An Optometrist’s job is to check people’s optical capacity, but this one opted another path to please everyone’s eyes. She used the magic of words which flowed out from her soul into her books, which stand as an evidence to all this. And having been through multiple changes and upheavals, she finally achieved her destination where her passion got decoded. Today, we have with us known Author and Freelance Writer, Shuchi Singh Kalra.
Hello Shuchi, Welcome to Spectralhues. From being an Optometrist to a professional writer, how did this career turnover journey happen?
Thank you! It is a pleasure to be here.
That transition was meant to happen because sooner or later, your true passion calls out to you. I have always been fond of writing since I was a kid – it was something I was good at and I would often pen down my thoughts in a personal diary. While I enjoyed it, I never thought of it as a viable career choice (I come from a generation where everyone was expected to crack IITs and PMTs). I worked as an Optometrist at a leading eye hospital in India and soon realized that peering into slit-lamps and prescribing glasses wasn’t my thing. I took up some freelance writing assignments to earn some extra money during my internship and only then did I realize the scope of it. Not surprisingly, I quit my job as soon as I could and got into it full-time. My family thought I was crazy to dump a seemingly good and lucrative career prospect to become a full-time writer. But as I look back, I believe it was the best decision I ever made. I wouldn’t trade my career and lifestyle for anything else.
How was the experience of writing Done With Men?
I had a lot of fun writing ‘Done With Men’ and it was smooth sailing for the most part (except for the occasional writer’s block). The real challenge was marketing it – I wish the process wasn’t as time-consuming and energy sapping.
What response have you been receiving for the book?
So far, it has been incredible – nothing much to complain about! People have been writing in to me saying that they loved the book and couldn’t stop laughing at some places. Being able to make someone’s day, or to inspire them in some small way is a writer’s greatest reward.
You recently contributed for an anthology ‘Love Across Borders’. How was the experience of writing for an anthology?
Well, we writers are an idealistic lot! LAB was a project where writers from India and Pakistan came together to build positive narrative about our countries, our people and shared culture. It was an enriching experience but I’ve come to realize that all this looks fantastic only on paper. We are all too aware of the reality.
You are into numerous other things, apart from your passion for writing. Ma’am, tell us what it takes one to achieve such a multi-hued personality?
Well, that’s a profound question and I honestly do not have an answer to that, but thank you for saying so. I think it is just a natural urge to grow, learn new things, experiment, and explore. It helps you understand yourself as a person and the things that truly inspire you.
Was becoming a professional writer as-easy-as-ABCD task? What kind of apprehensions and challenges you had to face in your journey?
It definitely wasn’t easy. The freelance writing industry is a haphazard one and there are no clear guidelines anywhere; atleast there weren’t many when I started out. Writers stepping into the business for the first time would find themselves lost, and there were hardly any helpful resources/networks for Indian writers. Now, of course, things are changing and there are many networking forums where writers can voice themselves discuss their concerns, and in the process, educate others. My blog, www.indianfreelancewriters.com, is one such platform.
Feed us with more information related to the career of a freelance writer. What all policies and systems is this career built up on?
There are no policies and systems as such, but I just wish people, including writers, took themselves more seriously. Most people get into freelance writing to pass their time and earn an extra buck, without realizing the level of commitment and dedication it takes to make a mark in this field. Since they are not really passionate about writing, they look for shortcuts and are often unable to deliver. Passion and professionalism are the two primary requisites for anyone looking to make a career in writing.
You already have various shades to your professional career. How do you manage all these tasks?
My mind is fickle and I get bored easily. That’s why I have this constant need to challenge myself and look out for new opportunities – all my writing endeavors are an extension of that. I have my fingers in several bowls at once only because it keeps me inspired and motivated.
How do you manage to make yourself notable in this humongous and competitive digital media?
Social media is more of a necessity than an option for writers these days and so far, I’ve found it to be a great medium to connect with readers and other writers. To be honest, I’m still trying to find my way around it.
You have managed to seize yourself an esteemed Number 1 position in the list of 12 Highly Successful Non-Native English Freelance Writers. Also, you have been the first runner-up of the Writer of the Year Award given by The Writers Bureau, UK. How were your feelings then?
It is obvously a good feeling when your efforts are recognized, but I take them as small milestones with a pinch of salt. My journey as a writer is an ongoing one and I have a lot more to explore and achieve in the years to come.
What are your future plans?
I don’t have any fixed plans as such – I think I’ll just let my instincts guide me. Right now I am working on a couple of books, one of which the the sequel to Done With Men and another is an expansion of a short story I wrote some time ago. One of my books – another rom com with a plus-sized protagonist – is on the editor’s table and should be out in a few months. My only wish is to grow as a writer and as a human being.
Thank you Shuchi for your time. On behalf of Team Spectralhues, I wish you all the very best for your future endeavours.
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