#29 One year anniversary!
How time flies, a personal letter, what am I up to, plans ahead & more
Hello reader,
Today’s issue is special since my calculations tell me that it’s already one whole year of passing on these curated letters to you! 🎉Congratulations to you for sticking with me on this journey. I couldn’t have gone on doing this if I didn’t have your support dear readers, my esteemed subscribers. And congratulations to me on the success of my dream project🎉
This newsletter is my safe place, my solo thing, the medium where I fully own, control and manage my work and words. Thanks to
for providing this beautiful platform where anyone can share ideas, words, happiness, opportunities and more with the world. This place is a gift for writers who, apart from doing their day job, can fulfill their hunger for writing by filling their Substack space with words. Readers, by giving us their precious time, make this endeavor even more meaningful.In this one year of writing this newsletter, I’ve been through a lot of learning, have faced certain obstructions which I had never faced in the past and have also learned to cope with failure, hard times, unexpected occurrences, etc. I’ve come to realize that it is the part and parcel of life. Life entails challenges, they just become more solemn with age.
I had never even thought that right after completing my studies I would be faced with a sudden roller-coaster ride of my twenties. So those who are approaching their mid-twenties, beware! It is the most twisted climb of your life so far in my opinion. But you just have to be patient. That’s the only key.
Another thing that I learned about is the fundamental relation between life and health. That life cannot be exuberant without a healthy body. I’ve come to value my health now. It is a great blessing.
Also, I realized the significance of being grateful. We need to be grateful to Allah for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us. The more we thank Him, the more He gives us. When we realize that we have innumerable things already, we have already ticked a lot of boxes on our bucket list, it becomes easy to cope with not getting certain things, to cope with failure.
Shukar gives you Sabar. Translation — gratitude gives you patience.
Anyway, no one gets everything in this world. We need to understand this and should see what are the assets that we possess right now and should make wise use of that. Sometimes we have limited opportunities but we still have them and we can choose from that. I'm glad I could see that finally, even if a little late.
Although I went through a rough patch in the last twelve months or so, I am surprised how the time fleeted by. It’s unbelievable, it feels like only yesterday I sent out the first newsletter. Once again, thank you for being with me :)
On the whole I’ve enjoyed pouring my heart out on these pages from time to time and I hope you loved following the progression. And gee, one year of this newsletter also makes up one year of my writing experience ✒ too! A milestone for me. Although I also have a few months of English teaching 👩🏫 experience as well. Teaching is a dream while writing is a passion for me. I dearly wish to do both but sadly, teaching hasn’t worked out for me so far :(
Also, I remember that I have never formally introduced myself to you. So here it goes —
I am Anam Tariq (she/her), the writer of the fortnightly, The Wordsridge Newsletter. I am a 25-year-old poet, writer, bibliophile and nature lover from India. I am indolent and introverted. I hold an M.A. in English and A Leaf upon a Book (Leadstart publishers, 2022) is my debut poetry collection. You can find my words here and there on the internet in near and far literary magazines. Although I initially aspired to be a teacher but for now am a poet and writer🤷♀️
You can know more about me and this newsletter in the “About” section of The Wordsridge Newsletter.
What am I up to?
I am currently juggling a few unpaid jobs along with running this newsletter. I am a staff writer at Writers’ Cafeteria and three other publications. I am also a poetry reader at West Trade Review and Culinary Origami Journal.
My poem “The Damsel in Real Distress” recently got published in The Amazine.
My poem “self-portrait as a book” and haiku “Circumvention” got published on the blog of SeaGlass Literary.
I am having a fun time learning Arabic on Duolingo and plan to follow it up Insha Allah with more courses (online/offline).
I may also, most probably, guest edit an issue of the magazine, Lucky Jefferson.
If anyone wants feedback or editing on their poetry or non-fiction, you can approach me at anamt938@gmail.com. I am open to providing you free and detailed commentary on your work.
Plans for The Wordsridge Newsletter
I am thinking to experiment a few things. Some of them are related to this newsletter. That’s why I need your feedback in the form of votes. I will list a few ideas that I have and you can vote for the idea/s that you want to see implemented. I hope you will help me out!
I can invite a collaborator here who will write the newsletter and help me publish an issue or two. This way you can hear from another voice who may provide something supplemental, may have a refreshing perspective.
I can open the floor for readers of The Wordsridge Newsletter and writers and poets in general to submit work to be featured in The Wordsridge Newsletter by announcing an open call.
I can start an original podcast on Substack (and maybe on Spotify too if it’s possible) but the topic is TBD. (although this idea is not one of my favorites!)
I can interview poets/authors/others for the newsletter from which you can learn more about the craft.
You can vote for your favorite option and if you recommend more than one option, you can mention it in the comment section. Thank you in advance!
Quotes
Life’s multiple experiences and challenges make the brain stronger.
— Imam Hussain R.A.
Do not express your happiness in front of a sad person.
— Imam Hussain R.A.
Don’t pursue the thing which you can’t attain or understand.
— Imam Hussain R.A.
Bulletin board
Chill Subs is open to essay submissions till Sept. 15th. They also pay.
The Dried Review has many open volunteer positions. SeaGlass Literary also has open positions.
Aster Lit is open to submissions on the theme of “lacuna”. They pay select contributors.
It was nice talking to you! Hope to meet you soon :)
And remember to cherish the community of people around you. It’s always helpful to have your family and relatives supporting you, listening to your concerns, sharing your burden and more. I recognize their value and contribution too.
Love
Anam
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Wow! Congratulations Anam for the first anniversary of your newsletter! I have enjoyed reading them and I love how you include the bulletin board. While I'd prefer your voice in this newsletter, I think idea 1 sounds good. We can know more writers through it. But I hope you will write too.
Btw, I got to know about you through this newsletter. I hope you get to teach soon. :)