Interview With Author Jaideep Padalwar
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my debut novel. I have always approached life with an analytical mindset, shaped by my background in engineering. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering, which have instilled in me a deep appreciation for logic, precision, and structure. However, there has always been another side of me—driven by creativity and the need to tell stories.
For years, writing remained an uncharted territory for me, as I had no formal education or experience in it. Yet, storytelling continually called to me. I found myself processing stories from everyday life, creating narratives and imagining new worlds. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a casual interest, but a passion I had to explore.
This book marks a turning point in my journey—from engineer to writer. It bridges the gap between my structured, logical past and my creative present. Writing has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, exploring emotions, relationships, and ideas in ways I never encountered as an engineer.
Without formal writing training, I’ve relied on my instincts as a “story processor”—someone who reshapes experiences into narratives. My analytical background helps me break down complex emotions and ideas and express them clearly on the page.
This book represents more than just my words; it’s my journey, proving that one can be both a builder of systems and a creator of stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Engineering the Australian Dream. It was inspired by my own journey of moving to Australia—not to escape hardship, but to chase a dream. I started to write this project as series of struggles, but along the way, it transformed into a series of accomplishments. I wanted to write a story that highlights the friendships, the work, and the emotional rollercoaster that defines immigrant life. A story that many can resonate to others would be intrigued by it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not a trained writer or author. So, I don’t have a conventional method. When I started writing the book, I approached it as workbook instead of a story. Then I came across a YouTube video that taught me the power of “Show, don’t tell.”. That one insight completely changed how I wrote.
At first, it was tough. I had written everything as “tells,” and I had to go back and convert them into “shows.” But over time, I developed my own habit. I would first write all the “tells” in a particular scene, and then slowly transform them into “shows.”
For example:
Tell:
I woke up and got milk to make a cup of tea for me, my mom and dad.
Show:
“Good Morning.” I say to my dad who is walking anxiously in the living room.
“Good Morning.” he replies with his sight stuck on the floor and steady pace.
“Are you alright?” I ask.
“Hmm.” he replies
“What happened to dad?” I asked my mom who was sitting comfortably on the couch.
“He always does that when he doesn’t get his favorite beverage in the morning.” she replies.
“What is that?” I ask
“Tea” he replies in frustration.
“Ok, then what stopping you from drinking it?” I ask
“Ask your mom.” he replies.
“What’s stopping him from drinking tea?” I ask.
“I can’t make tea?” she replies
“Why?” I ask
“Because we are out of milk.” she replies.
“Ok, I will get it now.” I say and get out of the door to get it.
I often write in bursts of emotion. Sometimes an entire chapter flows out after a single walk or conversation. I also record voice notes during my morning run and then write them out later. And oddly enough, I do a lot of my editing while listening to techno music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
No specific author influences me. But books that influence me are Autobiographies like Shoe dog, Lewis Hamilton, Alexander the Great, Trevor Noad – Born a crime etc.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on four different projects.
1. Living the Australian Dream – Its a sequel of my debut novel – Engineering The Australian Dream. (approx. 60% complete)
2. The Grade Umpire – Its a book based on my personal experience as a grade umpire. (approx. 50% complete)
3. War on India (A necessity Evil) – A historical fiction. (approx. 20% complete)
4. Switch Off – this is another story based on my experience of a failed business. I started a business 3 years back and i closed it down just this week. (just started – framework ready)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media—especially Instagram and WhatsApp—I feel is the most effective. I’ve also created short videos and reels using AI, and I’m working on using YouTube to reach a wider audience by creating my YouTube channel – Take Off.
Word of mouth has been very powerful for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice for new authors is to start with clarity on four things: Who, What, Why, and How.
Don’t worry about the result, instead focus on the process.
Process should include;
1. Establish a character.
2. Define a Goal with a reason.
3. Find 8 to 12 milestones to achieve the goal.
4. Start writing
a. 6000 to 8000 words to establish a character (who), define a goal (what), provide a reason for this goal (why).
b. 6000 to 10000 words on each milestones (how) to finally achieve the goal or find a closure.
This approach helped me shape my story with direction and depth. Start simple, stay consistent, and let the story evolve.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Show, don’t tell” This taught me a whole new dimension of writing and made it an enjoyable process.
What are you reading now?
Behind The badge.
Never Split the difference.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The four books mentioned earlier will take at least 20 to 24 months.
Living the Australian Dream (manuscript be ready by October 2025)
The Grade umpire (manuscript be ready by January 2026)
Switch Off (manuscript be ready by December 2026)
War on India (manuscript be ready by July 2026)
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The President is Missing.
2. Cricket the game of life.
3. Bhagwat Geeta.
4. The Hidden Hindu
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