Conversations with young authors of Ekushey Boi Mela

The Ekushey Boi Mela provides ample opportunities for young authors to showcase their talents. Star Youth, The Daily Star, caught up with several such authors to find out about their aspirations, and more.

Yusuf Munna compiled a Bangla translation of authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles' "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" for this year's Boi Mela. "More often than not, publishers are curious to read manuscripts by young writers," he shared.  Yusuf has been writing for blogs and daily newspapers for the past six years. Published by Adarsha, the translated book is priced at BDT 200.

"Jhajhin Shyaola", a novel about gender roles and the struggles of marginalised communities living at refugee camps, is written by young author Owakila Tabassum Mumu. The book is told from the perspective of a woman. Mumu wants to do something to help marginalised communities, moving forward. "Jhajhin Shyaola", published by Choitonno, is available at the Boi Mela for BDT 300.

The second volume of Antik Mahmud and Oishik Jawad's comic book, "Noman", was released this year. Both of them shared that seeing people accept their book with so much love is immensely rewarding. "Online classes gave me the time to work on this book, and since I have worked on quite a few comic books before, it was easy for me to keep a balance between my studies and writing," shares Oishik. Their comic book, published by Adarsha, is priced at BDT 240.

Artist sisters Shahnuruma Shantona and Shahrina Shantuma's comic book, "Augnijodhha", is an action drama about Augnila, daughter of a fire-fighter. "Augnijodhha" is their first ever serialised book. "The process was challenging amidst the pandemic, but our publisher and editor are very supportive," shared Shahnuruma. Backed by Panjeree Publications Ltd, "Augnijoddha" is available for BDT 120.

 "The pandemic and the subsequent months of isolation provided me with plenty of time to come up with new ideas, and reflect upon my plans," shared Pias Majid, whose books, "Hridoy Gallery" (Ananya Prokashoni, BDT 188), "Muhurmuhu Miu Miu" (Boibhob, BDT 188), "Rimjhim Mangsobitan" (Onnoprokash, BDT 188), "Amar Cinemaghor" (Oitijjhya, BDT 225), and "Mirza Galib Street" (Oitijjhya, BDT 105) were released this year.

"I love writing stories based on real life, memories and dreams," said Ruhul Amin, author of the books, "Moddhobitto" (Pencil Publications) and "Pita" (Onnoprokash). "Appreciation from readers encourages writers to come up with new stories, and validates their hard work. Technological advancements are a great help for us in our writing process today." "Moddhobitto" and "Pita" are available for BDT 139 and BDT 225, respectively.

The authors are respectively: marketing student from North South University, sadiatahsin98@gmail.com; freelance journalist, mislammonamee@gmail.com.