A Winter’s Affection: Subin Bhattarai’s Literary Journey
Author Subin Bhattarai revealed that his novel ‘Summer Love,’ written 15 years ago, marked a significant turning point in his life. At that time, he was unemployed but was filled with confidence while writing ‘Summer Love,’ which was eventually published by Fineprint Publications. The book received nationwide acclaim and established Bhattarai’s literary identity.
“I vividly remember those days fifteen years ago. The festivals of Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath had just passed, and the winter had just begun. The room was very cold, and sunlight didn’t reach inside directly. In that chilly atmosphere, my heart felt strangely melancholic. Resting my head and placing the laptop on my lap, I spent the entire winter day writing. I didn’t feel the cold at all, nor did the sunlight outside tempt me. The winter rains would start and stop intermittently, but I was indifferent to them. Staying indoors all day, my knees started to stiffen, my back began to ache, and the monotonous routine became tiring, yet I stubbornly kept writing my story.”
“I was searching for light in the dark tunnel of the story. The colorful facets of the tale resonated with the sadness of the frost and snow around me that year. I found the words incredibly warm, which made me forget the entire winter chill. If someone were to ask when I experienced the least cold in my life, I would say, ‘The year I wrote Summer Love.’ When I wrote Summer Love, I was almost unemployed. I say almost because I was teaching one class a week at a college — that little work saved me from complete unemployment.”
“My employment status then was like the single remaining leaf on a tree in O. Henry’s ‘The Last Leaf.’ Hope was just as scarce. Many friends were employed, some were married, and their Facebook pages were filling up with honeymoon photos. I was lost in my own worries. Meeting friends only heightened my loneliness. Though I spent many hours in warm cafes, others failed to see my condition. When someone tried to get close, I would pull away. Despite all this, if asked ‘When was the most enjoyable time for you?’ I would say, ‘When I wrote Summer Love.’”
“Back then, I was unknown, with no grounds to trust myself. I was just an author of a failed book which even readers didn’t believe in. Who knew if the book hadn’t found a good publisher and distribution, I might have ended my writing career with Summer Love. That unemployed, sad, and disheartened author was given a great opportunity by Fineprint. My journey with storytelling began anew. I nurtured the words throughout winter and lit the lamp of my life. The vibrant environment of Twitter and Facebook in the capital city further brightened my words.”
“After three months, that writing, like life itself, was completed. Even if no one read or trusted the first book, I was confident. I never felt lost on the path I had chosen. Writing was not just about putting words on paper; it was about living life again. I felt once more the life I had just left behind. Memories of studying environmental science at Tribhuvan University — conversations with friends, days of study, teachers, going to watch movies, friends’ love stories, examinations, and thesis — all those remain etched in my mind.”
“Within three months, the first draft of ‘Summer Love’ was complete. Back then, I would put old books in a bag and go everywhere promoting the new one. I approached some critics and reviewers, saying, ‘Please read it.’ I would add, ‘If you write something, I would be grateful.’ I always faced them with a smile. Many books piled up, and so did hopes. One day I received a Facebook message: ‘Subinji, I read your story and liked it very much.’ That day, though hungry, my heart was filled with joy. Later, I spoke with Ajit Baral from Fineprint, who invited me for another book. This opportunity felt incredible. I went to Fineprint’s office and handed over the manuscript. Within two weeks, Fineprint offered a large-scale publication of 10,000 copies. With this campaign reaching hundreds of young people, a new journey of success began for me.”
“‘Summer Love’ was published with an attractive cover and high production quality. Fineprint’s team promoted it nationwide during the launch. Dozens of copies reached readers, and I started meeting others and receiving recognition for my work. ‘Summer Love’ gave new life to me and my readers. Its characters remain young in readers’ hearts, and the new generation of readers is growing. ‘Summer Love’ is significant to me not just legally but also emotionally. The feedback from readers continues to inspire me on this journey. I consider it my favorite book because ‘Summer Love’ is not just a book but a personal sentiment. Even today, readers ask about the shadows and past of ‘Summer Love’s’ characters, to which I respond, ‘The characters were fictional.’”
Subin Bhattarai wrote this reflection in the month of Poush, 2082 (Nepali calendar).