(February 24, 2024) Keerthana Seetharaman has harboured a deep passion for writing and getting her work published, for as long as she can recall. However, navigating limited resources and lack of knowledge of how to go about it, posed challenges. “I felt exhausted while searching for the right platform to publish my works,” she shares with Global Indian.
Recognising that many others might be facing similar obstacles, the Chennai-based youngster had established The Writing Arena Publishers in 2020, when she was just a 16-year-old. Building this venture during the pandemic brought her a sense of fulfilment and productivity. “Within the confines of this venture, I constructed my sanctuary of happiness, even in the face of negativity,” she shares.
Keerthana Seetharaman
So far, The Writing Arena Publishers has overseen publication of 15 print-on-demand anthologies, each featuring contributions from teenagers or adults, depending upon the theme. Keerthana’s entrepreneurial initiative has garnered attention, leading to speaking opportunities at events hosted in schools and colleges. Moreover, she was recognised with a startup award from a Chennai-based organisation and also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Tamil Nadu. These early accolades have fuelled the budding entrepreneur’s determination to continue excelling in the realms of creative writing and entrepreneurship.
In the world of writing
The engineering student found affirmation in her writing abilities last year when she was awarded a ‘Gold Finalist’ certificate for her entry in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, an international event organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The 20-year-old is set to release her debut book of poems, titled ‘Engraving Emotions’.
Keerthana Seetharaman with Ravindra Narayana Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu
Learning from obstacles
Four years back when Keerthana had launched her publishing venture, she had formed a remote team. However, during the initial phases, the volume of submissions remained minimal, causing team members to gradually lose interest. Additionally, as time passed, their priorities shifted, and the venture experienced a temporary halt in its operations.
“There were times when I questioned my own knowledge. There were days when I felt like quitting and focusing solely on studies,” she says. “But my purpose pushed me to juggle these hassles and keep working,” she adds.
Finally, embracing a solopreneur mindset, Keerthana began working with numerous roles – editor, proofreader, compiler, marketer, and beyond. “Initially, it was exhausting, but I eventually got used to the workload,” she says.
Keerthana Seetharaman
Recognising the challenges and time commitment involved in writing an entire book, which can often lead to loss of interest midway, Keerthana promotes creative expression through anthologies – as the writers in anthologies need to just contribute a chapter or two. “Nurturing students to become authors is a dream I aspire to share with the world,” she remarks.
Publishing anthologies however, proves to be very time-consuming, as she has to deal with multiple writers and spend considerable time coordinating their contributions.
Giving back
Keerthana also helps less privileged students to follow their dreams of writing, through an initiative called Kanavugal Meipada (Dreams Come True). The organisation conducts writing competitions in government schools, and the best entries are chosen to be part of an anthology published by her venture, The Writing Arena Publishers. She also conducts sessions on mental health and wellness for these children.
“Entrepreneurship is not all about making money, rather about adding values to people’s life,” she remarks.
Keerthana Seetharaman during an interaction at a government school
At Chennai’s Sri Sairam Engineering College, where she is pursuing computer science and business systems, Keerthana is actively involved in a social work project called Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the government. Along with her fellow students she conducts awareness programs in Poonthandalam village, one of the ten villages her college is assisting in achieving economic stability and independence.
An eye on future
The pre-final year student is also a member of the Professional Communication Society (PROCOMM), an initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to improve engineers’ technical communication skills. Recently Keerthana has been selected to serve as a student chairperson of the society’s chapter in her college.
Looking ahead, Keerthana aims to carve a career path that integrates her degree in engineering and passion for writing.
- Follow Keerthana Seetharaman on LinkedIn
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