Brown, Ashwin Sanghi, Ruskin Bond, Agatha Christie, Robin Sharma, Richard Bach, Nicholas Sparks, Jane Austen.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

Situations, relationships, people, love, hatred, extreme emotions - they inspire me to write.

6. What does your typical day look like?

Have gone through a lot when my startup failed. So, fitness is an integral part of my life. I follow what Robin Sharma says. The number 1 thing to do if you want to become successful is to become Fit like an athlete.

So, my day begins with an hour or more of a workout. I haven't missed my workouts for three years now.
And then it's typical - being a woman, mother, wife, author, coach and an influencer. It is a mixed bag for me. It is hectic but my family supports me in every way.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

Read more if you want to become an author.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

I am a kindle fan and my favorite genres are self-help, romance, thriller, and mystery. The recent book that I loved - Forty Rules Of Love by Elif Shafak.
I have read some books many times and continue to read them again and again -
Alchemist, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Eat That Frog, Autobiography of a Yogi

- Sweta Samota, Bestselling Author, Story Coach, Marathoner and Changemaker

- Interviewed by Kedar Lalwani

- Edited by Shilpy Sharan