Voice of a Writer

Aspiration for Writing

From childhood, I harboured a quiet aspiration to express my thoughts and experiences through writing. Though I would occasionally dabble in putting my ideas into words, I never had the confidence to submit anything to a newspaper or an online writing platform. Still, I realised I had the ability to weave simple sentences into meaningful ideas.

I often watched in amazement as a few of my colleagues crafted excellent short stories—real-life incidents skillfully blended with imagination. While others showered them with praise, I silently admired their work and longed to understand the secret behind their literary success. It was clear to me that it was their ability to combine words in a meaningful and engaging way that captured readers' attention. Though I had always been tempted to record life’s happenings in writing, I seldom maintained a diary or journal.

My elder brother was a gifted writer in both Bengali and English. He contributed insightful sports articles to a Bengali weekly, and I admired his talent deeply, though I never imagined myself following in his footsteps. Perhaps it was his natural flair, or perhaps a combination of dedication and passion, but his success seemed extraordinary. Besides him, I don’t recall any other family members pursuing writing, though my father—an eminent educationist and former college principal—was equally proficient in both languages.

My interest did not bloom earlier was the absence of real encouragement from those around me. Perhaps writing wasn't considered a natural pursuit in my family, except in the case of my brother. Also, I pursued science and didn’t study English beyond school. I saw writing as a laborious task. My only connection to the English language came through reading my favourite newspaper, a habit that began early thanks to my mother. She insisted we read the English daily, despite our initial resistance. Over time, this practice helped me gain familiarity with the language.

English eventually gained a slight edge over my mother tongue, simply because it became the medium for my academic studies and professional communication. Yet, I never neglected Bengali, which still remains my cultural and emotional anchor.

With this background, I began searching for an online platform that would allow me to express myself and test whether I could truly become a writer. Eventually, I registered on a site and was invited to begin writing. Though unsure and inexperienced, I took the plunge, motivated by a deep inner desire.

I remembered how a famous Bengali novelist had faced a similar situation in his early days. A schoolmate had, without his knowledge, announced the publication of a new story by him during Durga Puja—a major festival eagerly awaited by Bengalis. That marked the beginning of his illustrious journey. I, however, was a novice, still unsure of my abilities.

Nevertheless, I gathered the courage to write a short story based on the life of my uncle—a true story. I submitted it to the platform, knowing that editorial scrutiny would be rigorous. The site Hubpages was known for admitting only serious writers and discouraging whimsical submissions.

To my delight, my write-up was accepted and published. Soon, feedback started pouring in from readers around the world, confirming my potential and assuring me of support from the platform’s community. Encouraged, I submitted another story, which was also well received. Then, I ventured to publish a third piece, this time with a punchline, eagerly waiting to see how it will be received.It was also published receiving a good response.

If I can continue to prove myself, I hope to share the hidden gems of Bengali literature with a global audience. For this, I owe immense gratitude to the online platform that opened the doors to the world of writing for me. I now believe that language is no barrier, and the readers of the site are bound by a shared desire to connect through the universal language of expression.

The platform encourages us to write on topics of our choice, which I deeply appreciate. I prefer writing short pieces rooted in real-life experiences, often spiced with humor and imaginative twists. With a wealth of life experiences to draw from, I’m confident I can continue to write engaging stories.

Having been on the platform for over a decade, I can say my initial fears have faded. I continue to learn and grow through the community’s support. While I once struggled with ideas, the inspiration I now receive from fellow writers has sparked a steady stream of new concepts, which I hope to develop into compelling stories.

Having achieved a part of my lifelong dream, my next goal is to write at least 50 articles in the coming year. Though I started late, I intend to closely follow successful writers, formulate a plan, and work diligently. I am also keen to interact more with fellow writers to broaden my perspective and enhance my skills.

Writing, for me, has been a long-cherished dream. It took time, courage, and the right opportunity to begin the journey. Now that I have found my footing, I intend to keep going. After all, writing is not just about putting words on a page—it’s about connecting with others, sharing truths, and discovering oneself in the process.

I am deeply grateful to the online writing platform for welcoming me into a wonderful community of both established and emerging writers. Their support has provided the necessary impetus for my growth as a writer. I have greatly benefited from the opportunity to self-edit my work, which has helped me polish and improve my writing skills. The publication of my debut book stands as a testament to the encouragement and support I received from the platform.