Deepti Menon has always loved the written word. She began to write at the age of ten and was lucky enough to have travelled around the country, being an Army kid, and later an Army wife. Her experiences during those years helped hone her interest and her flair for writing. Meeting new people helped her to notice details and put them into her interesting characters. (In fact, her friends and family shy away from saying anything to her, for fear of seeing it in print the next time they open a magazine.)
Her first book, 'Arms and the Woman', published by Rupa Publishers in 2002, took a light-hearted look at the life of an Army wife. This book was written mainly to reveal the warmth and camaraderie within the great institution.
For Deepti, both teaching and writing were wonderful learning experiences in their own ways. Teaching brought out the extrovert in her that revelled in being with children, creating that much-needed rapport and opening their minds to not only academics, but also the little things like curiosity, fun and good humour. She loved the fact that she learnt much from her students as well. Today, she is the Executive Director of Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School, a school in the town of Thrissur in Kerala.
2013 and 2014 were lucky for her, as many of her short stories were chosen for anthologies. She had a number of stories in the various ‘Chicken Soups’ as well. Short stories with deft twists and tongue-in-cheek articles that tickle the funny bone are her forte. One of her purple patches came when she won an I-Pad in a worldwide short story contest.
A book of her poems, dealing with life, love and loss, titled 'Deeparadhana of Poems', was lovingly compiled by her mother, herself a talented writer. ‘Shadow in the Mirror’, a psychological thriller published by Readomania in 2016, was well received by her readers. After that, she brought out two more anthologies of thriller short stories titled ‘Where Shadows Follow’ (2020) and ‘Shadows Never Lie’ (2021). Together the three books are now known as the Shadow Trilogy.
Deepti has also brought out Classic Tales from the Panchatantra in which she and her daughter, Priyanka, have also done the illustrations.
Deepti has also worked as a freelance journalist for over seven years and brought out humorous pieces, lifestyle articles and hard-hitting non-fiction in many publications.
In 2022, Deepti brought out ‘Defying Destiny: Nalini Chandran – A Life Sketch’, a biography of her mother who is a renowned educationist. In the same year, she was invited to be the Guest Editor for ‘The Abandoned House Horror’ brought out by Monalisa Joshi (Chrysanthemum Chronicles).
2023 was a year when two of her books were published – ‘Classic Tales from Shakespeare’ (Readomania) and ‘The Dance and the Trance’ (H&C Publishing).
January 1st, 2024 started the new year off with a bang as Deepti’s fourth book in the #shadowseries titled ‘The Web of Shadows’ was published, again by Readomania.
As she loves to say, “Writing runs in my blood, as teaching does, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to do both. I can never forget the thrill of seeing my name in print for the first time, a thrill that has only intensified over the years. Writing is an endless journey that I revel in, with all its winding twists and turns! Never a dull moment, never time to regret... life is truly worth living!”
What experiences or influences inspired you to pursue a career in writing?
I grew up surrounded by books, and the freedom to read any book that interested me. My grandfathers were both instrumental in gently guiding me into literature, both Indian and Western. My parents also were avid readers. At an early age, I found that I could juggle words and craft sentences that I loved reading. That may have been my earliest impetus towards pursuing a career in writing.
Could you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow any specific routines or rituals that help you stay focused and motivated?
My writing process is simple and uncomplicated. I write when the urge overtakes me, which is when I hear an interesting snippet, a piece of conversation, a passage which intrigues me, or when I am deeply touched by a topic. I try and write every day, if I can, even if it is only a line or a paragraph. I have a special fondness for pretty notebooks and coloured pens which I use to pen down my thoughts. I am particular about deadlines.
What challenges did you face while writing your book(s), and how did you overcome them?
Having been an Army brat, and then an Army wife, life has always been busy, though enjoyably so. My biggest challenge was finding the time to write, and often I would burn the midnight oil trying to put down my thoughts. The other challenge was looking for publishers, but somehow, the Universe has conspired to connect me with wonderful publishers who helped enhance my writing even more.
Which authors or books have had the greatest impact on your writing style, and what do you admire most about their work?
When I was growing up, some of the authors who had the greatest influence on me were Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt and later, Mary Higgins Clark and Jeffrey Archer. Their writing styles were all diverse, but what they all had in common was the flair to hold the readers’ interest, through their nuances of mystery, intrigue and impeccable storytelling, all of which I strove to imbibe, because I wanted to bring in that element of suspense in my own writing.
What essential skills do you believe are crucial for an author to succeed in their writing career?
The most essential skill for an author, in my opinion, is the ability to use words to their full potential, much like a wizard who casts magic spells and piques the curiosity of his audience, making his words sparkle. Editing skills are also a bonus, and PR skills the biggest bonus of all!
What does a typical morning look like for you?
On the days I am not in school, my typical morning starts with a cup of green tea mint, and a mixed bag of home chores interspersed with bouts of writing. Weekends are vital because I get most of my writing done.
How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?
I watch suspense-filled television serials for a while along with my cup of green tea mint, and let the exhaustion drain out. My husband and I also watch movies that we know we will both enjoy, even if our tastes are different. I listen to my favourite music when I am cooking. After dinner, I read, a habit which has stayed with me since childhood.
How do you prioritize self-care in your daily life?
For decades, I would start my day with a spoon of honey and lime with warm water. Of late, I have shifted to a spoon of cinnamon with warm water. I believe that self-care is both physical and mental. Most days, my husband and I eat in moderation, and use one day of the weekend as a cheat day. I try to do a dance routine for exercise occasionally. I also believe that feelings of gratitude, mindfulness and empathy are beneficial, and are an essential part of self-care.
Are there any habits or rituals that have greatly contributed to your productivity?
Reading has always been a habit that has had a direct link to my writing. Over the years, I have been part of myriad writing groups in which I have participated in challenges that have added a zing to my writing. Interacting with other readers and writers fosters a sense of camaraderie, which has been immensely satisfying, leading to greater productivity.
In your opinion, what is the purpose of life?
In my opinion, the purpose of life is maintaining a sense of balance in whatever you do. The most important things in life are family, relationships, good health and happiness. If you can sleep well at night, and be happy in whatever you do, things will fall in place. For me, my sense of optimism keeps me going.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your journey so far?
I have understood that it is important to create a niche for yourself in the world, in your own subtle way. Staying positive and spreading happiness are a good way to achieve that. Your professional success often hinges around how you handle your personal life. Like I said earlier, a balance needs to be maintained. I love the Oscar Wilde quote which goes, “Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.”
How do you handle setbacks or failures, and what have they taught you?
Failures are vital life lessons which keep one sane and level-headed. I have faced several obstacles which have hurt me at the time, but I have always tried to look them in the face and move on. In doing so, I have become stronger as a person, willing to face challenges head on.
Deepti Menon Books
Arms and the Woman – Rupa Publishers
Shadow in the Mirror – Readomania Publishers
Where Shadows Follow – Readomania Publishers
Shadows Never Lie – Readomania Publishing
Classic Tales from the Panchatantra – Readomania Publishing
Classic Tales from Shakespeare – Readomania Publishing
Defying Destiny: Nalini Chandran – A Life Sketch – Logos Books, Pattambi
The Dance and the Trance – H&C Publishers
The Web of Shadows – Readomania Publishers