Contributing to an anthology is fine, but helming it is another task altogether. Maliha Fatima has contributed to four anthologies to date, but for the next one on poetry, which will be out in January 2020, she is coordinating with 70 writers. That's a lot of work for a 17-year-old. But the student of St Francis College For Women is enjoying the process. Initially, Maliha had a bumpy start, after all, reaching out to 70 writers is no joke. "I reached out to everyone through Instagram," says the youngster.
The title of the book is I Stand Strong and one will be able to feel motivated, inspired and strong after reading it. So it was important for Maliha to adhere to the theme, but apart from that, she did not believe in binding writers with hard and fast rules. "I want to respect everything," she says. But what has she been looking for in a poem? "I am looking for that spark that can ignite other sparks as well," explains Maliha who regularly posts her work on Instagram. She goes on to say that contributors are from across the country — New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities as well.
Maliha started writing when she was 13 and two years ago, a publisher reached out to her on Instagram and that's how her first anthology was published. She may not be an avid reader, but she shares that she is a very good listener. "I like counselling and helping others during their tough times," says the budding poet who is pursuing a BA in Psychology. She also likes to volunteer for social causes like with the Voice 4 Girls, Rotaract Club and more. "I try to dedicate my time to different causes during the weekend," she shares. Since she has a considerable presence on Instagram, we ask her how does she counsel herself when she reads negative comments about her writing. "I don't compete with anyone nor do the comments affect me. I write for myself and to pour out my feelings," she says with a smile.
A poem by her
I don't belong here
I never did
Instead I feel peace like home
In mountains, rivers and sea
Away from people and their erroneous ideologies
The world now is fallacious.
Kindness is rarely seen,
Love is never felt and
Passion replaced with needs.
To change the erroneous concept of being
Will be my only goal
It won't be wrong if you address me as
"Millennial with an old soul"
For more on her, check out instagram.com/wordsofmaliha
