Remind yourself everyday that nothing is impossible to a willing heart

I am Alpana Deo, a published author of “A Girl In The New Town”, content creator, freelance writer, TOI NRI Contributor and founder of MothersGurukul. Today this is my introduction apart from being a mom of two lovely kids. Why did I say, “apart from” instead of “along with”? It’s because we all have a separate identity other than being somebody’s wife or someone’s mom. But a couple of years ago, these titles weren’t there. I was an expat wife. I am talking about the days when I just landed on the US soil. I didn’t have a lot of friends but I had my hobbies to keep me busy. I always had an inclination towards writing and I used to write occasionally. Since I had a lot to write during my initial days in the USA that gave me a good reason for getting back to my all-time favorite past time. Yes, that time, writing was more of a pastime for me. But as I started to write more frequently, I found it interesting. And today it has become my passion. Today, I cannot think of quitting it. I want to grow as a writer. I see it as one of my career options. So, here is how I started,

How I stepped into writing:

Writing didn’t start all of a sudden or out of boredom. Writing was always there. Just that over the years, it went on the back burner. I re-started writing with travelogues and short journals. And one day while I was reading the Austin South Asian Newsletter I saw their article submission column, I decided to give it a try. I wrote my first article for any newsletter ever. And later I became their regular contributor. In 2013, I decided to start my own platform and that’s when MothersGurukul was born. Initial years were more towards gaining confidence, exploring different genres and making connections, strengthening readers base. I applied for Times of India for their NRI contributor and luckily, I got accepted by them. I call that as the first milestone in my writing journey.

How do I feel when I am writing?

I feel connected to writing on a very different level. It is not just about drafting a post or getting comments but writing to me is penning down my thoughts, pouring out my heart. It’s about improving myself and getting inspirations from others when I am reading their posts. A couple of days ago someone asked me how I feel when I am getting paid for my writing compared to earlier days when I was writing for free? I stepped into writing when I didn’t have the work permit. Frankly speaking, I never thought about making an earning out of writing. I was writing because I liked writing. I was considering readers point of view and the areas I felt I have command knowledge to share with my readers. Money aspect wasn’t there in the picture. Today, when I have the work permit, everything is still the same but now I am getting paid for my work. It is definitely a great feeling when your work gets recognition and financial aspect also gets attached. It is a motivation but to me, money is not the only motivation for writing.

How I became a published Author?

Every writer wants to challenge himself/herself and improve with every article. To me, writing is more than just a hobby. I like to challenge myself with every writing piece.

For me, it was like a dream come true. When I held the printed copy of my first book, that moment was special, and the feeling was precious.

In this journey, writing a book was on my to-do list since I started my blogging journey. For me, it was like a dream come true. When I held the printed copy of my first book, that moment was special, and the feeling was precious. It feels so good to be a published author not because my name shows on Amazon now or one more feather has been added to my writer’s hat. It’s because I actually lived the whole process of self-publishing. From start to finish, I did everything on my own. Designing the cover page, illustrations – everything I did it by myself.

You can do it too.

Yes, we all have some hidden hobby or talent which has gone on the back-burner due to lack of time and other priorities. But if by any chance you are getting a chance to get back to it then don’t miss it. Your never know, it might be your opportunity. Grab it and make the best out of it.