“My story is important not because it is mine, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognise that in many ways it is also yours.”
When I was much younger – ok, an angst-ridden teenager with several James Dean posters in my bedroom – I dreamed of being a writer. I didn’t put much thought into how I would actually do it – I just had that unshakeable confidence of youth that it would happen one day. This was a few years before the Internet so my vision of the writing process encompassed me sitting in some poky garret somewhere, slouched over an ancient typewriter, fuelled by copious amounts of black coffee and cigarettes.
Hence the title for this blog. Sadly I never owned an ancient typewriter, nor did I live in a poky garret (even my lodgings at uni were pretty decent by most standards) and I don’t like black coffee. I did however make it as a writer – or at least as a journalist – I do drink at least one cappuccino a day (soya milk when I’m feeling particularly virtuous) and I smoke. A fair amount (I’m too ashamed to admit how many).
A little about me – I’m a British Indian woman, living and working in the crowded, chaotic, sometimes frustrating but always captivating city that is Cairo. I’ve been a public relations consultant and a journalist and am now mainly an editor, but in my heart I’ve always been a writer first. I write about all sorts of things because I’m interested in, and curious about, just about everything. My aim is for my writing to be precise, honest, spare when necessary, lyrical if possible, and authentic – all the things I enjoy most in my fellow writers.
If you’re out there and reading this, thank you and welcome to my world.
Black coffee and cigarettes 
hmmm . . .what a beautiful way of describing who you are . . . although that it sounds a lot like me . .specially with the “coffee and cigarettes “thing . .
would love to able to write like you do . .
good luck. : )
I just..really liked this. Especially when I read that you’re writing from Cairo 🙂
Thank you, Sarah – much appreciated 🙂
yes I liked your blogging no offense I was surprised to see s women at the helm Im really new to this word bloggin g I also studder sorry can you tell ps I did guit smoking 16wks now your awseome…
And thus Sunita successfully fended off the doldrums of writer’s block, spiced up her life, and graced us with her thoughts via the written word. well done, well done indeed.
Thank you, Bart. I’m not sure you ever win the battle against writer’s block but you’ve got to be in it to win it. I hope you’re having fun, wherever you are right now..
I’ve just devoured your blog and love it! Keep em coming! Zxx
I’m with Zoe… I love this blog – more please! x
Thank you both so much – I hope you are well.. x
So fantastic that you’ve gone live with this! Keep the words of wisdom coming…. xx
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Hey… From India. This is Jenny – we were over at your place in the early 90s.. Me, my brother and parents. Hope its rung a bell somewhere! All the best with your blog!! Egypt sounds like the place to be! Hope its safe! Take care.
thank you, jenny! take care all. x
You were always going to be a writer Sunita. I remember you at school taking the English teachers to task over spelling, vocabulary, you name it. You were always more widely read and more able to articulate yourself than any of the rest of us.
It’s been fascinating reading your blog over the last week or two. It has given me a more personal, honest insight into the situation than any of the usual news sources. Thank you and long may your writing continue !
lol, mags – i sound so awful – i loved our english teachers, honest! thank you so much for the lovely comments though – it’s been a privilege to have been here … x
I’M A JOURNALIST FROM NIGERIA. WANT TO DO THIS TOO, PLS TEACH ME HOW TO GO ABOUT IT…I ENJOYED YOUR TAKES ON CAIRO ANYWAY, AND PLEASE TRY TO STOP SMOKING LOL.
OLUWATOYIN
Heya, love your blog! Would i be able to feature some of your entries on my site? http://coconutlounge.co.uk ?
Just wanted to let you know I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award and it has been posted on my page, sorry for the delay!
Hey – thank you so much – that’s so very kind of you. I’m just hoping for a spare moment to post about it – have been manically busy of late – still want to reply to everyone who responded to the writing piece 🙂 I shall do it as soon as poss – thank you again and take care – and good luck with your writing! 🙂
Hi Sunita, I came in here on account of your delightful title. Oh yes, I am addicted to both. And I do live in a garret of sorts, with lots of books indeed, and I do have not one, but two ancient typewriters (and I do use them); important thing is, I still didn’t make it as a writer! Lol. Something tells me I am going to love your blog. So, going to read, after a strong cup of black coffee, oh yeah, smoking already. Best.
I love that you epitomise the spirit of this blog! I’ve given up the cigarettes now but decided to retain the title – it’s a state of mind as much as an action 🙂 take care and all best – and welcome!
Congratulations on putting the cigarettes, glad your keeping the title.
Quitting
Hi! I’m a university student looking for some feedback on my blog. I love the title of your blog, your topics, and the voice you have in your writing. My blog is reinventyourselftoo.wordpress.com. I love to hear your feedback!
Simply .. attaching .. You are so clear in explaining and expressing all the mess in your head
Just to let you know, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Cheers!
Thank you! I’m not sure that I’ll have the time to do this but I’m planning to highlight some of the great blogs out there anyway. Many thanks again.
My partner and I are wanting to travel to Cairo next year, I just discovered your blog. Looking forward to reading more. What I’ve read so far is great, thanks!
Thank you and you’re very welcome. Glad to hear you’re coming here – Cairo is an amazing city.
Hello,
I write to inform you that I nominee you for the Liebster Award. Here you can find everything: ttps://bookishexplorerblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/12/liebster-award-nomination
It’s in italian so if you want some explanation just ask me.
Thank you and congrats for your work
Hello – thank you so much for the recommendation but I’ve decided – after some thought – to eschew awards like this. Very touched that you nominated me and I appreciate that it’s as much to raise the profile of other bloggers as recognise mine but I hope to do that in other ways. Many thanks again and all best.
Hello, I love your blog and I look forward to following.
Thank you!
What a wonderful and most inspiring blog you have! I’ll be back for more, I’m your new follower. 🙂
Best regards,
love from the Far North,
Dina
Thank you Dina!
I am glad I picked you to follow, I like your introduction and makes me want to read more of your posts. Very well written!. I am new to blogging and been finding some interesting things to post myself.I drink coffee and smoke cigarettes unfortunately too, The title lured me in to view. Anyway, blogging gives me a chance to write my story and some other stories of interest, and view others. ☺Happy blogging
Thank you JL – I’m sorry this is so late – life got in the way recently. I still love my coffee though you know I’m an ex-smoker now. Good luck with your blog – always good to share your story.
Thank you, I understand about life getting busy. I enjoy your blog too, and reading and following others. It can be very time consuming, but enjoyable.
I just starting playing one night and created a blog, I know it still needs work.
I am glad to hear you made it as a writer, that gives me hope that I may someday be able to say the same. I have never owned an ancient typewriter either, but there is still time!
Sorry this is so late Bryan – have been meaning to write for ages. Looks to me like you’ve already made it with your blog – lovely site, and I share your love for poetry. Good luck and take care.
Oh, I haven’t made it at all! I have the MFA, which was step one. Now I am submitting to literary journals and contests. That’s step two. Keep on writing, we’ll get there!
-Bryan
Good luck – I’n sure you will!
Thanks for sharing: very nice description 🙂
Thank you Giovanni