Dr. Rajiv Dalmia has been making waves with his book that is meant to make you a better version of what you are at present. We had the opportunity to have a candid discussion with him about his book "Future Relevant Me 2.0" to understand its making, and other interesting details. Check it out:

1. Akhila Saroha: If you were to describe your book “Future Relevant Me 2.0” in a few words without giving any spoilers, what would those words be?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

"Future Relevant Me 2.0" is a practical guide carved out of experiences which lays out a strategy for streamlining your life by making minor changes to your schedule, habbits and approach to help you develop the skills necessary to thrive in the future.

2. Akhila Saroha: What advice would you give to budding writers who may be planning to write in the same genre as “Future Relevant Me 2.0”?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

If anyone is planning to write in the same genre as "Future Relevant Me 2.0," i would say “Go For IT”, there is a lot of need for such guidance and references, and just be practical, actionable, concise and engaging.

3. Akhila Saroha: Do you think you have conveyed all you had in mind through “Future Relevant Me 2.0” or do you feel that there is more to come from your pen on the same subject that the book explores? How much research/revisions it took to write the book before you approved the final draft?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Absolutely not i for sure have a lot more to say but then i am contempt with the outcome and the way the whole story flows and ends and hence more specific to topics for the next book may be.

Regarding the research and revision process for the book, the content is collection of my several years of own experiences and discussions with various gurus and then i spend several years drafting, and revising the work before publishing it. So, definitely writing this book was a lot of hard work and dedication to ensure that the final product is of high quality and meets the needs of the intended audience and i am absolutely happy with it.

4. Akhila Saroha: The book may become a sensation in the long run. How is the audience responding to the book? Is it close to the expected response?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Thanks to my readers and welwishers like yourself, "Future Relevant Me 2.0" has achieved resounding success, already proving to be a sensation amongst readers from the moment it hit the market. Within a week of its listing, the book soared to the top of the Amazon bestseller list. The response from audiences has been nothing short of overwhelming, with readers showering the book with amazing reviews and feedback, with many personally reaching out to me to congratulate and discuss the book. The demand for the book has been so high that even the publishers have been unable to keep up, with delivery dates being extended to meet the needs of eager readers. The book's ability to resonate with readers and meet the needs of the marketplace is evident from its rise to the top of the bestseller list, accompanied by an outpouring of positive feedback. As every author hopes, "Future Relevant Me 2.0" has exceeded expectations, becoming a sensation that has captivated the hearts and minds of readers everywhere.

5. Akhila Saroha: The book contains situations that strongly root the readers in their present and yet pave the path to their future. How did you manage to infuse the 2 different states of mind and still keep the text in the natural mode?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Since the entire book is own experiences and learning, the connecting factor was simply the learnings from past happenings, if applied to present can change the future. The key strategy was to use relatable examples and anecdotes that illustrate the challenges and opportunities of both the present and the future. This helped readers see the relevance of the book's insights to their own lives and feel more engaged with the material. Next was to use clear, concise language that avoids overly technical jargon or abstract concepts. This helped readers understand the material more easily and feel more connected to the ideas presented. And finally, i tried to balance the tension between the present and the future throughout the book, creating a narrative arc that carries the reader through each chapter while building to a satisfying conclusion, through a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and insightful analysis that encourages readers to think deeply about their own lives and their place in the world.

6. Akhila Saroha: How would you describe your literary endeavours and all that went into your making as a writer before “Future Relevant Me 2.0” materialized?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

I would say this was entirely driven and self motivated by my desire to help and the thought that if i am able to positively impact even one life was enough of a reward for me. My journey of becoming a writer as anyone’s else required dedication, hard work, a commitment to bringing the change, a love of sharing & educating via storytelling, a deep curiosity about the world, a desire to connect with readers in meaningful ways, a strong work ethic and a willingness to persevere through challenges and setbacks. Obviously lot came out of my formal education, self-study, practice and experiences. I found inspiration and guidance from many sanatan gurus, mentors, family and my well-wishers.

7. Akhila Saroha: There are so many unique perspectives in “Future Relevant Me 2.0.” What was the most challenging thing about writing such complexity in a simpler version?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

One of the biggest challenge was finding ways to present such complex and unique perspectives in a clear and accessible manner. And to achieve that i started breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more manageable parts, and aligning my relatable examples and analogies that can help readers understand them better.

Another challenge was striking a balance between providing enough detail to make the ideas clear, without overwhelming readers with too much information. And to achieve that i had to do careful wording and revision to ensure that each idea is presented in the most concise and impactful way possible. Finally, it was important to ensure that while i simplify the complex ideas, it does not dumb them down.

8. Akhila Saroha: Even though “Future Relevant Me 2.0” comes from a personal experience with a personal touch, it still keeps you, as the narrator, uninvolved with the text. How, as a writer, did you keep that detachment?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

True, and to maintain this balance i focused on the story and the subject matter itself with facts and true events without adding my personal bias into it by using a more objective voice or perspective, and avoiding language or descriptions that overly emphasize my emotions or reactions. I also have kind of not portrayed myself directly in the script at all or may be just as a kind of "interpreter" or "translator" of the story or subject matter, rather than as a direct participant. This helped create a sense of distance between me and the subject, and allow for a more objective and impartial presentation.

9. Akhila Saroha: “Future Relevant Me 2.0” is an attractive, easy-to-remember, and catchy title. How did you come up with it?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia: 

Choosing this title for my book involved considerations such as the subject matter of the book, the target audience, and the overall tone and style of the work. "Future Relevant Me 2.0," title was chosen to reflect the book's focus on personal growth and transformation in the context of a rapidly changing world. The use of "2.0" was to suggests a newer, updated version of oneself, while the phrase "Future Relevant Me" implies a focus on staying relevant and adaptable in an uncertain future. I believe the title captures the essence of the book in a memorable and appealing way, and encourages readers to engage.

10. I hope that the book breaks records and reaches more readers. I wish you luck with the book.

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Thank You Akhila for your time and wishes.

Knowing you as an Author:

1. Akhila Saroha: What were the situations that led you to take the pen and explore your capabilities as an Author? Or how has your journey as an author been?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Around seven years ago, my son Armaan began asking me questions about situations he encountered in school or while playing, seeking my guidance. Drawing on my habit of recording my daily experiences and learning since 1995, I would consult my notes and share stories with Armaan, helping him to relate and brainstorm solutions for the present context. However, this process became cumbersome as I searched through multiple diaries, notebooks, sticky notes, and even tissue papers. To streamline the process, I began writing down these stories as a means of reflection and documentation. Over the past seven years, I have witnessed positive changes in my son, his close friends, and our family as a result of these write-ups. Recognizing the potential to help others, I transformed these reflections into a dialogue between a teacher and a student, resulting in the creation of my book.

2. Akhila Saroha: If not a writer, do you see yourself engaging in any other forms of creative streams? Which would it be?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

A lots of things actually, but reading, upskilling, mentoring and consulting, sharing my experiences and stories are the ones i enjoy. I also sometimes do doodling, sketching, collage making and so on.

3. Akhila Saroha: We all have personal favorite authors who even influence our writings. Which ones are yours?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

As a writer, I draw inspiration from various authors, but there are a few who have left a lasting impact on me. Among them are Munshi Premchand, Mark Twain, and O. Henry. These writers planted the first seeds in my mind that led me to pursue writing, and their works continue to influence my writing style and approach today.

4. Akhila Saroha: Apart from writing, what are the other activities you are involved in as a person?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

I find joy in a variety of activities, such as reading, upskilling, mentoring, and consulting. I also love sharing my experiences and stories with others. Additionally, I occasionally indulge in creative pursuits like doodling, sketching, and collage-making. In my professional life as well now i have turned my passion into livelihood and have got myself involved in mentoring and supporting various Start-Ups globally to excel.

5. Akhila Saroha: If you were to sum up your writing journey in one sentence, what would it be?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

A successful professional with a prolific career, known for his unique wit, satire, and social commentary, who strives to make the world a better place by sharing his knowledge and experiences.

6. Akhila Saroha: How do you see the future of reading and writing since it has gone through tremendous changes from past to present?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Reading and writing have changed due to technology, making them more accessible through digital media, but the popularity of consuming video content on media sites may impact these trends in the future.

7. Akhila Saroha: In your busy schedule, how do you devote time to writing? Do you allocate a certain number of hours every day? Or how do you manage?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Yes, i have established a regular reading and writing routine, dedicating an hour early morning to writing almost every day. It helps being deciplined to eliminate distractions, set specific goals, and hold myself accountable.

8. Akhila Saroha: Writer’s Block is an ordinary happening in the writer’s world. How do you overcome it or what do you do when you are going through it?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

See, writer's block is a common occurrence, and it's okay to take a break or try different strategies to overcome it. What i do is combination of one or more of things like Take a break, Change my environment, going for a walk, Read or Write something else, Set a timer and write non-stop during that time, Talk it out through my ideas with someone else and so on.

9. Akhila Saroha: What are some of the dos and donts you follow as a writer?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

Dos:

Do read widely and to broaden my knowledge

Do set aside dedicated time to write every day

Do revise my work to improve its quality and clarity

Do be open to feedback and constructive criticism

Do write authentically

Don'ts:

Don't plagiarize or use other people's work without proper credit or permission

Don't write for the purpose of pleasing others

Don't give up in the face of rejection or criticism but improvise

Don't overuse cliches or rely too heavily on adjectives and adverbs

Don't forget to proofread for grammar and spelling errors before submitting it

10. Akhila Saroha: How was the book publication journey an experience for you? Are there any guidelines you would like to share for aspiring writers?

Dr. Rajiv Dalmia:

My publication journey was average, and there is definitely room for improvement. Lots of Say-Do Ratio Gaps - Sales promises vs reality. 

For aspiring writers, I would suggest exploring the option of self-publishing with a modern digital publisher while seeking guidance from experienced professionals. This can help ensure a better publishing experience and increase the chances of success.