What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love the idea of crafting great stories that resonate with people’s lives, and when the stories educate, inspire, and entertain, as in the Faction genre (facts & fiction) I write, I feel I have accomplished my writer’s portfolio in a great way.
What is my idea of happiness? Watching the tides wash ashore, immersing myself in a soulful rhythm, and watching the sunrises and sunsets. Basically being free from all encumbrances.
What is my greatest fear? To lose my health and will to live, as I have watched my loved ones die of terminal illnesses.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Not having the courage to accept my weaknesses sometimes.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire Robin Sharma and Vishen Lakhiani. They are icons in their fields and have reached the pinnacle of success with their talents. They inspire with their spirituality, secularism, and modernism.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? When I make silly errors and need to edit my books a couple of times, plus when the end is still far off.
When and where was I the happiest in my work? One day, in April 2023, when I was at home reading my emails, I came across the coveted email telling me that I had won the Firebird Book Award for “Where the Rain Falls.” A higher hand led me in writing that book, and I felt so happy that it achieved recognition.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would have followed my dreams much earlier and not let myself be restricted by so many commitments.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I achieved great reviews for the books that I wrote. It has given me the privilege to be called an author and poet with standing.
Where would I most like to live? I love France. Someday I will make it my home.
What is my most treasured possession? My two daughters.
What is my most marked characteristic? Maybe it is my need to be humble at all times, because I abhor arrogance.
What is my most inspirational location in my city? Kuala Lumpur is an iconic city recognised for its diversity and beauty worldwide. The City is a landmark for Malaysia and inspires in every way.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink in my city? These days, I go to a quiet breakfast joint in a mall near my home. I have a cup of coffee and a packet of nasi lemak. The food is good, and the environment is conducive for someone like me. A simple meal to savour the simple pleasures of life.
What books influenced my life and how? Hans Christian Andersen’s tales inspired me as a young child. Then, when I read Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, I was inspired by his writing and literary skills. I learned to imagine and craft with a touch of heart from these two greats.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? On my last day, I would listen to the Ave Maria – Gracias Plena hymn. The Virgin Mary has been instrumental in coming to my aid in dangerous times.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My heroine at the moment is Majaorie Yakob, from my book, From Skopje to India. She undertook a risky venture into a country transitioning from British rule and learned much from the Indians.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? In real life, I think the women who fight for justice are the heroines, and the children who die every day at the hands of perpetrators teach us the cruelty of the world. Children teach us the true sentiments and meaning in life. We forget sometimes that they are our future.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Beautiful Life.
What role play stories in my life and work? The woman’s voice of concern and worry, her struggles, and ambitions for her children.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? That quote is the absolute truth. We create our own stories and live them, and become storytellers in our own right.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My greatest fan was my mother, who passed away recently. She always encouraged me in my writing. My partner in crime is my daughter, Sasha. She’s always reading and supporting my work. I have no sponsors, though I wish I did, so my books are uplifted higher and spread across the world. My books carry epic stories and are meant to be read.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
- Robin Sharma
- Vishen Lakhiani
- Shah Rukh Khan (for the movies that he creates and directs)
- Any traditional publishing house like Harper Collins, Penguin Random House, Macmillan
- Dan Brown (Because he wrote The Da Vinci Code)
- Michelle Obama
- The Camargo Foundation
- Foundation Jans Michalski
- Bloomsbury
- Hachette Livre
What project am I looking forward to work on? I am working on a novel titled The Great Persecution, where I write about the various persecutions subjected to iconic figures and the saints of the Catholic world, and have included some of my experiences.
Where can you see me or my work? My books are published on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Inkitt under Shobana Gomes. They are also distributed to other retail outlets by Publishdrive.com. Recently, one of my books, The Fiesty Licypriya Kangujam, was selected by Storyshares.org to be read in classrooms across 50 states and distributed to 180 countries. My website address is
https://shobanagomes.blogspot.com. Newsletter: https://shobanasmusings.blogspot.com. Lately, I
have published my new writings on https://shobanagomes.mystrikingly.com.
My YouTube channel is another avenue to see my work:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzHQF01GktoaRb-eeefP_TA
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion is ingrained in one and never has a chance to retire or be brushed aside. Passion is the reason one dreams and creates masterpieces till the end.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
- Pat Rullo – pr@speakuptalkradio.com
- Mark Dawson – mark@markjdawson.com
- Leonardoverse – Lenny@leonardoverse.com
- Louise Baigelman – info@storyshares.org
- Christina Francine – christinafrancine@gmail.com
- Noris Roberts – NorisRoberts@proton.me
- Mariel Hacking – mariel.limnisa@gmail.com
- Jane Austen Literary Foundation – admin@janeaustenlf.org
- David O’Nan – feversofthemind@gmail.com
- Wade Fransson – wfransson@gmail.com
How can you contact me?
Email: shobanagomes@gmail.com
The Heroine's Journey Today 