Author Events, Literary Festivals, and Writing Insights
From book signings at Higginbothams to workshops with students, this is where I show up to talk all things books, writing, and the messy reality of being a published author.
In conversation at an author event for my debut novel. I love discussing my books, the writing process, and connecting with readers in person.
Signing copies of "Match Me If You Can" at Higginbothams bookstore. It's always a surreal and wonderful experience to sign books for readers.
Signing books at a bookstore surrounded by stacks of books. This is the dream. I'm so grateful for every opportunity to connect with the reading community.
Giving a publishing workshop to MA English students. I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping the next generation of writers navigate the industry.
With my dear friend and fellow author, Anahita. The writing community is so important, and she was the first writing friend I ever met in real life.
Celebrating my friend Anahita's debut YA romance novel. Supporting other authors is a huge part of my philosophy. We all rise together.
The dedication page in my book "As Long as You Loathe Me," which is for my friend Anahita. My writing community means the world to me.
A photo from a January photo dump, signing books at a store. Attending lit fests and meeting author friends is one of the best parts of the job.
An announcement for a special podcast episode where I was a guest. I love talking about my books and the writing process on podcasts.
A behind-the-scenes look at a podcast recording session. I was interviewed about my debut novel, "Match Me If You Can."
About In the Community: Events & Interviews
Meeting readers and aspiring authors is the highlight of my job. Whether it is a deep dive into the publishing industry at a workshop or a casual chat at a lit fest, these conversations are where I share the real, unfiltered process of writing my books—and how you can navigate your own path to publication.
I spent seven years and received over 400 rejections before my first novel, 'Match Me If You Can,' hit the shelves. That experience taught me that being an author is about more than just typing words on a page. It is about community, persistence, and learning how to handle the inevitable setbacks that come with creative work.
When I speak at workshops or literary events in Bangalore and beyond, I do not sugarcoat the industry. I talk about the grind, the anxiety, and the actual mechanics of revision that agents and publishers look for. These appearances are an extension of my coaching philosophy. I want to help you skip some of the heartbreaks I went through.
If you have caught me at a bookstore signing or a podcast recording, you know I love digging into the details. I am not interested in surface-level advice. I want to help you figure out why your plot feels flat, how to make your query letter stand out, or simply how to keep going when you feel like quitting. If you are serious about writing your own manuscript and want a mentor who has been exactly where you are, let us talk about how we can get your book ready for the world.
Swati Hegde
I am Swati, a Bangalore-based author who loves a good matcha latte as much as a deep dive into character arcs. When I am not writing desi romance, I am usually at a bookstore or a workshop, helping other writers find their own voice.
Looking for writing advice or author events?
Type below to find specific coaching packages or resources to help you finish your manuscript.
More from Fiction Writing Coaching by Swati Hegde