Writer, published author, educationist, and mother to a lawyer, Viji Venkat worked as a teacher for ten years before she discovered her calling as a writer. Viji got her first paperback novel ‘A Blue Moon Interlude’ published by Become Shakespeare in September 2020, which has already bagged its first award at the Coimbatore Literary Award 2020. It won the prize for Best Fiction in the category of thriller and mystery. Her first book based on a television show became an instant success and garnered a readership of over 135k readership, 6.5k likes and almost 300 comments on the digital platform. Viji’s other publishing credits include, “Tempest Love” (9k reads and 2.6 followers) & “Wild Summer Echoes” (2k reads and 240 followers) which garnered overwhelming reader response. As an educationist, Viji’s work extended beyond classroom teaching. For example, at Ryan International, Faridabad, where she taught for five years, Viji was also actively involved in activities like Indian Model United Nations (INMUN), Simulation SAARC-Colombo, School Magazine, Interschool competitions, Recruitment, New admissions and Induction workshops. After a decade of bonding with students, she embarked on her journey as a writer. Since the publication of ‘A Blue Moon Interlude’, Viji has been invited to speak at several events. As a guest of honor at the annual felicitation ceremony in Ryan International School, she emphasized on the importance of inculcating a reading habit early. She was also invited as a judge for a creative writing competition administered by Millennium Education Management. In conversations with avid readers and aspiring authors at book clubs, Viji has stressed on three ‘P’s of writing’ - Plot, Perseverance and Patience to young upcoming writers. Viji also spoke about how reading is an essential tool for personal growth in a conversation with Nupur Gandhekar for Hoopsters, an online and offline engagement platform for children, parents and schools. Viji, who grew up in cities like Mumbai and Chennai, loved to read books and she also used to enjoy listening to her grandmother’s stories of a bygone era. Even when she became an educationist, her favourite activity was to prepare students for innovative assemblies where stories were enacted in a unique way. She loves to tell stories about the essence of human nature and the role it plays in larger social issues. Viji believes that there is a story in every house, every village and every town. Her dream is to write novels that represent the vibrant heritage of every state in India. Capturing the varied cultures and weaving their richness together to create stories is her aspiration. She also takes keen interest in discussions on international disputes, climate change issues and conflicts of human rights, an interest borne out of training students. Dreamer, traveller and story-teller, Viji loves to potter around in the garden. Reading, drawing and making designs are her hobbies and music is her stress buster.
