I lay curled up in a corner of the den, book in hand, with just one table lamp on. Nothing else mattered except finishing that particular book.
If I could help it, all in one go!
Completely lost in a fantasy world-where goblins, trolls, fairies, The Famous Five, Secret Seven and so many other fascinating characters resided.
This is what comes to mind when I think of myself -as far back in time as I can reach into the inner recesses of my mind.
Did I learn something?
Did I grow as an individual?
Did I feel better about myself?
All these were things that didn’t seem to matter then. But with the wisdom of passing time and years, I now know the answer.
Yes, I did. To all of them..
Reading is undoubtedly a key factor in shaping one’s mind and overall personality. And so, all I can say is -encourage the younger generation to read, and you will be doing the right thing for them.
Growing up brought with it a different set of beliefs and ambitions. Family and career took precedence and it was always about climbing the ladder, faster, better, higher.
But one thing remained a constant- my love for reading. A book or two always accompanied me – during a car ride to the office, on a flight, at work so that any spare time that I had , could be used to quickly read- even if it was just 15 minutes …
And that brings me to my love for writing. I always knew that I would write a book one day- it was just about finding the right time in life.
It began on July 2, 2007, and here is my story
“In a spacious naturally lit apartment in the heart of Muscat, Oman, a determined Sunaina sat facing her computer to churn out a story that had been tugging at her heartstrings for the past ten years. By the time the sun set that day, she had her first Chapter staring proudly at her from the screen. In a span of seven hours, she had formed a lucid link between her mind and fingers that had tapped away to create a beginning for her book , ‘A Safe Harbour.’
That was an emotional high. It propelled her completely and entrenched her in this new world of fiction . And precisely three months later, the book was complete . “
I have never looked back since and “An Autumn Melody “ and “Point of No Return “ have followed since, in addition to thousands of articles, blogs, columns and short stories published in leading publications in Oman as well as in India.
This has also given me the opportunity to be involved in various women’s groups projects, forums, book clubs and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to learn, share and contribute to every project that I have been associated with.
While living in my summer home in Mashobra, I have met some wonderful women who have inspired me in so many ways. One of the more interesting developments has been the formation of the BookWorms and Film Buffs Club which was the brainchild of Dr Purnima Chauhan, a retired civil servant, along with Ruchi Chauhan, a passionate reader and teacher.
Meeting every month, this club has grown by leaps and bounds and the upcoming session on the 28th of July, ( Tuesday) features my crime thriller, Point of No Return.
To be moderated by Ms Madhu Nagpal, I look forward to an interactive discussion with readers and would love it if more of you in Shimla could attend.
Details below….
Sunaina Serna Ahluwalia is an author, independent communications consultant, travel and food writer, with a passion for photography and baking.
A graduate of History Hons from St Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Sunaina went on to do a Master’s in Advertising and Public Relations from the Indian Institute of Mass Communications New Delhi.
Starting her career with Clarion Advertising New Delhi, she then moved to Muscat, Oman where she lived for 25 years with her family.
Numerous challenging assignments followed- Product Group Manager, Genetco, Account Director, Fortune Promoseven and Advertising and Public Relations Manager, The National Detergent Company.
Sunaina has written three works of fiction
A Safe Harbour
Point of No Return
An Autumn Melody
and is currently working on two more.
