First Forays Literary Agency

Ditto

Nationalism is a story that convinces us to care for strangers that we will never meet. It is what enables us to build roads and railways that we might never use, and schools and hospitals that we might never visit. It is what allows society to function beyond families and tribes.

From the The New York Times Opinion Section podcast with Ezra Klein, May 2026. Watch the whole thing: bit.ly/YNH-EKS

Saturday 30th May 2026

Indian writer Sharon Aruparayil is the Asia winner of the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize The winning story is titled ‘Mehendi Nights’.

Goose’s Gala- Have We Become A Country Of Know-Alls?

Is the art of conversation dying with too much information reaching you without any efforts from your side? Today’s conversations are either monologues by one dominant party, or exchange of the same news that all have read or heard on WhatsApp forwards and social media. Do you stop to think why our conversations are always related to what is in the news or spoken of in the internet? We don’t seem to see all the happenings and stories right outside our gates and doors and within ourselves.

There was a time when curiosity for what is being shared was genuine, when gossip, envy and admiration were also true. But in the post smartphone world, even those who were considered smart without a smartphone are being dumbed down by all kinds of unverifiable ‘content.’ Sharing is now limited to social media posts, on all topics from how to increase proteins in your diet, to how Hindus are becoming a minority in their rashtra and what the film stars are wearing, eating and doing!

There is no room for your own personal discoveries of small mundane stuff, for topics that should be on the discussion list of all citizens and humans like the air we breath, the small joys of our lives, the misuse of public office and funds, the poor quality primary education everywhere, lack of scientific tenor in anything that is created in the name of development in public places and a string of other meaningful issues in my opinion.

As long as you are known personally and seen, you are irrelevant. Familiarity breeds contempt is what I learnt in school. Life gyans from unknown entities on the World Wide Web is taken as the ultimate truth, even in the times of AI where it’s difficult to figure out what is true and what is fake.

People rush to give you advice on all your problems, dilemmas, issues, known and unknown. Everyone always knows more. There is no curiosity left, no ears to listen, no thorough observation powers, no real empathy or humane feelings for someone you know or don’t know. Free advice or utter silence is doled out.

A conversation among friends or acquaintances doesn’t have to be one involving the problems and issues of the world. Definitely not of it’s politics and politicians. A bit of this and a bit of that, laughing at silly stuff, even a bit of innocent gossip and a warmth and comfort all need and didn’t know how to ask.

OMG, just what I've been experiencing as a litagent too. Authors may act helpless but they are unrealistic too.

"Reading with intent is already a form of editing. To engage with a submission is to sense its flaws and imagine its possibilities."

Which is why my reading in my work isn't own of pleasure, though the writers expect you to sing and dance in their praise!

Two unrelated people in different segments of the publishing cycle but similar experiences.

A thankless job, with no money and no power. Sharing this very take of an independent publisher in India.

‘A jugalbandi of trust’: An indie publisher on the emotional economy of book-making ‘I have been asked, quite seriously, to work my magic and make a book within a month,’ writes Sahana Ahmed, who publishes books for children and young adults.

Happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough. Is his kind of life possible in this century of AI and super capitalism?

100 Years of David Attenborough As Sir David Attenborough approaches his 100th year, this documentary celebrates a life that has not only spanned a century, but helped define it.From his ea...

Meghalaya and Bob Dylan!

| The hill city of Shillong will host the 55th edition of Bob Dylan’s Day on May 23 and 24, continuing what is recognised as the world’s longest-running tribute to the American music legend. Initiated in 1972 by veteran musician Lou Majaw, the annual celebration has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity, blending music, memory, and community spirit.

Read more..
https://northeasttoday.in/northeast/meghalaya-shillong-to-host-55th-bob-dylan-day-celebration-on-may-23-24/

Like a punishment for something you did not know you had committed.

Ah!
Good night gentle readers! ✨
{PS}