Today I’m interviewing fantasy author Aisha Urooj, author of The Stone Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty No More. Thanks, Aisha!
LQ: What does your writing process look like?
AU: I write daily. Usually I have a specific word count and timeframe in mind. If I can’t reach it, I try again the next day. It is a matter of persistence.
LQ: Who was your favorite character to write from The Stone Mermaid?
AU: Victor! He is one of the first male protagonists that I liked better than my female one (usually I love them both equally). He is a tragic antihero character that has a great redemption arc and is well… a heartthrob!
LQ: When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
AU: Reading. Lots of books. It’s funny, I miss writing when I am only reading and miss reading when I am just writing, so I try to keep a balance.
LQ: Who are your favorite authors?
AU: Jane Austen. Tolkien. I love all the classic, timeless writers and books.
LQ: Do you have any favorite memories of the ocean? Did any of them influence The Stone Mermaid?
AU: Just watching the waves and collecting seashells. I hadn’t thought about that while writing the scenes in the Stone Mermaid, but upon reflection, it came through in the writing. I was inspired by the Disney version of A Little Mermaid though my book has a different story with new characters and is darker.
LQ: What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
AU: Hope for a brand new day with a fresh start and lots of creative ideas!
LQ: What made you decide to become an author?
AU: I am a storyteller since I was little. I get really animated telling stories or watching movies. Now I just transferred that energy to the written form. People seem to enjoy my books so I kept going.
LQ: Do you have any projects you’re currently working on?
AU: I am working on another fairytale fantasy that will release mid-July. It is titled Sleeping Beauty No More and is available for pre-order at books2read.com/SBNM
