Sanjeev Shekhar's literary journey is a testament to the power of passion, observation, and persistent creativity. Born in Jamshedpur, the renowned Steel City of India, his story transcends traditional career boundaries, weaving a narrative of professional transformation and artistic expression.

The landscape of Jamshedpur itself holds historical significance. As Sanjeev proudly notes, "Jamshedpur is spread over a 64 square kilometer area, and it's where the first steel plant was installed in Asia by Tata Steel." This context of industrial innovation seems to have influenced his own approach to life and creativity – strategic, purposeful, and groundbreaking.

His professional trajectory is a remarkable journey of continuous evolution:

• Began career as a journalist

• Transitioned to corporate communication

• Developed expertise in human resources

• Emerged as an accomplished author

• Recognized internationally for literary contributions

Professional Milestones:

• Awarded Author of the Year 2022 in non-fiction

• Books shortlisted in prestigious literary competitions

• Currently Head of HR and Administration in a multinational company

• Associate Vice President with extensive corporate experience

What distinguishes Sanjeev is his unique philosophy of storytelling. "Every individual is a story," he believes, a perspective that transforms his writing from mere narrative to a deep exploration of human experiences. His approach goes beyond traditional storytelling – it's a meticulous process of observing, understanding, and translating human emotions into compelling literary works.

The core of his creative philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and personal growth. "Learning is an everyday process," he explains, reflecting a mindset that has driven his remarkable journey from journalism to authorship.

Sanjeev's early life was profoundly shaped by an educational and intellectually stimulating environment, particularly through his father's influence. A teacher by profession, his father played a crucial role in nurturing Sanjeev's love for language and communication.

Educational and Professional Foundation:

• Completed Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Obtained Master's in Public Administration

• Extensive background in journalism and corporate communication

• Specialized in human resources management

Early Reading Experiences: Sanjeev's childhood was immersed in a rich literary environment. His father introduced him to diverse reading materials, believing strongly in the power of communication. "He gave me books like Champak and Nandan," Sanjeev recalls, "believing that reading would help develop language command and communication skills."

His early reading repertoire included:

• Children's magazines (Lotpot, Twinkle)

• Amar Chitra Katha comics

• Diverse literary materials encouraging broad intellectual exploration

The transition from journalism to corporate communication was deliberate and strategic. "I am always curious to learn new things and eager to understand changes," he explains. This adaptability became a cornerstone of his professional journey, allowing him to navigate different professional landscapes with remarkable ease.

Professional Evolution:

• Started in print and electronic media

• Worked with prominent publications like Hindustan Times and Times of India

• Developed skills in feature writing and media management

• Gradually transitioned to corporate communication

• Leveraged communication skills in human resources management

His professional philosophy is characterized by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.

Sanjeev's journey to becoming an author was not a sudden leap, but a gradual unfolding of his innate storytelling capabilities. His first significant writing experience came during his college days, marking the beginning of his literary exploration.

Early Writing Milestone: During his college years, he submitted an article to Times of India under a pseudonym. "I changed my name but sent my own picture," he recalls. This early act of creative courage was driven by a simple passion – the desire to express himself.

The unexpected moment of recognition came when his uncle discovered the published article. "I thought nothing would be printed in my name," Sanjeev remembers. This experience provided an unexpected boost to his writing confidence.

Key Developmental Stages:

• College-level anchoring and script writing

• Excelled in feature writing during journalism studies

• Recognized by professors for imaginative capabilities

• Topped his batch in feature writing

A pivotal mentor in his writing journey was editor Srishti Thankar Ghosh. She played a crucial role in nurturing his writing talent, encouraging him to develop his unique storytelling style.

His first significant story was about a shoe designer, published in Hindustan Times. The story's unique perspective – comparing a shoe designer to a medical diagnostician – showcased his ability to find extraordinary narratives in ordinary experiences.

Transition to Novel Writing: The move from journalistic writing to novel writing was organic. Sanjeev saw storytelling as a method of converting real-life observations into compelling narratives. "I have the ability to convert real-life stories into fiction," he explains, highlighting his distinctive approach to writing.

Motivational Factors:

• Desire to share human experiences

• Passion for storytelling

• Ability to observe and translate human behavior

• Curiosity about human emotions and interactions

"Whenever I read stories in Lotport, Dandan, or Champak," he says, "I used to get a lot of inspiration. These stories carried important messages for children, teaching them valuable life lessons."

Sanjeev Shekhar's writing process is a testament to discipline, passion, and strategic creativity. His approach to writing transcends traditional methods, combining professional rigor with artistic expression.

Writing Methodology:

• Participated in 21-day writing challenge

• Demonstrated exceptional writing discipline

• Maintained a structured writing schedule

• Balanced writing with full-time corporate responsibilities

Detailed Writing Routine:

• Writing hours: 10 am to 11:30 pm

• Daily word count: 500-1000 words

• Consistent commitment during writing challenge

• Strategic time management

Creative Process:

• Uses sticky notes to capture ideas

• Observes people and their behavioral nuances

• Converts life experiences into narrative form

• Focuses on emotional authenticity

• Creates relatable, multidimensional characters

"Authors have the habit of preparing sticky notes," he explains. "I write some lines in my diary or notebook and leave them, so that in the future, I can convert them into a book."

Technological and Platform Engagement:

• Explores diverse publishing platforms

• Offers reader-friendly options like Kindle editions

• Provides significant book discounts

• Aims to maximize reader accessibility

Philosophical Approach: Sanjeev views writing as more than a creative pursuit – it's a method of understanding and representing human experiences. "Experience is the best teacher in life," he believes. His writing process involves:

• Collecting experiential fragments

• Weaving these fragments into cohesive narratives

• Creating stories that resonate with readers' lived experiences

Mentorship and Learning:

• Attended writing workshops

• Received guidance from experienced editors

• Continuously refined writing skills

• Remained open to feedback and improvement

Publishing Motivation: "My writing is my passion," Sanjeev declares. "I want to reach people as much as possible." This philosophy drives his approach to writing and publishing, focusing on connection and creative expression rather than commercial success.

Challenges and Persistence:

• Overcame professional and personal obstacles

• Maintained consistent writing practice

• Transformed personal experiences into literary works

• Developed unique storytelling voice

His journey illustrates that successful writing is not just about talent, but about persistent effort, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to understanding human experiences.