Promising Young Writers

sheikh Iraj

Throughout the ages, writers have left their imprint on society. They have contributed to every aspect of human civilisation that one can think of. According to Wikipedia: “A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate ideas”.
Every year in Bangladesh, many young writers emerge with varied pieces of writings. Some write fiction, some compose poetry, and others pen stories based on real life experiences. Some get support from established publishing houses; while some choose to publish their works by themselves. The best thing about the current literary scene of the country is that creative young people are able to come forward and express themselves through their written words. But, many still worry about making a living out of fulltime writing and have other day jobs.
This week, Y&I spoke to some talented young writers about their works, and their aspirations regarding their chosen field of creativity.   

Rifat Kamal Saif

Rifat Kamal Saif, 24, took up writing seriously back in 2008.
“I basically belong to a writing-oriented family, thus, the motivation was always there. I am a big fan of books and love reading them. One thing led to another, and so far, ten of my books have been published. My first book, ‘Bhoot Er Paaye Boot’, came out in 2010. I have translated a story of Faridur Reza Sagar, titled ‘Meghna O Pakhi Bondhu’, and published another book, ‘Doityo O Putul-er Golpo’,” Saif told Y&I.  
“It’s not true that people don’t read books anymore. Technological advancement is changing the way we read, but books will always be there. Every year, I regularly attend Ekushey Boimela and other book fairs, where I meet with various writers,” he added.
Besides writing, Saif also works in a sustainable development organisation. He was previously involved  with One Degree Initiative Foundation.
“I always had plans to work for the social development of the nation. Besides, it is really tough to make a living just being an author. I write story books. A good writer always gets royalties. Currently, I am trying to write some short stories, alongside translating a few stories of Amirul Islam,” Saif said.
Pias Majid

Pias Majid, 31, is a promising poet.
“I write for the future readers who will get to know about our time through my writings. I am also working at the Bangla Academy. I believe working there will help my writing career, as it is a research-oriented organisation and I can use its rich library and contacts,” Majid said.
Majid admits it is tough to be a fulltime writer in the context of Bangladesh, but he is optimistic that despite advances in reading technology, printed books will always exist.
“If writers get their proper dues, then I think being a fulltime writer is possible. Mainly, I write poetry. I also write many articles and essays on morphological and sociological aspects of poetry. I am fortunate enough that I get my royalties from my publishers. Mostly, I am thankful to my readers for their constant inspiration,” Majid said.
So far, four of his books on poetry have been published:  ‘Nachpratimar Lash’, ‘Marbel Pholer Mousum’, ‘Gadhuliguccho’ and ‘Kuasha Café’.

Ashique Mustafa

Ashique Mustafa, 26, is a writer and a journalist.
His first book of rhymes, ‘Eksho foring, Ekta ami’, was published from Oitijjhya in 2009. He also works as a sub-editor in a well-known national Bangla newspaper.  
“When I started writing, I didn’t think about publishing books. Children are my readers and they are my biggest source of inspiration. In Bangladesh, it’s hard to survive as a writer unless you are very good at it. That is why I want to keep my options open. Writing is very close to my heart. I am lucky enough to get royalties for my books. But the truth of the matter is 90 per cent of publishers don’t give royalties, and writers worry about that,” Mustafa said.
Mustafa has published 17 books till date. Currently, he is preparing to take part in the ‘4th International Congress of Bengali Studies’, which will be held at Tokyo University in December.

Tarif Mohammed Khan

Tarif Mohammed Khan, 25, is a passionate poet and a marketing executive.
“The day I entered high school, I felt like the king of the world. I first wrote poetry for my school’s annual literature magazine. My first poetry collection was published last year at Ekushey Boimela. It is a compilation of my poems written over the past three years. In truth, most poets don’t get royalties in Bangladesh, and if we do receive some, the amount is really poor. Right now, I am working on some new poems and plan to publish them in the next Ekushey Boimela,” said Khan, who also works as a senior executive in marketing and sales operations for a private company.
“Today, it’s very hard to earn a living just being a poet, unless you become very famous. To me, poetry is the only form of literature through which one can express a long story in short, that’s why I write poems,” he added.  
Nesar Nadim

Nesar Nadim, 35, is a British-Bangladeshi writer and pop culture enthusiast. His first horror novel, ‘Demons’ written in English, was launched recently at the Dhaka Lit Fest. It is inspired by classic monster stories, current events, and man’s never-ending battle with inner demons.
“I write because I love writing, horror in particular. I grew up watching horror movies like ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ and ‘Evil Dead’. I read my first horror novel, Stephen King’s ‘Pet Cemetery’ when I was 12. I fell in love with it. I knew then that I wanted to write a novel someday, and I chose horror as that is what I liked to read. There are many horror book enthusiasts like me, and hopefully, more will become fans once they read my book. You have to create the market,” said Nadim.
Luckily, Nadim has some experience of organising  ‘Bangladesh Comic-Con’ and ‘Dhaka Pop Culture Expo’ which have a good following.
“I already have tens of thousands of fans. Many of them are already asking where they can buy my new book. The book launch was great. It was a relaxed atmosphere. The moderator and audience asked good questions and I had a great time answering them, and was pleased to see that they were genuinely interested. They really liked the excerpt that I read from my horror novel as they found it different and exciting,” Nadim added.
When asked if just being a writer is enough to earn a living in the Bangladesh perspective, he said: “Not unless you write several successful novels. In the meantime, you need other means to support yourself and write in your free time. My royalty as a new writer is fair and will increase for every thousand copies that sell. I am happy with what I am receiving and want to thank Daily Star Books for taking the gamble of publishing Bangladesh’s first English horror novel.” 

Promising Young Writers

sheikh Iraj Throughout the ages, writers have left their imprint on society. They have contributed to every aspect of human civilisation that one can think of. According to Wikipedia: A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate ideas. Every year in Bangladesh, many young writers emerge with varied pieces of writings. Some write fiction, some compose poetry, and others pen stories based on real life experiences. Some get support from established publishing houses; while some choose to publish their works by themselves. The best thing about the current literary scene of the country is that creative young people are able to come forward and express themselves through their written words. But, many still worry about making a living out of fulltime writing and have other day jobs. This week, YI spoke to some talented young writers about their works, and their aspirations regarding their chosen field of creativity. Rifat Kamal Saif Rifat Kamal Saif, 24, took up writing seriously back in 2008. I basically belong to a writing-oriented family, thus, the motivation was always there. I am a big fan of books and love reading them. One thing led to another, and so far, ten of my books have been published. My first book, Bhoot Er Paaye Boot, came out in 2010. I have translated a story of Faridur Reza Sagar, titled Meghna O Pakhi Bondhu, and published another book, Doityo O Putul-er Golpo, Saif told YI. Its not true that people dont read books anymore. Technological advancement is changing the way we read, but books will always be there. Every year, I regularly attend Ekushey Boimela and other book fairs, where I meet with various writers, he added. Besides writing, Saif also works in a sustainable development organisation. He was previously involved with One Degree Initiative Foundation. I always had plans to work for the social development of the nation. Besides, it is really tough to make a living just being an author. I write story books. A good writer always gets royalties. Currently, I am trying to write some short stories, alongside translating a few stories of Amirul Islam, Saif said. Pias Majid Pias Majid, 31, is a promising poet. I write for the future readers who will get to know about our time through my writings. I am also working at the Bangla Academy. I believe working there will help my writing career, as it is a research-oriented organisation and I can use its rich library and contacts, Majid said. Majid admits it is tough to be a fulltime writer in the context of Bangladesh, but he is optimistic that despite advances in reading technology, printed books will always exist. If writers get their proper dues, then I think being a fulltime writer is possible. Mainly, I write poetry. I also write many articles and essays on morphological and sociological aspects of poetry. I am fortunate enough that I get my royalties from my publishers. Mostly, I am thankful to my readers for their constant inspiration, Majid said. So far, four of his books on poetry have been published: Nachpratimar Lash, Marbel Pholer Mousum, Gadhuliguccho and Kuasha Caf. Ashique Mustafa Ashique Mustafa, 26, is a writer and a journalist. His first book of rhymes, Eksho foring, Ekta ami, was published from Oitijjhya in 2009. He also works as a sub-editor in a well-known national Bangla newspaper. When I started writing, I didnt think about publishing books. Children are my readers and they are my biggest source of inspiration. In Bangladesh, its hard to survive as a writer unless you are very good at it. That is why I want to keep my options open. Writing is very close to my heart. I am lucky enough to get royalties for my books. But the truth of the matter is 90 per cent of publishers dont give royalties, and writers worry about that, Mustafa said. Mustafa has published 17 books till date. Currently, he is preparing to take part in the 4th International Congress of Bengali Studies, which will be held at Tokyo University in December. Tarif Mohammed Khan Tarif Mohammed Khan, 25, is a passionate poet and a marketing executive. The day I entered high school, I felt like the king of the world. I first wrote poetry for my schools annual literature magazine. My first poetry collection was published last year at Ekushey Boimela. It is a compilation of my poems written over the past three years. In truth, most poets dont get royalties in Bangladesh, and if we do receive some, the amount is really poor. Right now, I am working on some new poems and plan to publish them in the next Ekushey Boimela, said Khan, who also works as a senior executive in marketing and sales operations for a private company. Today, its very hard to earn a living just being a poet, unless you become very famous. To me, poetry is the only form of literature through which one can express a long story in short, thats why I write poems, he added. Nesar Nadim Nesar Nadim, 35, is a British-Bangladeshi writer and pop culture enthusiast. His first horror novel, Demons written in English, was launched recently at the Dhaka Lit Fest. It is inspired by classic monster stories, current events, and mans never-ending battle with inner demons. I write because I love writing, horror in particular. I grew up watching horror movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Evil Dead. I read my first horror novel, Stephen Kings Pet Cemetery when I was 12. I fell in love with it. I knew then that I wanted to write a novel someday, and I chose horror as that is what I liked to read. There are many horror book enthusiasts like me, and hopefully, more will become fans once they read my book. You have to create the market, said Nadim. Luckily, Nadim has some experience of organising Bangladesh Comic-Con and Dhaka Pop Culture Expo which have a good following. I already have tens of thousands of fans. Many of them are already asking where they can buy my new book. The book launch was great. It was a relaxed atmosphere. The moderator and audience asked good questions and I had a great time answering them, and was pleased to see that they were genuinely interested. They really liked the excerpt that I read from my horror novel as they found it different and exciting, Nadim added. When asked if just being a writer is enough to earn a living in the Bangladesh perspective, he said: Not unless you write several successful novels. In the meantime, you need other means to support yourself and write in your free time. My royalty as a new writer is fair and will increase for every thousand copies that sell. I am happy with what I am receiving and want to thank Daily Star Books for taking the gamble of publishing Bangladeshs first English horror novel.