Interview With Author Hiba KIAL
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an architect by profession and a creator by soul. My journey has been a continuous exploration of art, history, and the human experience, seamlessly blending creativity with intellectual depth. With a background in architecture, I have cultivated a profound understanding of space, form, and cultural heritage, which is reflected not only in my designs but also in my written work. As a researcher with a focus on anthropology and history, I delve into the essence of civilizations, seeking to uncover the stories that shape our world. My passion for storytelling extends beyond architecture, manifesting in a range of written works, from thought-provoking articles to more extensive literary projects. I have had the privilege of publishing a book, while several other works are in progress, each reflecting my dedication to both artistry and scholarship. Additionally, my expression flows through painting and music, where I find harmony and inspiration that enriches my creative vision. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to bridge the tangible and the abstract, crafting experiences that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is an ongoing exploration of identity, growth, and self-discovery. Drawing from my personal experiences and the lessons that have shaped me, this project delves into the profound shifts that define who we are and how we evolve over time. It reflects on the cognitive and emotional work one can undertake to achieve self-improvement and uncover a true sense of purpose. Through this journey, I aim to question the very essence of what it means to be the best version of oneself — whether it lies in accomplishments or in the continuous pursuit of personal growth. This work is not merely a reflection of my story but an invitation for others to embark on their own path of self-exploration.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do have a rather unique writing habit. I tend to glamorize procrastination, seeing it as a necessary part of my creative process. I allow my mind the space to wander, explore, and dive as deep as it needs to before I express anything. It’s like giving myself permission to form an impression, allowing it to fully develop, before translating it into words. This mental exploration is where the magic happens — it’s less about rushing the words onto the page and more about giving them the time they need to resonate with clarity and authenticity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When it comes to influence, I don’t necessarily gravitate toward specific authors or books alone; rather, I find myself drawn to the essence of every book I read. Each one feels like a blueprint of its author’s life, their unique way of perceiving the world, and how they navigate the vast human experience with all its complexities. It’s as if every book offers me a glimpse into their soul — their beliefs, their knowledge, and the very foundation from which their words emerge. I align with this vision, not by simply absorbing the content, but by connecting deeply with the underlying essence. Understanding the author’s journey, the roots of their thoughts, allows me to truly appreciate and resonate with the work on a more intimate level. It’s like an ongoing conversation with history, philosophy, and human nature itself, where each book contributes to a broader, richer understanding.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am immersed in anthropological research that explores the profound ways in which cities have been shaped and transformed by civilizations, cultures, and the people who have passed through them. It’s a fascinating journey, uncovering the layers of history that have left their mark on the urban landscape. What strikes me most is how every shift, every transformation, seems to follow a distinct, chronological order, where the present always holds traces of the past. It’s almost as if there is an invisible thread, connecting every era and every change, reaching back through history to a point where it all began. This ongoing work has been nothing short of remarkable, as it continuously unveils the intricate relationships between people and their environments, and how these forces have shaped the cities we know today.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my books, I actually don’t focus on actively pushing them out into the world. I believe in the concept that your tribe will find you. I don’t feel the need to shove my work in everyone’s face. I think every person has something valuable to offer, and as part of this interconnected web of humanity, there are those out there who need the information I share. It’s my duty, as someone who thinks and creates, to put that information out there — for those who resonate with it. They will find it when the time is right. I trust that those who are meant to connect with my work will do so naturally. Your tribe will find you, and that’s the beauty of it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is simple: express yourself. Don’t repress it. I truly believe this is one of the most beautiful realizations we can have in life. There is always a way to express what’s inside you. If it’s through writing, grab a raw pen and just let it flow. Don’t be afraid to create new words, new worlds, new ideas, and new currents. There’s this common belief that everything has already been written or discovered, but I disagree. It hasn’t been discovered through your lens — and that’s what makes your work special. You are unique, and the way you see the world is unlike anyone else. So, express yourself, authentically and unapologetically.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is this: “You are the main character of your book.” Once you truly understand this, it transforms everything. You no longer live in a scarcity mindset, constantly afraid of turning a new page in your life. You realize that you are the one holding the pen, writing your own story. This is such a powerful realization because it shifts the narrative — you are not a passive observer of your life, but the one who gets to decide what comes next. It gives you the courage to move forward, knowing that you have the power to shape your own journey.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m diving into comic books, which I believe are incredibly underrated. They’re a brilliant fusion of art and literature, offering a unique way to enhance creativity. As an artist, creating characters and stories from thin air and expressing them through drawings is a powerful form of self-expression. It’s like writing the script of a movie, where you control what each character thinks or says, while the artwork brings everything to life. I think comic books deserve more recognition as a form of literature because they allow for a deeply immersive experience, where both the art and the words work together to express something beyond the individual elements. It’s not just about descriptions — it’s about pure expression, using characters and imagery to share ideas and stories in a visually dynamic way.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is to express myself even more freely, without boundaries or limitations. I want to let go of any constraints on my mind, allowing it to flow naturally and fully. It’s about embracing complete freedom in my writing — to be unfiltered, to explore new depths, and to create without fear or hesitation. A free writer is someone with a free mind, and that’s the direction I’m heading towards: a limitless, uninhibited form of self-expression.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island and could take a few books with me, my choices would be both comforting and inspiring. I’d bring *Un livre de coloriage* to engage my creativity, to find solace in expression through color. I’d also take *Le Petit Lord Fauntleroy* by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the first book I ever read, with its heartwarming themes of kindness and transformation. Then, I’d choose a classic from Jules Verne, perhaps *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea*, for its boundless adventure and exploration of the unknown. Finally, I’d bring a work by Colette, whose sensuous prose always feels like an invitation to dive deeper into the human experience. These books would nourish my mind and soul, providing both refuge and inspiration in solitude.
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