Plato's Symposium Changed Everything - Shweta Mahendra

I stay updated on AI innovations, especially late at night. I travel to ancient ruins and read philosophy. I play games like Genshin Impact with my son—it keeps my imagination sharp without putting any expectations on me.

- RUPALI SETHI

Shweta Mahendra is an accomplished technocrat, a noted columnist, and an eminent author who has a special place in the corridors of the literature of high merit.

With sheer elegance and her inborn flair for writing, she has authored "Many Visions Many Worlds" and "3 STATES." Much to our delight, she was also part of the Guinness World Record for the Thickest Book in the World for her chapter "23 Positive Change Makers in the World 2023." Rupali Sethi from the Daily Guardian had a conversation with the author in which the latter sheds light on her literary journey. Here are the excerpts.

1. What is the most challenging part about writing for you?

The most challenging part is knowing when to stop. My characters evolve constantly in my mind—even after I've written their final scenes. It's a challenge to let them go, to resist rewriting their futures each time I reread their journey. The hardest part is detaching from my characters once their story arc comes to an end.

2. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your books?