Writing is My Language of Freedom and Expression : Janvee Menghrajani

On the beginning of a journey translating emotions to words..

“I started writing when I was in college at the age of 18. I always had an inclination to write, but the first time was when I wrote content for a startup back in college. That’s how my writing journey started. I started pursuing writing as a full-time career when I turned 22. 

One of the reasons to start writing was because it has always been my language of freedom of expression. It did not bind me to be a certain way and let me be myself.

As an author, I am honest, candid, warm, and open to knowing new perspectives always. I wrote my debut book in the same way. This is what I always translate in the way I write.”

‘Trust Your Instincts‘ – A book of perspectives from the author’s life

“As a youngster, I had to deal with a lot of emotions, which inspired me to write my first book. I felt that the future generation shouldn’t have to experience these emotions the way I did, because I had no idea how to handle them. This gap that existed made me write the book. It motivated me to conceptualize my problems and learnings into a book. That’s how this book came into being! 

I have poured my heart out while writing this book. I have tried to keep this book as concise, as easy to read & as honest as possible. I have written it in a way, where people will feel they are actually conversing with someone in the book. It does not have a narrative but rather has a perspective. Any person between the age of 17 to 35 can read this book in a single sitting without feeling bored. Everyone will be able to relate some part of my story with theirs. This will keep the readers connected with my book.”

On writing non-fiction – it can be a rollercoaster ride too! 

It is often said that writing non-fiction is more difficult than fiction. We asked Janvee’s take on this and wanted to know about a few hurdles that she faced while writing this book. 

“I don’t think it is difficult to write non-fiction when you know what you want to write and how you want to convey it. One hurdle I think that I faced while authoring the book was, just talking about a few past experiences that I never told anyone about so candidly. I had to relive those experiences to write them down. It was surely a roller coaster ride of emotions, but totally worth it.”

“I prefer writing an outline before I actually begin writing..”

Every writer has their quirks and hacks while writing. We asked Janvee and she shared some interesting facts. 

“I am a full-time content writer in a startup at present. So, I write during the day for companies and explore new ideas for authoring books post work.

I have always been a plotter when it comes to writing. I prefer writing an outline before I actually begin writing. But there’s a ritual I follow. Whenever I begin writing, first I draft an outline & then set a timer of fifteen minutes to write everything that’s on my mind for a certain topic. & Then I organize everything I wrote. 

When I had to write my book, I was managing it with my job. I decided to write every day to maintain consistency & would ensure that I would write every day even if it is only for ten minutes.”

Janvee’s writing inspiration and favourite authors

“I don’t think there’s one person who inspires what I write and the way I write. I always liked the way Sudha Murthy wrote her books. I am someone who always loved reading autobiographies over fiction, hence my favourite genre to read as well as write is non-fiction. My favourite books are –

The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Dreams from my father by Barack Obama, A letter to my daughter by Dr. Maya Angelou, Wings of fire by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam & Arun Tiwari, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia, Three Thousand Stitches & Wise & Otherwise by Sudha Murthy.”

Tips for aspiring writers on writing, editing, publishing and marketing

“Any aspiring writer should know that writing is an art. Not everyone can do it & if you are able to do it, you are gifted. Never undermine your strength to write. As a writer, you may face writer’s block, but every writer learns their way to get over it. 

Never edit and write at the same time. It’s important that writers don’t edit and write at the same time because both need a different frame of mind. 

Publishing isn’t something I have done so I cannot weigh in on it. I can surely advise on self-publishing. Any aspiring writer who wants to write a book should know self-publishing is great! It’s a smooth process. As a writer, one may have a lot of reservations in their head, whether to take the next step or not, they just need to trust themselves & go for it!

Book marketing is the most enjoyable and busy phase of this entire process. It’s worth the buzz. It gives writers a chance to speak with more people, than just the ones they know. One piece of advice that I would give here is to make a marketing plan for the book before it is published. Do not wait for the book to get published.”