Meet Shilpa Raju | Author
We had the good fortune of connecting with Shilpa Raju and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shilpa, why did you pursue a creative career?
Writing fiction gives me the power to create new worlds that don’t exist and makes me feel in control.
Blogging is like a sneak peek into my mind. I mean where else can I blabber about my standpoint without getting censured for it?
When I’m writing, it’s like an out-of-the-world experience, quite literally.
I hope to share it with others through my books.
That’s the reason I chose to be an author. It’s the sense of freedom that’s addictive.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe everyone’s story is unique in its own way.
As for me, I worked towards my goal with zero support. Sheer determination and hard work got me going.
I’m yet to reach my goal but the journey itself is so exciting that many years from now, I find myself bragging to my grandkids about how stubborn I was on relentlessly pursuing my dreams.
I published my first novel digitally eleven months back and it’s a proud moment for someone like me who hasn’t achieved anything noteworthy in her life.
My passion towards the art of storytelling propelled me to spend every waking moment writing, editing, deleting, writing, editing, deleting . . . All this with a two-year-old in tow. It was indeed as stressful as it sounds.
The pandemic which spelled disaster to millions of people, actually helped me in a way. I was left alone for two years focusing only on finishing my draft.
Family obligations didn’t come in my way. There were no functions or parties to attend, no gatherings and get-togethers, no expectations and disturbances. Just me, my laptop and my tubby tyke. Not to mention, the husband who thought it better not to disturb the mad lady writing a murder mystery.
I overcame the challenges of motherhood by (predicatably) having several cups of coffee in a day to keep sleep at bay.
To anyone going through a mid-life crisis, this is what I would advise.
Don’t give up.
Don’t give in.
If not today, then certainly tomorrow, you’ll see the fruits of your hardwork.
So, don’t ever stop.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom who filled my childhood with stories about magical creatures and enchanted lands, thereby stimulating my imagination and creativity.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shilpagottumukkala/?hl=en
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