Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life: Join the Journey

Dear Reader,

It’s been a while but not without reason. Thank you for waiting despite my long absence.

This newsletter comes with special news about my first solo-authored book, which will be released soon. Written for emerging and intermediate readers and published by Bare Bones, Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life, is the story of seven-year-old Kuhu Joshi whose life is full of challenges. If I tell you that getting through a PE class is a challenge, you’d probably laugh. You need to be a child again to understand why these molehills feel like giant mountains. And that is precisely why Kuhu is here!

As Kuhu gets ready to take on the world, I appreciate every individual preparing to join me in celebrating her. Writing, they say, is a lonely pursuit. There is some truth in this statement, and yet nothing big is possible without a huge tribe ready to sing that song with you. I’ve often thought about new words entering libraries, bookstores, and the internet: do people care, how long will they last, and when will they fade into obscurity? Then, I am reminded of the reasons why we write. Creating is nourishment for the soul. Research points to the neuroscientific benefits of creating that involves coordination between different parts of the brain, igniting a sense of fulfilment and self-esteem. Then, of course, regardless of readership, writing assures the world others understand and share their experiences.

Writing and releasing a book is challenging, definitely more difficult than people think. Those who’ve been there understand that writing is just the beginning, and a small part at that. As new stories emerge daily, I often wonder if Kuhu will be noticed, or if she’ll be overshadowed by the many other characters and narratives, adding another hurdle to her journey. Like all writers, I share a special bond with my character. When I ask fellow writers, publishers or marketing agents how to help Kuhu find her feet, I get answers I hesitate to tell her. Such as taking part in interviews. Kuhu is very scared of them, and she gets butterflies in her stomach whenever she has to face one.

I feel it unfair to lead her down that road, so I’ve brought her here, to this haven where you, dear reader, have embraced me for years, and I trust you’ll welcome Kuhu with the same affection. I spoke to Bare Bones about Kuhu and I’d love for you to read the interview on their website here. The picture below is not Kuhu, but me. Since Kuhu Learns to Deal With Life is based in the hill town of Himalpur, I believe this one could pass off as me plotting the story!

In the coming days, expect to see more emails from me in your inbox. Please give me some leeway. I promise you, Kuhu’s news will be worth your time and energy. Please be healthy and safe, and keep checking this space until she is here to see you.

P.S. I also had a short poem published in The Hooghly Review’s recent Poetry Special, which was guest-edited by Sanjeev Sethi. Signing off with images from ‘Fictile Feelings’.