Exclusive interview with “AZRA MUFTI”, young author and research Scholar from Kashmir.
By : Basharat Rashid
KA : Please tell us a little about yourself and your career as a writer.
Azra : Myself, Azra Mufti (25) from Khawajabagh Baramulla, working as research scholar in BGSBU Rajouri. I am a very optimistic person and truly believe in simple living and high thinking. Writing waw something that came to me naturally. Love for literature added as a catalyst to my writing abilities. I started writing columns for some newspapers and my interest in writing a book developed gradually.
KA : How, and when did you first start writing?
Azra : I started writing in 2009 for different newspapers as a columnist, after the motivation from my parents and siblings . I used to write on current issues and various social issues.
KA: What compelled you to write?
Azra : Writing is in my genes. I inherited it from my parents. But writing a book was something that was undecided and unplanned.
KA: What are the major challenges you face as a writer?
Azra : A very good question indeed. The biggest challenge you face as a writer is your own limitations. When you lose confidence and faith in your words . Secondly patience is very important, you have to be very tolerant and positive about the circumstances that follow.
KA: Name one book or article that have helped you in your writing career?
Azra : My love for reading developed when I read Jane Eyre by charlotte Brontte when I was 13 years old. I never looked back then. I kept on reading more and more and my thirst for reading is insatiable. If you want to be a successful writer you have to be a voracious reader first.
KA: What was the main motive of writing your first book “Tearful Pages”, and mention the issues , you higlighted in that book?
Azra : A lot of personal experiences triggered some interest in gender based issues . After a deep and careful study, I thought of jotting down my feelings in the form of fiction. The issues highlighted in the book are very general like violence, physical and mental assault, character assassination, vitriolage attacks and the list is on!
KA : Who supported you in the beginning?
Azra : My parents, my siblings and some close friends motivated me to keep writing. They never wanted me to lose patience as writing a book is a very daunting and himalyan task.
KA: What are your future plans ? Are u going to write more books.
Azra : In sha Allah, Good. Yes , I have some plans to write more books. I am working on my second book which is completely different from my first publication.
KA : What advice do you have for beginner freelance writers?
Azra : Read , read and read a lot. Develop a writing style of your own. Your writings should never lose the essence of originality. Try to learn from established writers by reading their publications. Add some new books to your collection every week.
KA : What’s your message to the youth of Kashmir especially girls?
Azra : Work hard. Try to be independently both financially and emotionally. Maintain your singularity and dignity. Don’t sacrifice your dignity for your destiny!!
Comments are closed.