For Shreeya Kumar, a Class XII student of Apeejay School, Saket, writing is not something she schedules — it simply arrives. Currently studying the PCB stream with Home Science, Shreeya has managed to nurture her creative side alongside rigorous academics, culminating in her poetry collection Stories Untold, a book rooted in teenage emotions, self-discovery and quiet observation.
How did your journey as a writer begin, and what led to Stories Untold?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, probably since Class IV, but I started writing poetry more seriously in Class IX. I like to think of poets the way painters see colours. Words come together naturally, almost in a flow. Over time, I realised I had many poems sitting with me, and when I looked at them together, there was a clear common theme. That’s how Stories Untold came together.
What themes does the book explore?
The book reflects teenage exploration – emotions, confusion, growth and the slightly squiggly way teenagers experience life. I was deeply inspired by coming-of-age films and books while growing up, and I wanted to participate in that narrative by writing about my own experiences and feelings.
How did you balance writing with your senior-school academic schedule?
It did get challenging at times, but I found small ways to manage it. Whenever an idea struck, I’d quickly jot down keywords on any piece of paper I found. I also use a magnetic whiteboard where I stick little chits reminding me of ideas I want to return to later. That helped me stay connected to my writing without overwhelming myself.
What kind of support did you receive from your school and family?
My school has supported me in every possible way. All my English teachers always encouraged me. Even if I was writing during class, they would ask me to share it later and often read it aloud, which really boosted my confidence. Editing the book was the most challenging part, and without my mother and my editor, I would have been completely clueless. The book’s cover was designed by my father’s friend, who introduced me to aesthetic sensibilities early on.
What lies ahead for you both academically and creatively?
Right now, my focus is on academics, as I plan to pursue MBBS after Class XII. Writing will always remain a part of my life, and I do have something in mind for the future, but for now, I’m letting it unfold naturally.