Scharada Dubey
Welcome to my space!
I’m Scharada Dubey, a writer with a portfolio of 25+ published books. While much of my work is rooted in children’s literature, I also write narrative non-fiction that explores the complexities of contemporary India. Alongside my own writing, I work as a ghostwriter, collaborating with individuals to shape their ideas, experiences, and expertise into compelling books written in their voice. Beyond writing, my journey has taken me through varied roles — as a radio announcer, tarot consultant, teacher, and trainer — each shaping the way I understand people and stories. Today, I also teach creative writing, helping others discover and express their own narratives.
I believe that a book is the ultimate expression of human authority and legacy.
Life in Places
The Journey So Far
A timeline of places, experiences, and chapters that have shaped my life and perspective.
Recognitions
Writing Awards
1973-74
First Prize in the Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition conducted for schools across the Commonwealth countries.
1994
First Prize in the Travelogue category of the National Competition for Writers of Children’s Books for my book Footloose on the West Coast.
1997
First Prize in the Travelogue category of the National Competition for Writers of Children’s Books for my book Malwa on My Mind.
1999
Second Prize in the Travelogue category of the National Competition for Writers of Children’s Books for my book A Necessary Journey. (No First Prize was awarded that year and my book missed being called First because it was under the word limit. I had written it when my father was terminally ill and in hospital.)
2000-01
Second Prize in the Outlook-Picador Non-Fiction Contest for my essay The Bits and Pieces Artists.
blog & articles
From the Journal
Reflections on the literary life and craft.
Here, there and Faizabad
Published Articles
To Kill A Mockingbird: Closer today than ever before
Why a performance of the US classic To Kill A Mockingbird in Bengaluru needed a "purely fictitious" disclaimer.
Welcome to Khagol Mandal, Gateway to the Cosmos
The International Astronomical Union recognised the efforts of this group, based in Mumbai, and gave them a grant for their pioneering ‘Astronomers on Foot’ programme.
In the Midst of Mandir-Masjid Dispute, This Man Fights for Ayodha's Buddhist Past
An interview with Vineet Kumar Maurya, whose petition seeking to bring recognition to the Buddhist antecedents of Ayodhya has been accepted by the Supreme Court and clubbed with the title suit.
Encounters, Interviews, Collaborations
I have been fortunate to have met and interacted with many distinguished people who have brought inspiration. I have interviewed people for both print and electronic media.
Scharada has spoken at literary festivals, seminars, and at educational institutions. She speaks on a variety of topics, including the power of narrative, the ethics and experience of ghostwriting, and how our future is being shaped by words.
Why I Became an Author
I didn't choose writing; it chose me. Growing up surrounded by books, I saw them not as objects, but as portals. I became an author because I realized that words are the only tools we have that can transcend time and space. I write to capture the fleeting moments of grace, to give voice to the voiceless, and to help others find the narrative thread in their own lives. For me, every book is a bridge built between two souls.
FAQs
Got questions? I've got answers.
How did you become an author?
I became interested in writing after winning an international writing competition when I was still in school. That gave me confidence. All through the years I was growing up, I was reading a lot, and it became possible to note how different authors approached subjects and situations differently. This began to shape my ideas of craft. Later, I studied Literature under the legendary Eunice de Souza. For anyone, reading of range and depth, and following some instruction by writers about their craft can be important steps to finding their own path to writing.
Is it necessary to be a journalist to become an author?
Does one have to be a good editor to be a good author?
What are the publishing possibilities for first-time writers?
How do we get started?
