Warm regards! We're very excited to learn more about you. So first of all, tell us how you stumbled upon Wattpad and when.

It has been almost a year since I joined Wattpad. At that time, I was writing and struggling with my main work. It was my first serious attempt on epic fantasy and it was going disastrously wrong and I needed desperate inspiration. In my country, we do not have many bookshops or libraries that have books that I want to read. So I needed a place where I could draw inspiration from the work of others. Hence, Wattpad! Honestly, this site opened my eyes and eventually that project had to be shelved to collect dust. I'll go back to it....someday.

Why did you decide to join The Cryptic team?

Well, when I first got the PM, I was surprised that someone would really want me to be a member of their profile. It was an honour to be asked. The reason I accepted was simple - TheCryptic promoted things that I genuinely liked about the writing world. I enjoy Dark Fiction. I could not resist.

What compels you to pick up a pen and scribble down your thoughts? Is there any inspiration or motivation that you'd be willing to share?

I get inspired by weird things. I remember that I started writing Talking to the Moon because I was angry. I had a bad argument with one of my family member and had stormed to my room, opened my laptop and stared at the blank page. Fuming, I had started typing something. After half an hour of typing I realised that in fact, I was writing a story. A new story that I never thought of before.

With respect to Talking to the Moon, it is the day to day activities in my life that inspires me to write. I think - what would Ayah do? Would she act this way? Would she react a certain way? I am constantly thinking about her so it is easy to draw inspiration from the silliest stupid things that people don't notice.

In regard to things you've written, do you have a favourite? What feelings does it bring when you look back on it?

My current work - Talking to the Moon is my favourite. I feel a sense of pride to be the one to tell this story. I can also see a vast improvement when it comes to my writing in this project. It is more personal to me than any other project.

What part of writing do you find the simplest, and what aspects do you struggle with, if any?

I thinking expressing someone's feeling in words is something I find the easiest because I simply think - how would I react in the situation? And then I think of whether the character will react the same as me. I also observe people, the way they react to a certain circumstance.

On the other hand, I struggle with world building and basic description of the surrounding. It is hard for me to put in words what I imagine the world to look like. I'm trying to improve that as I write but I still have a lot to learn. I have everything firmly set in my mind, but to make the readers visualise what I am seeing is difficult.

What do you consider advantages and disadvantages of being an author?

The advantages of being an author are that they can escape reality. Even a reader can do. It is why I feel bad for people who do not read or write or claim that they do not have a hobby. They cannot escape. Another advantage is that you get a chance to tell someone's story. Your character may be a work of fiction, but people like your character do exist in this world. You, as a writer, get the chance to tell their story. It is an honour, really.

Disadvantages of an author - people might think that you're crazy. I mean if someone looks at my Google History, they will think that I am a psychopath. I cannot blame them, though. Words of advice to new authors: delete your history!

Is there any funny memory of yours you would like to share with us? We won't tell anyone, maybe.

One funny moment. I tend to do a lot of embarrassing things in public. I remember my parent telling me this, so I do not know how far-fetched the story is. Our family had gone to a show of this man that my father respects greatly. He is a poet/songwriter. His name is Javed Akhtar. It was a small affair and there were only a few people who had come to meet him. I was two and half year old and had just learned to speak. So, as you know is the case with the toddlers, I did that a lot. Apparently, I went up to the poet, made him hold me and told him that he was my father's brother!

My parents died of embarrassment.

Besides your own masterful creations, do you have any books you couldn't put down?

Oh so many of them.

This is a very hard question for someone who claims to be a reader first and a writer later.

Any books from EinatSegal, stpolishook or KatrinHollister on Wattpad. I cannot put it down until I finish it.

Outside Wattpad, I can read any John Grisham books. I'm into Thriller as much as I am into Fantasy and Science Fiction novels. JK Rowling, Brandon Sanderson, JRR Tolkein being my favourite.

One book that I have read multiple times and still cannot get enough is A Time to Kill by John Grisham. All the feels.

Who's your favourite author and/or idol?

John Grisham is my favourite author. Hands down! He is also my writing idol. He has so many books published and is so successful. I would love to be as successful, that is if I ever decide to publish my stories.

Besides writing, what do you do in your free time? Do you have any hidden talents that you've kept from the world?

No hidden talent, unfortunately.

Well, I read more than I write. I can read absolutely anything. If I am not reading then you'll see me with my cat or with a horse. I know how to ride a horse if that counts as a talent.

One small thing may count as a hidden talent - my love for numbers. It is a strange pass time but I love calculating. I am not sure if many are you aware of the sport - cricket - but I am in love with it due to the mathematical aspects. I could sit and explain the how part but I guess that will be a whole chapter of its own.

Oh, I do this mentally. I despise calculators.

Tell us about your journey and growth as an author.

I started as being a reader, first. While reading and growing up, I started to think that maybe I could write too. I thought writing to be easy. I used to think - how tough could it be? I was so wrong. As I started dwelling deeper into the writing world, I realised I did not know anything. Initially, all I used to do was draw inspiration from the book I've read recently and then write a story mimicking the author's style. I had no voice, I had no style of my own. In fact, coming to Wattpad and meeting amazing writers helped me polish my style and voice. I did not have that earlier.I did not have my own voice. I am still learning and I have a hell lot to improve. But I am genuinely happy with how much I have improved.

So, are there any new projects you're working on?

Oh, I have few things planned once I finish Talking to the Moon.

I am planning to dwell on the science fiction and write a story. I have the basic plot outlined already and just need the time to write it out. It is going to be my first attempt at a different genre - I am excited and nervous. I understand that I did choose a tough genre to venture in.

I might go back to my shelved story that I mentioned above. I have some inspiration and I am planning to change a lot when it comes to plotline/character development.

The most awaited question of every young reader, do you have any childish habits? Are you proud of them or embarrassed? Do you like chocolates or cartoons?

I have a bad habit of biting my lower lip when I am tensed, angry or simply thinking. I bite it so hard that it swells and starts bleeding. But it is something I do instinctively, so I do not realise I am doing it until someone points it out.

I am not proud of it. But I cannot shake it off either.

I like chocolates and cartoons. I have a three years old niece and I love watching Tom & Jerry, Winnie the Pooh, Dexter's laboratory etc. I feel as if those were the good times. Nowadays, cartoons are meh.

What do you prefer, sweet or salty? Why?

Salty, because too much sweet makes my head spin, my palm sweat and my vision go weird. I am telling you guys the truth. Trust me.

It was a pleasure talking to you. We hope you progress by leaps and bounds and continue to entertain us with your masterful words.

Cover:

Blurb:

"To hear, one must be silent."

The Power of the tongue and intelligence of a human being is what makes them different from God's other creations. It is what makes them powerful, it is what makes the human being rule every other creation. But they forget to listen and that is what will lead them to their doom.

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Ayah Beizeen is a sixteen-year-old village girl with a peaceful and content life. She has loving parents, a supportive elder brother and an adorable younger brother.

But she is different: Ayah was born mute. She didn't cry when she was delivered and hasn't uttered a word ever since. Sometimes, she wishes she could - she was envious of everyone who could convey their emotions through words, for she has no other option but to keep them bottled up inside her.

However, Ayah Beizeen has a special friend from the age of five, when she was found on her terrace staring at the Moon. She talks to the Moon and it listens. Talking to the Moon is the only way, Ayah knows, to share her feelings.

One night, the Moon comes with strange tidings - it says that everything that she knew about her life is going to change. She has somehow stumbled upon a strange path and the destination is uncertain. It all depends on the choices she makes.

A tale of love, heartbreak, dreams, failures but above all - redemption. Follow Ayah's journey as she surpasses all odds. Is she the 'living miracle' that the Voice of the Moon claims her to be?

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