Garima Johar | BE-COE, Batch of 2022


"If people get judgmental about you, just don't care."

Club interviewed Garima Johar, a 3rd Year student majoring in Computer Engineering at Thapar Institute. Apart from her studies, she is a freelance writer and an aspiring author of two books Overthought Thoughts and Color outside the lines respectively


Q- What was the first book that made you cry? Does writing energize or exhaust you?

A- The first book that made me cry was, I've never been (Un) Happier by Shaheen Bhatt because it was relatable on so many levels. Talking about writing, I'd say it never made me exhausted. Writing is like a therapy to me, it is like stepping into a parallel universe.

Q- Do you try to be more original or do you try to write what the people want from you?

A- Basically, it is a mixture of both. First of all, your work will be acknowledged by your readers only if you are original and should be relatable for them to connect. Secondly, it is important to know your audience and their perspective while writing.

Q- Do you think anybody can be a writer even if he/she is not very emotional?b>

A- Yes absolutely! It's a myth that people who overthink are good writers. In my opinion, anyone who can express, can become a writer.

Q- When you started writing, did you think of publishing something and making money out of it?b>

A- Initially, I was never into writing. But when I came into college I started showcasing my talent through Talk-it-up. They used to make me write articles and post it. I never really imagined that I would write a book someday and now that it's plural I really feel proud. I've never really thought about making money out of it, to me writing was just a hobby but now it seems like a career choice.

Q- How did publishing a book change your process of writing?

A- I think it made me more confident after my book got published, people started praising my work which felt really good. My second book was an outcome of the love and praise my first book got. During the lockdown, I wrote several poems, which later on was compiled to 45 and got published as the book- Overthought Thoughts.

Q- Would you like to shed some light on struggles regarding mental health and how can one overcome them?

A- Don't let people be judgmental about you, if they do, just don't care. Do what you are really good at. And always seek help when you are having mental health issues be it a friend or some medical assistance.

Q- What are some of the memories that you recalled while writing your books?

A- Writing Colors outside the line acted as reminiscent of my old memories. Happy or sad, those memories came back to me through this book.