Whether launching a book, meeting their readers, be they fans or critics, or getting the chance very often to meet and interact with their own favourites, or even just to indulge, like the vast majority of attendees, their love of books, the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, the country's very own literature festival, is a must for any budding writer, reports UNB.

Besides, roaming the fairgrounds there is no dearth of young, would-be writers determined to make their mark on the fabric of Bangla literature, even as naysayers warn that 'Reading is going out of fashion'. Debutant novelist Niaz Mehedi, whose 'Aowaler Vhat Ghor' had a Boi Mela release from Batighar, a publishing house, even quashed the talk that good writers are finding it more and more difficult to get a publisher these days.

"I think good writing with good content will always attract publishers. So young writers should always strive to keep writing better and better, whether serious issues or light topics, both will have a market but the writing has to be good enough," said Mehedi, while talking about his first ever book. Mehedi was keen to focus on lending something 'unique' to one's writing that should set it apart from the rest, rather than trying to replicate some theme that may have worked for others. Once a writer is able to master that, his or her work will be elevated from the rest of the field and publishers are bound to pay attention.

Poet Kazi Jawad Murchid, whose volume of poetry 'Noroker Chilekothay' came out during this year's Boi Mela, was somewhat more gloomy in his assessment.

"We lack good books," said Murchid. "Especially we are seeing the acute crisis in the poetry section. Young writers and poets should come forward and face the challenge with their talent." He also stressed that we should explore the reasons behind the declining popularity of poems, as the trend is worsening day by day. "I can present something new with my poems," he added.

Kamelia Rownak Othoi, another Boi Mela debutant, appreciates the space provided by the month-long soiree, for writers to be amongst their readers.

"I enjoy the interaction, it can only be helpful for your writing to stay connected to readers. Also as a woman writer, it is different experience," said Kamelia, whose novel 'Otindria' came out from the up-and-coming Dari Koka publishing house, and has garnered positive reviews. Kamelia's story even reflects the possibility of technology becoming a boon for writers.  "I started out writing on social media, and did that for a long time, gaining followers and feedback. After a certain point, I felt ready to get published. The response is beyond anything I could have imagined," the young writer said.

Novelist Harun Pasha, whose second novel 'Teesta' based on the Teesta River has been published at this year's festival, said writers should look beyond romance as the content of their novels, if they want to produce serious books that will stand the test of time. Some 144 new titles were released at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Thursday, taking the total number above 2000 for this year, just past the halfway mark.

A total of 2076 have so far hit the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair including the 15th day's entrants.

Poetry volumes continue to dominate the genres in terms of numbers. So far, of the 2076 books released, 618 fall in poetry category.