By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 10: Renowned writer Preeti Shenoy, author of sixteen bestselling books, inaugurated the Shillong leg of ‘The Write Circle’ by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation here, on Sunday.
The initiative aims to bolster the global presence of English literature by providing a platform for esteemed authors to engage informally with a discerning audience, sharing insights into their lives and literary works.
Shenoy, possibly the sole female writer accomplishing the feat, emphasized to The Shillong Times that there’s no foolproof recipe for making a book a bestseller.
She is the bestselling author of Life Is What You Make It and several other titles.
Her books have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. She is among the highest-selling authors in India.
She is also a speaker, columnist, and artist.
Shenoy has been featured on BBC, Conde Nast, Verve, India Today and all other major media. Her latest book is called All The Love You Deserve.
According to her the key lies in creating a deep impact on the readers, fostering word-of-mouth recommendations driven by an emotional connection, honest writing, compelling characters, and complex themes.
The event, collaboration between the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and Ehsaas Women of Shillong, witnessed participation from literary figures, academicians, and literature enthusiasts.
Shenoy, not only a prolific writer but also an accomplished painter, shared her sketches, prompting a hopeful audience member to wish for Shillong’s inclusion in her artwork.
Addressing inquiries when in conversation with Jyoti Agarwal about facing writer’s block, Shenoy dismissed the notion, asserting that as both a writer and an artist, she never experiences such days.
On occasions when she doesn’t feel like writing, she channels her creativity into painting. She revealed that her books undergo multiple drafts and extensive edits before reaching the public, emphasizing the meticulous process.
Reflecting on her journey, which began as a writer professionally for a UK neighborhood newspaper, Shenoy advised aspiring writers not to abandon their day jobs until writing becomes a stable source of income.
Stressing practicality, she recommended taking writing-related jobs while simultaneously pursuing their literary endeavors, advocating for quitting day jobs only when writing promises a consistent income.
The Write Circle initiative, facilitated by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, stood as a CSR endeavor by Shree Cement Limited, with Vivanta as the venue partner.
