In Conversation with Jill Somani

About Jill Somani

Jill Somani is a Mumbai-based writer, poet, and education & language consultant. As the co-founder of Edussphere Consultancy, she plays a pivotal role in guiding students toward their academic and professional aspirations. Partnering with her mother, Jill takes pride in their mother-daughter entrepreneurial journey that offers a range of consultancy services in the education sector. She is a passionate reader and writer. She explores various genres, crafting poetry in English, Hindi, and French. Her love for literature extends to book reviews, where she shares insightful perspectives on diverse works through her Instagram. Beyond her literary pursuits, Jill deeply appreciates languages and cultures, often immersing herself in their nuances. Traveling and music further enrich her experiences, allowing her to draw inspiration from the world around her.

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?

Jill Somani: The journey of Whispers Across Tongues began around 2013-14, during my school years. Supplementary reading homework within literature was always a source of imagination and creativity for me. They opened my eyes to the beauty of storytelling. I realized that storytelling is everywhere: whether in the bedtime tales that bring children comfort or in the way adults weave long narratives out of everyday moments. That was when I knew I wanted to write a book. As I grew older, one thought remained constant, I wanted to publish a book. Over the years, I penned numerous poems, but life’s twists and turns led to breaks in my writing journey. Fast forward to a decade later, I found myself rediscovering poetry. At the same time, I met a wonderful friend who shared the same deep connection with words. Our conversations rekindled my creative spirit, and before I knew it, there was a narrow deadline to register for the writing challenge. Upon completion, I found my publisher. That moment was the turning point when scattered verses began to take the shape of a book. Whispers Across Tongues is a poetic journey that chronicles the evolution from an uncertain teenager to a purposeful adult. Through verses with introspection, it delves into the complexities of raw emotions and resilience—bringing to light the unspoken dialogues we have within.

LiFT: Why you chose this title?

Jill Somani: The title Whispers Across Tongues originated from an abstract concept that is an attempt to visualize the countless conversations shared between individuals. Initially, this book was a collection of independent poems, but over time, they came together to create a cohesive and heartfelt piece for readers. Whether it is self-reflective dialogue or the bonds we form with others, these exchanges carry a sense of mystery while unfolding at their own pace. Additionally, such conversations are not ideally said out loud – sometimes we avoid, sometimes we struggle, sometimes we whisper. Imagining the exchange of words, souls, and emotions, the title perfectly encapsulates this vision, making it a fitting choice for the book.

LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?

Jill Somani: It was a very early realization. Somewhere continuing to what I previously replied in the third question, there was never one starting point. Since childhood, getting exposed to more story time by both my maternal and paternal grandmothers and also literature homework, I felt naturally involved with the creative aspects of spoken language. Writing them down was similar to using a camera to click a photograph and preserve a memory forever. I love the combination that has made everything come together. With due respect, it is difficult to name one source of inspiration. This book took form at the time when I was rediscovering my passion for writing after a long break. The entire process reminded me of the silent yet powerful ways in which thoughts and emotions intertwine across time, languages, and personal journeys and so is also the inspiration behind this book.

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Jill Somani: In the next ten years, I envision myself deeply immersed in the world of writing and literature, expanding my journey as an author and poet. I aspire to publish multiple books, exploring themes that resonate with readers on a personal and cultural level. Beyond writing, I see myself actively contributing to the literary community—mentoring aspiring writers, collaborating with fellow authors, and possibly curating literary events or workshops. I would love to bridge the gap between languages and cultures through my work, encouraging a more inclusive and diverse literary space. Additionally, I aim to integrate my passion for education and language into this journey, perhaps by developing resources for creative writing or linguistic studies. Overall, I aim to create works that leave a lasting impact.

LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?

Jill Somani: Yes, I believe a complete book is like a well-crafted recipe. For a flavorful dish, the right ingredients must be used in perfect proportion and cooked at the ideal temperature. Similarly, when publishing a book, an author must consider key elements such as layout, formatting, cover design, and content—factors that enhance the book’s appeal and its ability to attract readers. As a book reviewer, I have come across titles with excellent writing, yet some lack consistency in formatting. While strong content is essential, visual presentation also plays a crucial role in enriching the reader’s experience. A well-structured book, with thoughtful design and coherence, allows readers to immerse themselves fully, enhancing both their imagination and overall enjoyment.

LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?

Jill Somani: Whispers Across Tongues is an ambassador to spread the message of trust in yourselves, healing comes in many unexpected forms and it is worth waiting and holding on to it. There is another aspect that I would love to talk about in general. All forms of writing regardless of prose or poetry are a way of perception. The author will write imagining some scenarios, that the readers may or may not necessarily understand but we find some explanation to comprehend it. Such is exactly required to understand our fellow humans. Resilience and perception go a long way with fictional and real-life characters.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Jill Somani: Apart from writing, I dedicate time to managing Edussphere Consultancy, an educational consultancy founded by my mother. We offer a wide range of services, supporting individuals from 12-year-old students to mid-level career professionals. Additionally, I work as a freelance tutor, teaching school students up to the 8th grade across all educational boards in India. I also provide English (TEFL) and French (FLE) language training as foreign languages, with no age restrictions. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, traveling, and playing badminton.

LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?

Jill Somani: Honestly, I love traveling. Whenever I get a chance, I love to explore places and talk to people around me. Their life experience is sometimes so enriching that it undoubtedly opens the block within writing style, imagery, or a concept. Apart from them, I suggest finding your resort in visuals (watching movies, series or documentaries) when facing writer’s block. To the kinesthetic personality, painting/playing with colours and drawing has played a positive role in overcoming writer’s block.

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.

Jill Somani: As of now, I have some ideas for my next book (ideally in 2026). I hope it to be poetry, perhaps in a different language than English. However, I’d recommend everyone to follow and stay in touch through my Instagram account – @thenomadicgram for any further updates.

LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?

Jill Somani: I highly recommend polishing your writing through writing prompts. Many literary societies and groups have their challenges and competitions. Nowadays, AI can suggest prompts of extensive kinds to cater to everyone’s style. You may also prefer some user-generated prompts while it promote your activeness in the world of writing. Apart from this, writing and journaling help to a good extent.

Click here to order Jill Somani’s Book – ⁠⁠Whispers Across Tongues