I grew up in New Delhi, India, in a house and family where reading was really encouraged. Growing up, there wasn’t a free moment when I didn’t have a book in my hand. Soon enough, I began to imagine my own stories. Images became words, then sentences, then full pieces of writing. As a child, I published poems in the local school magazine, and eventually, in my adolescent years, I wrote and published several short stories and a full length novel.

In my adulthood, it has been increasingly difficult to find the time and dedication to write – among the milestones of college, a demanding first job, and now graduate school. But whenever I do write, it never fails to elicit the sweetest of emotions. The beauty of an initial idea. The thrill of finding just the right word to fit a line. The satisfaction of looking at a finished product that I, uniquely, have created and shared with the world.

The Poetry (Half) Marathon gives me an opportunity to collectively experience the joy of writing with a community all over the world. This is the third time I am participating and similar to last year, my boyfriend and I will be doing it together. We’re down in Paso Robles, California for the weekend, surrounded by beautiful vineyards, sunny weather, and our indispensable laptops. We’re excited to channel all our creativity and undertake this journey together, and with the rest of you.

Good luck to everyone who is starting out now, and keep it up for those of you who have been braving this for the last 8 hours! Will see you on the other side!