Simi Ramdutt's Blog

A Thousand Lives Through Words: The Therapy of Reading and Writing

A Thousand Lives Through Words: The Therapy of Reading and Writing

George R.R. Martin once wrote, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” Honestly, truer words have never been written. As a passionate reader and a writer myself, I’ve not only lived those thousand lives but reveled in every single one of them. Books have become my lifeline, my sanctuary, and my greatest form of self-care.

There’s something downright therapeutic about getting lost in the pages of a story. Whether it’s escaping to a magical fantasy world filled with dragons, kingdoms, and epic quests or immersing myself in the rollercoaster of emotions that come with a contemporary romance (I’ll admit, I prefer my happy endings), books are my coping mechanism for real life.

Life can be beautiful, but let’s face it, it’s also exhausting. Between the demands of work, bills to pay, and the responsibilities that stack up like an unending to-do list, the idea of “getting away” can seem like a far-off dream. Vacations aren’t always practical when you’ve got a job to do or a tight budget to manage. But here’s the beauty of a book: it doesn’t require airfare, PTO, or extravagant planning. With just a few pages, you’re whisked away to another dimension, another time, or even another life.

And that’s what I love most. Opening a book means stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. It means feeling their joys, their struggles, and their triumphs without ever leaving your couch. It’s an escape that doesn’t just help you forget your worries for a while; it revitalizes your soul.

As an author, I’ve been fortunate enough to create these worlds for myself and others, and it’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. But as a reader, I get to dive into countless stories crafted by other brilliant minds. Both experiences are healing in their own way. Writing allows me to pour out my thoughts and emotions onto the page, while reading helps me refill my creative and emotional well.

For me, books are more than entertainment : they’re a lifeline. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos, I encourage you to pick up a book. Step into a fantasy realm, walk the bustling streets of a romance, or dive headfirst into the intrigue of a mystery. Escape for a while. Live another life. And come back feeling a little lighter, a little stronger, and a lot more inspired.

After all, isn’t that the magic of a good story?

So grab your book passport, my little Hexies/Hexagonians, and as Bilbo Baggins said, “I think I am quite ready for another adventure!”

To AI or not to AI

I love AI, at least when it comes to general use. I work at a leading tech company that actively encourages us to harness AI tools to boost efficiency in our daily tasks. Why? Because when used responsibly with the right levels of security, AI allows us to automate repetitive tasks and free up valuable time to focus on what truly matters: problem solving, providing unrivalled service excellence, and executing our strategic intent. Ultimately, it helps us create mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, partners, stakeholders, and even the planet.

But when it comes to my author life, it is a different story.

Do I use AI to generate my stories? No.

Every word I write comes from me, my creativity, my heart, and my experiences. Writing is deeply personal. It is the thrill of crafting complex characters, weaving emotional arcs, and exploring the infinite layers of human connection. For me, the storytelling process is the art. I would not feel creatively fulfilled if a machine wrote my stories.

That said, I am beginning to exploring AI tools for editing, but only as a way to improve efficiency. I cannot explain how many times I write and rewrite passages, tweaking them endlessly. However, no matter how useful AI can be for refining drafts and editing, my books will always go through human editing. This step is non-negotiable for me because I need real human feedback to ensure my writing achieves the emotional connection I strive for. Currently, I work with Reach Publishers in South Africa and also use the excellent services of Cheryl from Willow Trading South Africa for proofreading.

But what about other authors who do use AI for creative writing?

I respect their choice. Some people have incredible ideas but struggle with the execution, and in those cases, AI tools can be empowering. If generative AI helps someone bring a creative vision to life that might have otherwise stayed locked in their mind, who am I to judge?

The Real Dilemma: Intellectual Property (IP)

The deeper conversation around AI use in creative spaces is not just about whether it can be used but whether it should when it comes to ownership and originality.

Who owns a story when AI generates part of it and those tools are trained using the words of other authors? How much human input is required to claim authorship? At what point does a piece of work become more artificial than authentic? These are complex questions we are only beginning to explore as AI technology evolves. This is where tools like Quillbot plays an amazing role (I discovered this tool recently, and rand the three books I am working on through it - my work came out as 0% AI generated).

I believe the heart of storytelling lies in personal voice, emotional depth, and human connection, qualities AI can only attempt to replicate, not genuinely create. Yet, as the lines between human creativity and AI assistance blur, the conversation around intellectual property rights is growing more complicated.

My Final Take:

AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. It can empower, inspire, or even accelerate the creative process, but it can also risk diluting originality if relied on too heavily.

For me, the magic will always be in the human experience behind the words. But for others, AI can be a gateway to storytelling that might never have existed otherwise.

So, to AI or not to AI? That choice belongs to each creator. What matters most is integrity, transparency, and staying true to your creative vision, whatever form that takes.

Massage my ankles

I Realized I Need to Massage My Ankles More Often: The Unsung Heroes of Your Body

Did you know that your ankles play a crucial role in keeping you upright and moving? They absorb impact, support your body’s weight, and maintain your balance. Yet, they’re often overlooked when it comes to self-care. Of course, your ankles don’t work alone—your knees, hips, feet, and lower back form an intricate system that absorbs stress and impact with every step you take.

So, why am I bringing this up?

In today’s fast-paced, hustle-and-bustle world, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And that includes showing some extra love to those hardworking areas of your body, like your ankles. A simple massage can do wonders—not just physically, but mentally too. It’s a small yet meaningful act of self-care that can help maintain your sanity and keep you going strong.

But here’s the bigger takeaway: just like your ankles support your body, there are people in your life who support you in countless ways. They offer love, guidance, and a listening ear when you need it most. These people—your friends, family, mentors—are invaluable. And taking care of them is just as essential as taking care of yourself.

So, how do you “massage” the people who support you? It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A heartfelt “thank you” or “I appreciate you” can make a world of difference. If you’re able to, go a step further—cook a thoughtful meal, write a handwritten note, or give a small, meaningful gift to show how much they mean to you.

Whether it’s your ankles or the people who hold you up, taking the time to care makes all the difference. A little gratitude and attention can go a long way in nurturing both yourself and those who enrich your life.

Shakespeare once described life as ‘a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,

Reflecting on life’s quieter moments lately, I’ve come to realize how much value there is in small accomplishments, even when they seem overshadowed by chaos or insignificance.

Shakespeare once described life as ‘a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,’ and it’s a line that sometimes in my weakest moments - resonates deeply with me. I fear that my life will become a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

But I think there’s beauty in the ‘nothingness’ too, in the little victories, the silent milestones, and the day-to-day acts of resilience. Sometimes, meaning isn’t found in grand gestures or sweeping changes; it’s in those small, steady steps forward, even when the world feels overwhelming.

In those moments, life feels like it’s quietly telling a tale that might not shout, but certainly speaks.

Reclaiming our narratives is about more than just telling our stories

Reclaiming our narratives is about more than just telling our stories, it’s about reclaiming the power in how we choose to define our own identities, cultures, and legacies. It is a celebration of the strength, beauty, and resilience within our heritage, and the richness of our histories that too often go unheard.

For me, it’s about guiding my children to honour their intricate identities, knowing that their stories are woven from generations of love, struggle, and triumph. My writing, too, becomes an expression of this reclamation, a reminder that even in a world often filled with monotony and disillusionment, there remains love, joy, and the possibility of endings that resonate deeply with each of us, in our own unique way.

True happiness is not a singular destination; it’s the courage to embrace our desires, to celebrate our lives authentically, and to beat our drums to the rhythms of our own making.

Hush Little Book Baby, Don’t Make Me Cry

My books are like my babies. Seriously. They drive me absolutely bonkers. One minute, we’re all about the laughs, and everything is sunshine, rainbows, unicorns and cuddle bunnies, and the next, I’m standing in the middle of my living room (or let’s be honest, hunched over my keyboard), yelling at the top of my lungs for these children and characters to pull themselves together and MOVE ON ALREADY! I mean, can we pick up the plot, people? please!!

I swear, writing a book is like parenting on hard mode - higher grade, that you need a PhD for. These stories have tantrums like my children. They refuse to behave. And sometimes they just will not go to bed, no matter how many lullabies—or drafts—you throw at them.

You know those moments when you’re rocking your baby and, in the case if my books, the current one being "Deny Not the Heart", and with the writing, staring at a blank page - thinking, why won’t you just give me something that I want and not what you want?
Well, that’s me with my books when I get that few minutes in the evening to write! Just when I think we’re cruising along, bam! Some character decides they want to have a “moment.” No, Rose, not now. We’re in the middle of a sexy scene! And don’t get me started on Nicolas —he’s basically the kid who won’t eat anything but chicken nuggets (like my youngest son!!)

But just like with babies, the frustration passes. One good chapter (or nap) later, I’m back to being that proud mamma, gazing lovingly at my creation, like they can do no wrong, they are angels! Perfect.

And I ready to share it with the world and say, look what I made! Isn’t it beautiful? Then I remember how much effort and sweat and blood and the village of people, it took to get here and wonder how long before this baby/toddler/tween/teenager decides to throw its next fit.

Honestly, though, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The sleepless nights, the plot twists that come out of nowhere like toddler meltdowns in the middle of the grocery store—it’s all part of the madness, but it’s my madness. And in the end, just like any parent, you forget the hard parts when you see the finished product - simply because the fact is that it - they are miracles. So, here’s to all the book babies out there. May they keep driving us crazy… and may we never run out of coffee, chocolate, samosas (hahahaha) and the support of the amazing people around us! Family, friends, fellow authors, readers and influencers!

And to all my fellow authors out there—stay strong. We’re in this together, raising our word-babies one edit, one rewrite, and one chapter at a time.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a character who refuses to pick up their emotional baggage, and I need to have a serious talk with them later this evening after I see to my real children and my job that I also love which actually pays the bills!!

Embracing the Fear of Failure: A Powerful Mindset Shift

The fear of failure is an all-too-real emotion, one that every single person experiences at some point. Right? That nagging voice in the back of your mind telling you, What if I don’t succeed? What if all my dedication, perseverance, and hard work don’t pay off? It’s a fear that can stop us in our tracks, even after we’ve put in everything we have. But here’s the truth: sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we don’t achieve the outcome we desired.

And that’s okay.

We need to embrace the reality that success isn’t always about the final destination. It’s about the journey. Each step we take, every effort we make, holds invaluable lessons. The fact that we dared to try, to give our best, is a triumph in itself. If we’ve learned something—about ourselves, our process, or even about the challenges we face—then we have already succeeded.

Failure is not the end of the road; it’s part of the process. It teaches resilience, sharpens our skills, and refines our approach. The most successful people are not those who never fail, but those who rise, reflect, and try again with newfound wisdom.

So, if fear of failure is holding you back, remember: The journey is the true success. Whether or not we reach the exact outcome we envisioned, the lessons we learn along the way are what will propel us forward in the future. Celebrate your efforts, acknowledge your growth, and know that each step forward brings you closer to your true potential.

Embracing Imposter Syndrome as a Writer

As an author, I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with creating stories from scratch. There are moments when inspiration flows effortlessly, and I feel on top of the world. And then, there are other moments, moments of doubt, where I wonder if what I’ve written is any good at all. It’s this inner battle that I’ve come to recognize as imposter syndrome, a feeling many writers know all too well.

For those unfamiliar with the term, imposter syndrome is the nagging belief that your success is undeserved, that you’re somehow faking your way through your achievements. Even after writing multiple books, I still find myself asking, "Did I really write that?" Especially when I go back to reread my work and stumble upon a passage that resonates deeply with me. In those moments, I’m struck by two conflicting thoughts: awe at what I’ve written and disbelief that I could have been the one to create it.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t care about the number of books I’ve published or the positive feedback I’ve received. It creeps in quietly, whispering, “You got lucky,” or “This was just a fluke.” And yet, there’s another voice that comes through when I read my work, the one that says, “Wow, that’s actually good!” It’s this voice that I am trying to trust more and more, even if it feels unfamiliar.

What I’ve come to realize is that imposter syndrome doesn’t ever fully go away. But that’s okay. In fact, it’s part of the creative process. It keeps me grounded and pushes me to keep improving. I’ve also learned that self-doubt is often a sign that I care deeply about what I’m creating. Writing is an emotional journey, and it’s only natural to feel vulnerable about sharing something so personal with the world.

For other writers who struggle with imposter syndrome, I want you to know you’re not alone. It’s not a sign that you’re not good enough, it’s simply part of the journey. The key is to keep moving forward, to keep writing, and to embrace those moments when you surprise yourself. When you find yourself reading a passage and thinking, “Did I really write that?” Take a deep breath and acknowledge that yes, you did. And it’s wonderful.

The truth is, every writer, whether they’ve penned one book or twenty, has moments of uncertainty. But that doesn’t diminish the value of our work. It only makes the moments of self-assurance, when we realize we’ve created something truly special, even more meaningful.

So, the next time you feel like an imposter, remind yourself: you’re not faking it. You’re growing. And in those quiet moments, when your words surprise even you, take pride in your craft. You’ve earned it.

The Biggest Challenge Facing Indie Authors Today: Visibility in a Sea of Stories

Being an indie author is a thrilling and sometimes overwhelming experience. There’s a certain magic in knowing that your story, born out of your imagination and heart, can find its way into the hands of readers worldwide. But, as indie authors, we’re navigating a tough reality—the biggest challenge we face today isn’t writing the story; it’s getting our story seen.

In a world where thousands of new books are published daily, many of them indie like mine, how do we make sure our work doesn’t disappear into the abyss? The answer isn’t simple, and it’s something I wrestle with constantly. So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: visibility.

When I first began this journey with The Journey of Love and Love Changes Everything, I thought the hardest part was over once I typed out the epilogue. Oh, how wrong I was. The real challenge started after the last word was written. You see, as indie authors, we don’t have the luxury of a traditional publisher's marketing machine. We wear all the hats—writer, editor, marketer, publicist—and that’s where the uphill battle begins.

In this crowded marketplace, we’re competing not just against other indie authors, but against big-name authors with teams, budgets, and platforms behind them. It can feel like shouting into a void, hoping someone, somewhere, will hear you.

Let’s face it, time is something many indie authors don’t have in abundance. Like me, many of you are juggling full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities while still trying to carve out time to write, promote, and engage with readers. I work a full-time job with a company that I love, I’m a single mum raising incredible kids, and I’m also launching a business. Somewhere in that crazy mix, I’m editing The Temptress, promoting my previous books, and trying to connect with readers.

With only so many hours in the day, it becomes a question of where to focus our energy. Do we spend our limited time writing the next chapter or trying to build an Instagram presence? Do we invest in ads, or do we connect with readers through newsletters? Time management becomes a high-wire act, and often, the marketing side of things takes a back seat.

Now, let’s talk money. Marketing a book costs money—whether it’s for ads, professional covers, editing, or promotional materials. These are necessary investments, but they can be daunting for indie authors who don’t have the backing of a publisher. We want to put our best foot forward, but we’re also balancing budgets and hoping that every cent spent is a step toward getting our book into the hands of readers.

But here’s the catch: there’s no guarantee that spending money will lead to visibility or sales. It’s a risk, and it’s one we take every time we put out a new release or launch a marketing campaign.

Another hurdle we face is trust. Many readers still associate indie publishing with lower quality, even though that’s far from the truth. Some of the most beautifully written and captivating stories I’ve ever read were by indie authors. Yet, as indies, we have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves.

The reader’s first impression is often based on the cover, blurb, and reviews. Without a solid marketing push or name recognition, it can be tough to convince readers to take a chance on our work. But the thing about trust is, once it’s earned, it’s gold. That’s why I spend so much time interacting with readers and helping other indie authors—because when one of us wins over a reader, it’s a win for all of us.

And then, there’s the ever-elusive algorithm. For platforms like Amazon, visibility can depend on algorithms that are as mysterious as they are powerful. If your book doesn’t take off quickly—getting reviews, sales, and clicks—it can sink before it ever has a chance to fly. It’s a game of numbers, and often, indie authors are left trying to crack the code.

The reality is, we can’t beat the algorithm alone. We need the help of readers, reviewers, and the wider indie community to boost our visibility.

Despite these challenges, there’s one thing that keeps me—and many other indie authors—going: the incredible community we’ve built. There’s a sense of camaraderie among indie authors that’s unlike anything else. We’re all in this together, cheering each other on, sharing tips, and celebrating one another’s wins. The support I’ve received from fellow authors and readers has been invaluable.

Being an indie author means playing the long game. It means waking up every day, believing in your story, and putting in the work—whether it’s writing the next book, connecting with readers, or sharing a fellow author’s work. Every small step forward is progress, and I truly believe that persistence pays off.

So, for my fellow indie authors reading this—don’t lose heart. The journey might be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every reader we touch, every story we tell, is worth it. And for readers—thank you for supporting indie authors. Your reviews, shares, and love mean the world to us.

Visibility is our biggest challenge, but that doesn’t mean we stop shouting. We keep writing, we keep pushing, and we keep sharing our stories with the world. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that we keep creating. Our stories matter, and eventually, they’ll find their way to the readers who need them most.

Celebrating 8 months since the birth of the Hexagons Series

Being an indie author is not for the faint-hearted—it’s expensive, exhausting, and at the same time, exhilarating. Talk about a whirlwind of emotions! Today, I’m celebrating exactly eight months since the international release of The Journey of Love (digitally), the book that marked the birth of the Hexagons Series. With this launch, a whole new world of characters and stories came to life, and it’s been an incredible journey sharing it with all of you.

As any author knows, there are highs and lows. It truly is a rollercoaster of emotions, putting yourself out there, especially in the form of a book. So much of your life, your personality, your hopes and dreams are woven into those pages, and you’re exposing your soul for the world to see. Some readers will embrace and love your book, while others may not connect with it—and that’s okay.

But one thing I’ve learned through this experience is the incredible value of support. Every review, every share, every comment makes a world of difference. It’s not just about the numbers or sales—it’s about the connection we make with readers like you, the people who take a chance on our stories and let our characters live in your hearts.

With the Hexagons Series starting with The Journey of Love, I’m reminded of how these characters—who mean the world to me—are now part of your world, too. I am incredibly grateful to each and every one of you who has been with me from the start, and to those who have joined along the way.

So, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, whether you’ve read one of my books, shared a post, or simply sent a message of encouragement. It means more than words can express.

And to all the readers out there—I encourage you to continue supporting indie authors. We pour our hearts and souls into our work with often with limited resources but boundless passion. Whether it's by leaving a review, sharing a book with a friend, or simply spreading the word, every act of support helps keep our voices alive.

Here’s to more stories, more adventures, more of the Hexagons and the beautiful connections we build along the way. Let’s keep supporting each other, and together, we can make the literary world richer and more diverse.