When I wrote Version One and a Half (Version 1 1/2) in 2018, I genuinely believed that would be the beginning and the end of my writing journey. The book was inspired by my childhood in a small Indian town during the 1980s, and for me, it was simply a personal journal filled with memories, emotions, and reflections from a different time.
At that point in my life, I never imagined I would become an author; let alone write fifteen books.
In fact, growing up, I was not even much of a reader. The idea that I would someday spend years creating stories, developing characters, and publishing books felt impossible. Writing that first book was never part of some grand literary plan. It was simply something I felt compelled to do.
But surprisingly, the journey did not stop there.
With every new book, my passion for storytelling grew stronger. What started as a one-time experiment slowly turned into a deeply meaningful creative journey. Each publication taught me something new; not just about writing, but about people, emotions, imagination, and even myself.
Over the past seven years, I have explored worlds and genres I never thought I would touch. I have written childhood memoirs, college romances, biographies of incredible individuals, treasure hunts, and stories that blend Indian mythology and history into superhero-style adventures. Every project pushed me in a new direction and challenged me to think differently.
Sometimes, when I look back at all these books, I feel as though I have lived many different lives through them.
One story would take me back to the innocence of childhood. Another would immerse me in romance and youthful chaos. Yet another would pull me into mystery, mythology, or history. Writing became more than just putting words on paper; it became a way of experiencing life from countless perspectives.
The biggest surprise in all of this has been discovering how much I truly love writing. I never expected writing to become such an important part of my identity. What began as a deeply personal memoir gradually evolved into a lifelong passion.
And now, here I am, seven years and fourteen books later, preparing to launch my fifteenth book, Camera on His Shoulder.
When I pause and think about this journey, it still feels surreal. From someone who never imagined becoming an author to someone who now cannot imagine life without writing; it has been an incredible ride filled with learning, creativity, self-discovery, and gratitude.
If there is one thing this journey has taught me, it is that life can surprise you in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, one honest story is all it takes to change everything.
Camera on His Shoulder releases on June 1, 2026, on Amazon and other major platforms worldwide. The book will also be available at selected stores in Scarborough, Ontario.
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