“Your book should be your contribution to the society”: Smita Jayakar on her writing journey

At what age did you start writing?

I started writing at the age of 55 years.

Name a few authors/ books that you personally admire the most (Fiction/Non-Fiction). 

I prefer reading spiritual books. I have read only spiritual books in the past 25 years. I like reading books of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. My personal favorite is ‘I am That’.

One Superpower you wish you had?

I would love to have the power to remove the suffering of people and help them heal.

What would be your one advice to aspiring writers?

I would say write a book in such a way that you set an example for people. It has to be a contribution to society.

Do you have a writing ritual?

I usually dictate the book to someone to write. I process my life lessons from my Guru and my experiences. Once I have the clarity, that’s when I start dictating for my book. I look at gaining knowledge as a process that should eventually transform into a contribution to society. Keeping that in mind, more than writing rituals, I believe in listening or rather, observing rituals. It’s only with consistency in observing our surroundings can we bring in any kind of change via our contribution.

How did “In Everness” come to life? What/Who was your muse behind writing this book?

Before ‘In Everness’, another book, ‘Before Tomorrow’ was released. I wrote that book and I realized I wanted to contribute more. That’s how I decided to write my second book. The muse behind the book was majorly my spiritual teacher.

If there’s one thing that most of the self-published authors vouch for, it’s the mere fact that self- publishing teaches you all aspects of publishing? Is it true? What are your thoughts about the same?

Yes, self-publishing has a lot to offer than just publishing your book. It has given me a wider perspective of publishing, looking at all the aspects of publishing; from understanding my target readers, editing the manuscript to marketing and promotions of my book. It can open doors of opportunities for aspiring writers. It definitely gives us a certain sense of onus and authority. However, I believe, as long as you are truthful to your content and there is a purpose that you place on your content, everything else will work out in your favor with sheer willpower.

What was your journey of writing your first book like? How did you feel when your book was released?

It was overwhelming to finish writing ‘In Everness’. The spiritual knowledge I collected over the years was being given back to society. I always wanted to give back all my spiritual knowledge that I have accumulated over the years to the society to help them find peace. The books that I have written have helped me do the same.

If you look back now, how has the whole experience of self-publishing been?

Writing a book requires your own life experiences and values that drive you. As I look back now, I feel extremely nostalgic. My whole journey of book publishing has been knowledgeable and mesmerizing. It has motivated me to write and spread the power of spirituality to society. I feel by writing a book, you are adding a lot to the lives of the present and the future generations.

Your epitaph would read?

“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.”

To grab a copy of ‘In Everness’, click here.