Aditi is a mother, homemaker, healthcare entrepreneur, author, and storyteller. Her mind is always busy churning out new and exciting story ideas.
Aditi's secret ingredient to happiness is writing. She believes in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire and empower others to follow their dreams and embrace their unique voices. She looks forward to connecting with readers and making a positive impact through her stories.
Many of her stories can be found on her blog - www.livealittlelovealot.com
Mom Says You Need To Be Strong is her debut collection of stories inspired by real-life incidents.
What experiences or influences inspired you to pursue a career in writing?
My writing journey started after I had my first daughter in 2017. Motherhood came to me with a bag of surprises: love, joy, and happiness along with me feeling hopeless, helpless, exhausted, and drained.
Since I couldn’t get back to work, I had to find some purpose in my life. Around the same time, my friends started asking me basic questions about their babies. And that’s when the idea came to me to start writing about motherhood, parenting & beyond. So I got to it. I designed my website, but as time passed I ran out of topics. So I started writing about people and their lives and my experiences. Eventually moved to writing short stories and fiction. And I was adamant to get my book published. And I did. I’m currently working on the next book. And I have got my fingers crossed.
Could you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow any specific routines or rituals that help you stay focused and motivated?
I make sure I write something every day. Some days are productive. But not every day can be a walk in the park. I usually make notes to pen down my ideas whenever they pop into my head or I use voice notes if I can’t type at that point in time. But from the moment I step out of bed, I start thinking about the character of my story, its plot and how I can make it more juicy.
What challenges did you face while writing your book(s), and how did you overcome them?
Editing & proofreading.
It takes the life out of you.
It’s a never-ending process.
It’s always much easier to find a professional who can help edit and proofread your manuscript.
Which authors or books have had the greatest impact on your writing style, and what do you admire most about their work?
Ever since I was a little girl, my mother introduced me to the world of books. And when the time was right, she passed down her entire collection of Sidney Shelton. The first book I read was Rage of Angels. Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop. I find his books to be unputdownable. The way each character is described, the plot, the twists and turns, and the unexpected endings. I’m a huge fan.
Another author I love is Paulo Coehlo. Don’t even get me started on The Alchemist.
What essential skills do you believe are crucial for an author to succeed in their writing career?
Consistency. Consistency is the key, my friend. There is no other way around.
What does a typical morning look like for you?
After I’m free from the kids, I go for a morning walk. Freshen up. Shower and I hit my desk. I start writing a new story or pick up from where I left off. Because by that time my mind is already booming with ideas.
How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?
I love to spend an evening alone with my husband, where we would just sit, talk and vent. The following morning, I wake up feeling so light and happy.
How do you prioritize self-care in your daily life?
Self-care is a lot of hard work. I’m not somebody who gives myself a priority when I have a hundred and one things to do. Yes, I do make sure that I eat well, stay active, stay hydrated and get some exercise and that’s the best I can do for now.
Are there any habits or rituals that have greatly contributed to your productivity?
Sit at your desk every day even though you can’t think of anything to write about…. Something or the other will come up.
In your opinion, what is the purpose of life?
I believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. Through my writing, I hope to inspire people and empower them to follow their dreams and embrace their unique voices. I look forward to connecting with readers and making a positive impact through my stories. After all, ‘the secret ingredient to happiness is writing.’
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your journey so far?
Learn to have a clear mind and not let people get in your way. Life moves too quickly. Time waits for nobody. What happened yesterday shouldn’t matter today. Move forward. Just keep writing.
How do you handle setbacks or failures, and what have they taught you?
We all fall down but it all matters how you pick yourself back up. To be honest, there have been several setbacks and downfalls. It hasn’t been a piece of cake. Many of my stories have been rejected over the years. But the whole idea is to keep working on it, brushing up, reading, and getting better each day. All you have to do is hold your head up high, let those ideas keep pouring in, and believe in yourself.
Mom Says You Need To Be Strong!
Book by Aditi Gupta
Published by Notion Press
This is a collection of short stories portraying family life. It showcases the various stages of a woman, originating from the birth of a baby girl until the death of a grandmother. The book moves through the different phases: the raw emotions, the cruel strategies, the happy times, and the crazy ones.
Since I was a little girl, my mother always told me the same thing over and over again. Her words of truth still ring in my head every time I have to pick myself up.