After being published on various platforms and releasing my book, I have come to realize that the literary world has room for all kinds of writing. Every voice, every style, and every narrative can find its place and its readers.
My love for storytelling took root during my college years. While my reading mostly revolved around newspapers and magazines as a media student, I discovered the joy of writing through blogging. Blogging platforms were just emerging then, and I shared this journey with my sister. Writing for an audience – even a small one – was exhilarating and laid the foundation for my storytelling voice.
Yet, I can’t help but feel a tinge of guilt for not having read or written much during the first eight or nine years of my marriage. Those years were spent navigating the complexities of a new phase of life and professional commitments.
However, I believe I’ve made up for lost time. Despite the demands of marriage and motherhood, I rediscovered my love for storytelling, fueled by the encouragement of my kids and the unwavering support of my family.
My first foray into storytelling – My documentary ‘Adrashya Nari’ was awarded silver for the best film at Usha Pravin Gandhi College, Mumbai.
My father receiving the award on my behalf, from none other than Mr. Amir Khan.
Initially, I doubted my ability to create rich imagery and nuanced narratives, especially since my early years as a journalism student had leaned more toward reading newspapers and magazines than novels. However, the support and feedback from readers and friends reaffirmed that storytelling isn’t just about aesthetic finesse. It’s about engaging the reader, evoking emotions, and resonating with their experiences.
Today, I am more deliberate with my time. After a fulfilling nine-year academic career, during which I also served as a department head, I have deliberately scaled back my professional commitments to focus on strengthening my voice as a writer, driven by an enthusiasm I never felt before!
Through this journey, I’ve learned that the literary world is vast and inclusive. It accommodates a spectrum of voices, and there are readers for every style and preference as i mentioned earlier. While my writing may appear straightforward compared to the works of widely read and accomplished authors, the recognition and awards I’ve received for my storytelling remind me that every voice matters.
As Anne Lamott beautifully puts it, “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” This quote resonates deeply with me, reminding me that authenticity is the cornerstone of storytelling. It encourages me to continue sharing my stories with the world, confident that they, too, can inspire, engage, and resonate with readers.