So many stories to tell, one has to start somewhere. Not one, in this case—me. I’ll keep them short, because time is short and longer is more daunting. And I hope that those of you who figure in these stories or whose stories intersect with mine will make comments and corrections, share your own stories, generally enter into conversation with them. (In the interest of preserving a little privacy, please use just first names in your comments, or first names and just the initials of last names.)
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I am your devoted fan already! More! I want more!
I find myself wanting to write dozens of these all at once, but Nikhil says I need to pace myself. And then there’s work–such a nuisance.
These stories are absolutely wonderful, and somehow gripping. I am eating up the words as I munch along faster and faster. I love the simplicity and straightforwardness of the language. It packs a big punch. Also, the content is fascinating. I like learning more about you and Andrew, too, in these small bites. Keep up the good work!
could you tell me about the tree house that you and the Melnies built in Brookline…?
Your every wish is my command.
Hi Cussin
These are lovely – keep them coming. Love you lots. Cussin Lesleyxx
Congratulations! You have a wonderful writer’s voice. I like the brief format. Keep them coming, over time they could add up to something monumental.
How lovely to read your fascinating and wonderfully entertaining stories. Nikhil must have loved bedtime with stories like these
XXX
Thank you, Jan. I mostly read books, as I remember, though Mum and Dad told us stories; but that was one of the original thoughts in the back of my mind–to collect very short stories from all the different branches of our family, across continents and across generations that could be told as bedtime stories. Mum told so many about her childhood, too, that I’d love to set down in writing before I forget even more of them. xxo Jo
Delightful tales of the Reges, Melnechuks, and assorted other characters, some of whom I know and some of whom I will meet in the blogosphere. Josna, thanks for taking the time to write these charming stories.
Thank you, “little d” (d-ski)–there would be no delightful stories without the delightful characters who people them. Writing them is great fun. xo J
Josna, you are always prompting me to write my story, and lately as
others ask the same of me, I’ve given some thought to doing so, but
in all honesty it is you that is truly the writer. I can only hope
to be the writer that you are.
Thank you for your confidence in me, Jimii, but I must respectfully disagree about your own writing skills. What about considering a blog yourself? You can set the privacy settings so that only you can see it, or only specified friends. I might never have gotten started if Nikhil hadn’t just gone ahead and set it up for me, but now I’m a believer! J
Fabuloso, Jo! I love the stories I’ve read so far, and will work my way thru the archives. You have a strong voice and are gifted at making the “mundane” intriguing. This blog is an inspiration to record one’s memories (and those of other family members) for one’s children, and this method — in quick, random bites — seems the least overwhelming and most doable. Write On! xxoo, McNancy
Thanks, McNance! Yes, doable is the watchword. These memories are so evanescent, and they started demanding urgently to be set down as soon as dear Nikhil suggested this bite-size form. Love, Jo
Jojo, what a wonderful surprise! Today Pinu told me about this blog & stories of Ratnagiri. I read mango tree & could vividly visualise chubby jayant dada turning into a mango.
Thank you. I am now avid fan of yours
Vidya! I’m so glad you liked the Mango Room story. Hope you will like the stories about my schooldays in Darjeeling, since you had visited there recently. Did you read “From a Railway Carriage”? If not, I think you might enjoy it, too. Love, J
PS Recognize the photo at the top of the “About” page? (chup-chaap, no names…!)
Such clear and beautiful writing, Josna. I love how your memories just come alive on the page. These stories are a true gift!
Thank you, Joyce, for your kind words. I hope Tell Me Another encourages you to share your writing with a wider audience as well. I’m sure that it will resonate with a community of readers with common interests and concerns. (And let’s meet again soon–perhaps over tea?)