About
My interest has been in the differences in diversity that never fail to strengthen the spiritual perceptions in me.
Jayanthi Sankar
What is the Purpose of Fiction?
What is the purpose of fiction? What is its role in the human lives?
I also spoke on what fiction did and does to me as a reader and writer, giving writing tips to aspiring authors.
Invited as guest speaker at Charlotte
The story of
an author
‘Dangling Gandhi’ was the winner in fiction: short story in 2020 International Book Award – American book fest.
The Literary Titan award was another international award bagged apart from several shortlists and nominations. The title story Dangling Gandhi shortlisted in the 2nd Twist & Twain International Short Story Contest out of the 165 worldwide entries.
Tabula Rasa is her third book, and the second novel. She has been in several international panels of literary festivals such as (Asia Pacific Writers & Translators) APWT 2018 at Gold coast, Singapore Writers Festival, Seemanchal International Literary festival, Asean- India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Writers Festival. Her previous novel, Misplaced Heads, was on the Eyelands Book Awards 2020 final list of historical fiction in Greece. It made its mark – as an outstanding postmodern historical fiction.
Also a watercolor hobbyist, she has been a freelancer for more than a decade and a half, with three years of experience in journalism.
During mid 2023, she transitioned from a long stint of freelance interpretation to a full-time on-site role with the ministry of manpower.
A Journey In Life & Expression
From childhood memories to literary maturity, my visual journey traces the experiences and moments that shaped my creative voice. It reflects my evolution across time—revealing the personal reflections, cultural influences, and lived experiences that nurtured my imagination and ultimately gave rise to my distinctive literary and artistic expression.
Literary Milestones
- 2015
Can never forget the joy I derived from the process of creating the 12 short stories of Dangling Gandhi, not having any idea if they would even be published.
- 2016
After my meta readers said the stories were worth publishing as a collection, I started knocking the doors of dozens of publishers and started collecting rejections at various levels.
- 2017
Search for a publisher continued. Never expected the spark for drawing/painting would ignite in me, but it opened yet another wide creative door for me.
- 2018
Rejections of Dangling Gandhi from publishers filling my inbox didn’t stop. Writing of Misplaced heads neared completion.
- 2019
Dangling Gandhi reached Zero Degree Publishers and years of waiting was at last over. Started rewriting the chapters of Misplaced heads.
- 2020
The support from my publishers was so endearing that I didn’t even think of trying another. Editing of the manuscript of Misplaced heads as the rewriting of Tabula Rasa commenced.
- 2021
Editing and polishing the manuscript of Tabula Rasa consumed most of the time. My publishers welcomed my third book in three years.
- 2022
Trying to juggle rewriting the chapters of the socio psychological novel – WHEN WILL YOU DIE? and editing the submissions to the Anthology – Dancing Gold Flecks.
- 2023
Revisited the raw drafts of my yet to be named novel of the year. New backdrop and hence a new world, more fascinating than ever before. Simultaneously edited the submissions to the Global Anthology – An Iron Fist In A Velvet Glove. Passion of water colour painting suddenly came back full swing. Those aside, yet another new and unexpected journey began.
- 2024
By mid-year, I completed one full year of on-site interpretation with the Ministry of Manpower. Gradually, I learned to carry the emotional weight of the hundreds of heart-wrenching cases involving migrant workers. I began reading e-books regularly through the National Library Board app, rediscovering a steady reading rhythm. Amid everything, I still found time to paint and completed several pieces.
- 2025
Short stories inspired by the lives of migrant workers slowly began to take shape, while the chapters of the WIP novel waited patiently to be rewritten. Curated and edited two anthology volumes from the Pan India Jay Yes Short Story Contest 2025 for tertiary students. Also a fulfilling year for painting — a seasonal, meditative indulgence.
- 2026
Writing and rewriting continued, albeit at a slower pace. The International Jay Yes Short Story Contest 2026 (Open Category) launched to a brilliant start. Resumed attending book club meetings and returned to reading physical books, committing to writing thoughtful monthly reviews. Naturally, carving out time for painting and writing required careful deliberation.
Books by the Author
Awards & Recognitions
Wider recognitions, the fuel for a longer steady drive.
2025
Lifetime Literary Achievement Award – Vishwa Bharat Hunar Samman, 2025
Honored with the Lifetime Literary Achievement Award under the Vishwa Bharat Hunar Samman, recognizing her enduring contribution to literature, her distinguished body of work, and her continued impact on contemporary literary culture.
Tabula Rasa Longlisted – Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award, 2025
Longlisted for the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award, highlighting its significance among notable works by women authors internationally.
2024
Eminence & Glory Award for Best Female Writer (Fiction), 2024
Awarded the Eminence & Glory Award 2024 by Authors Paradise Literary Consultancy in recognition of her excellence in fiction writing and her significant contribution to contemporary literature.
2023
Prestigious Tagore Ratna Awards – For Literature 2023
Thanks to Dawn and Research Development Council for bestowing on me the Prestigious Tagore Ratna award for my continuous contribution to literature at large.
2022
2022 NYCBB Award Distinguished Favorite
For Tabula Rasa
2022 San Franchisco Awards -Honourable Mention
For Tabula Rasa
Coimbatore Literature Awards
Global Awards
Awarded for Fiction-International Category for Misplaced Heads
Selfesta – A publishing culture magazine
Featured cover star
Iconic Authors
Aesthetics International
2021
Top 50 most influential Authors of 2021
For Tabula Rasa
Eyelands Book Award – Greece
International Contest for published & unpublished books
Final list in the historical novel category – MISPLACED HEADS
Twist & Twain – Short story contest 2020-2021
Short list
Story: Dangling Gandhi
Sahityakosh Samman – Awardee
Ne8x – Featured Winner
Inspiring Author
2020
International Book Awards – American Book Fest
Fiction: Short story winner
Dangling Gandhi was the winner out of the seven finalists in the category of fiction: Short story in 2020 International Book Award American book fest.
Literary Titan – International Book Award
For Dangling Gandhi
Author of the Year 2020
Contribution to literary domains
Indian Awaz – Author Awards
For Misplaced Heads
Litfest Excellence
Four Clover Publication
Excellence Award of Achievement