An author who rose like a phoenix with her first book, “Everyone Has a Story”, has achieved the ambitious feat of having sold over 700,000 copies so far! In this interview, Savi Sharma talks about her new release and what helped her succeed as an author. This interview has many takeaways for budding and aspiring writers, authors, and readers.
- What was the inspiration behind writing on a topic that everyone can relate to?
- What does ‘happiness’ mean to Savi Sharma? Do you think happiness is easy to experience?
- Has the experience of being an educator helped in conceiving this book?
- At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?
- You have written four novels that have sold over 700,000 copies, becoming the highest-selling female author. What, according to Savi Sharma, has been the reason for this success?
- What would be your suggestions for aspiring writers?
1. What was the inspiration behind writing on a topic that everyone can relate to?
In our lives, the pursuit of happiness is a driving force—a fundamental part of who we are. Despite our constant efforts, discovering happiness can be a challenge. This book serves as my guide, offering insights and wisdom from my experiences & learnings to help steer you toward bliss. The shared journey in seeking happiness, which unites us all, inspired me to share these thoughts as a helping hand on our collective quest for a more fulfilling life.
2. What does ‘happiness’ mean to Savi Sharma? Do you think happiness is easy to experience?
For me, happiness goes way beyond fleeting feelings; it’s about living a life that breeds contentment and freedom. It’s like being in this blissful state and finding peace, especially in the now. Deciding to be happy comes from inside, not from what’s happening outside. It’s not about having a perfect life – it’s about saying, “Okay, imperfections, I see you,” and finding joy right in the moment.
Acquiring happiness is more like a rollercoaster ride through life’s twists and turns. You pick up lessons, savour the small wins, and keep riding the wave. It’s a whole journey; oddly enough, the pursuit is where much of the joy hides. It’s like this choice you make from the inside – not dependent on perfect circumstances, but on accepting imperfections and finding joy right here.
3. Has the experience of being an educator helped in conceiving this book?
It was the other way around. The creation of this book shaped my perspective on education, leading me to establish a learning studio for young children. The motivation behind starting this studio was my 2.5-year-old daughter. Struggling to find a preschool emphasizing values and emotions over career preparation, I created one. The research for the book helped crystallize the vision for providing a mindful present-focused education for my daughter and other children.
4. At what point did you decide to be an author and what was your path to publication?
Becoming an author was written in the stars for me. I’ve been hooked on writing since the days of my first poem in 2nd or 3rd grade. Back in school, I was considering everything from being a radio jockey to diving into journalism and creative writing for magazines. Then, during my first year in college, I went on a novel-reading binge—12 to 15 novels in just 10 days. That was the lightbulb moment—I knew writing novels was my thing. I started my first book during college, juggling it with studies and internships, and it took me a good four years to finish. After that, I thought, “Okay, this is cool, but I can do better.” So, I dove into my next project, ‘Everyone Has a Story,’ which took me around 6 to 8 months. I decided to go down the self-publishing route because I believed in the story and didn’t want to wait around for traditional publishers. And you know the rest of the story!
5. You have written four novels that have sold over 700,000 copies, becoming the highest-selling female author. What, according to Savi Sharma, has been the reason for this success?
I think the success came from keeping it simple—I wasn’t chasing success; I was just loving writing. My journey was about inspiring through storytelling and putting my all into it. By focusing on what felt real to me instead of commercial goals, things just clicked. The unexpected success? That just shows the magic of putting your heart into your passion and believing in yourself.
6. What would be your suggestions for aspiring writers?
As I look back on my writing journey, my initial focus was only on the art of storytelling rather than getting entangled in the intricacies of publishing, distribution, and marketing. During those moments, it was just me and my words, driven by the intent to write sincerely from the heart.
And that’s what I would suggest to all the aspiring writers. Let your heart lead your words, highlighting genuineness and staying true to your distinctive voice. While the idea of connecting with readers is alluring, consider it in phase two. For now, immerse yourself in the journey of self-discovery through your writing, fearlessly delving into themes that deeply resonate with you. The true beauty lies in your authentic expression. And as you persist in refining your craft, remember that the compelling allure of your stories will organically draw readers in. Stay humble, stay dedicated, and believe in the magic of writing with sincerity.
Savi Sharma
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