Author Interview: Zafia K. - Kolkata, India
Author Interview
Tell us something about yourself. Who are you as a person? What are your likes and dislikes?
A Kolkata-based woman, born and raised an introvert almost always. Mediation, two BFFs, tea, and occasional dancing, define me. Writing is my baby! Chocolates, cars, shoes, handbags, travel, the colours- green, yellow, orange and purple, and blunt people I like.
Heavy rainfall, fake ungrateful and snobbish people I dislike.
When were you first bitten by the writer’s bug? Who or what inspired you to take up writing?
I started writing in 2017, right after I shifted to Hyderabad for work. It’s funny and amazing because I was in the Advertising industry a year after graduating from college. At the time, I created content and even wrote a short story that my seniors liked, but the thought of writing just didn’t come to my mind. Even when I worked for a kids company (which had a toy and books library, Friendlytoyz.com) for two years, I came across innumerable books. I was in-charge of the complete inventory, yet it never occurred, not even once, to write poems and books.
What do you do? How has it influenced your poetry?
I was working in the IT industry as a language assessor/interviewer.
Writing poetry, slogan and story took birth from my failed and sad experiences in my life, related to friendships and relationships. Well, most of them! But I decided not to limit my words to failure and agony; bring wittiness and some intelligence to it.
As an author, where do you see yourself five years from now?
Successful, shamelessly expressing my thoughts and ideas, and the most crucial part, not challenged at vocabulary. By then, I won’t run short of words, hopefully!
How do you face Writers’ Block? What motivates you to keep writing?
Vocabulary and how I’d be perceived. What motivates me! - ‘It all has to come out, the funkiness, the anger, the good and the bad thoughts, so yeah let’s do this!’ Not to forget, people who need motivation and care. I find care, motivation, and optimism through random slogans, poems, and stories, so I must do the same for the numerous wonderful people out there!
How has writing built you?
I’ve found solace, confidence, and happiness. It’s like writing a diary. You know when you have tons to write about the people and experiences you like and dislike. The more you write, good or bad, it aids in releasing the anger, pessimism, and vileness within you.
And when you read the good stuff you write, you become happier and more confident. It’s helped me find comfort within myself and come out of my shell, to some extent!
What are your Achievements? Awards, if any?
None as yet.
Tell us a bit about how much time you spend in a day on writing. Are you a disciplined writer or a spontaneous one?
I’m a spontaneous writer. I type whenever words come to my mind. Hence, I post very rarely on my Instagram page, @transmittingthoughts.
Are you a reader yourself? What are some of your favorite books?
I am not an avid reader; in fact, not even an average one! I enjoy reading Ruskin Bond books. Khaled Hosseini, Dan Brown, I enjoyed reading their books. I borrowed Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series from one of my besties because back then, I liked the “Edward-Bella” story, like almost every teenage girl. There are so many authors I’ve heard about, so many books I’ve been told are worth reading. Hopefully, I shall complete my list.
Reading in the mountains or reading on the beach?
The latter, anytime! ️
A quote that never fails to motivate you.
Dr. Seuss’s
“The more that you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go.”
Coffee or tea?
Tea (a compulsive drinker).
A literary figure you would love to meet.
Khaled Hosseini, I love his books and Late Tom Clancy (I’d love to meet him).
Any new projects that you are currently working on?
My first book (independent project).
When did you write your first book/poem, and how old were you?
I wrote a poem first. I think it was in TTT (Terribly Tiny Tales) in 2017.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Listening to music (bad addiction) and colouring sometimes. It makes me less stressful.
What does your family think of your writing?
My Dad enjoys it.
Tell us where your fans can get your work?
transmittingthoughts on Instagram and in YourQuote.in (Zafia Writer).
Parting Shot:
Do what gives you peace of mind, alongside work and other activities; that way, you’ll balance your perceptions and observations about yourself and your surroundings. Follow and believe in Gratitude, Patience, Love, and Forgiveness.
