Interview with Author Samreen Ahsan

Samreen AhsanCanadian author Samreen Ahsan, has independently published two books, A Silent Prayer and A Prayer Heeded (from A Prayer Series), both of which have won multiple accolades. In her books, she introduces the concept of Jinn in a new and believable way, giving this age-old creature a touch of fantasy and magic realism. Visit the Amazon page here or Samreen’s website here.

Q1. How long have you been writing? What inspired you to enter into the world of fiction writing?
I started writing my first book, A Silent Prayer in November 2012 but with work, kids and other activities in my life, I was able to publish it in Feb 2014. The story was in my mind for quite a long time but I never thought my imagination would shape into a book. My husband is the main reason of publishing it because he pushed me and encouraged me to give it a try. The main inspiration was taken from Holy Quran mentioning about Jinn — basically from Chapter Jinn — the supernatural creatures that are invisible to us.

Q2. Explain the premise of your latest book and why you think it resonated with readers. Once Upon A [Stolen] Time is a Fantasy Romance between Edward and Myra, set in both Medieval and Contemporary England. Here is an excerpt that I think will show why the book resonated with my readers:

Samreen 2

2015…

All her life, Myra Farrow has been obsessed with medieval castles—and the kings and princes who once inhabited them. Now, wealthy videogame designer Steve Bernard wants her to model for a princess character in his new game. Myra can’t resist his offer, especially when she learns that Steve plans to film inside the mysterious Hue Castle—a cursed, barren, colorless place forbidden to visitors for centuries. But unknown to Myra, her soul is bound to Hue Castle by blood and sorcery. When she enters its doors, she awakens dark powers that will reach through time—stealing her past, torturing her present, and rewriting her future.

1415…

Edward Hue, the last of the Hue royal bloodline, has never stood in the sunshine or held a living flower. Cursed from birth to live in darkness and bring death to all he touches, he is at the mercy of his cruel, tyrannical father, who will not rest until he shatters Edward’s soul and makes his son into a diabolical copy of himself. Edward’s one hope is the mysterious woman who haunts his dreams—who will either break his curse and bring him out of the darkness, or destroy him utterly.

For Myra and Edward, past and future collide in a tale of love, obsession, betrayal, and the hope for redemption. 

Q3. If you could go back in time, what would you do differently in terms of your writing career?
I would try my best to improve my writing skills. The sky is the limit in this case. If you read your work critically, you’d always think you could have done better.

Q4. What’s the one thing you’d like the world to know about yourself personally or professionally?
I’m a very private person. I don’t brag about my work like I see other people doing it. I can never be a self marketer. This is something I can never create in me. I know it’s a flaw especially for a self-published author but I just don’t know how to market my work like others do. I know my work is good since it has won multiple awards but self-marketing is something I’m not capable of. I don’t enjoy crowds. I like meeting a few people. I believe in quality than quantity.

Q5. What are some of the pros and cons of self publishing? Would you advise aspiring authors to go this route?
Honestly, no. I wouldn’t advise for self-publishing because in it, you’re not only a writer, but you have to be a shameless marketer, and sales agent of your book. If you’re like me who doesn’t know how to sell then better try looking for literary agent. Be prepared for endless rejections because they always say: this is not something we’re looking for…or…publishing business is highly subjective – I’m sure the other agent would think differently…or…I like your writing – send me another work…or…maybe next time…etc etc. You know your work is good by the reviews of “real” readers living in real world but just because it doesn’t click an agent…boom! You can never publish your work traditionally. The big publishing houses don’t take risk with debut authors unless the author personally knows an agent. It is a very competitive industry and to mark your prints in this literally world is equal to impossible. But I’d still advise never to give up. Keep trying and trying until you reach your destiny.

The benefit of self-publishing is that you control everything. You know how many you have sold. You know where is your reader. The entire business is in your control. The disadvantage is, if you cannot sell it, then everything gets really hard. If you know your target audience and know how to sell your work and yourself, then self publishing is a good option.