Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Maheen Salman Ahmad, a thirteen-year-old Pakistani author. I found my calling at the age of eleven, finding writing to be a way to find relief from my problems and express myself. Always an ambitious person, I resolved to become a published author by the age of thirteen, and after a lot of hard work, achieved my life’s dream. I have won multiple writing awards and have been called a ‘nerd extraordinaire’ more than a few times. I have only just debuted my first novel, To Where It All Began.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my novel is To Where It All Began and it was inspired by a dream and a number of different stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to take a notebook everywhere and can’t go a single day without writing at least 500 words.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was originally inspired by Christopher Paolini when I learnt that he wrote his debut novel, Eragon, when fifteen and became a bestselling author shortly after. I had a huge burst of ambition and I never like to be second to anyone, so I vowed to publish one of my own novels! Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows Duology, Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings, Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider, Rick Riordan’s books and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events have all influenced my writing greatly and I am a huge fan.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on multiple novels; I am co-authoring a trilogy, writing another series and penning the second book of the Coming Full Circle Cycle (following To Where It All Began) all at the same time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Inkitt, Awesome Gang, This is Writing and number of book promotion sites. In addition, I use Instagram to spread the news of my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I will only say this: I’m a new author myself and this industry is a vast, terrifying one to be in. The publishing journey is hard and slow, but you have to have PERSISTENCE. You will always learn new things and keep getting better – and often, results are underwhelming and dismal – but is you really want to do this, you’re going to get there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice? If you want to be a writer, write. Read like a writer. Keep. Writing.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a number of series: Alex Rider (Nightshade!); re-reading a lot of old series which are personal favourites. (Though if anyone has a good suggestion, please give them, I’m DESPERATE).
What’s next for you as a writer?
I definitely want to achieve the mantle of a bestselling author, and never stop growing.
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?
I would bring the Six of Crows Doulogy, Alex Rider: Nightshade and The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan.
Author Websites and Profiles
Maheen Salman Amazon Profile
Maheen Salman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile