Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive interview with with Monica Sood, the dynamic Founder and Director of Author In Me (AIM), Curator of the AIM Literary Festival, and a celebrated publisher and author. In this insightful conversation, Monica shares her journey of empowering young voices, nurturing creativity through storytelling, and building a global platform where children become published authors.
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Dr. Shabana Parvez: Welcome to The Desi Buzz Talk Show! Can you share a bit about your journey—what inspired you to enter the world of publishing?
Monica Sood: I started my journey as a biology lecturer, never imagining that one day I would be running my own publishing house. However, storytelling has always been a passion of mine. My love for books and stories dates back to my childhood. My father was an incredible storyteller—his tales weren’t just entertaining; they were filled with profound life lessons. He shared stories about great scientists, sports legends, mystics, diverse cultures, and regional folklore. Looking back, I realise that storytelling was his way of inspiring and educating us in a fun and engaging manner. Those stories left a lasting impression on me , continuing to guide me even after he passed away, cultivating a deep appreciation for the transformative power of stories.
When I became a mother, I wanted to pass on this beautiful gift to my children. Bedtime storytelling was a cherished part of our daily routine. Both of my children loved reading and writing, but one moment stood out. When my younger daughter came home one day with a story she had written at school. We decided to turn that story into a printed book as a birthday gift for her. When she held the finished book in her hands, the joy and pride on her face were unforgettable. What struck me even more was how her friends would eagerly read the book whenever they visited—and some were inspired to write their own stories! That experience made me realise it’s a powerful and novel way to nurture creativity and foster a love for reading and writing in children.
With this idea in mind, I co-founded Author In Me (AIM) with one of my dear friends. Since its inception, we have turned more than 500 stories written by children into books, some of them globally published under our imprint Young Voices. AIM has now become a platform for sharing the joy of storytelling, supporting aspiring writers through every step from concept to publication, and curating literary festival that showcases their talent.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Author In Me was founded with a vision of inclusivity in publishing. What personal experiences led you to co-create this platform?
Monica Sood: At Author In Me, we believe that everyone has a unique story, and we are committed to nurturing creativity from an early age. We began by offering writing mentorship sessions for children and helping them turn their stories into books. It was inspiring to see how these young writers used storytelling to express their experiences, challenges, and personal perspectives.
Since launching in 2017, We’ve mentored countless young authors, empowering them to explore their ideas and share their stories.
However, over time, we noticed that the characters these young writers were creating often lacked diversity. They tended to mirror the characters they saw in mainstream books, which highlighted a significant gap in representation. It was a lightbulb moment.
This realisation became a turning point. It highlighted the need to amplify underrepresented voices and create a literary world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. So we opened doors for adult authors, especially from underrepresented communities, whose voices and stories were often marginalised in the mainstream publishing world. By expanding our reach, we created a platform that supports diverse narratives and ensures that authentic voices get the recognition they deserve, fostering a richer, more inclusive literary ecosystem for all.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You help authors go from concept to publication. What are some of the biggest challenges aspiring writers face, and how does AIM support them?
Monica Sood: At AIM, we recognise that aspiring writers face a range of challenges—from overcoming self-doubt and finding their unique voice to structuring their ideas into compelling narratives and navigating the complexities of the publishing process. To address these hurdles, we offer one 2 one consultation, pair emerging writers with seasoned writers or editors who work closely with them to craft cohesive, engaging stories. Our comprehensive support extends beyond the manuscript; we also offer one-on-one mentorship, and invaluable PR opportunities to connect with wider audience through our vibrant literary festival, media collaborations, and marketing campaigns. This holistic approach ensures that every writer has the guidance and platform they need to transform their ideas into published works that truly resonate and reach audiences.
last year, we were approached by a courageous young mother and breast cancer survivor. She came to us with a rough draft of a picture book. Her mission was to address the lack of children’s books that speak to families affected by cancer, so she wrote a story from a child’s perspective, drawing on her own experiences and the emotions of her two young children. Recognising the need to share her narrative despite its commercial challenges, we took the project. We invited bestselling author Alan Durant to mentor Priyanka editorially for months, while award-winning illustrator Debasmita Dasgupta created stunning illustrations. We then launched her book, “When Mummy Had Cancer,” at the AIM Literary Festival 2024. With a strong marketing and PR campaign and featuring the book at the week-long AIM Literary Festival at prestigious venues like The British Library, the French Institute, and the Roald Dahl Museum, along with significant press coverage on iGlobal News, BBC News, and many other media outlets, When Mummy Had Cancer is reaching and supporting countless families navigating the emotional journey of a cancer diagnosis. This book is more than just a story—it is a resource to help children understand, process, and talk about their feelings with honesty and hope. This example shows how AIM not only helps writers overcome obstacles at every stage but also opens meaningful opportunities for them to connect with a broader audience that needs it the most.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: The AIM Literary Festival has grown into a powerful platform. What was your vision behind it, and how has it evolved over the years?
Monica Sood: At AIM, we understand that publishing books is just one part of the equation. To truly make an impact, we must create opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. Our vision was to create a global hub for storytellers, literary enthusiasts and publishing experts to come under one roof and exchange knowledge, ideas and perspectives. With three clear missions- amplifying voices from varied cultural, social, and literary background, encouraging young writers and readers to explore storytelling as a form of creative expression and bringing communities together through shared narratives, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, we founded the AIM Literary Festival.
What started as a humble, two-hour online event has transformed over the years into a monumental annual week-long celebration. With support from the Arts Council England and partnerships with organisations like The Nehru Centre, Roald Dahl Museum, Brent and Buckinghamshire libraries, iGlobal, the UK Asian Film Festival, and IIW, AIM has expanded its reach across London, Buckinghamshire, and Brent, fostering literary engagement in diverse communities. Every October, the Festival serves as a vibrant gathering where emerging writers, established authors, publishing industry experts, and young storytellers all come together to share ideas, connect, and inspire one another. This year, the festival will take place from the 1st to the 5th of October at The British Library in London, The Roald Dahl Museum and the French Library with the theme, Challenge your Choices. It’s a melting pot of voices, ideas, and cultural perspectives—an event designed to break down barriers and foster an environment where stories can be heard outside the conventional publishing lanes. By giving emerging talent the platform to shine, we not only nurture their growth but also empower them to be a part of a larger conversation on helping shape the future of literature. Through this initiative, we’re normalising diversity in literature, ensuring that every unique narrative finds its place in the spotlight.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Inclusivity is a major theme in your work. What steps do you take to ensure diverse voices are heard in the publishing industry?
Monica Sood: Inclusivity isn’t just a theme for us at AIM; it’s a core value. We are deeply committed to elevating unheard voices. We actively seek stories from diverse communities, ensuring our selection process, mentorship programs, and festival line-ups are designed to amplify and empower these voices.
Recognising that true representation goes beyond publishing, we took this commitment a step further by launching the StoryGarden initiative, a regular feature of the festival where we invite authors, emerging, established and even publishing houses across the globe to submit books that represent diverse themes, characters, and settings to be showcased during the festival. This pioneering effort brought together over 185 contributors—ranging from bestselling to emerging authors—and featured works from esteemed publishers like Bloomsbury, Hachette and Jacaranda. By curating a collection that reflects a wide range of cultural perspectives, StoryGarden provides a dedicated space for books that challenge norms, introduce fresh viewpoints, and spark meaningful conversations.
In addition, we believe in nurturing young talent and fostering a love for storytelling from an early age. This year, we have launched our Story-Writing Competition inviting children aged 7 to 15 to submit fictional stories inspired by their personal experiences. More than just a contest, this initiative serves as a launchpad for young voices, giving them a unique opportunity to have their work published in an anthology and showcased at the festival- . Through this, we empower children to see themselves as authors, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences are not just heard but celebrated.
These initiatives are at the heart of our mission: to break down barriers and create a truly inclusive literary landscape where every voice is given the platform it deserves—regardless of age, background, or culture. By prioritising inclusivity at every stage of the storytelling process, we are actively dismantling longstanding publishing barriers and fostering a richer, more diverse literary conversation. Our goal is not just to publish diverse books but to create an ecosystem where these stories thrive, resonate, and inspire generations to come.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: In a digital age dominated by social media and short content, how do you keep young writers engaged in storytelling and creative writing?
Monica Sood: That’s a great question because it’s definitely a challenge! In the digital age, keeping young writers engaged requires creativity, adaptability, and an understanding of how our brain learns. With my background in science and passion for neuroscience, I incorporate strategies that make writing interactive, relevant, and enjoyable. Since the brain learns best through novelty and full engagement, I design activities that captivate young writers, sparking their creativity and enhancing their cognitive growth. For instance, when children create characters, I encourage them to develop an interview-style questionnaire as if they’re going to interview a friend or sibling to explore their likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses and interview their siblings/friends. Activities such as these keep them amused and engaged while learning, leading to better retention and enhanced focus. I also remind them to be observant to tap into their creativity. The idea is to integrate mindfulness, visual thinking, and sensory writing exercises to enhance curiosity, focus and depth in storytelling.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your publications, such as Seven Weeks Seven Techniques and Creative Writing Workbook, aim to make writing more enjoyable. What inspired these books?
Monica Sood: I wanted to make learning and writing enjoyable rather than daunting. These books were created to break down learning into manageable, engaging, and fun exercises that encourage experimentation and creativity. When I was preparing my elder daughter for her Eleven Plus exams, I always tried to make learning new concepts fun by playing games, such as “Guess the Meaning of a word” word charades, and storytelling challenges. I quickly realised that my daughter retained information far better when she learned through games and in fun ways rather than passively memorising facts. This approach inspired me to write books with practical tips to help children create engaging stories using sensory cues, creativity, and having fun.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You’ve co-authored books like Shine Like A Star and Santa Wants a Makeover. What key messages do these books convey to young readers?
Monica Sood: I see Shine Like A Star and Santa Wants a Makeover as tools to empower young minds, instill confidence, and nurture a strong foundation for self-belief.
Shine Like A Star introduces children to 52 powerful affirmations—one for each week of the year—encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, believe in their potential, and confidently navigate challenges. As we all know, children are born with innate abilities, limitless creativity, and an openness to learning, but the way they see themselves and their world is shaped by experiences. Neuroscience shows that neural pathways are formed through repetition, meaning the thoughts and messages children are exposed to early in life become the foundation of their self-perception and decision-making. That’s why it’s crucial to reinforce positive self-talk, resilience, and the courage to dream big from an early age. Affirmations provide a simple yet profound method.
While Santa Wants a Makeover is a playful and engaging story that encourages young readers to embrace themselves just as they are. Through a fun, rhyming Christmas adventure, the book entertains and subtly teaches important lessons about self-acceptance. Additionally, it integrates early numeracy skills, making learning numbers an enjoyable and interactive experience.
Both books are designed to empower children to trust in their abilities, develop a strong sense of self, and carry that confidence into adulthood—because when we nurture a child’s mindset with positivity and encouragement, we shape a future where they are fearless in chasing their dreams.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Tell us about your upcoming picture book- The Gift that Gives Back.
Monica Sood: The Gift That Gives Back is a picture book inspired by my own life experience. During my visit to India in 2023, I witnessed devastating floods that tore through my hometown of Kullu and Manali, I saw first-hand the impact of deforestation and climate change. This experience was a powerful reminder that the consequences can be devastating when nature’s balance is disturbed.
This ignited a deep urgency within me—I knew I had to take action. And the answer came through a story. The Gift That Gives Back is a heartfelt mission. Through this story, I want to raise awareness about the vital role trees play in our world and inspire people to take action.
This book also teaches the importance of responsibility and individual action—how even the smallest efforts can lead to a bigger change. By encouraging families to plant or adopt a tree, my hope is to spark a movement—one where each act of kindness towards nature creates a ripple effect, shaping a greener, more hopeful future for generations to come.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give to parents and educators to foster creativity and a love for reading in children?
Monica Sood: Children are naturally curious, and when that curiosity is encouraged through engaging discussions, open-ended questions, and a supportive atmosphere, their love for reading and learning flourishes.
Parents and educators play a key role in igniting love for reading by leading by example—demonstrating their own enthusiasm for books, exploring diverse genres together, and making reading a shared, interactive experience.
Writing is just as important as reading—encouraging children to write about their experiences, dreams, and ideas helps them see storytelling as a way to make sense of the world. When children feel that their thoughts are valued, they are far more likely to develop not just a love for books but also the confidence to express themselves creatively. By creating a nurturing environment at home or school, we can spark curiosity and creativity where children feel free to explore new ideas and express themselves without fear of judgment or failure.
By fostering a culture of curiosity, discussion, and self-expression, we can empower the next generation to become lifelong readers, writers, and creative thinkers.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How do you see the publishing industry evolving, particularly for independent and diverse authors?
Monica Sood: The publishing industry is evolving rapidly, offering more opportunities than ever for independent and diverse authors. Self-publishing platforms and print-on-demand services are democratising publishing, making it easier for authors to bypass the traditional publishing route.
Independent authors are gaining more control over their work, from content to marketing, and building direct relationships with readers through social media and online platforms. This allows them to cultivate niche audiences and experiment with new formats.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges. With more content comes increased competition for visibility, and authors need effective strategies to stand out. Organisations like AIM play a critical role in providing mentorship, resources, and platforms to empower these authors and ensure their stories are heard.
I envision a publishing ecosystem that embraces inclusivity, fresh perspectives, and authentic stories no matter whether the good stories are traditionally or independently published.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: AI and self-publishing are reshaping the literary world. Do you see them as challenges or opportunities for new authors?
Monica Sood: AI and self-publishing are revolutionising the literary world, presenting both immense opportunities and critical challenges for new authors. On one hand, they break down traditional barriers, making publishing more accessible, reducing costs, and enhancing discoverability through AI-driven marketing. Authors now have the power to reach global audiences faster and with greater creative control than ever before. However, this accessibility comes with a price—market saturation, quality concerns, and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content. While AI can enhance efficiency, assist in research, and streamline the writing process, it lacks the emotional depth, originality, and human perspective that define truly great storytelling. I feel creative works should be authored by people, not algorithms.
The absence of clear regulations raises further concerns. AI systems are trained on existing literature, yet the authors, illustrators, and artists who inspire them receive no credit or compensation. Without ethical guidelines, we risk undervaluing human creativity and diminishing the role of original voices in literature.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, I believe authors must harness AI as a tool, not a substitute. By strategically integrating AI’s efficiency with authentic storytelling and advocating for fair policies, writers can turn these technological shifts into powerful allies rather than existential threats. The future of literature will not be about AI versus authors—it will be about how we use AI to amplify human creativity rather than replace it.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: As a mentor, what qualities do you believe are essential for young writers to develop resilience and confidence in their storytelling?
Monica Sood: I believe every writer should cultivate three essential virtues—curiosity, perseverance, and self-belief—to grow into a confident storyteller.
Curiosity is the spark that fuels creativity. It pushes young writers to observe the world with wonder, ask questions, and explore both their own emotions and those of others. This depth of understanding brings authenticity to their stories, making them resonate with readers.
Perseverance is what transforms talent into skill. Writing is a journey of revision and growth—filled with multiple drafts, inevitable rejection, and moments of self-doubt. But those who embrace feedback, refine their craft, and keep writing despite challenges emerge as stronger, more resilient storytellers.
Above all, self-belief is the foundation of a great writer. Trusting their own voice gives young authors the courage to tell stories that matter to them, and resist the pressure to conform to external expectations. True storytelling isn’t about seeking approval—it’s about sharing one’s unique perspective with confidence.
As a mentor, I nurture these qualities by encouraging young writers to embrace imperfection, experiment boldly, and understand that great stories aren’t defined by flawlessness—they’re defined by authentic and unique perspectives.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Balancing publishing, mentoring, and authorship is no small feat. How do you stay motivated and manage it all?
Monica Sood: I’m driven by the belief that writing—whether it’s my own or someone else’s—can ignite connection, spark change, and leave a lasting impact on the world. Knowing that what I do matters keeps me going, even when things do not go as expected.
Balancing all these roles is a constant juggling act. I’ve understood that it’s essential to set clear priorities and boundaries, a skill that I’m still learning. I approach each day with intention and prioritise my work accordingly.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in empowering authors and storytellers?
Monica Sood: One of the most rewarding parts of my journey in empowering authors and storytellers is witnessing the personal and creative transformations that writing can inspire. I remember a young girl who joined our creative writing course—she was incredibly shy, hesitant to share her words, and unsure of her voice. By gently nurturing her talent, she not only grew in confidence but also found a powerful purpose in her writing. She went on to write a book, using her story to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where her younger sister had been treated for a heart condition. Her poetry was published in an anthology. Seeing her channel her experiences into something meaningful, using her words to make a real impact, was incredibly rewarding as well as fulfilling. Moments like these are so rewarding.
Receiving recognition from organisations such as the British Book Awards three times in three years has been an incredible honour, as recognitions like these reinforce your beliefs and fuel your motivation to take bigger steps and continue moving forward with more determination. These awards are not just personal milestones; they are a sign that the publishing industry is acknowledging the importance of nurturing new talent and uplifting underrepresented voices.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What are your future goals for Author In Me and the AIM Literary Festival?
Monica Sood: The future goals for Author In Me and the AIM Literary Festival are centred around expanding our reach and creating more opportunities for diverse voices and connecting them with their intended audience.
For Author In Me, my focus is on developing more accessible and inclusive programs, reaching storytellers from all backgrounds, and providing mentorship that nurtures their voices. I aim to bring forth diverse, bold and transformative perspectives through books, expand publishing opportunities and create collaborations with organisations so these books reach far and wide.
For the AIM Literary Festival, I envision it growing into a global platform that celebrates storytelling and also sparks important conversations about the role of literature in shaping perspectives and driving change. I plan to bring in more diverse authors, industry leaders, and young voices under one roof to share their experiences, ensuring the festival becomes a space where creativity, inclusivity, and knowledge exchange thrive.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Author In Me and the AIM Literary Festival continue to inspire, educate, and provide a stepping stone for the next generation of writers—helping them see that their words have power, their stories matter, and their voices deserve to be heard.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Finally, Monica, what message would you like to share with our audience about the power of storytelling and its impact on the world?
Monica Sood: Storytelling is one of the most ancient, unique and powerful tools we have—it connects us, enlightens us and inspires change. Every story, no matter how small, has the potential to make an impact. It can spark empathy, challenge perspectives, and even transform lives.
To anyone who has ever doubted their voice, I want to say this: your story matters. The world needs your unique perspective, your experiences, and your creativity. Whether you write to heal, inspire, educate, or entertain, your words have the power to reach someone, somewhere, in a way you may never fully realise.
It’s through these shared narratives that we connect across cultures, generations, and experiences. Embrace your voice, fearlessly share your story, and keep exchanging these communal currencies. Together, we can build a more connected, compassionate, and understanding world.
