How do I feel?

Ecstatic, for a change. For past few birthdays (seven to be precise), I don’t really feel anything. Well, maybe a little bit of sadness that I have not achieved as much as I had dreamt of.

This year I feel different.

I have finally started writing. I have finally gathered the courage to present my stories to the world. Two of my novelettes and a short story has been published on Kindle. Like my blog, the books are also receiving slow-and-steady response. I sure hope it continues month after month, year after year.

My publisher also has plans for publishing my Urdu novella ‘Bichhadna Naseeb Thha’ (something I have been talking a lot about) on my birthday.

Was it just a coincidence or careful planning? A bit of both. The publisher aimed for last week of July and I casually suggested 29th. They agreed.

29th it is.

Happy birthday to me!

Shabana Mukhtar

P.S. The book is postponed by a month. The final editing and cover design is pending.