Writing is a lonely journey. It is a writer, their thoughts, ideas, and words, all existing in a bubble. A story in its nascent stage is most fragile, and you are wary of sharing it as opinions and suggestions could dent a hole in the bubble within which a writer crafts their story.
My fortuitous entry that caused my story to be a part of the #TheBlogchatterBookOfLove is and will be a milestone in my writing journey, one that I will look back at fondly.
When friend and fellow blogger Varsha asked me if I had submitted my story for the Blogchatter Anthology 2024, I had no idea what she was talking about. Due to certain circumstances on the personal front, I missed out on the announcement calling for entries. Sensing my disappointment, Varsha asked if she could speak to Sona about me almost missing the deadline but still wanting to submit my story. Sona graciously agreed, and as soon as I was told that I was in and could submit my story for Anthology, the theme for which was ‘Love’, my mind began thinking of offbeat story ideas for it.
Having a theme helps a Writer. You have a subject to focus on, and what spurs you is the fact that multiple writers are writing on the same theme. This encourages you to think differently and write your best.
So, the tiny seed of my story idea soon grew into ‘Love Story’, the title of my submitted story for the Blogchatter Anthology 2024. I tend to write, polish it to a shine, and then wholly detach from my written work. That’s the process I followed for this story as well. I let out a whoop of joy when I spotted my name announced in the final list of authors!
The human mind and behavior are fascinating. As are the multiple facets of love. Two people in a relationship can feel love in varied ways and see and treat it differently. In any relationship, almost always, one person is a giver while another is a receiver. As I began crafting my story, I asked if love was still love if you gave it away generously, and it wasn’t reciprocated. Was it still love when you brought it alive within someone, exploited it, and did not feel any remorse for doing so? Was it still love after its innocence was stripped off and it lay inert within a broken heart, rotting away slowly?
These thoughts turned into the questions I attempted to raise through my story, titled ‘Love Story’, which is one of the 18 stories that are part of the Anthology titled #TheBlogchatterBookOfLove.
I have been a prolific blogger since 2004, and my next wish is to become a published author. Being chosen as one of the 18 writers from the 90+ entries Blogchatter received has seen me take the first step towards my goal. Seeing my story in print has given me the vision I need for the following path I hope to take – writing a book.
Team Blogchatter was a constant support system throughout the journey of our thoughts turning into a story. One of my favorite authors, Anita Nair, conducted a workshop on how to craft a good short story, and a quote she shared during the workshop, ‘A short story is a moment frozen in time’ to describe a short story, was my takeaway. Indrani Ganguly, Redomania’s managing editor, shared some amazing tips during the editing workshop she conducted. Blogchatter head honcho, Richa Singh held a book marketing masterclass. These professionals sharing helpful tips, Team Blogchatter lending a listening ear and a nudge when needed, have all contributed to my story turning from a thought to print.
Writing is a lonely journey, but when you are part of a writing community like Blogchatter you are accompanied by the support of fellow writers to help you make this journey a fruitful one.
I rarely fall short of words, however the first glimpse of #TheBlogchatterBookOfLove and seeing my story and name in print left me speechless. Way too many emotions merged only to express themselves through a smile and misty eyes.
Want to read 18 different takes on love? You can buy The Blogchatter Book of Love here;
A print copy of the book at Readomania here
An Ebook version is available on Amazon here
I’m so glad that out little chat that day ended up into your name getting into print for such a wonderful platform as Blogchatter. Proud of you and am looking forward to reading your story. I’m sure it must be great. Kudos and congratulations, again!
So nice. Congratulations.
Friends are so important because they send you such reminders. My bunch of people also keep sending me submission posts any time they come across it 🙂 Your story was one of my favourites and the questions you have raised is what made it a memorable read for me. Congratulations Mayuri and may you see your name in print many more times!
Nice work, Keep it up.