AUTHOR’S BIO:
Meenakshi M. Singh is a bestselling author, columnist and an award-winning poet. She has written 4 books, titled, SOULFUL SYMPHONY, AAWAZ, I AM ENOUGH, and her latest bestseller romantic novel, CUPID @ CORPORATE represented by The Book Bakers Literary Agency and published by Vishwakarma Publications.
She is also the editor of SHETHESHAKTI, a huge anthology having 125 poets’ work from all over the world. Founder of SheTheShakti Inc., dedicated to women's empowerment, she has received prestigious awards like the Rex Karmaveer Chakra Award, instituted by the United Nations, 1000 Women of Asia Award, Gurugram Achievers award, Women of Influence Award, 100 Women Faces of India award by Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs and many others. She is a crusader of gender equality, contributing to over fifty national and international publications.
A former IT professional, gold medallist in Mathematics, theatre actress, a columnist and multifaceted artist, she leads the "She the Shakti Women" and "Writers of India" communities, amplifying women's voices and to promote creativity & literature. She is a regular in renowned literature festivals and is quite active on boards like WICCI and Womennovator's. She has done a Masters in Software Systems and bachelors in Mathematics with ten years of corporate experience. She is based in Gurgaon raising herself with her husband and twin daughters.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
I have always held a deep passion for creative expression, reading and writing. From childhood, immersed in spiritual and mythological tales, I found solace in reading. Those stories of different realms really fascinated me. Written word had great influence on me and I used to devour reading even from makeshift cones after eating a dry chaat. I remember reading my sister’s Hindi literature books such as Prem Chand, Dinkar and more in my summer vacations. Eventually I believe mostly it’s the accumulated emotion that propelled me to write, the keen urge to express and connect with other fellow human beings. My first short story about my younger brother’s untimely demise got published on a platform “Under the Banyan tree” in 2012 and won the first prize for a Heritage Hotel package in Rajasthan. So, my first publication was cathartic, and also my late brother’s gift to listen to my heart’s calling of writing and my entry into publishing world.
The act of writing, creating something brings me joy and purpose; without it, I would be bored merely existing and consuming. Writing is the essence of my soul, the medium through which I feel most alive. I've penned over 200 poems in both Hindi and English. Writing serves as my bridge to the world, uniting us as one global entity. I hold knowledge, wisdom, and a well-read mind in high regard, believing that they are the true wealth. I derive inspiration from prolific writers like Maya Angelou, Chimamanda Adiche, Jhumpa Lahiri, Sudha Murthy primarily.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
In 2012, I embarked on my writing journey, albeit with hesitancy as a novice, lacking confidence due to my formal background in Mathematics and Computer Sciences, devoid of any literature education. Despite feeling ill-equipped, fuelled by my passion for writing, I delved into poetry, sharing my work on various platforms, reciting in open mics in Delhi & Gurgaon. My poetry was well received and much to my delight, a publisher Authors press offered me to publish my book on merit—a dream realized. Seeking to upskill, I enrolled in a creative writing course at Sri Aurobindo College of Arts & Commerce, where I found inspiration from esteemed authors on the faculty.
Despite initial setbacks, I learned that commitment, imagination, and creativity outweigh technical prowess. My debut book Soulful Symphony got published in 2013 and I shared the dais with one of my faculty members at the book launch there. Later, three more books came, establishing my identity as a poet. Transitioning from poetry to prose after a few years, again I felt diffident until I connected with Suhail Mathur, who recognized the potential in my story. I consciously adopted a simple and straightforward language to convey complex ideas. Writing is my oxygen. It’s a potent medium to voice the causes for truth, for bringing society more sensitive and humane. I am delighted that my novel Cupid@Corporate found an eminent publishing house such as Vishwakarma Publications and am immensely grateful to them for their faith and support.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I believe it was synchronicity. Back in 2016, we were in an award function, I asked my author friends, Sujata Parashar and Manjiri Prabhu and both of them recommended Suhail Mathur as their literary agent. Later, I diverged into theatre and few years passed. I wrote few poetry books and received appreciation in poetry sphere. I decided to delve into the world of fiction and resumed writing and finishing my novel. And Lo and behold, my buddy Maulshree Mahajan got represented by The Book bakers and guided me to connect with him. And then as all roads were leading me to Suhail Mathur and the Book Bakers, I connected with him. The icing on the cake is that now, I am recommending Suhail Mathur, the Book Bakers to many aspiring authors in my circle.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about
them?
As I mentioned, I wanted to foray into being a traditionally published novelist, Suhail Mathur guided me and helped me in presenting the manuscript in a polished manner with the required packaging for pitching to the publication houses. He leads the literary agency quite professionally and brought me not only one but two publishers. There was waiting but it was worthwhile as I am grateful to The Book Bakers for supporting me to become a novelist and see my books in physical bookstores. Their team designed my book cover brilliantly, aligning with the theme of my novel. Additionally, The Book Bakers not only helps in pitching the manuscripts but also helps in elevating the author’s brand by making them participate in various book launches and lit fests. I have been recommended to speak on many forums by The Book Bakers and am proud to be represented by them and belong to the The Book Bakers community.
It is a close and active community of writers supporting each other with a great camaraderie and keeps getting evolved with various initiatives to strengthen the author’s portfolio with Suhail Mathur at the helm who is a force of nature. I feel privileged to be supported and also give back to my community through various measures.
5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
For me, readers resonance is the true symbol of success. And it’s quite a fulfilling experience that my latest novel Cupid@Corporate is garnering good reviews from fellow readers and even authors. For me writing has to be evocative and absorbing to be successful. It’s a contemporary read and many are finding it relatable. Success also means having a good number of book copies sold eventually acclaim by the readers. Having a supportive community of readers is a testament of good work. I have been invited to various lit fests to speak in various panels and this high of connecting with my readers is my success.
I believe parameters of success are unique for everyone, and so is the ambition. Having a book or two up your sleeves is a journey of resilience and I am loving to tread on this path of tribulations and triumph. In today’s age, where life could get monotonous and exhibitionism is at its peak, that absolute joy of crafting a story, a character out of the clouds of your imagination is success. The moment of authenticity.
6. When can we expect your next book?
My next book would be a nonfiction, a true memoir of an authentic and practical guide of parenting demonstrated by personal insightful stories for raising happy, empowered, resilient and conscientious humans again being represented by The Book Bakers. I am sure with the acumen Suhail Mathur has, and by Almighty’s grace, it would soon be selected by a good publication house.
7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
Read widely, expansively. Write freely. Write everyday like it’s your Riyaz. I believe in the power of journaling as my first book was a collection out of my journal. Passion, perseverance and prayer has great power. If you can follow a discipline of writing a number of words every day, then that’s the best approach. Surrender to your muse and it will bless you for sure. Write all forms, poetry, short story, novella and more. Write like a madman or a madwoman and before you realize, all the dots would get connected serendipitously. Don’t limit yourself. Some author once said to me that getting published is just a matter of time. And that is an absolute truth.
BOOK NAME : CUPID@CORPORATE
PUBLISHER : VISHWAKARMA PUBLICATIONS
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
Love is the whole thing; we are only pieces. ― Rumi
Love was the only missing fragment in her utopian jigsaw puzzle. The ravishing, romantic, feminist corporate girl Suhaani had lost faith in love especially after feeling unwelcomed at birth & beyond. In the thick of the dazzling corridors of ambition and desire, Suhaani's heartache led her to swear off of love forever. Then, akin to a tempest, Sidharth, her rival and manager, set her heart on fire. Sparks fly and they embarked on a clandestine romance. These enemies turned lovers decide to marry till something compels them to keep their relationship a secret forever.
As this corporate couple struggled to keep it hidden, a mysterious third person emerged, and stirs the duo’s chemistry. Threatening to sabotage their relationship, their reputation, their life. Who is this impostor in their lives? Can they endure this trial? Amidst Gurgaon's pulse and the Aravalli's embrace, a soulful tale of redemption and passion unfolds, crossing limits to find love a new.
Cupid@Corporate is a deep, refreshing and soulful office romance, a contemporary love story, reflecting the socio-cultural dynamics of our Indian society in today’s age. The book is more than a love story as it highlights women centric issues quite strongly, such as societal judgement for a working independent woman, workplace biases and middle-class dynamics intersect with themes of love, friendship, and professional challenges.
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