Spirit animals beautifully drawn by Romessa Ahmad |
My Dad was my first storyteller. I am told by my parents that I
was never tired of listening to stories. One story after another, Dad use to
make a new one just to bring a smile on my face. Being born a night owl, my
favorite past time was to not let my parents sleep. Still they are kind enough
to say that I was a nice baby *grins*
Seeing my interest develop, my parents bought me books and I am
so thankful to them for introducing reading into my life. I remember writing
stories and Essays and never let anyone read them. My very own small cupboard
aka mini library used to be my safe heaven. Later in life, I wrote and
submitted my work to publications. I can never describe the joy I felt when
someone considered appreciating or critiquing my work....I was happy that they
found time to read me.
One thing led to another and then I got my first online magazine
published named Identity Magazine. It was a joint venture of me and two best
buddies. It was a thrill you know to have our very own magazine on the
internet. Crazy it was back then. We were a team of three managing the Editing,
Proof-reading, Content, Page making, Marketing etc. with no whatsoever help.
Stuck in such a state can help you push your limits and achieve greatness. The
mag ran for a year and mind you, we were students at that time managing our
assignments and grades along with the mag. But then life happened,
everybody went their separate ways. I had my home to look after too
and my job took a toll over me. Every now and then I use to look at a magazine
and would think I would write for it but the day never came. Such a bookworm
like me was left with no time to read a book. The pain is excruciating tbh.
A month back I saw a Facebook post of Daastan offering their
first ever Literary Fellowship. This was it!! My very own chance to Write
again. *Insert halo music* My mom went crazy though when I told her of this. An
already tough schedule and then this. I was so close to being grounded (for the
non-desi people out there, us desis are eligible to get grounded at any
age) For all those unaware, Daastan is an award winning First Self-publishing
Platform and literary forum working to revamp writing industry in Pakistan. If you
have a manuscript, do hit them up.
Coming back to the topic, a whole bunch of talent participated
in the Fellowship. It literally hit me by surprise that I got selected. Still
thankful to the jury for giving me this opportunity despite of my persevering
schedule. The Fellowship has kick started and I am having the time of my life.
Surrounded by such supportive and proficient writers and poets is just
euphoric. We are further divided into teams and the one I belong to is among
the coolest. Go Technocrats!!! Starting from our Captain Sidra Amin, to MahnoorNaseer, Samee Ghazaal and Romessa Ahmad, all are bundled with flair. Through their words,
they have the ability to see through the human experience and express it in a
way like no other. This dream team has inspiring stories to tell with powerful
writing that jolts and challenges. Even break through prejudices and
assumptions.
Daastan of Team Technocrats
Reviewed by Kiran Ashraf
on
10:07 PM
Rating:
Aww <3 That was so sweet !!! I am glad that our initiative made an impact on your life!
ReplyDeleteBless you <3
Thank you Boss Man :D
DeleteWritten from the heart. Amazing work. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteYou too keep writting amazingly Sam :D
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