Book: It Haunts Me
Q1. Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Zulaikha Jallow and I’m from London, England and still currently living there. I’m a debut, internationally published author. I’m currently at sixth-form (the 2 years post GCSE academic education where students prepare for their A level examinations heading into university) opting for A level history, Sociology and English Literature. I wrote “It Haunts me” at the age of 15 although the publication process allowed it to coincide with my 17th birthday.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘It Haunts Me’ book?
Although the publication period was quite a while, it was quite an easy process. I wrote “It Haunts Me” in approximately 3-4 weeks and had discussions with the publishers and my managers. Yet i was very worried so as to not make my poems generic as i wanted them to be unique.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
From a young age I’ve always had an irresistible impulse and endearment towards Arabic poems and love stories. I grew a very intriguing attachment to the 7th century tragic Persian love story of “Layla and Majnun” by Nizami Ganjavi which has an abundance of everyday themes such as separation, sorrow etc. Additionally, the story of prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in Quran contains problems and solutions in every possible aspect of life. Both these heavily influenced my style of writing and my love for old texts, stories and books.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m a big reader and I like quiet spaces such as libraries and cafes & any other spaces that I can peacefully read books, articles and research.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I’d say there is a lot to do before writing a book to an extent this is because I personally had no idea where to start there was a lot of research that took place all this is time consuming but fun at the same time. Furthermore, as a writer you need to be aware of ethical issues, what could be offensive to readers and avoid them meaning asides from the publisher’s proof reading you’d also have to read over your work a lot.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘It Haunts Me’ book?
Writing the manuscript itself took me approximately 3-4 weeks.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘It Haunts Me’ book to buy?
Amazon, WHSmith’s website, hive, Blackwell’s, waterstones, Target. Just type “It Haunts Me” on google and there’ll be a variety of websites and stores to get it from.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘It Haunts Me’ ?
The book cover was from a picture I had drawn a while back and once I started writing the book, I saw there was great correlation between the poems, title and the drawing.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I read other books for inspiration as these triggered new ideas, I also went out to parks and libraries just to change atmosphere.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The book is supposed to offer a solution to everyday problems experienced by the readers, it was written for readers to connect their lives to what is written in this way the collection of poems become moral lessons rather than regular poems.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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