Shobha Nihalani - As an Only Child, That’s When I Felt That Being a Writer Is the Best Profession in the World (Author, Certified Life Coach)

"Write Because You Love to Write, Not Because You Are Hungry for Recognition"

- Shobha Nihalani

Shobha Nihalani is an author and certified life coach. She has been writing for over 25 years and continues to follow her passion. In her youth, she lived in countries around Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe, before settling down in marriage in Hong Kong. She started out as a freelance writer and journalist, but her dream was to write a book. Prioritizing family and domestic duties, she took her time to achieve her goal. 

In her early 40s, her debut novel, Karmic Blues, was translated and published in Denmark. Now in her mid-50s, Shobha has 10 books under her belt and is recognized for her adventure and thriller novels: The Silent Monument, NINE Trilogy, Unresolved, Trikon, and The Blue Jade. She has also written two non-fiction books: Dada Vaswani: A Life in Spirituality and A Gift from Above: Haresh and Harini’s Journey in Adoption.

1. Tell us about your background and journey

Having lived in different parts of the world, I have discovered that, more than schools and colleges, my education has been through real-life experiences. Much has been gleaned through interactions and my innate curiosity about people. Recently, I've taken a turn towards mental health awareness. 

I am now a certified life coach, using a holistic approach, to enable clients to achieve their fullest potential. This career path came about after writing a self-help book commissioned by SAGE India – Reboot, Reflect, Revive: Self-Esteem in a Selfie World, releasing this year.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

There is so much pleasure derived from reading books – as an only child, that’s when I felt that being a writer is the best profession in the world. This feeling came about after reading a particularly exciting book. I was in awe of the writer’s imagination, and the ability to get me totally immersed in the made-up stories. What power! I think the seed was planted at a very young age.

3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Chocolate. If I am having a difficult time writing, I promise myself some chocolate after completing a self-disciplined writing goal.

4. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That it is a process of self-discovery, and one realizes that the human mind is deep and mysterious. 

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you up?

I wanted to work in a library and tell people to keep silent when they start talking ;)

6. Do you have any tips for people who want to be an author?

The most important tip is: write because you love to write, not because you are hungry for recognition. Secondly, be aware that writing is an exhausting process; it will take a lot out of you. 

Writing will come creatively when you are mentally fresh, not when you are preoccupied with other urgent matters. And thirdly, time management is essential, keep aside a particular time in a day and make it a habit. Fourthly, never let anyone put you down, respect your work, be grateful for the opportunity to offer the world your uniqueness.

Shobha Nihalani | Author, Certified Life Coach

Interviewed By - Shubh Jani