First timers’ corner
Dear Ed,
You know, I was about to write ‘this is my first letter to you’ but checked myself just in time. After all, there is always a first time for everyone who write to you, so what’s the point in writing ‘it’s my first letter’. There, I have said it and not said it at all! You are welcome to print in under the first timers; heading. I would like to commend you on your writers; most of them are really very good. Their command over the English language is amazing. But, my favourite writer is Asif Nawaz. His name is enough to guarantee an interesting, poignant read. This guy has a way with words!
I have also read letters asking you to get old writers back. I can only say that people have a way of outgrowing whatever they do at some point in time. These old writers are probably too old to relate to a youthful readership so accept that young writers or fresh blood should always be encouraged.
Aamir Najeeb, Lahore
Query
Dear Editor,
I wish to get my short story published in your magazine. Kindly guide me in this regard.
Rabia Ramzan
For a one-page story, your word count should be between 550-650 words. Our mailing address for all contributions except poetry is: us.mag@thenews.com.pk.
Dear Ed,
I have written a short story. It is roughly of 3600 words. Do I have to send images to go with it?
Faizan Haq
Um... a story of over 550 words is not short for Us. You can send it to us, though, and you don’t have to send images to go with it. However, if you are an artist and want your own art work to adorn your story, you are welcome to send us appropriate illustrations.
Dear readers,
There’s something we need to address: we have been accused of favouring our old writers and ignoring the new ones. To clarify our position, we can only say that we mostly have new, and very talented young writers who have been sending us their stories and articles. Our ‘old’ writers seldom have time to write anymore because they are mostly working now; some of them are not even in the country!
In fact, we take this opportunity to announce there is an exciting award of a gift card worth Rs5000, a set of dictionaries and colouring books for adults for anyone who can send a story of 1600 words within three days from the publication of this notice. The genre is mystery/thriller/adventure. There are only three prizes, so hurry!
Also, from this month onwards, we have decided to reward our writers who so graciously give us their feedback on the mag. The letter of the month award will be a T-shirt with Us magazine’s and The News’ logo. Any letter to qualify for this award should not be of less than 150 words, and must be a critique of any stories or articles published in Us.
We would like to wish a belated Easter Mubarak to our Christian readers.
Till next time, bye!
Reflection
Narrated by
Ibn Umar (R.A)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Your example and the example of the people of the two Scriptures (i.e. Jews and Christians) is like the example of a man who employed some labourers and asked them, “Who will work for me from morning till midday for one Qirat?” The Jews accepted and carried out the work. He then asked, “Who will work for me from midday up to the Asr prayer for one Qirat?” The Christians accepted and fulfilled the work. He then said, “Who will work for me from the ‘Asr till sunset for two Qirats?” You, Muslims have accepted the offer. The Jews and the Christians got angry and said, “Why should we work more and get lesser wages?” (Allah) said, “Have I with-held part of your right?” They replied in the negative. He said, “It is My Blessing, I bestow upon whomever I wish.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 36, Number 468
Editor:
Lubna Khalid
Us Magazine, 4th Floor, Al Rahman Building,
I.I.Chundrigar Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
E-mail for contributions and letters: us.mag@thenews.com.pk
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