Girish Dutt Shukla - Write, Edit And Edit Again Until You Feel It Is Perfect (Author)

Give it your all when you write the book. Write, edit and edit again until you feel it is perfect. 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Oh, this will be a long answer. I studied computer science engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka. In the year 2011, while I was in the 5th semester, I had this idea for the book which I discussed with a good friend of mine. 

When I narrated the idea, he jumped in excitement and told me that I had to write this book come what may. So for the next 2 years, I started honing my skills by reading and writing as much as I could. In 2013 just before I had to join my first job as a software engineer, I started working on the book. 

However, I knew that if I had to do justice to the book, I would have to leave this job and join an environment that favoured creativity. Hence at the beginning of 2015, I started working on my author profile by starting a blog and taking up freelance projects. 

By June of the same year, I had made that big switch from being an engineer to becoming a copywriter and social media strategist. While being in the job, I continued to learn the fine traits of writing and working on my book. 

In December 2016, I had finished the first draft of my book and in the next 6 months, I had left my job and completed the final draft of the book. Maroon In A Sky Of Blue was ready in August 2017.


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

While I was still working as a software engineer in 2014. At the time, there was nothing more important than me writing this book as well as I could do and this made me quit my cosy engineering job. The support of my family and friends played a pivotal role and helped me ease through the decision.


3. Is it a financially stable career?

I believe as long as you are adding skills and improving every day, any career can be financially stable. The same goes for writing. At the moment, I provide copywriting services for a few clients and for a few I provide digital marketing. The two when combined help me pay my bills and save some money at the end of the month.

For a book to make money is slightly more challenging and takes longer. However, I feel if you have written a good book and can market the idea of it, it is certain to rake in the sales you want.


4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

I find many authors who are brilliant at weaving a story and putting their thoughts with such artistry and finesse. Truth be told, I can't name one author that I claim to be my favourite. Having said that, there are a couple who always amaze me. 

Khaled Hosseini for his innate ability to write a simple story with such depth that leaves you captivated. Dan Brown for plots that hook you right in and you are left with no choice but to become a part of the gigantic setup.


5. Where does your inspiration lie?

I think I find my inspiration in many places and spaces. Reading books and blogs does get my brain working. I do some of my best thinking when I am away from technology observing the intimacy of nature.

In the everyday life, I am fascinated by people and the different relationships they share. Through writing, I often attempt to dissect the meaning behind something that has happened or to describe a particular feeling or emotion. 

I love communicating what transpires inside our minds bringing life to those thoughts and experiences.


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

There are two advises that I would give future aspiring writers. Give it your all when you write the book. Write, edit and edit again until you feel it is perfect. Second, start marketing as soon as you start the book and keep going long after the book has come out. Spend as much effort as you would put into writing.


7. What does your typical day look like?

I tend to spend equal amounts of time writing and reading each day. This helps me write better the next day. Other than that, I spend copious amounts of time thinking about food and eating. Whatever time is left, I spend that in exercising, meditation and talking to my friends and family.

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

I can't pick one and announce it is my favourite. However, my recent most favourite book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The book makes you appreciate life and be grateful for the people and things you have through a simple yet compelling story.


- Girish Dutt Shukla (Author)

Girish Dutt Shukla is a computer engineer by education and a digital marketer by profession. Before pursuing his passion for writing, he worked as a software engineer for two years. In June 2015, he left the job and started working as a copywriter and a social media strategist in a digital marketing agency in Delhi. In his five years stint as a marketing professional, he has helped both established brands and startups to grow digitally with his writing skills, strategy, and marketing acumen. He regularly contributes to different websites promoting psychology and mental health. He has a proclivity for perceiving psyche and behaviour and hopes to study the subject professionally in the future. Maroon In A Sky Of Blue is his debut novel.

Website: https://girishduttshukla.com/

Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani