Behind the Bylines
Neepa's byline
Meet... Neepa A. Shah
Birthdate: July 12
What was your favorite school subject?
Reading (It was actually called DEAR: Drop Everything And Read)
When/how did you first know you wanted to write?
I read a lot as a kid. It hit me one day that writers are just like you and me. They just want to tell a story! I loved reading other people's stories. I figured, "Hey, maybe someone will like reading mine!"
What do you enjoy about your job?
I love knowing what's going on in the world around me. I think that knowing what's going on around the world is the first step towards making a difference.
How did you develop a nose for the news?
I would hear things on TV that I didn't really understand, so I started asking questions. I soon realized that when you know a little more about what's going on, the news can be really exciting and fun.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I stop writing. Sometimes the pressure of sitting in front of a screen is just too much! I walk around or talk to someone. When I feel ready to write, I sit back down and begin! It sounds weird, but it really helps to not put so much pressure on yourself.
What do you write best with or on?
I write in Word on the computer. I usually don't know how I want to order the information until I've gotten all of the facts down. Once I write it down in Word, I just "cut and paste" and put it in whatever order seems logical.
Who do you look up to?
I admire anyone who is doing what he or she really wants to do. If you feel really strongly about something, go for it.
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