The Jam Fruit Tree’s latest event, “Between the Lines” literary event, in collaboration with Observer MUSE, Chokolaate Magazine and the O2 Café, came to another successful conclusion at the O2 Café on Saturday, February 22.
In a world where words breathe life, stories bridge hearts and creativity brings purpose, Between the Lines once again proved to be the perfect celebration of these heartfelt sentiments in the literary community of Sri Lanka. With a full house and encouraging conversations, four authors of The Jam Fruit Tree Publications were featured as they shared snippets of their books and discussed their work surrounding varying themes of love, sorrow, reflection, courage, strength and all that makes up the human experience, offering the audience a glimpse into their crafts and the journeys that inspired them.
This is what the four authors: Ramzi Zaindeen, Subi Nanayakkara, Neloma Wijesiinghe and Sajida Fazal had to say about the event.
Ramzi Zaindeen shared insights from his fascinating and out of the ordinary thriller book, “I See You,” which touches on various issues that are commonly brushed off by society. Zaindeen’s narrative style and interesting conversations left the readers at the edge of their seats. His book which weaved around various themes such as fate, philosophy, mystery, fantasy and tragic comedy, with the most attention-grabbing and thought-provoking storylines and plot twists, had the audience curious and hooked.
As he shared insights into the creation of his book, the audience had the chance to better understand the deep themes explored in his work and the inspiration behind the novel’s many twists and turns. “Between the lines of every great story lies the energy of those who bring it to life. As the author of “I See You”, I had the privilege of experiencing that firsthand at this fantastic event. Meeting three wonderful fellow authors was a highlight, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the table.
“The audience’s enthusiasm was infectious – every question sparked deeper conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the worlds we build with our words. It was more than just a discussion; it was a space where ideas thrived, and for that, I’m truly grateful,” said Ramzi.
The audience
Alongside Zaindeen, Neloma Wijesinghe presented her two beloved poetry collections, “Soul” and “Sounds Like Fun”. In “Soul,” she explored the depths of emotion and captured the human experience through evocative and relatable verses, each poem offering a glimpse into the vulnerabilities and strengths that make up the human experience.
Her ability to capture deep emotions in a way resonated with the diverse audience. Her book, “Sounds Like Fun” is a delightful and imaginative poetry collection geared towards younger readers.
This book introduces children to the sounds of the alphabet, turning what could be a simple lesson into an exciting and creative journey through playful poetry, prompting many in the audience to ask questions and reach out for her books.
“As a first-time publisher, I benefited immensely from the experience at Between the Lines. It gave me the opportunity to share my journey with an enthusiastic audience and three incredible writers. JFT had thought of everything. When the evening ended, I left feeling on top of the world. More people than I had imagined were interested in my work, a poet in the making had been inspired, and as icing on the cake, I walked away having met some amazing like-minded people with whom the essence of the evening would transition into new adventures and inspiration,” said Neloma.
Subi Nanayakkara, another talented author, also played a key role in the event. She discussed her gripping novel, “The Narcissist,” which explores the psychological and emotional dynamics of narcissism shedding light on the effects of self-obsession and its impact on personal relationships.
Drawing from her own life experiences, her narrative offered an honest and raw insight into the realm of narcissism through a creative and unique writing style, all the while challenging the readers and audience to notice patterns, confront uncomfortable truths and take the necessary steps towards facing the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ego.
Her discussion into this topic encouraged the audience to stand up for themselves and turn negative experiences into personal strengths.
“The Between the Lines event was an absolute highlight, filled with great energy. As I read a couple of pages it was clear that the audience was deeply connected to the story, which made the entire event like a shared journey. The audience’s engagement was nothing short of inspiring. Their attentiveness, curiosity, and thoughtful reactions made the experience incredibly rewarding.
“Their questions and insights after the readings sparked lively discussions and truly brought the pages to life, I am sure the other authors at the event felt the same way. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share this moment with, thankful to everyone who made it so special!,” said Subi.
State Literary Award winner, Sajida Fazal enchanted the audience with her heartwarming children’s book “Collin and the Caterpillar,” which is a beautiful tale that explores themes of curiosity, empathy, growth, transformation and love. The book offered readers a gentle yet powerful reminder of the beauty of embracing change and the importance of caring for ourselves and others as we evolve.
Her storytelling resonated with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of embracing life’s journey. It is a book that remained with the audience long after the discussion was over. “As a featured author, I had a great time at the event. It was an honour to share the stage with Ramzi, Subi, and Neloma and hear their inspiring stories. The audience was engaged, the conversations flowed naturally, and it made for a meaningful, enriching exchange. Huge thanks to The Jam Fruit Tree for organizing such a fantastic event!” said Sajida.
