The Story of a Writer:

"I wish I could write something even half as good as this." I moaned for nth time internally. The hand on
the magazine's glossy paper tightened even more, knuckles turning white as I began to read the
heavenly words for the third time in the span of thirty minutes. The cover story under my view was
published in one of the leading magazines of the nation and it was another particular hit. The best thing
about it was that it was penned down not by one of those big and experienced names, instead by an
emerging writer from country side with a natural flair for words.

It was an absolutely exquisite piece of word art describing in detail the heart wrenching events of
natural disasters that occurred in the past few years, the pitiful death incidents and the state of
upheaval, injuries and mental anxiety that was experienced by the victims. The story covered all the
major aspects of the topic and managed to bring an in-depth feeling in otherwise coldly typed words.
The writer has succeeded in creating a linking bridge between the reader and the victims that has
enabled the readers to feel a genuine connection with them and relate to their wounds and pains.

This ability to breathe life in the words and characters of your story is what makes you a successful
writer. I sighed after I finished reading for the third time. "Ok let's wait for the reviews now, let's see
what others have to say about this aspiring writer." I mumbled to no one in particular.

**********************************************************************

"Hey, have you read the recent issue of 'People's Voice'? The review section was almost loaded with
readers' letters of appreciation for the awesome cover story." My friend informed excitedly after
hugging me warmly. We had met after a week's interval as I was on a temporary leave for an
unexpected journey out of station.

"Oh no! I completely forgot about the upcoming issue of the magazine during my week away. " I
exclaimed.

"In that case, you better scan it first because there is an exclusive surprise too waiting for you." She
stated in a suspenseful tone and conjured the gleaming fresh copy of my favorite magazine from
nowhere! (okay, not exactly 'nowhere', but in my arrogant opinion her tiny handbag was too tiny to
swallow up the whole mag. Rest is unknown.)

With shivering, shaking hands I opened up the magazine, briefly scanning the pages until reaching the
review section. But before I could read it the page adjacent to it caught my undivided attention. I
couldn't believe my deceiving eyes. The long-awaited interview of the emerging writer from the
countryside was sparkling right under my gaze.

Blinking rapidly, I started reading it. With every answer of the writer, I delved into her personality and
got an insight of her mindset, drinking in the useful tips she has stated along the way for other aspiring
writers like her. When asked by the interviewer how she took the initiative and entered the wordy
world, she said: "When a burning 'flare' of words lightens a 'flair' in the soul, a poised writer is born.

I searched the world, combing through every place, cyberspace, print media and the paper confines of
famous magazines, when I still could not find the story of words the way I wanted to tell, I became a
story teller."
I read and re-read these golden words until an endless flame began to kindle in my heart; a flame of
determination, courage, spirit and hope.

*************************************************************

Dear Entrant,

"Congratulations, your short story write-up has been shortlisted for our Young-Aspiring- Writers'
Award 2014. The final short listing will be held on July 26th 2014. We hope that you get the Finalist
Award but even if you do not achieve it, we are glad to state that, you have still got a golden chance to
get published in our 'Lively Book of Real Write-Ups'.
The short listing was done under the careful judgment of our privileged panel of authors. The
reason for your success to get published in our 'Lively Book of Real Write-Ups', as stated by the panel is:
"The matter of the piece written is unlike many you often find in one of those short story collections. It is
obvious that it was never intended to be a general story with general words. Instead, the writer has
daringly chosen to tell the story exactly the way she wanted to tell it."
We hope that your journey for writing endeavors never ends. Wishing you all the very best."

-Program Managerial Team,

Young-Aspiring-Writers' Award 2014

I finished reading the mail and closed my laptop, a fruitful smile playing on my lips and a plethora of
gratitude swirling in my heart for the Almighty Creator. Sighing slowly, I recalled a year of
determination, courage, spirit and hope, especially hope. Closing my eyes and leaning back in the couch,
I succumbed to the calls of nostalgia.

Written by: Binte Qalam