Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction
Romance, Life, Adventure...The Way You Dream It
***Today's Interview With Zaynah-Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardenne***
It is with Great Pleasure, and an honor to Interview our very own Zaynah from
WRDF. The Author is not only Talented, but a Wonderful person we have all
had the pleasure of sharing her friendship with. She is truly a Gem among us
here, and one of the reasons why I have grown to love this place. She has
provided that warm, friendly atmosphere that we can't seem to find in many
other places. So today is a Great day to say "Thank you."
1. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
Zaynah: I don't think it's something you realize. It was more knowledge, the "secret"
answer you want to give when asked. What do you want to be when you grow up?
The real urge came to bite me when I read a book by "RED DRESS INK."
(Harlequin's chick-lit line). The last page asked something like, you liked this
book? Think you can write one too? Presumptuous of me, I knew I could do it.
At around the same time, I was reading "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth, and the
depiction of India, and Indian customs in it made me think this could be applied
to the life and society of Mauritius too.
2. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?
Zaynah: I like to say I enjoy writing the books I myself would like to read. That said,
I enjoy writing stories where the characters leap off the page. Strong heroines battling conflicts this "new" world throws their way, in my cultural romantic fiction stories
written as Aasiyah Qamar. A strong heroine is always a prerequisite for my
other pen name's works, those of mainstream romance under the pen of Nolwynn
Ardennes. I like to write about society, about issues men and women face
nowadays.
3. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer?
Zaynah: None per se, to become a writer. But, my father has always encouraged
me to read, and though my mother brought me up to be the perfect society girl,
both my parents have always given me free rein to become my own person, as long
as I wasn't doing anything wrong, or unlawful.
4. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story?
Zaynah: not exactly. I haven't written a true life story as such, but my first novel,
"The Other Side" had elements of my own experience in it. The theme was on
divorce in the Indian-Diaspora society, and this was based very much on my own
experience as a divorcee in this world.
5. Geri: Who is your favorite author?
Zaynah: I don't have a favorite author, mostly some names I enjoy reading. If I
had to single one out though, i would say Sophie Kinsella. I enjoy her humor,
effortless voice, and the escapism she brings me in her novels.
6. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or
are they from the imagination?
Zaynah: Some characters have been loosely based on people I know. Not one
person in particular, but usually a group of people, whose characteristics I picked
up and used to portray someone in my stories. That said, in my earlier works, I used
to find a lot of myself in the heroines. My own personal hero is also inspiration
for me to create strong heroes. Otherwise, I credit my imagination for my characters.
7. Geri: Have many books have you written?
Zaynah: I have written a couple of full-length novels, a handful of novellas, and
shorts as well. Not all are published yet, and I also have some other stories in the
works.
8. Geri: Where can your books be purchased?
Zaynah: My published novel, "The Other Side" can be purchased through
the website of a Mauritian bookseller, the URL being.
9. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published?
Zaynah: Smacked out of my wits! I couldn't believe it was happening. In fact, I was
still so stunned at my book launch that I made a major gaffe when I had to present
the guest of honour with the book, was functioning on slow motion mode. Thank
goodness he had the courtesy not to call me on it!
10. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?
Zaynah: A full-length novel as well as two novellas being considered for publication.
During the wait, I'm working on my next full-length contemporary.
11. Geri: What are some links to your websites?
Zaynah: Here at WRDF, Myspace is under construction
12. Geri: Do you have goals for the future?
Zaynah: Very much so. I function and thrive on goals and deadlines. They help me
to juggle o all fronts of my life and come up with steady work too. At the same time,
nothing is set in stone, and I try as much as possible to reach the goals I set for
myself.
13. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be?
Zaynah: I only started writing three years ago. That's when I knew I had to write
one book, and get it published. Yes! I am where I wanted to be! I find myself
tempting to write more each day. I am writing, completing work, and submitting for
publication. I am creating a name for myself out there. All these steps takes you
closer to an aim!
14. Geri: In your opinion, what are some factors that can help authors reach
their dream of accomplishment?
Zaynah: Determination. Grit. Tough skin. The ability to embrace criticism. Keep
moving ahead. All these are needed in this line of work.
15. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block?
Zaynah: Oh Yes! And I don't know any writer who hasn't faced it too. Writer's
block is parcel of this job!
16. Geri: What can prevent writer's block?
Zaynah: You can't prevent it from happening, but it can happen from being over-
written. Stress in your personal life, not being inspired, or bordom can cause it.
Writer's block can happen at any time, because we have no control over it.
17. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books?
Zaynah: "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, gifted to me by my father
at age eight. Also, I grew up on the steady diet of "Sweet Valley" YA series
by Francine Pascal. Also, Jane Austen, and Thomas Hardy. I read "Pride and
Prejudice" for the first time at age eleven.
18. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading?
Zaynah: Reading, and books was the real world for me!
19. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author,
who would it be?
Zaynah: No one actually! Each writer is her own person, and in truth we don't
know what life is really like for them.
20. Geri: Many authors feel self-satisfaction after publishing a book, some feel
a sense of achievement, can you relate to such feelings?
Zaynah: Yes! I felt pride the first time I held the book in my hands. I still have that
very first copy. It sits on my desk right next to my computer. But,I also knew that
was only the beginning!
21. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing?
Zaynah: Simple! Schedule, schedule, schedule! Almost every minute of my day
is tied down to a task!
22. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing?
Zaynah: I haven't gone to a signing, but I have signed copies of my book. The experience is surreal. I guess when you lose this awed feeling is when writing
no longer means the world to you.
23. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your writing plans?
Zaynah: No! though it could bring some bonuses! How about , setting up house
in a place where there is room service 24/7 and maid service, so I no longer
have to do chores, leaving more time to write!
24. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript that becomes published. Then we
learn about promotions, what was your most difficult task?
Zaynah: The wait! The time we wait after submitting a story, and getting a response
to find out if it was accepted, or rejected.
25. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or focus on a certain scenery to write.
Do you have a particular scenery?
Zaynah: No! All I need is peace, and quiet to pound out chapters.
26. Geri: If you had books published in one genre such as horror, and became
daring to write a novel in a different genre, what would it be?
Zaynah: I'd like to try my hand at grittier fiction one day. Something very different
from romance, in the likes of James Ellroy's work. I hope to be able to tackle
heavier subjects eventually.
Geri: Thank you very much Zaynah for taking the time to participate in today's
Interview.
Zaynah: Your welcome! It was enjoyable!
WRDF. The Author is not only Talented, but a Wonderful person we have all
had the pleasure of sharing her friendship with. She is truly a Gem among us
here, and one of the reasons why I have grown to love this place. She has
provided that warm, friendly atmosphere that we can't seem to find in many
other places. So today is a Great day to say "Thank you."
1. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
Zaynah: I don't think it's something you realize. It was more knowledge, the "secret"
answer you want to give when asked. What do you want to be when you grow up?
The real urge came to bite me when I read a book by "RED DRESS INK."
(Harlequin's chick-lit line). The last page asked something like, you liked this
book? Think you can write one too? Presumptuous of me, I knew I could do it.
At around the same time, I was reading "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth, and the
depiction of India, and Indian customs in it made me think this could be applied
to the life and society of Mauritius too.
2. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?
Zaynah: I like to say I enjoy writing the books I myself would like to read. That said,
I enjoy writing stories where the characters leap off the page. Strong heroines battling conflicts this "new" world throws their way, in my cultural romantic fiction stories
written as Aasiyah Qamar. A strong heroine is always a prerequisite for my
other pen name's works, those of mainstream romance under the pen of Nolwynn
Ardennes. I like to write about society, about issues men and women face
nowadays.
3. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to become a writer?
Zaynah: None per se, to become a writer. But, my father has always encouraged
me to read, and though my mother brought me up to be the perfect society girl,
both my parents have always given me free rein to become my own person, as long
as I wasn't doing anything wrong, or unlawful.
4. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story?
Zaynah: not exactly. I haven't written a true life story as such, but my first novel,
"The Other Side" had elements of my own experience in it. The theme was on
divorce in the Indian-Diaspora society, and this was based very much on my own
experience as a divorcee in this world.
5. Geri: Who is your favorite author?
Zaynah: I don't have a favorite author, mostly some names I enjoy reading. If I
had to single one out though, i would say Sophie Kinsella. I enjoy her humor,
effortless voice, and the escapism she brings me in her novels.
6. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life, or
are they from the imagination?
Zaynah: Some characters have been loosely based on people I know. Not one
person in particular, but usually a group of people, whose characteristics I picked
up and used to portray someone in my stories. That said, in my earlier works, I used
to find a lot of myself in the heroines. My own personal hero is also inspiration
for me to create strong heroes. Otherwise, I credit my imagination for my characters.
7. Geri: Have many books have you written?
Zaynah: I have written a couple of full-length novels, a handful of novellas, and
shorts as well. Not all are published yet, and I also have some other stories in the
works.
8. Geri: Where can your books be purchased?
Zaynah: My published novel, "The Other Side" can be purchased through
the website of a Mauritian bookseller, the URL being.
9. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published?
Zaynah: Smacked out of my wits! I couldn't believe it was happening. In fact, I was
still so stunned at my book launch that I made a major gaffe when I had to present
the guest of honour with the book, was functioning on slow motion mode. Thank
goodness he had the courtesy not to call me on it!
10. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?
Zaynah: A full-length novel as well as two novellas being considered for publication.
During the wait, I'm working on my next full-length contemporary.
11. Geri: What are some links to your websites?
Zaynah: Here at WRDF, Myspace is under construction
12. Geri: Do you have goals for the future?
Zaynah: Very much so. I function and thrive on goals and deadlines. They help me
to juggle o all fronts of my life and come up with steady work too. At the same time,
nothing is set in stone, and I try as much as possible to reach the goals I set for
myself.
13. Geri: At this point and time in your life, are you exactly where you want to be?
Zaynah: I only started writing three years ago. That's when I knew I had to write
one book, and get it published. Yes! I am where I wanted to be! I find myself
tempting to write more each day. I am writing, completing work, and submitting for
publication. I am creating a name for myself out there. All these steps takes you
closer to an aim!
14. Geri: In your opinion, what are some factors that can help authors reach
their dream of accomplishment?
Zaynah: Determination. Grit. Tough skin. The ability to embrace criticism. Keep
moving ahead. All these are needed in this line of work.
15. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block?
Zaynah: Oh Yes! And I don't know any writer who hasn't faced it too. Writer's
block is parcel of this job!
16. Geri: What can prevent writer's block?
Zaynah: You can't prevent it from happening, but it can happen from being over-
written. Stress in your personal life, not being inspired, or bordom can cause it.
Writer's block can happen at any time, because we have no control over it.
17. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books?
Zaynah: "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, gifted to me by my father
at age eight. Also, I grew up on the steady diet of "Sweet Valley" YA series
by Francine Pascal. Also, Jane Austen, and Thomas Hardy. I read "Pride and
Prejudice" for the first time at age eleven.
18. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading?
Zaynah: Reading, and books was the real world for me!
19. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author,
who would it be?
Zaynah: No one actually! Each writer is her own person, and in truth we don't
know what life is really like for them.
20. Geri: Many authors feel self-satisfaction after publishing a book, some feel
a sense of achievement, can you relate to such feelings?
Zaynah: Yes! I felt pride the first time I held the book in my hands. I still have that
very first copy. It sits on my desk right next to my computer. But,I also knew that
was only the beginning!
21. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing?
Zaynah: Simple! Schedule, schedule, schedule! Almost every minute of my day
is tied down to a task!
22. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing?
Zaynah: I haven't gone to a signing, but I have signed copies of my book. The experience is surreal. I guess when you lose this awed feeling is when writing
no longer means the world to you.
23. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, would that change your writing plans?
Zaynah: No! though it could bring some bonuses! How about , setting up house
in a place where there is room service 24/7 and maid service, so I no longer
have to do chores, leaving more time to write!
24. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript that becomes published. Then we
learn about promotions, what was your most difficult task?
Zaynah: The wait! The time we wait after submitting a story, and getting a response
to find out if it was accepted, or rejected.
25. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or focus on a certain scenery to write.
Do you have a particular scenery?
Zaynah: No! All I need is peace, and quiet to pound out chapters.
26. Geri: If you had books published in one genre such as horror, and became
daring to write a novel in a different genre, what would it be?
Zaynah: I'd like to try my hand at grittier fiction one day. Something very different
from romance, in the likes of James Ellroy's work. I hope to be able to tackle
heavier subjects eventually.
Geri: Thank you very much Zaynah for taking the time to participate in today's
Interview.
Zaynah: Your welcome! It was enjoyable!
Tags: authors, books, interview, promo, publicity, spotlight
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by GERI'S BOOK REVIEWS on -
Thank you Sandy! I just left you email replies on Myspace LOL! Yikes! we sure
do make our rounds. Geri needs Roller Skates LOL!
-
Permalink Reply by Chiron O'Keefe on -
Great interview!
I too need peace and quiet when I write. I'm always in awe when authors recommend a song to listen to. How do they do it?
And like you, I adore Sophie Kinsella. Pure escapism. And Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Too funny.
Loved reading about your journey, Z!!
Hugs,
Chiron
-
Permalink Reply by Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes on -
The road to success is always under construction... Same can be said about a writer's journey, Chiron.
I 'can' work with noise (try 2 magpie-like boys fighting over the same PSP card, or "I just can't wait to be king" from The Lion King playing right next you on the surround system) and I can also have music in the bacground (usually to drown out said fight or Disney flick). But I find I do work better with quiet and peace. Then again, this can mean kids not in the same room as I am!
Sophie Kinsella is a writer whose work I adore to read and, this I don't say often, re-read. I have read 'The Undomestic Goddes'' so many times, and every time I laugh just like I was reading it for the first time.
Hugs
Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)
-
Permalink Reply by Lynda Coker on -
Great interview, Geri and Zaynah.
Is living in such a beautiful place as Mauritius an inspiration or distraction to writing? I would definitely have to be soaking up the island life way too much. I love water, and to be surrounded by it would be a temptation of gigantic proportions. :)
Lynda
-
Permalink Reply by Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes on
-
Lol, Lynda. For us, not to say we discount the beauty of the place, but it is simply home and we don't see the surroundings half the time!
True though that it can get be a distraction in summer, when you are hitting the beach with the kids every weekend. Then you live for those trips, and when you're back home, you're so knackered all you can do is look forward to the next trip. Vicious circle, innit?
Glad you enjoyed the interview. Yup, Geri has great questions.
Hugs
Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)
-
Permalink Reply by GERI'S BOOK REVIEWS on
-
Thank you Z Happy u enjoyed it!
-
Permalink Reply by GERI'S BOOK REVIEWS on
-
Geri's Confession....for 45 years while residing on Long Island NY The Beach was
my Best friend---went there so much I think I was addicted. But, Lynda has a great
point...If I returned there, or visited your Island....I'd have to forcefully be Removed!
LOL! On a cruise to bermuda one time, my ship allowed us a day at the Beach--
they nearly had to call the Coastguards to make me return to my ship LOL!
The ocean, beach...makes me Forget everything & sometimes my writing. As much
as it Inspires me, there were times I went blank in writing due to Beach Fun!
-
Permalink Reply by Jmorgan on -
Z loved your interview. You are right. Most of writing is about the wait. Sometimes it's like the whole enterprise is like waiting in line at the DMV. You're there forever then BAM you've moved to the front of the line. That's the greatest feeling in the world, especially when your driver's license pic doesn't make you look like a zombie in bad makeup.
-
Permalink Reply by Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes on
-
Glad you liked it!
Ah, finally someone who agrees waiting is hard.
Reminds me of my driving license pic. I resemble a washed out rag doll on it, ack! Zombie in bad makeup indeed! Love your humour.
Hugs
Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)
-
Permalink Reply by Cindy A. Christiansen on -
Zaynah,
Great interview! I admire your determination and goals. I bet you accomplish everything you set out to do. Best Wishes, Cindy A. Christiansen
http://c.a.dragonfly.googlepages.com
-
Permalink Reply by Zaynah - Aasiyah Qamar/Nolwynn Ardennes on
-
Hi Cindy
Lol, thanks. Uhm, yes, I do achieve what I set out to do, often at the cost of my own health, so I'm not really sure if that's such a good thing. I am very determined and stubborn person though, and pig-headed too, my husband would add.
But then again, no point not turning your flaws into assets, right?
Cheers!
Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)
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