My Favourite Writing Memories

This post is triggered by the topic of the Essay Assignment my students in college chose. They wanted to write their essay on ‘My Favourite Childhood Memory’. Needless to say, almost all the essays were good. The topic itself was easy and at the same time had a lot of room for fun.

Today’s post is on Favourite Writing Memories. In my entire writing journey (I hope it continues lifelong, there are quite a few memories that have become a favourite.

 The first that comes to mind is: the acknowledgement card I received from the editor of  a newspaper telling me that the short story I had sent them had been retained for publication. Not only was I elated, the cheque I received for it made me feel rich (though it was a small amount). That was 15 years back. And it was my first published story. I still have the acknowledgement card.

The second most favourite memory is when I received a call from a publishing house telling me that they are interested in publishing my books. The day was April 7^th 20005. I will never forget that day in my life. I remember crying after that phone call. My poor mother was shocked. I told her the good news after my tears had dried. Then, she started crying.

The third writing memory was when I held the first copies of my books. It’s an awesome feeling to see the words we have worked with for years/weeks/days appear as a book. It’s a feeling I hope and pray all my writing friends experience soon. I would love to experience that feeling again.

Another favourite memory would be my Book Launch. I can never forget that day. Speaking about my books, signing copies for the young readers and giving interviews. The date was 14^th January 2006.

Another Favourite Writing Memory is sending the query letter for my MG fiction ten days back. This memory comes with an avalanche of anxiety and worries. What if every agent hates my query letter? What if no one asks for even a partial, forget about the complete manuscript? What if no one replies? Whatever the offshoots of this memory, there is a feeling of satisfaction at having completed the longest book I have written. 240 pages. I have no idea how long my query process will go on for, or how many agents I will have to query, but as my good friend Carole Anne Carr advised me on Sunday, “Enjoy the process. Don’t worry and fret. Everything will happen at its own time and start working on your next book and read as much as you can.”

Now, here is my question to you all. What is your favourite writing memory/memories? What,  from your writing journey has glued itself into your mind? We all would love to know. And no, we won’t think you are gloating over your success. You all deserve to talk about it after all the hard work you have put in. So, please share your Favourite Writing Memories. We all are waiting to read about them.