Interview With Author Nazia Kamali
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been fond of writing ever since I was a kid. Although I studied engineering at school, it was pretty evident to me where my interests lie.
I began writing at a young age, and was Associate Editor of my college magazine. My first article was published in 2021 and I haven’t looked back ever since.
I have published my first book this year with several others in the docket.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beyond the Interregnum, my debut novel came into being when I was thinking about how fantasy does not always need to be about magic.
This book deals with alternate universe inhabited by Djinns, who are quite scientifically advanced.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure about that.
I believe every write has a unique habit but if its unusual or not is debatable.
As for me, I do not write a detailed outline of my work. If I know too much about it, I loose interest.
I have a character sketch and a direction in mind, but I like to explore the story. Let the characters forge their own path.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced a lot by Amitav Ghosh – I wish I could write beautifully like him.
I have also been an ardent admirer of Paulo Coelho – I read him a lot during my college days.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel of Beyond the Interregnum.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still new to the game, but I believe a collective effort is the best one – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, all such websites are good.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can – the good, the bad, the excellent books, the ones no one like, the ones that win awards, and the ones that you are told to not read. Only then will you understand the difference between what you like to read, what you would like to write, and how do you want to present the story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write everyday, even if you are editing a previous work. Sit on the computer and type, make words come out of you.
Be consistent
What are you reading now?
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write a long epic, which is a dream right now
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?
The Harry Potter Series
The Book Thief
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