In Conversation with Sreeja Tiwari

About Sreeja Tiwari

Sreeja Tiwari, born on 19th May 2010, is a 15-year-old writer and aspiring medical professional currently preparing for NEET. At a young age, she has already authored her debut poetry collection, I Carry My Own Sunshine, marking the beginning of her journey as a writer.
Her work is deeply personal, inspired by real-life experiences, including friendship heartbreak, emotional struggles, and the strength she found within herself, along with the support of those who stood by her without judgment. Through her writing, she explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and inner strength.
Beyond writing, Sreeja is also a content creator and has participated in activities like Model United Nations, reflecting her confidence and perspective. She believes in growing both intellectually and emotionally, as she continues to pursue her goal of becoming a doctor while keeping her passion for writing alive.

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

Sreeja Tiwari: This book is a collection of poems that reflect my journey of growing up, healing, and finding my own voice. I started writing during a phase of friendship heartbreak, when people I trusted spread rumors and I felt misunderstood. It was a difficult time, but two of my closest friends stayed with me and never judged me, and that support meant everything. Writing became my way of processing those emotions when I couldn’t express them out loud.
Over time, those scattered thoughts turned into structured emotions on paper. The book explores themes like self-love, heartbreak, trust, identity, and inner strength. Each poem carries a piece of my personal experiences, but it is written in a way that others can find their own stories within it. Writing this book wasn’t just about creating something—it was about understanding myself better and turning pain into something meaningful.

LiFT: Why did you choose this title?

Sreeja Tiwari: I chose this title because it represents the core message of my book—that even in the darkest moments, we have the ability to create our own light. It reflects independence, healing, and emotional growth. The title is deeply personal to me, as it symbolizes a shift from depending on others for happiness to finding strength within myself. It’s simple, but it carries a powerful meaning that connects with the emotions expressed throughout the book.

LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?

Sreeja Tiwari: I realized I wanted to be a writer when I noticed that writing was the only way I could truly express what I was feeling. It started as a way to deal with emotions, but slowly it became something I was passionate about. My inspiration comes from real-life experiences—both mine and the people around me. Every emotion, whether it’s pain, love, or growth, inspires me to write. Writing became my safe space, where I could be completely honest without fear of being judged.

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

Sreeja Tiwari: In the next ten years, I see myself primarily as a medical professional, as I am currently preparing for NEET and deeply committed to that path. However, writing will always remain an important part of my life. I hope to continue writing alongside my career, publishing more books and growing as an author over time. Even if it starts as a hobby, I want my words to reach people, connect with them, and leave an impact. I don’t see writing as something separate from my future—it’s something that will always stay with me.

LiFT: How important do you think marketing and the quality of a book are in promoting it and increasing its readership?

Sreeja Tiwari: Both marketing and quality are equally important, but in different ways. The quality of a book is what makes readers stay, connect, and recommend it to others. Without meaningful content, even strong marketing cannot sustain long-term readership. On the other hand, marketing is what helps the book reach people in the first place. A well-written book deserves visibility, and good marketing ensures it finds its audience. In my opinion, marketing may bring readers to the book, but its quality is what makes them stay and remember it.

LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?

Sreeja Tiwari: Through my writing, I want to convey that it’s okay to feel deeply and go through difficult emotions, but it’s equally important to heal and grow from them. I want people to understand that they are stronger than their pain and that they don’t need validation from others to feel worthy. My message is about self-love, resilience, and finding your own light even when everything around you feels dark.

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Sreeja Tiwari: Apart from writing, I am currently preparing for NEET, as I aspire to build a career in the medical field. Along with that, I am also a content creator and enjoy expressing myself creatively through different platforms. I have participated in activities like MUNs, and I also enjoy art and exploring creative ideas. These experiences help me grow as a person and also influence my writing in many ways.

LiFT: What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?

Sreeja Tiwari: When I face writer’s block, I usually take a step back instead of forcing myself to write. I spend time listening to music, observing my surroundings, or reflecting on my thoughts. Sometimes I write small, unstructured lines just to reconnect with my emotions. Taking breaks and allowing myself to experience life helps me come back with a clearer mind and fresh ideas.

LiFT: What if your story were to be adapted into a movie? Who would you want to work as the director or actors in it?

Sreeja Tiwari: Since my book is a collection of poems and not a novel, I would imagine it more as a visual poetry film rather than a traditional movie. I would prefer a director who can capture emotions in a subtle and realistic way, focusing on feelings rather than dramatic storytelling. The actors would need to express emotions naturally and deeply, so the audience can truly connect with the essence of the poems.

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?

Sreeja Tiwari: Yes, I am currently working on my next book titled I Asked Time to Wait. This book will continue exploring emotions and personal growth, but with a deeper and more mature perspective. While my first book focuses on pain, heartbreak, and finding strength, this one will reflect healing, acceptance, and learning to move forward. It represents a phase where I am no longer just feeling emotions intensely, but also understanding them. Through this book, I want to show growth—not just as a writer, but as a person.

LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?

Sreeja Tiwari: My suggestion would be to write honestly and consistently without worrying too much about perfection. Writing improves with time and practice. Reading different kinds of literature can also help in developing style and perspective. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to express your true emotions—authenticity is what makes writing powerful. Everyone has their own voice, and it’s important to trust and develop it.

Click here to order Sreeja Tiwari’s Book – I Carry My Own Sunshine