Introducing Girish Dutt Shukla: A Journey from Engineering to the World of Words
Girish Dutt Shukla, a multifaceted individual, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the world of writing and digital marketing. With a solid foundation in Computer Science Engineering, Girish embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him transition from the realm of software engineering to becoming a prominent figure in the content writing and digital marketing landscape.
Girish’s professional trajectory began with two years as a software engineer, honing his analytical and problem-solving skills. However, in June 2015, he made a pivotal decision to follow his passion for writing and marketing, a choice that would shape the next phase of his career.
Over the course of eight years, Girish Dutt Shukla has made a significant mark in the marketing domain, assisting both well-established brands and innovative startups in achieving digital growth. His unique blend of writing prowess and marketing acumen has allowed him to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across various platforms.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Girish is a prolific contributor to a wide array of reputable publications, including The Pioneer, The Daily Guardian, ThoughtCatalog, SelfGrowth, Elephant Journal, Theravive, BestLifeOnline, and HumanWindow, among many others. Through his writing, he actively promotes the understanding of psychology and mental health, reflecting his profound interest in these areas and his commitment to creating awareness.
Girish’s literary journey reached a significant milestone with the publication of his debut novel, “Maroon in a Sky of Blue,” in 2020. The impact of this work was underscored by a personal letter of appreciation from none other than the legendary Amitabh Bachchan himself, adding a shining accolade to Girish’s growing list of achievements.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Girish is an individual with diverse interests, including psychology, mythology, spirituality, and the mysteries of space. His reading preferences reflect his eclectic taste, with favorite books ranging from “The Kite Runner” to “Gone Girl,” “Fight Club,” “1984,” and “A Man Called Ove.” He draws inspiration from authors such as Agatha Christie, Gillian Flynn, John Green, Fredrik Backman, and many more.
Girish Dutt Shukla’s overarching goal as an author is to captivate readers with gripping mysteries and psychological thrillers, keeping them on the edge of their seats while challenging their perceptions of reality and the motives of every character until the very last page.
Girish Dutt Shukla’s journey from the world of computer engineering to becoming a celebrated writer and digital marketer showcases the power of pursuing one’s passions and the ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and creative expression. His dedication to promoting mental well-being through his writing reflects a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of his readers.
We at bookGeeks had a lucky chance to interact with the author. Here’s a sneak peek into our delightful conversation where he spills the beans on his passion for writing, his deep love for all things literary, and of course, his latest literary masterpiece, “Cold Blooded Love“!
| Tell us something about yourself. Who is Girish as a person? What are his likes, and dislikes? |
| Ah, the age-old quest to define oneself, right? If I had to sum it up, I'd say I'm like a novel that's worth reading past the first chapter. Sure, the cover (that's me in social settings) might seem reserved, but just wait until you get to the plot twists! When it comes to things I enjoy, travel is my jam—I love immersing myself in new cultures almost as much as I love diving into a good book or binge-watching a compelling TV series. Have you ever felt that buzz when you're about to discover a new story? That's me, pretty much all the time. On the culinary front, let's just say I'm all about that comfort food life. Pizza? Yes, please! And don't get me started on mythology and spirituality; they're my bread and butter for mental escapism. Now, onto my dislikes: exercise and I are like oil and water. We acknowledge each other, but we don't mix well. Crowds? They're my kryptonite. And salads, well, they're like the 'Terms and Conditions' of the food world. Necessary, but who actually enjoys them? So, that's a snapshot of me, Girish—a complex character in the ever-unfolding novel of life. |
| Tell us something about your work in the professional sphere? Does it ever influence your writing? |
| You know, it's funny how people often think that if you're a writer by trade, it must somehow bleed into your personal writing projects. I've got to say, not so much for me! By day, I'm deep into content writing and copywriting. SEO, calls-to-action, audience targeting—you name it. It's a craft in its own right, and it's actually honed my writing skills in a more technical sense. Now, you might wonder if crafting marketing campaigns or writing blog posts for companies influences the psychological thrillers or soul-stirring stories I pen down in my "me time." Honestly? Not really. The two worlds are like parallel universes—both intriguing, but each operating under its own set of rules. The cool thing is, the day job pays the bills—enabling me to explore the depths of human emotions and plot twists without the constant worry of 'how will I afford my next cup of coffee?' I can't complain, can I? It's almost like having a superhero alter-ego. By day, I'm Clark Kent behind a desk, but come night, I'm Superman with a pen! |
| Your latest book, Cold Blooded Love has garnered some excellent reviews from readers and reviewers alike. Tell us a little about it? What can the readers expect from it? |
| Thank you so much for the love and the great reviews that keep coming! It genuinely warms my heart every time someone takes the time to read Cold Blooded Love and share their thoughts. Believe it or not, this love and the consistent book sales keep me fuelled, mentally and literally (coffee isn’t cheap, you know!). Now, about the book. Ah, where do I start? Cold Blooded Love is a twisted tale of a woman's journey navigating through the maze of what she believes is a 'happy family.' Is there such a thing, really? The story is a psychological thriller mixed with a murder mystery, which means, yes, buckle up—it's a rollercoaster! I'm talking plot twists that'll make you drop your coffee, characters that will get under your skin, and a narrative that aims to dissect the intricacies of human relationships. So, what should you expect? Expect to be chilled to your core while feeling the residual warmth of complicated love. It's like that first sip of a dark, bitter espresso that ends with a subtle, sweet aftertaste. So, if you're up for the thrill—dive in! |
| What inspired you to be drawn towards the genre of psychological, considering that not many Indian writers explore this captivating genre? |
| Psychological thrillers have always held a magnetic pull for me. I mean, who can resist the allure of diving into the complex labyrinth of the human mind? I've gobbled up books and movies in this genre like there's no tomorrow. It's like an adrenaline rush but for the brain, you know? And yeah, you're right, not many Indian writers venture into this particular genre, which honestly just stokes the fire in me to explore it even more. There's a rich tapestry of culture, philosophy, and innate drama in Indian society that lends itself so beautifully to psychological narratives. My upcoming third book is a full-blown murder mystery, but I'm far from done with the psychological thriller genre. It's like this unexplored playground where each swing and slide reveals more about human behaviour, desires, and fears. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to keep playing there? |
| When did you first start writing and who or what was your inspiration? |
| Ah, the journey back to writing has been quite a rollercoaster, I must say! Picture this: a young me in 5th grade, writing funny stories and doodling comics like it was the only thing that mattered. Seriously, my little stories were the talk of the lunch table in my house! Then came the awkward teenage years, and my writing took a back seat to, well, whatever it is that teenagers think is more important. But fate had other plans. In 2008, I got hit with a massive health curveball that had me benched from college for two years. It was a tough period, no doubt—lots of hospitalisation and even more introspection. But you know what they say about dark clouds and silver linings? During that challenging time, I rediscovered my old flame: writing. It was like meeting an old friend and realising you're still in love. My mental state, the isolation, the countless hours in waiting rooms—they all funnelled into this renewed passion. Writing became my escape, my therapist, and my muse, all rolled into one. So, in a weird way, I have to thank that difficult period for guiding me back to my first love. Life's odd like that, isn’t it? |
| What sets the process of writing a psychological thriller apart from that of a regular mystery or thriller? What kind of preparation needs to be done before attempting a psychological thriller and how did you go about it? |
| Writing a psychological thriller is like being a puppeteer who doesn't fully control the strings. The characters have minds of their own, filled with dark corners and hidden motives. While traditional thrillers focus on 'whodunnit,' psychological thrillers dig deep into the 'why they dunnit,' and that's where the real magic happens. For me, character development is king. I'm not just creating characters; I'm birthing complex individuals with emotional baggage, unresolved issues, and a moral compass that often spins like a broken top. These aren't your everyday heroes and villains. These are flawed beings, struggling with the intricacies of their own minds. Honestly, it's like making friends with imaginary people who have some serious depth. In terms of preparation, my arsenal is pretty much stacked with years of reading and watching everything related to the genre. But before penning down the first sentence, I make sure to map out the psyche of my characters. What makes them tick? What are their darkest fears? How do they justify their actions to themselves? I did start out with a plan, like a treasure map of sorts. But here's the kicker: halfway through, I threw it out of the window. My characters started speaking to me, dictating their own actions, and I just had to follow along. I know it sounds like I've gone full 'writer weirdo,' but that's how intensely real the characters become in the process. So if you're reading my book and find yourself twisted in emotional knots, know that I was right there with you when I wrote it. |
| What does a normal day in your life look like? |
| Ah, the balancing act of being a full-time content writer by day and a psychological thriller author by night. Let me take you on a rollercoaster ride that is my "typical" day. I kick things off at 6 AM, determined to have a Zen morning with a dash of exercise, some soul-cleansing meditation, and a juicy chapter or two from whatever book is currently seducing me. Trust me, this "Zen Hour" is what separates "Morning Girish" from "Why am I even awake, Girish." Fast forward to 10 AM, the laptop opens, and the content writer in me takes the wheel. Client deadlines don't wait, and neither do bills! This stint stretches until about 6:30 p.m. By that point, my brain is fried, and I feel like a character in one of my own psychological thrillers—exhausted but intriguing. Post 6:30, it's Me-Time or what I call the "Sanity Window." This is when I catch up on life, maybe call a friend, and pretend to be a normal human being who isn't juggling multiple writing lives. Now, here comes the night shift. Around 9 p.m., I revisit my clandestine love affair with my third book. Do I always manage to write? Nah. But do I always try? You bet. Oh, and let's not forget the obsessive checking for new reviews on 'Cold Blooded Love' throughout the day. If a new review pops up, it's like a shot of literary adrenaline. Suddenly, my fingers are dancing on the keyboard, and there's no stopping me. And that, my friends, is a day in my life - your friendly neighbourhood content writer, budding author, and forever a slave to the written word. |
| Are you a spontaneous writer or a disciplined one? |
| I'm a cocktail of both, with a stronger shot of spontaneity. Imagine me as a jazz musician; I have some set notes to hit but oh boy, do I love to improvise! The disciplined part of me has this grand vision to write every day, to stick to a routine, and to chalk out those chapters like clockwork. That's the side of me that wakes up at 6 AM, and says, "Alright, let's tackle that third book, shall we?" But then there's Spontaneous Girish, who often storms in like a whirlwind, shattering the calm and turning my writing plans upside down. This is the guy who wakes up in the middle of the night to jot down an idea or abruptly stops mid-article to capture a thought for a novel. He's the one who finds inspiration in the most random places—like while sipping chai or even in the middle of a traffic jam. I've come to appreciate both aspects of my writing personality. The discipline helps me keep my clients happy and my bills paid, while the spontaneity keeps the magic alive, feeding the flames of my creative spirit. So, am I spontaneous or disciplined? I'd say I'm a spontaneous soul trying his best to wear the hat of discipline, and man, is it a fun balancing act! |
| What was the most challenging part of writing Cold Blooded Love? |
| The most challenging part of writing Cold Blooded Love was striking a balance between the intricacies of human psychology and the high-stakes world of a thriller. I wanted to delve deep into the minds of my characters, to make them as real and flawed as possible, while also maintaining the pace and tension that a thriller demands. It's a tightrope walk, let me tell you. You want to give your characters room to breathe, to be human, but you also have those thriller elements nipping at your heels, urging you to keep the story moving. But hey, the challenge is what made it exhilarating! When I managed to get that balance just right, when I knew I'd constructed characters whose actions not only made sense but drove the thriller elements of the story forward—that was the most satisfying part for me. It's like solving a complex puzzle where each piece is a fragment of a person's psyche. And the end result? A dark, intense thriller! |
| One quote that never fails to inspire you. |
| The quote "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing" by Benjamin Franklin has always resonated with me, especially during the moments when I'm stuck between the worlds of action and reflection. I love how it neatly ties together my two main passions—writing and living a life full of experiences worth sharing. Whenever I hit a creative roadblock or find myself questioning the value of my work, this quote serves as a nudge. It's like good old Ben is telling me, "Hey Girish, if you're not going to write something amazing today, then go out and live an experience that will fuel your future writing." It's a dual call to action that always pulls me out of inertia, inspiring me to either dive deeper into my writing or go out and do something that adds a new layer to my life story. It's my personal mantra for a life well lived and a story well told. |
| Any new project that you are currently working on? |
| I'm super excited about my current project! I'm diving into the intriguing world of murder mysteries with my third book. And guess what? I'm introducing a detective character who's not just solving this case but will be cracking many more in the future! He's going to be my literary wingman, and I can't wait for you to meet him. I've knocked out about a fifth of the book so far, and let me tell you, it's shaping up to be a page-turner. The plan is to wrap up the first draft by the year's end, so fingers crossed. |
In addition to his literary pursuits, Girish maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, where readers and followers can connect with him to explore the fascinating world of his writings and insights:
Instagram: instagram.com/girishduttshukla/
Facebook: facebook.com/authorgirishduttshukla
Twitter: twitter.com/GirishDttShukla
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/girish-dutt-shukla/
The world of psychological thrillers has seen numerous exceptional works by international authors, yet there’s been a noticeable absence of Indian voices in this genre. With only a few established authors, there’s been an opportunity for new voices to shine.
Girish Dutt Shukla steps into this void with his riveting masterpiece, “Cold Blooded Love.” The novel not only enthralls with its intense psychological storytelling but also introduces a promising new talent to this uncharted territory.
A must-read recommendation! Get your copy now and dive into the suspense.
