Interview with author Mavie
Ahmad talking about her writing, including her latest novel, The Secret Saudi Signal.
SDG: Welcome, Mavie. Can
you give us a little background about yourself?
MA: After completing a
degree in Information Technology and Media Studies, I failed to find a job in
the media field and began working as a temp in London. When my first child was
born, I moved to the Middle East where I was inspired to write about my
experiences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But every manuscript I started, I never
managed to finish as I easily got distracted and lost patience. It was only
when I worked for an advertising company as a copywriter and proof-reader that
I began to enjoy working with words. My first novel was completed a year after.
I now live in Dubai.
SDG: What inspired you to write this book?
MA: The Secret Saudi Signal was inspired by my time in Riyadh. I wanted
my readers to learn that although it is a restricted country, there are many
ways around the strict laws in place.
I Was Never Alone, Anyway was inspired by the death of my friend's mother. I am fairly
certain she saw the Angel of Death before she died.
SDG: What was your
approach to writing it (did it just flow or did you use an outline or other
preparatory method)?
MA: Usually my writing does flow. When I get stuck, I make bullet points and then put in linkers and eventually work on it until it turns into a paragraph that flows.
SDG: How long did it
take to write the complete novel from first draft to edited final?
MA: The Secret Saudi Signal took me a year to write as it is around
79,000 words.
I Was Never Alone, Anyway was a shorter piece that I self published. It's around 20,000
words and only took me two months.
SDG: Is your family
supportive of your writing and what do they think about your writing career?
MA: My parents were over
the moon when I told them I had written a book. They have encouraged me ever
since to pursue a career in writing. My sisters are equally enthusiastic, they
both love reading so often help me work out scenes.
SDG: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for budding writers?
MA: One thing I would
say to budding writers is to work from a desk in a quiet space that has been
designed for writing. A personalized space will help the creative sparks to
fly.
SDG: What are you
working on now? Is it in the same genre?
MA: I'm trying to find a
traditional publisher for my third novel, London
to Lahore. The story is split into three books, and I am about to start the
third book now. The plot follows Sara, a British born Pakistani girl through
several relationships until she gets caught by her traditional Pakistani
mother. As punishment for breaking sacred values, Sara and her sister are
shipped off to live in Lahore where she is forced into an engagement that
brings more than she bargained for.
SDG: What is the best
time for you to write and does it ever interfere with your day job, if you have
one? Also, how long on average do you write each day?
MA: I am a part time
English language teacher. If there is a class available for me to teach, then I
work around two hours a day. That leaves plenty of time for my writing. I
usually write at night when the kids are asleep and edit in the morning when
they are at school.
SDG: Is writing, to you,
a lonely occupation?
MA: Writing can be
lonely. But if you have good friends, then bouncing ideas around can also be
fun!
SDG: What is your
website and where can readers purchase your book or books?
MA: You can buy my books
here:
THE SECRET SAUDI SIGNAL:
I WAS NEVER ALONE, ANYWAY:
SDG: Author
website/social media sites:
Twitter @maviethewriter
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mavieahmad
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