For two decades, the United States was home. Then one day, it wasn't.I had built a life on American soil—a career in tech, friendships that spanned cultures, and a sense of belonging I thought was permanent. I paid taxes, chased promotions, and planned a future, believing that my contributions mattered more than a stamp in a passport.But for millions of immigrants, "home" is a fragile concept, resting not on lived experience but on the shifting sands of immigration policy. My "pothole moment" wasn't just a job loss; it was the sudden, jarring realization that my entire identity could be unraveled by a single visa denial. The years of hard work, the community I had built, the very person I had become—all reduced to a bureaucratic decision.*About Life Choices & Potholes* is the story of what happens when the life you've meticulously built is taken away, leaving you with just two suitcases and a one-way ticket to a country the system calls "home"—a place you haven't truly known for twenty years.This is a raw, unflinching look at the human cost of visa instability—the sleepless nights, the constant anxiety, and the disorienting experience of "reverse culture shock" when you become a foreigner in your own land. It’s about the absurdity of having to prove your worth all over again, captured in the skeptical interview question: **"So you lived abroad? Now what?"**.My journey back to India was a bureaucratic odyssey, from a frantic, cross-country visa application sprint just to be able to fly back to the U.S. in an emergency, to the logistical nightmare of transporting my dog, Sauli, across continents. It’s a story of navigating not just Mumbai’s chaotic streets but also the emotional labyrinth of starting over when you feel you belong nowhere—too American for India, too Indian for America.This memoir goes beyond policy debates to explore the real, human toll of a system that can halt careers, defer dreams, and challenge your very identity and dignity. It's for anyone who has ever lived in the limbo between visas, who has felt the ground shift beneath their feet, or who understands that "home" is not just a place on a map, but a life you build.Because when your right to belong is questioned, the biggest pothole you face isn't on the road—it’s the one that forms in your heart.👉 About Life Choices & Potholes is my memoir of resilience, identity, and starting over. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/45QpjNe

What happens when the life you meticulously planned for two decades collapses? In this riveting episode, we dive into the memoir About Life Choices & Potholes by Kay Jay, framing her journey as a powerful debate between two opposing forces: the relentless pursuit of a structured, Western ideal of success versus the chaotic, resilient, and unpredictable path of starting over.On one side of the debate: The carefully constructed identity. A successful software engineer in San Francisco with an overpriced latte, a five-year plan, and a life built on corporate efficiency and convenience. This is the voice of stability, ambition, and the dream of making it in America—a life where success is measured by job titles, and home is a place you build, not one you return to.On the other side: The great Indian return. A life thrust upon her by a jarring "pothole moment"—job loss, heartbreak, and sheer exhaustion. This side argues for embracing the fall, for navigating the absurdity of reverse culture shock, and for finding a new definition of success that has nothing to do with a corporate ladder. It's a life of haggling with auto-wallahs, dealing with landlords who wage war over crow-feeding, and discovering that jugaad (making things work) is the ultimate survival skill.Join us as we explore the central conflicts of this raw and hilarious memoir:• Career & Identity: Is a "real" engineer one who builds dams, as her father insists, or one who builds the digital world? We debate the generational clash over what constitutes meaningful work and the absurdity of proving your worth through resumes when you've lived between two worlds.• Love & Letting Go: From the ex who reappears at a wedding with emotional "breadcrumbs" to the Zoom romance that fizzles in the real world, we dissect the messy landscape of modern relationships. When is it time to walk away from an "almost love" and choose yourself?• Home & Belonging: What does "home" truly mean when your childhood house is demolished and you feel like a foreigner in your own land? This episode tackles the profound disorientation of losing your visa, your sense of belonging, and realizing the life you built over two decades can be reduced to two suitcases.• The Ultimate Question: Are life's potholes devastating setbacks or the universe's way of rerouting you to where you truly belong?Tune in for a story about reinvention, resilience, and the difficult, often comical, journey of learning that smooth roads make for boring stories.About Life Choices & Potholeshttps://amzn.to/45QpjNeAlso Available in Indiahttps://amzn.in/d/5L17dUg

In this episode, we delve into author Kay Jay’s "Beautiful Men" series, examining the intricate storytelling of The Dog Walker and The Chef. While some critics dismiss The Dog Walker as a narrative misstep—citing repetitive narration and an awkward protagonist—others see that very discomfort as the point: a bold experiment in portraying raw longing, messy affection, and the unpolished reality of love. We’ll unpack how Kay Jay deliberately resists the polished arcs of conventional romance to embrace vulnerability, embarrassment, and emotional honesty. Along the way, we’ll explore The Chef as a tonal counterpoint, examine the author’s inspirations drawn from her life as a novelist and devoted dog mom, and ask: what happens when romance refuses to follow the rules?Author Website: https://kjgupte.com/writers-lounge/Beautiful Men: https://amzn.to/463SY5CMore Books from the author: https://amzn.to/4gpcSLY

About Life Choices and Potholes is a rollercoaster ride through the misadventures of reinvention, career pivots, family chaos, and the existential crises that come with it all.

One moment, I was a software engineer navigating corporate rejection emails, the next, I was plotting how to sell holistic herbs on Amazon. My father—an old-school engineer who believed real engineers built bridges, not wrote lines of code—couldn’t understand what I actually did for a living. Society wasn’t much better, constantly throwing me the dreaded “So you lived abroad? Now what?”

From a surprise phone call that sent me scrambling across India for a U.S. tourist visa to getting roped into my cousin’s wedding drama (while battling a migraine and a missing groom’s outfit), life kept throwing potholes my way—both metaphorical and very, very real. Add in rickshaw rides through pollution, bureaucratic nightmares, and a cab driver who saved me from a shady hotel booking, and you get the perfect recipe for chaos.

Somewhere between the lure of big companies, the absurdity of resumes, and family members trying to set me up with my ex (again), I found myself writing—turning all the madness into stories. Because in a world that demands certainty, I was learning to make peace with uncertainty, one pothole at a time.

This book is for anyone who has ever questioned their life choices, career decisions, or the societal script they were handed. If you've ever found yourself Googling "how to start over without losing your mind," welcome—this is your kind of book.

Are you an author who has poured your heart and soul into your book, only to be met with the "crushing silence" of low sales and self-doubt? That painful moment when your passion "slams into the brick wall of the market" can seriously derail your creative journey, hitting at your self-worth and sense of purpose.This podcast episode offers a transformative roadmap, moving beyond typical marketing tactics to explore the profound insights of author Kay Jay and her forthcoming book, "Why is Nobody Buying My Book? Insights and Solutions" (launched on June 30, 2025).Kay Jay knows this struggle intimately. Her own debut, "Diary of Cliches," faced the "crushing reality of low sales and self-doubt," leading to "sleepless nights questioning her pricing" and self-worth. This raw personal struggle became the fertile ground for her new book, revealing that "writing isn’t just about the story you tell—it’s about how that story connects with your audience".We'll unpack the three powerful pillars for author success:• The Emotional Economy of Money: Discover why readers might hesitate to buy your book – it's often linked to the author's own subconscious doubts about their work's value. Learn to uncouple your self-worth from sales figures and approach pricing with confidence, viewing your book as a "gift to the world" rather than a quest for validation.• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): The Science of Resonating with Readers: Understand how language profoundly influences emotions and decisions. We'll explore practical applications like: ◦ Crafting emotional hooks that tap into reader desires (e.g., "Discover how to find calm in the chaos of life" instead of "Manage stress"). ◦ Anchoring with vivid imagery to make your book an experience (e.g., "The journey of healing is like learning to swim in stormy seas"). ◦ Mirroring your reader's language to build instant rapport and make your book feel "practically written for them".• Healing Through Storytelling: A Dual Journey: This is where Kay's approach truly stands out, recognizing the transformative power for both reader and author. ◦ Reader's Healing: Learn how stories meet readers where they are, offering connection, emotional catharsis, actionable insights, and inspiration by reflecting their own struggles and triumphs. ◦ Author's Healing: Discover how the act of writing forces authors to confront vulnerabilities and how to uncouple your self-worth from sales numbers. Reframing "failure" (like low sales) as "data" and growth opportunities is a key breakthrough.Kay's approach emphasizes the synergy of these three pillars, guiding authors to align their pricing confidence, messaging style, and emotional authenticity into one cohesive sales strategy. Marketing transforms from "pushing a product" into "sharing your gift," fostering genuine trust and building a real community.This episode is for:• Indie authors looking to improve book sales.• Writers seeking a deeper connection with their readers, wanting their words to truly land and make an impact.• Anyone struggling with self-doubt or the fear of rejection in their creative journey.It's about more than selling books – it's about sharing your voice, connecting with readers, and finding purpose in the process. As Kay reminds us, "real authority does not come from having a perfect track record" or external validation, but from your "willingness to share your real unpolished journey". Your words deserve to be read, and your unique perspective deserves to be heard, because it matters.Ready to transform your self-publishing journey and redefine success?Buy the book - Why Is Nobody Buying My Book - https://amzn.to/3V5JeBoLearn more about Kay's work by exploring her blog, K's Odyssey - https://kjgupte.comAnd stay tuned for her next book, "About Life Choices & Potholes," launching on August 31, 2025!

Are you an author pouring your heart and soul into your book, only to be met with the "crushing silence" of low sales and self-doubt? You're not alone. This episode unpacks the profound insights of author Kay Jay, as seen in her forthcoming book, "Why is Nobody Buying My Book?This isn't just another marketing tactics book. We're exploring a transformative approach that reframes success and helps authors connect deeply with their audience, turning their work into a profound, impactful, and even healing experience.In this episode, we'll dive into Kay's "Three Pillars for Author Success":• The Emotional Economy of Money: Discover why readers might hesitate to buy your book, often stemming from the author's own subconscious doubts about their work's value. Learn to price with confidence and view your book as a "gift to the world" rather than a quest for validation.• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): The Science of Resonating with Readers: Understand how language profoundly influences emotions and decisions. We'll explore practical applications like crafting emotional hooks, anchoring with vivid imagery, and mirroring your reader's language to build instant rapport and make your book feel "practically written for them".• Healing Through Storytelling: A Dual Journey: This is where Kay Jay truly sets herself apart. ◦ Reader's Healing: Learn how stories meet readers where they are, offering connection, emotional catharsis, actionable insights, and inspiration by reflecting their own struggles and triumphs. ◦ Author's Healing: Discover how the act of writing forces authors to confront vulnerabilities and how to uncouple your self-worth from sales numbers – a truly liberating breakthrough. Reframing "failure" as "data" and growth opportunities is key.Kay's approach emphasizes the synergy of these three pillars, guiding authors to align their pricing confidence, messaging style, and emotional authenticity into one cohesive strategy. Marketing transforms from "pushing a product" into "sharing your gift," fostering genuine trust and building a real community.Drawing on her own journey with her debut, "Diary of Cliches," Kay shares the raw truth of facing low sales and self-doubt, which directly led to the insights in "Why is Nobody Buying My Book?". This personal story makes her guidance incredibly relatable and battle-tested.This episode is for:• Indie authors looking to improve book sales.• Writers seeking a deeper connection with their readers and wanting their words to truly land.• Anyone struggling with self-doubt or the fear of rejection in their creative journey.It's about more than selling books – it's about sharing your voice, connecting with readers, and finding purpose in the process.Ready to transform your self-publishing journey?Buy the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V5JeBoLearn more about Kay's work and "Why is Nobody Buying My Book?" (launched on June 30, 2025) by exploring her blog, Kay's Odyssey, and staying tuned for her next book - About Life Choices & Potholes

In this episode of Diary of Clichés, we pull back the curtain on one of the toughest questions every independent author faces: What happens when your book meets the market—and the market shrugs?

Building on the raw honesty of previous episodes, we dive into the insights behind Kay Jay's latest book, Why Is Nobody Buying My Book?

This candid conversation explores the silent battle between artistic passion and commercial reality, revealing how even great stories can struggle to find their readers.

From dissecting the crushing silence of poor sales to understanding how pricing, positioning, and reader psychology play a role, this episode is part wake-up call, part roadmap. Whether you’re an indie writer searching for answers or simply curious about the hidden challenges of self-publishing, this discussion sheds light on the real-world dynamics of the book market—and what authors can do to rise above the noise.

If you’ve ever poured your heart into a manuscript only to wonder why the world isn’t listening, this episode is for you.

This episode of Diary of Cliches focuses on the author’s exploration of personal authority, particularly within the context of being a struggling author. It challenges traditional notions of expertise, asserting that lived experience—specifically the challenges of writing and selling books—is a legitimate source of authority. Kay discusses their journey with her first book, "Diary of Clichés," and how these experiences informed her current work, "Why Is Nobody Buying My Book?" This newer work offers practical and emotional guidance for authors, emphasizing empathy and authentic storytelling over purely commercial success. Ultimately, the source highlights the importance of sharing one's authentic journey to connect with and assist others facing similar struggles in the writing world.

Kay Jay is a cross-genre author, data scientist, and environmental storyteller whose books spark curiosity, compassion, and conversation. From eco-fables like "The Day Fire Disappeared" and "The Day Water Vanished," part of the acclaimed "A Song and Dance for Mother Earth" series, to satirical and soul-searching titles like "Diary of Clichés" and "Why Does Nobody Buy My Book?", Kay Jay writes with heart, wit, and purpose.She’s also the creator of the beloved Adventures of Sauli the Rescue Pup series — joyful, heartwarming stories inspired by her real-life rescue dog. These tales help young readers understand the importance of empathy, resilience, and the beauty of giving second chances.

She recently published the first book of the emotionally layered literary series Beautiful Men, The Dog Walker — a quiet, powerful exploration of longing, connection, and the healing spaces between people. A graduate of Harvard Business School’s analytics program and a lifelong advocate for sustainability and animal welfare, Kay Jay believes that the right book at the right moment can change the way we live, love, and lead.

When she’s not writing, she’s walking rescue dogs, planting metaphors in messy notebooks, or sipping chai under a banyan tree.

"I write stories for thinkers, feelers, and the ones who never stopped wondering — or wagging their tails."

Author's Website: https://kjgupte.com/writers-lounge/