Hi Guru,

I am a 17-year-old guy. I am very much into music. Now, my problem is quite different from what you usually deal with, but I hope I'll get a satisfactory reply. I want to write on music but I have no idea where to start, who to contact, and how to get published. I have also thought of starting a low budget newsletter or magazine. Please help me out.

Music Freak

Dear Music Freak,

If you are really interested in writing on music then first you need to to do a lot of research. I mean, you simply cannot write on music just because you are interested in it: music is a very difficult and vast subject and to write on music is no easy game. You have to have a thorough knowledge of the subject and good command over language to be able to express yourself. If you have a will and determination to work hard for your passion then I am sure one day you'll be recognised as a music critic, but for that you really will have to work hard. To start with, you can write your pieces and send to Us, as our magazine has a page for music reviews and we welcome contributions from everywhere. It does not matter whether the writer is an established one or a novice, the article should be well-written and well-researched. You can send your contributions at: us.mag@the.news.com.pk. As for starting your own newsletter or magazine, I think you should re-consider your plan, as it is hardly feasible at this stage. First, you need to establish yourself as a credible music writer by gaining experience in this field and then you can start your own thing. But it will also take you some time to reach that stage and you'll also need huge amount of money or investments to start your own magazine. So concentrate on your writing and put on hold the idea of having your own magazine till you are in a position to do so.

Good luck!

Salam Guru,

I am 21 years old. I love this girl 'S' and we both were having a perfect relationship. I wanted to marry her and sent my parents to her house, but at the eleventh hour she refused my proposal. I later learnt that she rejected my proposal under her mother's pressure.

Actually, her tutor was against our friendship from the very beginning. He sent an email to her cousin and wrote nasty things about us. Her cousin showed that email to her mother, who got flabbergasted and told her daughter strictly not to see me again. I am right now preparing for CSS exams, but I can't forget her, which is also affecting my studies. I just want her back in my life. What should I do?

Mr. Wanted

Dear Mr. Wanted,

I don't doubt your intentions and I know you want her back in your life, but since the situation has become complicated, you need to deal with it very tactfully. I think you should talk to her mother and explain your position. Tell her that you really love her daughter and are sincere with her and that's the reason why you proposed to her. Had you not been sincere, you would never have proposed to her.

You can also take your parents in confidence. I am sure they will understand your problem and will help you out.

Young boy, don't lose heart. Have faith in Allah. I am sure S also loves you but she is helpless in front of her parents. She is an eastern girl and cannot go against her parents' wishes. But now the ball is in your court. Let's see how wisely you play it.

Good luck!

Confidential

Dear Worried Friend,

I really appreciate your concern for your friend. It's good that your friend has realised her fault and wants to settle down. Now you must tell her that she should not worry about anything. Her past is over, and she can always start afresh. She needs your moral support and love at this stage more than ever.

Tell her not to worry about what others think of her, and to just concentrate on her future and forget the idea of marrying for few years. After she has established her credibility again, it will be easier for her to find a nice, decent boy. Just remember that in today's busy life nobody has time to think about things which happened years ago. Everybody is busy with their own problems. So tell your friend to relax and try to forget about all the past 'unhappy' incidences. She will be fine soon. Good luck!

Kindly send your problems at: us.mag@thenews.com.pk