by Suman Gupta
“In life, some people make bold choices that lead them to extraordinary paths. Writer Pradeep Sharma, who has written the audio series The Immortal Warrior for Pocket FM, is one of those daring souls who said goodbye to his typical 9-to-5 corporate job. He didn’t just leave the corporate world; he went on a new journey into the world of writing, which truly ignited his passion.
Today, Pradeep Sharma has opened up about his story, the journey that brought him to the world of writing, his struggles and more.
Q1: Could you tell us about your background and how you got into writing?
A1: I’m a 40-year-old writer from Delhi. I studied at Delhi University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After that, I ventured into the corporate world, working for seven years in different cities as a Coral Language Translator. But my heart was in writing, so I made the leap into this field about five years ago. I joined Pocket FM a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it was my first experience with a major platform.
Q2: What inspired you to leave your corporate job at 32 and pursue writing?
A2: Leaving my corporate job at 32 was driven by a realisation. I discovered that a conventional career didn’t align with my passions and interests. Writing was calling out to me, and I decided to answer that call. And I’m glad that I took that leap of faith.
Q3: What challenges did you face when you started your writing career?
A3: The early years were tough. Balancing family expenses, fulfilling my responsibilities as a married man, and dealing with the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges. At first, I didn’t reveal to my family that I had left my job; I explained it as the company letting me go. Eventually, they learned about my new path and showed happiness, surprise, and curiosity.
Q4: Tell us about your audio series, “The Immortal Warrior.” How did the idea for it come about?
A4: “The Immortal Warrior” sprung from my imagination, blending elements of my introverted nature, childhood experiences, real-life events, and a touch of superpowers to create a captivating fictional story.
Q5: What inspires your writing, and how do languages play a role in your storytelling?
A5: My inspiration mainly stems from my travels, my vivid imagination, and the experiences I gather from exploring the world. I also find creativity in connecting with people and discovering new places. My proficiency in Hindi, English, and Portuguese, with Portuguese as my professional language, has broadened my horizons and allowed me to reach a wider audience, enriching my storytelling.
Q6: What were the challenges you faced during this career transition, and how did you overcome them?
A6: Transitioning to a writing career had its share of challenges, especially in the initial years. I had to juggle family expenses and my responsibilities as a married man. At first, I kept my career change a secret from my family, saying the company had let me go. They later learned I was pursuing a career as an artist and showed happiness, surprise, and curiosity. However, working in a field I’m passionate about has made the traditional 9-to-5 job seem uninteresting. I can write without watching the clock, and I consider it a blessing to have a job that aligns with my interests and allows me to earn from it. Pocket FM has given me the opportunity to pursue the same.
Q7: What advice do you have for aspiring writers starting their creative journey?
A7: I’d advise aspiring writers not to solely depend on others’ books and imaginations for content. Instead, explore the real world through travel, gather insights and lessons from real-life experiences, and write about topics inspired by genuine exploration. It’s a hands-on approach that I find incredibly enriching and authentic.
