Ettila, one of CLN's Phoneix interviewers, had the pleasure of interviewing Heuristic_Hashmath.  He is the author of The Dream Catcher and the Conjurer's Charm and has a graphic show, Heuristic Graphics and Art Shop.

Hi! I'm Ettila, an interviewer from the Crazy Late Nighters Community. You have been nominated by CadencePadgett0 to be interviewed for our book, Vintage. Ready for the interview? Don't worry, I don't bite :)

Yup, I'm ready.

Awesome! First thing's first. What name should I call you and what pronouns do you go by?

Oh, okay. So my name is Hashmath. And I'm definitely a 'he'.

Great, Hashmath! A beautiful name Mashaallah. So tell me, when did you first start writing?

Jazaakallah for the compliment! As far as I can remember, I started to write when I was very young. I think I was 10 or 11 when I started writing a whole short book about aliens, LOL! I was inspired by the movie 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them'. Then somewhere in my early teens, I think I stopped halfway from writing a Sci-fi story about an incredibly intelligent boy. I never liked to showcase or publish them because I never liked it lol. They all seem too 'baby-ish' now compared to my recent fantasy novel 'The Dream Catcher'.

Ayy, a J. K. Rowling fan I assume? And I understand about not publishing lol, own writings can sometimes feel weird, I feel it all the time. You should post them on Wattpad sometime though, if you still have them. Who knows? Those could be the reader's new favourite! :)

So, where did you get the inspiration to write your current story "The Dream Catcher and The Conjurer's Charm" from?

Yep, she is one of my greatest inspirations! Ho, I would never think about publishing them on Wattpad, they look like the stories of a six-years-old. So, I mentioned a separate chapter in the book itself on Wattpad named 'World Building' where I've mentioned about it!

I think it was last year, in May. I just returned home after watching the legendary movie 'Avengers Endgame'. It was just a simple stare I did at the Dream Catcher hanging in my aunt's bedroom, and after that, a whole story began to form. I've always wanted to write a unique fantasy story and I saw that I had got my chance. It took me over a year and a half to resolve all the plot holes and flashbacks in the story. I had to make sure all the dots connected and had left no stone unturned in creating the fantasy universe. I really enjoyed making the story, yeah.

That's really cool! I also heard about "Avengers Endgame" a lot but never had the chance to watch it. How did you find or know about Wattpad? Was it random or recommended?

It was actually a recommendation! A late friend of mine in school last year who was also passionate about writing asked me to give his horror stories a read. Eventually, I turned up writing and publishing my own stories on Wattpad!!

Oh wow, that's really interesting. Finding your own talent by seeking other's talent. If you are to describe yourself in only five words, what would they be?

That's an interesting question! So, uh... I am 'creative', 'introverted' (most of the time), 'empathetic', 'childish', and sometimes 'short-tempered'!

Interesting answer for an interesting question :). What kind of books do you usually like to read? I know writers who love reading romance yet like to write action or thriller.

Well, I love comic books for a start! And I adore 'adventure' books! They're my favorite. After Adventure, I like to read Fantasy, Sci-fi, and of course Humour. I prefer Romance if the contents are not too obscene or explicit, I mean like, I have my own expectations for romance stories, I like them to be honest, pure and beautiful. Not the type where the guy cheats, and someone has revenge and whatnot, if you know what I mean! Oh, and I love mystery and thriller too!

OMG, I know exactly what you mean. It's pure coincidence that I have the SAME reading preferences. Just reordering the genres and adding horror lol.

I see you're currently writing in the Fantasy genre. Is there any particular reason why you chose this genre to write? Do you plan on writing in other genres?

Of course, I had to take Fantasy because it was the easiest genre to write for me. Because I know I have a wide imagination and I could definitely use some of that.

I have plans to write 7 more books, two of which are included in my fantasy trilogy.

I plan to write another fantasy, a humour, and three non-fiction. So, everything's outlined now.

Oh wow, that's amazing! You practically have everything planned out. I bet it'd be really helpful in writing all those in the future. I also like to "prethink" my work.

What other hobbies do you have besides reading? Perhaps travelling? Or photography? Or just anything for the fact.

Yeah, I'm actually addicted to writing right now. I just can't wait till my exams are over so I can fully dive into 'writing and reading' all day! And yes, I do have other hobbies.

I am a painter, digital artist, video editor and also a freelancer. I am a young entrepreneur of my own crafting and creative business where I sell all kinds of artworks online here on Instagram including paintings on rocks, canvas, bookmarks, and art terrariums. And also, I design logos, business cards, book covers and T-shirt designs. I have plans to include the sale of 'video editing' in the future too.

Oof, good luck with your exams! I'm sure your readers will be eagerly waiting for you to update again. And wow, do you collect those crafts from somewhere or do you make those by yourself too? I mean the rock arts and canvases.

Yep, I make them myself. I am an artist. My dad just purchases the rocks and canvas frames, I do the paintings, and my mom does the marketing!! It's like a family contribution.

That's wonderful! You have your family's full support then. I'm guessing they also know that you write, right? What was their reaction when you first told them about your writings?

Also, if you want to, you can share some of your artworks here, I'll talk to our head and ask if we can post them in the interview. I bet your readers who don't have Instagram would be delighted to see them!

They were "speechless"! I had their full encouragement, yet they never understood the plot of my story! You know, most Muslim parents are like that. Much inclined to religious space, hence they don't get fantasy stories and mythical tales much, lol. And sure!

I completely understand, though my parents support writing fantasy, mystery or any platonic stuff lol. Do you have any special habit while writing? Like listening to music, sipping tea or coffee, a calm/ loud place etc.

Definitely, I require a silent space (not extremely silent, that would drive me nuts), where I can focus. Also, I would occasionally take breaks to delve into a song or piece of music while writing. A donut and a cup of Starbucks latte would do much better

than that!!!

Amusing! Do you maintain a routine for writing? Like writing at 10 o'clock every day, writing at least 1k words a day or any fixed goal to keep you on schedule?

Uh, since I'm in my exams, I don't have a fixed schedule like that. I write all the time that I get free. If I have a chance to get some free time, then I'll definitely be writing! But I do have myself fixed with deadlines, for example, I planned to finish writing my novel before September 9th, and I did!

That's amazing! How do you usually come up with the plots of your stories?

Another interesting question. The plots just weave by themselves whenever I'm lost in thought. I rarely get inspired by other stories and I don't copy them. I value my own work. But to answer your question, most of the time, the greatest plot twists and ideas are born in my head when I'm in the shower, LOL!!!

I relate to that very much XD. Where do you find your characters from? Their appearance, names... are they based on some people you met or seen in real life or are they also randomly created from your own mind?

Randomly, yes. Characters are already made in my mind, but I usually do a lot of research for their names. For example, in my fantasy novel, since it is related to dreams, the meaning behind the main protagonist's name is also 'dream'. Likewise, I did that sort of research before naming my characters.

In terms of inspiration, only one character in my book is inspired by a movie. And that's Disney's Aladdin!! Man, I loved that movie so much. There's the main character in my book with the name 'Naomi' who is inspired by Aladdin's Princess Jasmine, which is also the name of the actress who played the princess, Naomi Scott! I wanted to portray that princess character too in my story, and I loved doing that!!

Oh wow, that's pretty interesting character building. I also research the names of my characters before I use them. Lol, I have a huge list of names with their origin and meaning.

Also, since we're moving quite fast now, I'm going to ask you some questions your nominator CandencePadgett0 has for you first before we proceed with other questions.

I have a whole chapter of them in my story! And sure, that fellow's a fan of my work!

I'd love to answer them!!!

Their first question is, "Who is your favourite character in your story and why?"

Well, it's definitely the protagonist of course. Alwold is a character that I had moulded from my heart and he is a resemblance of myself: meek, submissive, and innocent. His adventure in the story relates to the changes I am going through in my life. I had been an outcast since I was young, only recently did I make friends and turned to be bolder and stronger.

That's really heartwarming! You feel yourself in Alwold.

I really do!! He is sort of my twin if I had to put it in shorter words!

Next question, "If your book became a movie, who would you cast your characters as?"

Wow, this is the Question Of The Day!!! You know what, I had planned about this question you're asking a long time ago! I'll say it all!

Oh wow, that's awesome! I bet this answer would be your best-prepared one. And of course, I'll be noting all of them XD.

Alwold Mancio - Timothee Chalamet or Dylan O'Brien

Hale Mancio - Rosa Salazar

Naomi Sapphire - Naomi Scott

Dara - Keannu Reaves

Luderi Divinus - Hugh Jackman

Callan - George Clooney

Cavahal - Christopher Waltz

Aiden - Zac Efron

The Conjurer - Benedict Cumberbatch

Gray Spere - Will Poulter

Wow, that's a big list. Their next question is, "What is your favourite chapter in your story and why?"

Hmm. That's kind of hard. Because there are 66 chapters. Let me think. Ah yes, My favorite chapter is the 41st and 42nd chapter, because those are the chapters where I had poured a lot of mind-blowing scientific facts and theories of my fantasy world! I loved writing those chapters. Because I myself loved to read them and got my mind blown away as if I was an unknown reader!

Terrific! I'm sure @CadencePadgett0 would be delighted to get their answers. Though they had one more, it's already answered within the previous questions. So let's continue.

Almost every writer faces some downward criticism and negative remarks on their journey in writing. Did you get them in yours? If yes, how did you take it or did it affect you in any way?

Hmm, well I did get quite a few. There is also one from a reviewing book that I requested for that had me angry too! But I just motivated myself - "You can't convince everyone to love the same cherry pie, some might prefer apple pie and some pumpkin. Similarly, the book won't be the cup of tea for every reader. The true fans will enjoy it whilst the haters criticize it. At the end of the day, you can't please everyone." J.K. Rowling had her book rejected by 12 publishing companies, and today she is the world's first billionaire author. So that keeps me inspired every day!

Wow, that's really inspiring. It's amazing how you still motivated yourself in those situations. Have you ever experienced 'Writer's Block'? If so, how did you deal with it?

Ah, my old friend!! I had no way to overcome it unless I read a book or watched a movie to get inspired by a scene and continue writing.

That's a good trick. What would you advise all the aspiring authors out there who are just starting to write? Or maybe got inspired by your writing?

Hmm, well the one advice I would give is, "Don't ever be demotivated. You are a unique person in the world and your story is just as unique as yourself. You can't convince everyone to have cherry pie whilst some prefer pumpkin. If they hate your work, well, then you're just showing your book to the wrong audience. Keep writing. Let the fans who truly love your work be the ignition of your rocket!"

Wow, that's really motivational. I'll keep that in mind and I'm sure others will be benefited by it too. Do you want anything to say to all the readers who read and enjoy your book? Do you have any special/ favourite reader/ fan who you adore and want to say something? If so, now's the best chance.

Aww, yes. First and foremost I want to say 'Thanks a trillion' to all of my readers who enjoy my work and I owe them big hugs! I especially adore the five top most fans of my book, and I want to say thanks to all of them and say, "You were the fuel to my engine for writing. Without you, my book would have been impossible to turn alive."

I want to gift them something really valuable, I'm just thinking about what to give. Hopefully, let's see what happens when I publish my book.

Inshaallah! I'm sure they'd be both excited and very glad to know that. You have such admirable fans and readers!

Jazaakallah!!! Thanks so much!!

You're most welcome. We're almost at the end of the interview, so here's your last question.

As I said before, we are the Crazy Late Nighters community. So, do you feel crazy in any way? Are you also a Late Nighter? Or are you an early bird?

I am an early bird, I love the early mornings! Yeah, sometimes I get crazy when I am often with my friends. You know, acting childish or like a jerk, making a fool of myself, LOL.

Lol, I understand. We all act childish sometimes. It's basically a natural instinct of human beings! Would you like to check out our community and it's services in the future? I can guarantee we're all very welcoming! Aside from the "crazy" side, of course.

Sure, I'd love to check it out. I am looking out for some reviewers, so would hopefully be requesting a reviewer from your community if you have a reviewing team. And maybe, if you guys stay along till next year, I might even consider joining your wonderful community in February! :)

We do have a reviewing team! But sadly, our shop hasn't been launched yet, only editing and interviewing. Hopefully, it will be published soon Inshaallah and you can use it.

And that's awesome to know, we'll be looking forward to hearing from you :)

In Shaa Allah! Great!! Thanks a lot for this friendly interview by the way. Honestly, I truly enjoyed it!!!

Thank you for the compliment! I also had a fun time interviewing you. On behalf of CLN, I thank you for letting us interview you. Hope we have the opportunity to talk again someday Inshaallah! Until then, take care and good night!

In Shaa Allah!! You're welcome! And good night to you too!! Stay safe and keep dreaming!!

Here are some artworks and crafts of Hashmath: