If your memory serves you well, six months ago, I made a request on this blog to you—the regular readers—to share (with me) your favourite paragraphs written by me. A lot of you reached out immediately, and some later, via Gmail/Twitter/Instagram/LinkedIn, sharing the pieces that you had screenshotted long ago. Basically something that resonated with you. And turns out, my 16+ year-old blog has something for everyone.
It was quite overwhelming for me because:
I wasn’t expecting such a massive response from my otherwise slumbering readership (I assume this based on the lack of proactive feedback; our writer-reader relationship is summarized by deafening silence, so to speak)
All of a sudden, my quest to compile a book out of your favourite paragraphs became real (to be frank, I thought it’d be just another blip of an attempt as I often do with most of my practical ideas in my personal writing space)
Once I started reading your favourite paras, I understood that how similar we all really are (some of the paragraphs shared were commonly everyone’s fave; the themes majorly shared were optimism, love, heartache, loss and friendship)
After sitting on my hands and just admiring the inbounds, I finally got to work on choosing the paragraphs that I think would make a fine read of a book. It was a slow process given my lack of interest in reading my own stuff. Nothing bores me more than my own words. The only time I find my words enticing is when I am composing them. Once they are posted, they aren’t of any lure to me. Despite this attitude, I’ve made little progress lately. Two months ago, I was at 33 paragraphs but as of now, I’ve crossed 100.
Not bad, no?
There are a few more emails to go through and I am sure, I will be through with them soon.
In the meantime, do feel free to share your favourite pieces (posted on this blog, of course) with me. You can message me on the aforementioned social media platforms or you can even email me on shakti03@gmail.com
Much appreciate your time and effort in pushing the laziest ever writer towards his long-cherished goal of getting a book published under his name.
Oh, by the way, I’ve already spoken to my designer friends and I am planning to keep this supposed book balanced between words and illustration. Don’t want it to be a festering saga of textual assault. Let’s see where the intended design takes us.
Anyhow, have a splendid week ahead.
May you enjoy the monsoon without getting stranded anywhere against your wish.
Also, I hope you don’t forget your umbrella anywhere either. But then, what’s the point of this season if you aren’t going to sacrifice one umbrella at least?
Caio.
Soon you’ll be sharing pre-order link.
*manifesting*