Beyond the Pages: An Interview with Author Monika Arora

Serving the Department of Posts, India, for the last seventeen years, Monika is a Bronze Medalist, awarded by the Vice President of India in 2004. She was selected as a contemporary Asian poet by Asian Signature, an international magazine. She was also featured as the face of women’s empowerment in Aesthetics – Coffee Table Book, an international fashion magazine, in its 2017 issue. She has compiled and edited seven collections.

Notably, Monika’s debut book, which ranked at number 17 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list, was also honored with the Salis Mania Choice Award – Best Poetry Book of the Year 2023.

Monika is also a Pranic Healer and Pranic Psychotherapist. She conducts seminars at various levels to motivate and raise awareness about spiritual practices and meditations, guiding people on how thoughts and manifestations can positively transform life. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary of the Motivational Cell in Saharanpur’s reputed NGO, Hands to Care Welfare Society.

Acknowledged for her contributions to literature and social work, she has received numerous accolades, including the Young Talent Award (2017), Yuva Tejaswini Award (2021), Pride of Woman of India Award (2022), Shaan-e-Saharanpur (2024), Nari Gaurav Samman (2024), and Beauty with Brain Award (2025).

What experiences or influences inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

My journey into writing was inspired by a deep love for expression. Over the years, I met people whose stories moved me. Writing became a medium to channel emotions, my own and those around me. It felt like a natural evolution of all the roles I play: educator, healer, artist.

Could you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow any specific routines or rituals that help you stay focused and motivated?

I dive into my writing, literally anywhere, anytime. Sometimes it’s structured, sometimes intuitive. I allow the words to come through without judgment, editing only after the raw draft feels complete.

What challenges did you face while writing your book(s), and how did you overcome them?

Balancing writing with my many roles: mother, government employee, healer, and social worker was a major challenge. There were also moments of self-doubt. I overcame them by reminding myself why I write: to heal, to connect, to inspire. Taking breaks, seeking feedback, and writing in small, consistent doses helped me stay on track.

Which authors or books have had the greatest impact on your writing style, and what do you admire most about their work?

Amrita Pritam, Nirmal Verma, Pablo Neruda, and Lord Byron have deeply influenced me. I admire how they blend emotion with clarity, leaving a lasting impact through minimal yet powerful words.

What essential skills do you believe are crucial for an author to succeed in their writing career?

Consistency, authenticity, empathy, and observation, these are key. A successful writer listens to the world, to silence, and to their inner voice. Being open to feedback, resilient through rejection, and grounded in one’s unique voice is also essential.

What does a typical morning look like for you?

My mornings are quite hectic. I start by preparing lunch boxes and getting my kids ready for school. Once they're off, I take some time to get ready myself, meditate briefly to center my mind, and then head to the office. It’s a busy start to the day, but I try to keep it balanced with a moment of calm.

How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?

I wind down just like any typical Indian mom. Laying out school bags for the next morning and tucking my little ones into bed. Sometimes I read them a bedtime story, and before I know it, they’ve drifted off. None of the three of us even notice when we finally drift off to sleep.

How do you prioritize self-care in your daily life?

For me, self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it's 10 minutes of breathing, skincare, or journaling, I ensure I give myself moments to realign. Healing work also requires me to be balanced, so I treat self-care as a responsibility, not a luxury.

Are there any habits or rituals that have greatly contributed to your productivity?

Yes, planning my day the night before, morning journaling, and using affirmations help me stay grounded and productive. I also practice energy cleansing rituals that help me release clutter, mental or emotional, and create space for clarity.

In your opinion, what is the purpose of life?

To grow through experience, to love deeply, and to serve consciously. Life, to me, is about learning and unlearning, healing and helping others heal, and creating beauty in all we do.

What is the most important lesson you've learned in your journey so far?

That everything has its time. Patience and surrender are not signs of weakness but deep inner strength. Also, that love when given freely, has the power to transform everything.

How do you handle setbacks or failures, and what have they taught you?

I embrace them as redirections. Setbacks teach humility, resilience, and clarity. I reflect, learn, and realign. Instead of resisting, I now ask, “What is this trying to teach me?” That shift has been empowering.