Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a UAV Engineer & Trainer at Drone Application & Research Centre, Dehradun, India. I am passionate about drone technology. I am also a co-founder of a drone-based startup. Besides that, I like to travel. I have travelled thousands of miles covering nearly 20 states of India. I began liking the diversity, nature & culture of India after travelling. I am also a Podcaster and have multiple podcasts on life, inspiration and health. I read lots of books on entrepreneurship, business, corporate lifestyle, personal skills, and work-life balance. This is my first ever ebook in which I tried to put all my best learnings so that the mistakes I have made, others could skip.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My one and only latest book is Shape Your Thinking. While pursuing my graduation, I was attending a lecture and my professor said a statement, “Today you are reading others books, become such a personality that people read your book”. This set-up my mind to write a book someday and after 2 years of completing my graduation, I am able to complete my first book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually, writing is my habit. I write a lot. Whatever comes to my mind, I write it. Whenever I hear something important for me, I try to note it down. I don’t find pen & paper instead I write in my phone notes. I do not remember things for long-time so I prefer writing them. After reading lots of books and listening to many motivational speakers & successful persons, I learned that writing your goals brings more chances of success. I adopt the habit of writing my short-term & long-term goals and I think this habit is one of the main factors that I am able to start my own business.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book which influenced me is “Hind Swaraj” by Mahatma Gandhi. I have read lots of books written by Gandhiji and I got inspired from his life. The other author who inspired me is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Jeff Keller, Bill Gates, Angela Duckworth, Devdutt Patnaik, Danah Johar, Stephen Covey, etc. There are many books and authors that will make you love reading. I have mentioned books & authors that seem best to me and what teachings we can learn from them in my book so that it is easy for the reader to understand more things in less time.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on Covid-19 vaccination delivery through drones. We are looking for a fast, cheaper & safer solution which can help the government to deliver vaccines easily to remote locations.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say that firstly ask your friends, family members & colleagues to read your book and take reviews from them. They will definitely suggest some good tips and their feedback will take you a step forward towards marketing. There are hundreds of marketing platforms available today but I would recommend to choose consciously as some platforms have large followers but your work will have a specific audience. So, try to choose that platform which has an audience or followers related to your work. I heard about awesome gangs and I think this platform is great for free as well as paid promotion and will also work for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For new authors, I would only say that don’t worry about your writing to be best. The only thing you should think is that your writing should bring the reader to your level of imagination. The reader must feel that you are talking to them and what you are explaining is for them only. Even though I am a new author and during my whole script, I tried to be original and relatable.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I heard is “You can never be perfect, but you can always be the best version of yourself. So, try to give your 100% in whatever you are doing and let the result speak on behalf of you”.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading a book named “Satyarth Prakash” written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. I am learning Sanskrit by reading such scriptures.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next I am working on the Education System. I am analysing our ancient education system, science & technology and trying to improve our existing education system. I am bringing the facts and history in front of everyone that could be exciting as well as astonishing because even I was surprised that ancient science is way ahead of what we are bringing today or in the future.
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?
Aatmakatha by Mahatma Gandhi
Bhagavad Gita
Ramayana
The Top Five Regrets of Dying by Bronnie Ware
Author Websites and Profiles
=Shashank Mutneja Amazon Profile
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