Nayaab Suhel of BSF Senior Secondary School, Shillong, has just published her third book

Nayaab Suhel would jot down her thoughts — from everyday activities to travel experiences. Encouraged by her mother and school teacher, the girl from Meghalaya continued writing. The Class X student from BSF Senior Secondary School, Shillong, recently published her third book, In the Abode of Clouds.

Nayaab’s latest book, In the Abode of Clouds, tells the story of Meghalaya through the eyes of a little girl. She wrote Flamingo in Vamprickle Land in 2020 and Gobo and the Enchanted Toadstool 2021.

The 14-year-old was among the top 50 finalists at the Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards.

Mother her biggest fan

Nayaab says her mother is her biggest fan. When little Nayaab filled her notebooks and diaries with her writing, it is her mother who encouraged her. “I used to jot down my travel experiences, my daily routine, events and my feelings from time to time from a very young age. After landing in Shillong from Guwahati three years ago, I started writing short stories for a Sunday supplement of a leading daily in Meghalaya. I also wrote in Story Mirror, where I was selected as Author of the Week and first runner-up in the Reader’s Choice category. When I saw my stories being published, I felt that my writings were worth a read,” Nayaab said.

Meghalaya through her eyes

Nayaab’s teacher at BSF Senior Secondary School, Shillong, asked her to write about Meghalaya. “There is a lot of non-fiction on Meghalaya. But in my book, I talk about Meghalaya within a story. It describes the beauty of Meghalaya through the eyes of a little girl called Nabby. She starts living in Meghalaya after her father is transferred there. The book covers the tradition, culture and scenic beauty of the state, all written from a young girl’s point of view. The matrilineal society of Meghalaya is something very unique, which many don’t know about. I have highlighted that in my book,” the young author said.

Fave authors

Nayaab likes to read as much as she loves to write. Enid Blyton, J.K. Rowling and Chris Colfer are among her favourites. “My passion for reading and writing is inspired by Enid Blyton’s description of the countryside, children going on adventures and solving mysteries, their pets and all the goodies. J.K. Rowling’s life inspires me a lot. Publishers rejected her writings before she went on to become a bestseller. It has taught me that I should keep writing and not lose hope. Chris Colfer, despite being an actor and singer, continues to write. I feel whatever profession I take up, I should continue to write too,” said Nayaab.

The pandemic

The pandemic gave Nayaab more time to write. “I saved time because we had online classes and no outdoor activities. My mother gave me plenty of books to read. My school also appreciated my efforts and kept encouraging me to write more. Whenever thoughts come to my mind, I grab my pen and diary. I even carry my diary to school and whenever I go during my free time,” Nayaab said.