Writing from the Heart: A Journey Beyond Commercial Success

I did a soft launch for my book and not the hardcore celebrations I normally do for all my books, even though my father and brother were with me due to many reasons. Reasons which I would have found difficult to explain to people. My pets of all kinds who make up a huge part of our lives are important to us in ways no one can ever understand, so losing any one of them is painful and when it happens due to incompetence and an indifferent approach it hurts even more. It seems pointless. A few such incidents and some other factors made me decide quite uncharacteristically to cancel my planned book launch for my fourth book.

No regrets though for the wishes came to me from all those who mattered and everyone was gracious to accept my word and explanation for the same. Needless to add my books were sold too.

But when I see around me, I increasingly see a world that often equates value with commercial success, the journey of a self-published author is frequently misunderstood and undervalued. The notion that self-publishing is an act of vanity or a result of having “money to waste” couldn’t be further from the truth in my case. My journey as an author of four self-published books has never been driven by the desire to make money or seek recognition through commissioned works. Instead, it has been a labour of love, a celebration of remarkable individuals whom I have had the privilege to know, admire, and grow fond of over the years.

Each book I have written is a testament to the qualities I see in the people I’ve encountered in my professional and personal life. These are not just stories; they are portraits of dedication, selflessness, and passion—traits that seem increasingly rare in a world where actions are often motivated by self-interest and personal gain. I have sought to capture the essence of these individuals, not because they asked for it or because there was a lucrative opportunity, but because I felt their stories deserved to be told and celebrated. And carefully noted and documented for posterity.

There is a tendency to discredit such endeavours as trivial or self-indulgent, especially when they don’t align with traditional publishing paradigms. But the value of a book should not be measured by the publisher’s label, or the number of copies sold. The worth of my work lies in its authenticity, its purpose, and the genuine admiration I hold for the people I have written about.

Self-publishing, for me, has been an empowering experience. It has given me the freedom to write without constraints, to speak my truth, and to honour the people who have inspired me. I have never written with the intention to impress, only to express. This journey has not been about the accolades but about giving voice to those whose contributions might otherwise go unrecognized.

I’ve often encountered insinuations, if not outright statements, from people who suggest, “We wanted to be real authors,” as their reason for not choosing the self-publishing route. Whenever I hear such remarks, I feel a tinge of sadness for those who express them. It’s telling when people dismiss the efforts of others with mean-spirited comments or attempt to undermine the hard work of individuals. It’s clear that they are the ones who struggle with self-confidence and acceptance. We, on the other hand, are already there: comfortable in our own skin, proud of our achievements, authentic and genuine to the core, with no need to seek validation or shout from the rooftops.

The moral that can be drawn from my journey is this: true value in writing comes not from external validation or financial success but from the authenticity and intent behind the words. My books are a reflection of a world I wish to see more of—a world where people act out of love, respect, and admiration, rather than for selfish ends.

To self-publish is to take a leap of faith, to believe in your voice and your vision without waiting for others to validate it. It’s a path that requires courage and conviction, especially when faced with scepticism or dismissal. But I have learned that the real reward lies not in the acceptance of the masses but in the knowledge that my work has meaning and that it touches the lives of those I have written about and for. So, to anyone who might discredit my journey, I say this: I write not to satisfy the critics but to celebrate the heroes who have touched my life.

And that is worth more than any bestseller list or publishing contract.

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