Zeneefa Zaneer

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Zeneefa Zaneer, coming from the Pearl of Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka. I’ve published two Sinhala books- Poodinna idadenna (Let me bloom)
Senehase Ridmaya (Rhythm of love)
And recently published ‘Nothing but Love’ which is available for purchasing at Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Heartless Summer-a short story.
This story was based on a true incident that happened years ago. I love to hear stories of the past from my elders. When my mother told about a child she knew I thought I must pen down about it to create some awareness about poverty and how important is charity. Charity is one important thing in my faith but we human don’t follow it to the word which eventually has caused chaos in our communities. We have a social responsibility over our community yet we neglect our duties.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure whether it’s unusual, most writer share common habits. But when I’m writing a book I love to look into the mirror and pretend to be the protagonist. I talk like them, smile like them like I try to smile differently the way I’d imagined of a certain character. That helps me wear the skin of my protagonist when I’m writing their stories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jodi Picoult, I love her poetic way of writing and the subjects she chooses to voice.

What are you working on now?
The book I’m working right now is ‘They Failed to Kill her’. Life is not only about chasing behind a man or a woman to win their love. Nothing wrong in that. But I’d been writing romances for so many years I’d want a change because as I mature in life I learn there are so many important things in life to be highlighted and discussed.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. Recommendations of previous readers work well. Besides Facebook, instagram work well for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read books of your genre. Study different voices. Be yourself. Keep it simple. Using beautiful words sound great but it doesn’t work well always. Rather using big words learn how to use those simple words you know in a creative manner. Readers don’t want to know how good your language is. They want to know how well you tell the story. That’s the job of a fiction writer. Enhancing your knowledge in language isn’t a crime but know what you are doing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You don’t have to have a degree in creative writing to be a good storyteller. Practice makes a big difference.

What are you reading now?
I’m late to read this book, but better late than never. I’m reading ‘How to kill a mockingbird’ right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish all my completed projects, that’s like I’ve got a plenty of them to feel the light of publication.
Being an influential writer to my tribe.

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’d carry my holy scripture, the Quran for it uplifts my spirit when I recite it.
Books of Jodi picooult (whatever I grab of hers)
A journal to write down my thoughts
And maybe a children’s picture book ?

Author Websites and Profiles
Zeneefa Zaneer Website
Zeneefa Zaneer Amazon Profile

Zeneefa Zaneer’s Social Media Links
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