About Anandita Sharma
Anandita was born in Indore, India & brought up in Dubai, UAE. She is a food & nature enthusiast. Where murder-mystery makes her a bibliophile, poetry is her form of expression. She loves to cook, meditate & create cross-cultural experiences. She is a travel blogger, a published author, podcaster, photographer, copywriter & a social media marketer.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content.
Anandita Sharma: My book is kind of like a self-help anthology. Now, usually, when people hear “anthology,” they think of a bunch of poets pouring their hearts out. But really, an anthology is just a compilation of various pieces, and in my case, it’s all about life lessons. I’ve been deep into meditation since 2019, and in 2021, I took this month-long Vipassana meditation course that totally rocked my world.
Picture this: no talking, (if needed) only writing, top-notch food, and you’re responsible for your own dishwashing and laundry. Oh, and you meditate like there’s no tomorrow. It’s this beautiful, transformative experience. After the course, my imagination and words found a whole new groove in the world, and that’s when I birthed my first-ever book. It’s got 20 poems that encapsulate the 20 nuggets of wisdom I picked up along my meditation journey. It’s been quite a ride, honestly.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Anandita Sharma: I chose the title “What’s the Gist of Life?” because it perfectly captures the essence of what my book is all about. Each poetry in the anthology distills a crucial life lesson that I’ve learned through my meditation journey. It’s like asking, “What’s the core message or essence of life?” and my book aims to answer that question through the insights I’ve gained. The title reflects the curiosity and introspection that readers can expect when they turn the pages.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Anandita Sharma: Funny enough, becoming a writer or poet wasn’t something I consciously set out to do. A few years back, before I delved into meditation, I never thought I had it in me to write poetry. It was back in my early college days. Then, one random day, I just picked up a pen, and boom, the words started flowing.
After diving into meditation, my mind opened up even more, and I found myself jotting down everything I experienced and learned. It was like a floodgate had opened. That’s when it hit me: people need to know about these experiences, and what better way to share than through compiling these poems into a fine book?
Big shoutout to my best friend Krishna for introducing me to meditation—she’s the unsung hero and the inspiration behind my book writing journey. It’s funny how life takes unexpected turns, yeah?
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Anandita Sharma: In the grand scheme of things, I envision myself as a New York Times bestselling author/poet a decade from now. But you know what? Even with that level of success, I don’t think I’d have it all figured out. The world of literature is this endless journey of learning and evolving, and I’m totally down for the ride. So, while hitting the bestseller list would be incredible, I’m more excited about the ongoing process of growth in the literary world. There’s always more to discover and create! Probably a whole new genre (wink-wink).
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Anandita Sharma: Absolutely, both the quality of the book and effective marketing play crucial roles in promoting a book and expanding its readership. The quality of the content is what keeps readers engaged and satisfied, prompting them to recommend the book to others. On the other hand, marketing is the vehicle that propels the book into the spotlight, increasing visibility for both the author and their work.
A well-crafted book with a compelling narrative, insightful content, and polished writing is more likely to garner positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. However, without strategic marketing efforts, even a fantastic book might struggle to reach its target audience. Marketing helps create awareness, generate buzz, and connect with potential readers, making it an essential companion to a high-quality book.
In essence, it’s a symbiotic relationship – quality attracts readers, and effective marketing ensures that the book gets the attention it deserves in a crowded literary landscape.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Anandita Sharma: The primary message I aim to convey through my writings is one of introspection, mindfulness, and the transformative power of personal growth. Drawing from my experiences, particularly my journey into meditation, I want to inspire readers to explore their inner selves, embrace life’s lessons, and find meaning in their unique experiences.
The gists of life that I share in my poems are meant to serve as guiding lights, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys, appreciate the present moment, and navigate the complexities of life with resilience and awareness. I hope to foster a sense of connection and understanding, reminding people that they’re not alone in their struggles and that there’s beauty in the shared human experience.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute positively to the lives of my readers, offering insights that resonate and inspire a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Anandita Sharma: Well, besides pouring my thoughts into writing, I’m a bit of a globetrotter. Born in Indore, India, and raised in the vibrant city of Dubai, UAE, I’ve been soaking in diverse cultures from the get-go.
Food and nature are my jam—total enthusiast here. Whether I’m whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, meditating to find my zen, or immersing myself in the great outdoors, I’m all about those soul-soothing experiences.
But wait, there’s more! I’m not just about words on paper. I wear many hats—I’m a travel blogger. I document and share my adventures and travel experiences. It could be anything from exploring hidden gems in a city to trying out local cuisines and sharing travel tips with my audience.
I love podcasting too—delve into the world of audio content. I create and share episodes where I discuss various topics—maybe it’s about life, travel, meditation, or anything that piques my interest. It’s another way for me to connect with my audience in a more personal and conversational manner.
I absolutely adore clicking pictures—I capture moments through my lens. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes I encounter during my travels or the simple beauty in everyday life, I aim to tell a visual story through my photographs.
Gotta earn good money from somewhere, right? Copywriting is my full time job where I use my writing skills to craft compelling and persuasive content for various purposes—perhaps for businesses, marketing campaigns, or anything that requires a way with words.
Finally, as a social media marketer, I navigate the digital landscape, strategizing and executing plans to enhance the online presence of brands or individuals. It involves creating engaging content, managing social media platforms, and connecting with the audience in the vast realm of social media.
So, you could say I’m on this adventure to create cross-cultural experiences, and I’m loving every moment of it!
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Anandita Sharma: Ah, writer’s block, the arch-nemesis of every wordsmith! When I find myself in a creative standstill, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. First off, I’ll step away from my desk and take a leisurely stroll in the open air. There’s something about nature that kickstarts my thoughts.
During this walk, I might sip on some water, letting the hydration refresh not just my body but hopefully my mind too. As I wander, my brain starts churning thoughts around the block, and I let it marinate.
If the block persists, I’m not afraid to catch some ZZZZZs over it. I’ve found that sometimes my most creative solutions come to me in dreams. It’s like my subconscious is doing overtime to untangle the knots in my ideas.
And then, BAM! I wake up with a eureka moment, whether it’s in the dream itself or right after. I make it a point to jot down those revelations pronto before they slip away. It’s like my mind takes a detour in dreamland to find the answers I’m seeking. Works like a charm!
LiFT: What if your story will be adopted as a movie? Whom would you want to work as a director or actors in it?
Anandita Sharma: Since my book isn’t a novel, the idea of a movie adaptation doesn’t quite fit. However, I’m open to exploring other creative avenues that align with the essence of my work. Whether it’s through visual storytelling, audio experiences, or any innovative medium, the focus remains on sharing the meaningful insights and lessons encapsulated in my writing.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Anandita Sharma: I’m in the midst of crafting my next book, but for now, it’s a little hush-hush. I believe in the magic of surprise, and I’m eager to unveil the details once it’s ready to take the spotlight during the launch. Stay tuned!
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Anandita Sharma: So here’s something that I follow:
Stay Mindful and Observe:
Cultivate mindfulness in your daily life. Pay attention to the details around you—the sights, sounds, and emotions. Taking note of these subtleties can enrich your writing with vivid descriptions and authentic emotions.
Draw Inspiration from Everyday Life:
Your daily experiences are a goldmine for creative inspiration. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a walk in the park, or a moment of introspection, draw from these real-life encounters to infuse authenticity into your writing.
Keep a Writing Journal Handy:
Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking app to capture spontaneous thoughts and observations. These snippets from everyday life can serve as seeds for future stories, poems, or reflections.
Reflect on Your Emotions:
Writing is a powerful tool for self-reflection. During moments of joy, sadness, or contemplation, jot down your feelings and thoughts. This practice not only serves as a therapeutic outlet but also enhances your ability to express emotions in your writing.
Explore Different Perspectives:
Stay open to different viewpoints and perspectives in your interactions. It broadens your understanding of human experiences and can add depth to the characters and themes in your writing.
Use Everyday Language:
While crafting your writing, embrace the language of everyday conversations. It helps create relatable content and makes your work accessible to a broader audience.
Mindful Writing Sessions:
Before you begin a writing session, take a moment to center yourself. Practice a brief mindfulness exercise to clear your mind and focus your attention. This can enhance your creativity and bring a sense of clarity to your writing.
Connect with Your Senses:
Engage your senses when describing scenes or emotions. Whether it’s the scent of rain, the warmth of sunlight, or the taste of a favorite dish, sensory details bring richness to your writing.
By staying mindful and drawing inspiration from your daily life, you infuse your writing with authenticity, relatability, and a unique perspective. Embrace the beauty in the ordinary, and let it fuel the extraordinary in your writing.
Click here to order Anandita Sharma’s Book – What’s The Gist Of Life?
