Author's Interview with Shivangi Sharma

First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

Hi, Im Shivangi. Professionally I have worked for half a decade as a flight attendant before I made a big switch to content writing where I worked as a subject matter expert in sociology and history. I obviously am a graduate and I also hold various diplomas in social sciences including in psychology, travel and tourism, etc. With my first release I have taken a full time career switch as an author. I am pretty optimistic about my writing style however I do hope people enjoy and relate to my words and stories.

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

Well, writing is where I find solace. Ever since a young adult I maintained my diary and I turned to it for every emotion I felt, be it joy, anger, sorrow, excitement, anxious, etc. And so, writing became an integral part of me. When I started posting on my WordPress. I could see people enjoying it and them enjoying my work, made me even happier. So, I just knew that this is what I would want to do on a long term basis. So, yeah, if you ask what inspired me to write this book, then definitely the answer is my readers, friends, family, everyone around me who loved and supported my dreams.

3. What is the book all about?

Ah, a one sentence answer would be that its a compilation of my experiences and learnings from all the beautiful places I was fortunate enough to see. But the longer and more detailed version would be that the book isnt just another cultural tourism travel guide book. It captures the beauty of the place, the people, the arts, and it captures the uniqueness in each of the individual countries. Followed by the traditions and famous folklores. And combines it all in the most fun to read narratives. Each chapter will teleport you into a new country and each country will be narrated in a unique local manner, with a hint of local accents and commonly used phrases. It will be a journey and hence the name CULTURAL PASSPORT, because as you indulge yourself into reading it, you'll feel as if youre in a new country and well you'll need your passport for that (duh!).

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I was 18 when I started flying. I was a child who just got out of school, got out of my house for the first time and briught into a new city, new world, new industry with zero background or references or even any knowledge. I grew up in the aviation industry. I have so many memories, stories, lessons and what best way for me to pass it along, right? So, yeah. Thats why i decided to write this genre. In a way, I do hope to inspire people to travel. Or even serve as a helping tool for people who are already on the go and have their itineraries prepared.

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

It took more than 5 years to go around, see the world for myself, gather information, etc etc. But the writing part took me a little over a year. The good part about writing this book was that it was mostly my first hand experience, if not, it was the stories i heard from the locals. Most of my time wasn't consumed on thinking what to write, or what not to write, it was on getting my facts right and editing and beautifying each chapter. It was a fun process in all. I wouldn't have even guess how my year passed if it wasn't for the yearly Snapchat memoires.

6. What makes your Book Special?

As I mentioned before, this isn't your just another travel book. Like I can understand if you see it, you might have this image that ohkay this is justa travel guide right. But nah, thats not the case here. This is just a black and white document that, oh okay, has some fun phrases or tv references every now and then. Nah, it's way more than that. I have narrated each chapter that'll make you wonder if a native has written it down for me. Language is a big part of any culture and that is too a big part of my book. This is one thing that I can assure will be enjoyed by the readers.

7. When is your second book coming?

Funny you'd ask. This is actually a three book series. That's right, it's a trilogy. Each book is a journey through 20 countries. And in all three books, I will take you through 60 countries. That's a fair amount of adventure right? The trilogy is available on all Amazon platforms like Amazon Kindle, Amazon.in and Amazon.com, etc. Paperback version will be soon available in India too.

But apart from this project, my next Book should be out by the end of this year too. It's a self-help book. It again compiles my failures, mistakes and the strength and motivation it took me to get ahead in life. Stay tuned for that one I should update it on my Instagram (@unfilteredxfemme)

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

YES!

I hated that time. I was pretty excited about the first two books, but when it came down to the third one, i just couldn't finish it. I am pretty sure, I'd need advice on how to face it in the future. Bcuz right now the book's very personal to me. But since, I'm just getting into the writing world, I'd much appreciate guidance on the same as I stand nowhere to br giving advice haha. So if an author out there reads this, please let me know how you get through it.

9. What are your other hobbies besides being a talented author?

I play Call Of Duty RELIGIOUSLY! But when i am bored, I doodles the walls around my house, I read a lot of Agatha Christie and play wordsearch puzzles too. I am more of an indoor cat, so when I do go out, it's a well planned outing.

10. Last but not the least, How did you feel, while giving this interview?

Honestly, this has been so great. This is the first time I'm actually talking about it with someone. I'm so glad I did this. I mean, to be honest, I'm just so happy by the fact that someone's reading my book let alone wanting me to blabber about it here . Haha so yes thank you so much for your reviews and thank you so much for this interview. I hope to get back here, doing this, with my next book too. Ciao :)

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