I'm Writing A Book!

It's finally happening...

Hey friends,

Greetings from Bangalore, India!

I am writing a book.

Yes. You read that right.

I am writing a book.

Let that sink in.

Here’s the form I mentioned - https://forms.gle/a2Twd6rDUf1GWiMX9. More on this later.

---

One day last year, my father approached me and asked, “Ishan, what do you think about writing a book?”.

For years, people have been asking me to publish my adventures in the wild, to pen down my thoughts and experiences in some form. I'd always push it for later, saying the time wasn't right.

But there, at that moment, it felt like everything had connected. I felt like I’d had enough adventures to write a story worth reading.

The time to write my first memoir had come.

What followed was hours of brainstorming and note-taking as I furiously typed out everything that came to my mind. Names, chapters, stories, thoughts—everything that soared through my mind found its way onto my screen.

Several months have passed since that day. The book has gone through several structural overhauls, frustrating edits and revisions. It takes time to create something that resembles writing and not brain vomit.

I’ve been doing all this in secret, but now, the day has finally come when I can announce it to the world. 

What is the book about?

This memoir will comprise most of my adventures in the wild over the last 6 years. Tales from lush rainforests to arid scrub jungles, montane forests to thriving coral reefs. It comprises a whole host of characters—tigers, elephants, gaurs, raptors, songbirds, and trees. And a whole lot of snakes.

My wild encounters have shaped me into what I am. That is the central theme I want to explore; how these memories are core to my personality and how I would be less of a person without them.

The book will orbit the places in which I’ve explored the wild. Those are:-

1. Agumbe, Karnataka.

2. Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh.

3. Munnar, Kerala.

4. Deciduous forests of the Deccan Peninsula, Himalayas - Ladakh, Chopta, Munsiyari, Kullu.

5. Underwater - Maldives, and a couple of beaches.

6. Cities - Bangalore, Delhi, Sonipat.

And more…

Head over to the landing page on my website to learn more - https://ishanshanavas.com/wild-wanderlust/ 

My first draft is around 70,000 words, but that will likely change as I begin editing. A preliminary look has shown me that there is a LOT of editing to be done :)

I need your help!

I want to get feedback on my writing to fine-tune it before I send it to my editor and publisher. If you would be willing to help, fill out this quick form, and I’ll get back to you!

https://forms.gle/Muo1jrEq6XNvQ1ca9

[PS: Everyone who gives me feedback on my work will get a spot in the acknowledgements section!]

During these months, I’ve learnt SO MUCH by sitting down and writing every day. Writing a book is a whole lot different from writing an article or newsletter. The cadence, priorities, language—everything is different. Exploring these disparate styles has contributed enormously to my growth.

There is much more to be written about this endeavour, but I can’t fit everything into one issue! So from now on, until the book is published (or however long I feel like it), I will post updates on the book status—my struggles, triumphs and insights along the way.

This is a massive step for my career and personal growth, and I can’t wait to take you along!

You could begin helping me by sharing this issue. You have NO IDEA how much that would help me!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter to get some of the behind-the-scenes content.

Here’s the feedback form again if you’re interested - https://forms.gle/a2Twd6rDUf1GWiMX9.

Postcard

I’ll let the poster speak for itself.

Favourite Quotes

This time, I’m going to share a few quotes. Take your pick.

“The things that you feel most deeply, from the very bottom of your heart, will never deceive you in the slightest.” ― Genzaburo Yoshino, How Do You Live?

“I think luck falls on not just the brave but also the ones who believe they belong there.” - Novak Djokovic

In the film P.S. I Love You, there’s a line that says, ​​“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Have a creative, energetic and inspiring week!

If you’re new, welcome to The Owlet! My name is Ishan Shanavas, and I am an Artist, Photographer, Writer and Student of the Natural World.

Here I talk about my work, along with curating the most interesting ideas on the internet. I confine them to topics like Nature, Culture, Photography, and Art but often fall prey to other genres.

I would greatly appreciate it if you shared my newsletter and work with your friends. It really helps me out :)