Interview With Author Sikandar (Siku) Kamaluddeen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Sikandar Kamaluddeen, though most people know me as Siku. I’m a father, entrepreneur, business developer, and a coder-turned-graphic artist from the Maldives, with a deep passion for storytelling. Born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Maldives, I still call it home. I’ve written one book so far, but I’m already crafting more exciting adventures for young readers. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and spark curiosity in children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration for my latest book came from my daughter, Aara. Her endless curiosity and love for learning sparked the idea to create a fun and engaging story that introduces kids to the world of wonders. I wanted to make learning an adventure and show children that there’s always something new to discover if they stay curious and ask questions. Aara’s sense of wonder is at the heart of this series, and I hope it inspires young readers to explore the world around them with the same excitement!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oftentimes, I feel inspired late at night, so I would take my laptop and start scribbling ideas. I also tend to do digital sketches in the course of my writing. This is especially useful when dealing with a children’s book on scenes and characters which need to be visually represented. It’s a combination of writ ing and drawing that works wonders in opening the creative floodgates!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my all-time favorite children’s books is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, the brilliant Scottish novelist, essayist, and poet. Growing up, I was also a big fan of comics. I devoured every Tintin and Asterix and Obelix comic I could get my hands on. That’s probably where a lot of my inspiration comes from—I’ve always had a dream of creating my own comics!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on the next book in the Aara’s Adventures series. My goal is to make it even more interactive and relatable for children, improving on the first book in every way. I’m excited to create an even better experience for young readers!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method for promoting my books has been to engage with my audience directly. I use social media platforms to connect with readers, share sneak peeks, and create discussions about the themes in my book. Ultimately, building a community around the books makes promotion more effective and enjoyable!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t see myself as a very experienced author since I’ve only published one book. However, I believe the most important piece of advice is to never give up and always strive to improve with each new project. Keep moving forward, and you’ll reach your goals!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In 2004, I received a late-night text message from my mom that said, “Try, try, and try… and you will succeed.” I doubt she remembers sending it, as it was so long ago. Still, those words continue to motivate me to pursue my goals in everything I do.
What are you reading now?
I enjoy reading about history, philosophy, and various aspects of business and creative arts. So, there isn’t a specific book I’m focused on; rather, I’m exploring different topics and gathering bits and pieces from various sources.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My immediate focus is on completing the next book in the Aara’s Adventures series. I’m excited to dive deeper into new themes and make the story even more engaging for young readers. Beyond that, I hope to explore more creative projects, possibly branching out into different genres and formats, to inspire curiosity and learning in children everywhere!
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?
Being from the Maldives, I’d probably find some enjoyment in being stranded on a deserted island! If I were in that situation, I would bring Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson for its sense of adventure, Tao Te Ching by Lao Zi for its wisdom, and The World as I See It by Albert Einstein for its thought-provoking insights.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sikandar (Siku) Kamaluddeen Website
Sikandar (Siku) Kamaluddeen Amazon Profile
Sikandar (Siku) Kamaluddeen’s Social Media Links
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