Meem Noshin Nawal Khan Fiction Writer
Sheikh Iraj
Meem Noshin Nawal Khan, 15, is an award-winning writer who has already published 11 books. Her first book, Konokchapa, was launched at the Ekushey Book Fair in 2009 when she was just eight-years-old. In such a short time, the young writer has carved a niche for herself in our literary society. At present, she is studying in class 10 (English medium) at Viqarunnisa Noon School College and wants to become a scientist. YI caught up with her for an exclusive interview.
How did you get into writing?
Writing was probably inserted inside me by the Allah, just like regular emotions and feelings. I didnt get into it, rather, it got into me since my birth and began to expose itself gradually. Mum says I used to rhyme words when I was just three. My first rhyme (narrated by me, noted down by mum) was published in a local newspaper when I was four-years-old.
Why is writing important to you?
The answer to this question is another question. Why is oxygen important to you? Writing is important to me for the same reason oxygen is important. I cant survive without it. Its in my heart, my blood and each and every breath I take.
Tell us about your first book launch. So far, how many books have you published?
My first book, Konokchapa, was launched at the Ekushey Book Fair in 2009, when I was a student of class 3. It was a book of rhymes. Eleven books of mine have been published so far. They include rhymes, stories and novels for children and teenagers. My other books are: Swapnopuri, Buker Bhitor Swapno, Rupar Nupur, Ekjon Class Captain er Diary, Kheya Ebong, Motsokumari Rajkonya, Rajkonya Panika, Aylin O Swornorohosyo, Kolapatar Banshi and Durba.
Please tell us about your work routine.
Actually, I have no specific work routine. I do whatever I feel like doing and whatever seems important to me. I finish my studies at school. So, I dont need to study at home. I spend all my day writing, crafting and gardening.
What do you see as the biggest challenge to a writer today? What are your thoughts about the changes technology is bringing to books?
I dont find any challenge in writing. It lives in the heart, you just have to nourish it. Its like gardening, you have to take care of your plants if you want them blossom.
Challenges are there in every sector of our life. We need to have the strength and willpower to fight them and move forward. When you can fight a challenge, it no longer remains a challenge.
But yes, one thing makes me worried these days. Online media is in vogue now, but we dont have proper copyright laws or its application here. So, most of the time when a writing is published on online media, it is stolen by some other people. This is really heartbreaking for a writer, and a writer loses interest to write. I think this is the biggest challenge to a writer today and steps should be taken by the government in this regard.
This is partially the answer to your second question, too. I have explained a bad effect of technology in creative writing. Technology has both uses and abuses, like everything else. Technology has made books available to all and this is definitely a good change. Besides, people dont need to spend money buying lots of books and they dont need to make space for them in the house. Its all just in one device. But the appeal of printed books is decreasing these days, which makes me sigh. I dont find e-books as appealing as printed ones.
Please tell us about some of your achievements.
Some of my notable achievements are: Meena Media Award 2010- 1st, Meena Media Award 2014- 1st, Meena Media Award 2015- 2nd, Oitijjha Gollachut Story Writing Competition 2011- Group Champion, and Chhotoder Boi Best Young Writer 2014 winner.
Whats your future plan?
My future plan right now is all about my studies. I want to study abroad, at MIT or Harvard University. Then I want to become a scientist.
