Remember Why We Write

By Shirin Shamsi

Often times writing can be a solitary experience - at least that’s how I write. Solitary and alone with my thoughts, I escape into my world of imagination. I dig deep as I step into my zone of: 

Writing
Reading
Scribbling
Sketching
Doodling
Dreaming

But then there are times when I attend conferences, to meet others, to learn, to be inspired, and to receive confirmation that what we are doing is important. It’s where I meet others who have a shared love of books, of reading, of writing - my bookish people! I recently attended the American Library Association Annual Conference, which happened to be in my own back yard - Chicago. There were fifteen thousand in attendance throughout the week-long event. It was huge. It was magnificent. 

I was overwhelmed with feelings of joy and gratitude. Meeting librarians, educators, and authors from across the country was simply magical! It was a time of replenishment, of in-person meetings and connection with friends some whom I’ve only ever known online. I highly recommend you take time out of your solitary work to sign up for an event in your area. Whether it be an annual conference or a regional event, it’s important to connect with other writers, and also with librarians and educators. 

One mother came clutching my book in her hands, tears in her eyes. She thanked me for writing my book. She thanked me for allowing her daughter to feel seen in the pages of my story. I was lost for words, overcome with emotion, and overwhelmed with gratitude.

It’s why I write. It’s why we write. 

Shirin Shamsi has lived on three continents. She moved to the USA over three decades ago, where she has raised six children - three human and 3 feline. She now spends her days writing, sketching, painting and reading. School visits and reading to children are some of her greatest joys. Shirin has twelve published books, and is working on numerous works-in-progress.

Laila and the Sands of Time (Clear Fork Publishing, 2019) is her middle grade novel.
Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written with Callie Lovvorn and Melissa Stoller, illustrated by Kate Talbot 2021)
Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story (Barefoot Books 2022)
The Moon From Dehradun (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2022)