We’re looking forward to introducing you to Komal Kant. Check out our conversation below.
Komal, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of my readers is getting married this year and used my book ‘Falling for Hadie’ for her save-the-date photos. I felt proud that something I created meant so much to someone that they incorporated it into such a big milestone in their life. Writing can be such an isolating experience at times, and nothing is more rewarding than a reminder that my words connected with someone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My first story was clumsily written, illustrated, and stapled together by me at age five. It was about a rabbit who lost his home and had to learn to live in a new vegetable garden. At the time, it was likely how I expressed moving to a new country and my childlike experience of it. There was something exhilarating about using the written word to communicate with others, and since then, there hasn’t been a time in my life where I haven’t been writing. This natural love for reading and writing led me to release my debut novel at 22, and I’ve been lucky to have readers that have found me and supported me since then.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
There have been a few people who saw my potential at a young age and have been instrumental in guiding me at different points in my life. My dad recognised early on that I was a voracious reader and provided me with lengthy fantasy books to keep me occupied. My aunt gave me her old computer so I could work on my computer skills, which allowed me to transition from handwriting stories to typing and printing off multiple copies for my family to read. Finally, my high school English teacher, Ms Mack, was gracious enough to loan me books that were challenging, and because I would finish them in one night, she would set me mini assignments to make sure I really was reading them! At the time, I couldn’t see what they could see, but their patience and kindness was crucial to shaping my journey as a writer.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a period of time after finding a lot of success with my most popular novel ‘Beneath Him’ where I felt pressured to repeat the same level of success. Maybe it was pressure to prove that I could do it again, that it wasn’t just a fluke, that I wasn’t an imposter. I began feeling overwhelmed and overworked and lost my creative spark, which is one of the worst things that can happen when a lot of people are expecting you to deliver a new book or continue a series. So, I took a step back to allow myself to fail and start from scratch. I didn’t want to worry about the numbers or the rankings anymore; I just wanted to write what felt true to myself. Giving up was the reset I needed to recalibrate my creativity.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
All writers know the golden rule of “show, don’t tell” to create engaging writing. I also apply the same rule to my life. I believe in showing people who I am through my actions, rather than telling them who I am, whether that’s with acts of service, achieving personal and professional goals, or planning for the future.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
My biggest regret is not being able to share all the stories that have been accumulating in my head (and my computer) for years. I have so many ideas and partial drafts that will never see the light of day, so not having enough time is my biggest regret. But if even one person reads and loves my work, I’m happy to continue writing for as long as I can!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://komalkant.com/
- Instagram: @komal_kant
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100063766808051/
- Other: Bluesky – @komalkant.bsky.social
Image Credits
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