Anunay Kumar
I spent a significant portion of my life working for and creating brick-and-mortar companies. Behind the smokestacks, furnaces, mills, and glitzy offices, there are people—people like you and me.
Books are simply repositories of words. They function like time machines, allowing readers to go back in time or glimpse into the future. Through books, one can imagine any situation—falling in love, committing a crime, becoming a leader, or excelling as a sportsman. Books are truly magical.
However, writing books is easier said than done. One can only imagine the fear and trepidation that a novice writer feels. They may think they know what to write and how to express their ideas, but they often worry:
Is the world ready to listen?
Will people dismiss them?
Will their family look at them strangely?
Will their so-called friends question their mental health?
Such thoughts can make anyone anxious.
How does one start a book?
How does one finish it?
Fortunately, there is no single formula for success.
I felt both excited and apprehensive about the potential pitfalls of this journey into the unknown, my mind swirling with the possibilities of accolades and the more likely criticisms. Why should I write down my thoughts? Are they worth reading? There may be millions out there with similar stories. Ultimately, I decided to proceed simply as a storyteller. Others may take it or leave it. Good or bad, it will be known as my story.
I have prepared many technical project reports, and using a similar approach, I started to create a content outline for my book. However, I found myself stuck on that outline for days. One day, I decided to write down whatever came to my mind. That’s how I completed my first book, “Single Window.” The expert mentoring from my publisher, Zorba Books, was invaluable, as was my firsthand knowledge of the lead character’s experiences.
My second book, “Revelation 22,” was written during the isolating years of the pandemic. In this book, the hero pursues and helps to destroy a group intent on wreaking havoc in a major city.
The third book, “Rich Man, Poor Man,” was written after the pandemic relief efforts. I realized that universal poverty is far more humiliating, dangerous, sinister, and pervasive than even the worst epidemics.
Completing the final chapter and writing the last words provided a tremendous sense of relief—a true catharsis. The deed is done, for whatever it is worth. Somewhere, in glitzy airport shops, air-conditioned malls, obscure second-hand bookstores, or on dusty footpaths, my book may be picked up by a curious reader. The words within may touch their soul and inspire them to think, smile, reflect, remember, and share. That is the true gift that a writer craves; it brings pleasure, happiness, and soul-nourishing satisfaction.
I believe that even if one person finds some relief, direction in life, or consolation from my writing, then my effort is worthwhile.
Author Anunay Kumar was born into a prominent doctor’s family. He led a charmed life with an education in Engineering and Management. Anunay worked in India and abroad and travelled widely during a long career that culminated in several board-level placements.
Interesting to read about your journey, Sir.