An interview with Sonalii Sharma, 2X author, entrepreneur and the founder of ContentBank

An interview with Sonalii Sharma, a two-time bestselling author & a co-author of more than 50 books

In this captivating interview with Sonalii Sharma, a two-time bestselling author and co-author of over 50 books, we explore her remarkable journey in the literary world.

Sonalii shares her insights on the writing process, the power of collaboration, and the inspiration behind her stories.

Her passion for storytelling and commitment to empowering voices through literature shine through as she reflects on her experiences and the impact of her work.

What initially sparked your passion for writing, and how did you decide to take the leap from a career in finance to pursue it full-time?

Sonalii Sharma: As I said, since childhood I’ve always been keen on reading books. I remember the very first thought I had , when I started reading novels or self help books, was that why can’t I have my own book on the bookshelf one day!

Also seeing my mother preparing scripts for plays, acts or school events inspired me. (She’s Hindi professor and into Hindi and Urdu literature) And that’s how it started.

Also being a companion to Solitude since my early age, I think I could focus more upon myself . Life has always been of sudden surprises, and we know surprises never fail to surprise us.

Having experienced frequent ups and downs, odds in the way, there are few things we need to keep in mind and implement in daily life, so that when we actually experience the toughest situation, we are ready to face it.

Writing has been my healer. Transitioning back to around the second year of my undergraduate in 2020, we all know that covid outbreak happened. That was the time I took a plunge to encash my passion rather than waiting for the time where people would be hired for new jobs after sudden layoffs happening back to back.

I started with writing blogs for others, slowly and gradually I started exploring different options like copywriting, script writing, creative direction, etc which I later realised was a good decision I made.

Once I completed my graduation, I took a gap year to pursue CMA and devoted my time to ContentBank (my agency). To sum up I would say that the risk was worth it.

Can you share your journey from freelancing to founding ContentBank? What were some of the key challenges you faced during this transition?

Sonalii Sharma: I did freelancing for a year and a half. In the later half of 2022, I founded ContentBank. It was like a dream come true.

You know, as an individual when you get a chance to represent yourself not as “I” but “we” that feeling cannot be explained in words. It was tough to switch from working individually to hiring other people and building a team. Everything was new and I learned it on the go.

The most important thing of building a company or team is that you learn to trust people and the confidence that you show in them, helps them trust themselves, thus enhancing their skills and performance.

Team building requires a lot of patience, risk, management abilities, knowledge of finances and how well can you adapt to new conditions. Building a business is very dynamic. Everything keeps changing in the fraction of second.

You have to trust your gut and take the decisions that are practical and rational and not emotional. Sometimes you need to be tough. You have to do what you have to do, no matter the situation- good or bad; whatever happens next will be based on your decision. Building a business can also be a lonely journey.

You may feel that your team is with you, but the reality is you have to face and fight it all by yourself. As a founder it is your responsibility to make the people feel safe and secure around, be a leader to them and bring out the best in them.

When you hit the rock bottom, you may feel like giving up, but well, let me tell you the truth- that’s where the actual journey begins and before you think about giving up- know that there is  a light of hope waiting for you at the exit of the tunnel.

With over 50 co-authored books, what have you learned about collaboration in writing? How do you ensure that your voice remains authentic in a co-authored project?

Sonalii Sharma: I stay firm with my ideas and the voice of my writing , basically my writing tone. When you are confident enough about what you do and how you do, that is it. You don’t need to feel the need to worry if what you bring to the table is good enough.

As a finance and accounting student, how do you balance your academic pursuits with your writing and business responsibilities?

Sonalii Sharma: You gotta do what you gotta do. Honestly, let me tell you being busy is a blessing in disguise. I usually prioritise my needs as per the need of the urgency. It was tough but not that tough that one won’t be able to manage it.

The more challenging it gets the more interesting it gets! And most of all you only live once, so why not ?

What inspired you to start ContentBank, and what unique services do you offer that set you apart from other content management and marketing companies?

Sonalii Sharma: ContentBank was started to help the solo founders build their business and scale it with the help of right content.

Being a founder myself, I know how difficult it gets for the solo founders to manage everything. Sometimes, they have everything but not the right resources to manage and market their services/product and reach the right audience or build a space in the market.

ContentBank exists for such individuals who have talent, who are capable of bringing their ideas into this world. All they need is the right support and the right guidance.

Can you walk us through your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you stay focused and productive?

Sonalii Sharma: I don’t have any particular writing ritual, but yes there are certain things that I do on a regular basis which is writing everyday, no matter if it is a small paragraph or 20 pages.

I begin my day with writing and end my day with writing my journal. I cannot tell how therapeutic it has been for me.

Talking about any ritual for writing my books-I first draw my idea in a form of the story board then work on the chapters in the flow, prepare the draft and turn it out to a manuscript. At times, I also work on spontaneous ideas.

I love how they bring out the creativity and excitement to try out different ways of presenting the story, emotions and the message that I have been already working on.

I sometimes try changing the environment and the place-like sometimes I take a walk around the coastline of the beach and sit there in silence admiring the beauty of nature, sometimes I go to mountains and just take days off for writing, which makes it even more interesting! This helps me stay focused and productive throughout!

Are there any upcoming books that you’re particularly excited about? What can readers expect from you in the near future?

Sonalii Sharma: Yes, I have been working on a project that is very close to my heart. I am on the verge of completing the final drafts, post that I will be compiling it to a manuscript. I do have a lot of ideas in my mind, but as we say- one step at a time.

The upcoming book isn’t just a book for me. It is something that I dreamt of. I always wanted to write to write for people and help them heal or atleast help them feel better during tough times.

Words hold power to either make or break relations. I wish to continue writing and sharing with the world out there and letting every person know their life is worthy and life doesn’t end when you feel low or when you fail.

There is a world bigger than you’d have imagined, waiting for you! Readers can expect the book by this years end-end of 2025.

You mentioned enjoying art, playing the guitar, and reading. How do these hobbies influence your writing and creativity?

Sonalii Sharma: I think having some different hobbies apart from what you love doing is a bliss. It adds more creativity to the actual work and uplifts the mood.

Books are my happy place always, no matter what my mood is, I know I will always have a book for me to read according to my mood.

Art and music for me is something that adds meaning and colors to life and not just canvas.

As a matter of fact, I would like to mention “let some hobbies, just be hobbies. There is no need to convert all your hobbies into jobbies”

Let there be some things which you can purely savour, and when you do that, you feel more creative, refreshed, confident and energetic.

In your opinion, what does the future hold for content creation and marketing? How do you see trends evolving in the next few years?

Sonalii Sharma: Sky’s the limit I would say! Today is the age where anything and everything around you is about either what you create or what you consume. Rather I would also add that this is just the beginning of what is yet to come.

People are slowly becoming aware of what kind of content they are consuming. This ultimately leads towards creating mindful content and the responsibility of the same lies in the hands of the creators.

They will be accountable and responsible more than ever before about what they create and how they are leaving an impact behind. Brands and companies are valuing empathic approaches in getting closer to their potential customer like never before.

The dimensions of marketing are changing. Customers want to know the real side of the backstory of the businesses being built and the products/services they use.

The risk taking ability and experimenting with creative ideas have no limits now. You can try out your ideas your way and no one is stopping you from doing that!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are hesitant to pursue their passion for writing due to career concerns?

Sonalii Sharma: It is better to take the risk and pursue that step than to sit back depressed regretting “why didn’t I do that earlier?” I know, even today careers that revolve around creativity, art or passion aren’t considered equivalent to the mainstream careers.

But just because the career of your choice doesn’t fit the societal norms doesn’t mean you will give up on your dreams.

Ultimately, in the end there is no one with you, except you. Thus, instead of fearing the noises in the outside world, listen to the voice within you that knows the best for you.

Yes, the path wouldn’t be that easy, but it will definitely be worth it. Remember, if you are passionate enough and determined enough to pursue and stick by your goals, no one can stop you from achieving it.

One of the most important things to remember is to let your writing flow the way it is coming out. That is your actual style coming out, your own voice. Don’t go for copying others.

Taking inspiration is good, but replicating them or copying them is being unfair to yourself- it means you are lying to yourself.

Trust your gut and have faith, writing has a long way to go. It will open up the doors you wouldn’t have thought even existed before.

As our conversation with Sonalii Sharma concludes, her dedication to the craft of writing and her desire to inspire others are truly inspiring.

With a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on collaboration, Sonalii continues to make her mark in the literary landscape. Her journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of words and the importance of sharing diverse narratives.

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