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Getting to know bestselling author, Devanshi Sharma
 
An observer by nature, a writer by choice and a storyteller by passion—Devanshi is a combination of these. 21 years of being a part of the story called world, she has written, four​ novels, namely Unimaginably True​, ​First Love Lasts Forever​, No Matter What I Do and todays release, Imperfect Misfits.​​ Life for her means family and writing. She loves food and enjoys eating and trying different cuisines. Devanshi has pursued English Honors from Miranda House, Delhi University.
 
​Her latest novel "No Matter I Do" was one among the bestsellers in 2017.This book, published by Srishti Publisher and Distributor is currently in the fifth run. Owing to the increasing popularity and growing demand, the book will soon be translated in Hindi and other vernacular languages.This book has exceptionally well across the hard-copy and digital copy segment. Though the book is primarily targeted toward the younger audience, the book has received overwhelming response from readers across all age groups.Devanshi has also been invited for guest lectures on topics around literature and motivation at top institutes across India including IIM. A chirpy and enthusiastic person in nature Devanshi also possesses a melodious voice which she occasionally shares with her friends on Facebook.
 
Devanshi’s latest novel "Imperfect Misfit" is a result of he hardwork and dedication coupled with parent’s blessings. She has spent over two years in developing the plot, character and the storyline of the book. Devanshi is dedicated and passionate about writing. Though, she has a hectic full-time job she never misses penning down a few lines time. A very positive, cool, calm and smiling person, Devanshi is always in close contact with her readers through her social media.

Here are excerpts from an interview with the author
 
Question 1: When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
 
Answer: Alright! So, it was 22nd December 2009 and Dad and I presented a laptop to mom. That was the first laptop that we got in our place. Being the inquisitive self that I am, I started fiddling with the laptop and slowly and steadily, started writing one article. Later in night, I thought about the story I had written in the article and next morning, I wrote more about it.
 
This process of brining your thoughts to reality was something I fell in love with instantly and I knew that’s perhaps the only thing I wanted to do in life. 
 
Question 2: Please tell us about your work. Your books in sequence of release.
 
Answer 2: So, it has been a coming of age journey for our books, as well as for me. I published my first novel, Unimaginable True when I was in class 12th. It was about school love. At that point of time, completing a novel was the biggest aim I had. The next book came in 2014, First Love Lasts Forever. This brought me closer to know that publishing was my zone to excel in. But, it was the third novel that made me realise what writing meant for me. No Matter What I Do, a story about reversing stereotypes, did extremely well and that motivated me to complete Imperfect Misfits, the latest in the list. Imperfect is a love story, well knitted around love and friendship. With God’s grace, it has been in the Best Reads for consecutively two months.

 
Question 3: Who is your favourite author, and why?

Answer: Ruskin Bond, for his simplicity and the art of narration. I am so much in love with him.
 
Question 4: Authors have to go through a lot of struggle to get their book published. Was your journey any different?
 
Answer: As I said, each book took me(and is taking me) a step closer to the goal I aim to achieve and at each step there are new challenges. Publishing, I would say includes both writing and marketing. So, if one has accepted this, the challenges would seem less challenging!
 
Question 5: Your latest book ’Imperfect Misfits’ was a huge success. Tell us more about your book.
 
Answer: It has been one journey full of ups and downs—with me juggling with work and writing, the drafts getting corrupted, typhoid and a series of health barriers coming my way. But, at the end of it all, it is a journey that talks about genuine and true love. While writing, I fell in love with Aakaash and Tiasha. And it was writing this book that solved everything—who recovers from typhoid in 4 days? I did, because even in 103 fever, I was writing.
 
The fact that people love the book makes all the hard work worth it! So, a big hug to me readers!
 
Question 6: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
 
Answer: I think my observation is my research. When I observe, I tend to create characters around my observations. People are my statistics and as I said, observation is my research.

Question 7: Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
 
Answer: I would want to have each book tell its own story. So, you can pick anyone of them randomly. 
 
Question 8: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
 
Answer: Oh! Too many things, for that matter. But, the utmost being the definition of love, which I am sure, after writing my next would change again! (Wink)
 
Question 9: Writers block is a very common term among authors. What’s your take on this? Have you ever experienced writer’s block?
 
Answer: I feel that Writer’s Block is a myth—there is nothing of this sort. What exists is the fact that sometimes, we are lazy and probably just have other things which appeal more. For this, my solution is that do anything that attracts you more than writing for that moment before writing. Because, when writing is everything for you, only then write!
 
Question 10: Do you think there is a scope for writing as a full time profession?
 
Answer: I definitely think there is. The only little step before getting there is a lot of struggle. But, after being persistent, there is.
 
Question 11: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
 
Answer: I think to come out of the story, at times. Like, at times, it was tough for me to forget what Aakaash and Tiasha were doing and come in terms to reality!
 
Question 12: You have a great fan following on social media. How do manage to make time to interact with your fans?
 
Answer: It’s tough, it really is to steal in time from my routine job, managing books and writing, but the only motto here is that I compel myself to reply to each message(if relevant) before I doze off for the day! Readers Make Writers, after all! ☺   
 
Question 13: What is your message for your readers? How can your readers get in touch with you?
 
Answer: To readers, I would just say that I love you and it’s your love that is making Imperfect Misfits such a big success. Keep reading and keep chatting—you guys inspire me! They can connect with me on facebook, or probably write to me at author.devanshi17@gmail.com