Author Interview:

I will be reviewing Isra Tabassum's book in a few months. In the mean time, I had to opportunity to interview her. YAY! I love interviews. I think they're so fun. Before I get to that, let's talk about her book really fast.

BLURB: Love; much easier said than done right?

Like many, Caleb thinks he understands love. His concepts about the right time have made him reluctant to commit over the years, but what happens when the right one comes along?

When Caleb meets Nora, he makes the classic mistake of disregarding their bond as nothing but friendship. He’s torn between his perceptions of love against the realities of it, which only leads to a heart breaking parting.

Passing time teaches Caleb that love isn’t exactly what he believed it to be. Three years later, he embarks upon a mission to un-break the heart of the woman who has enlightened him.

However, in our Romeo’s case, the love of his life has other plans for him.

Witness the delight; of realising unconditional love, the struggles; to prove love and the courage; to do what’s best for the ones we love in Loving You Like A Rubber Band.

Don't you wish you had a copy to read now? Well, wish no further. All you have to do is click this link right here: http://amzn.to/2fMpSjF

To learn more about Isra Tabassum and her book then be sure to check out her absolutely ADORABLE website right here: http://www.lylarb.phloxrivere.co.uk/ Aren't you glad you went? I think it's fabulous!

Now, without further ado, let's get on with the interview!

1. What is the first book that made you cry? “Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data”; sorry that was a bad joke, (this book haunts me from my days as an Interior Design student).

So, a book that’s made me cry; if I’m honest I’m very difficult to break on an emotional level but there have been books that have gotten me really close to sobbing for all the wrong reasons; one of which is “An instance of the Fingerpost” by Iain Pears. The mystery in the book is very intriguing, but I got extremely frustrated at the slow pace of the book; eventually giving up on it, almost in tears wanting to know WHO committed the murder!

2. Does writing energize or exhaust you? At first it’s a little exhausting, while I try to figure out the story line and characters, but then once I get the momentum going it becomes very energising and rewarding.

3. Does a big ego help or hurt writers? I’m sure a big ego can’t help anyone, not just writers alone. I personally don’t have any ego issue; (she says as she’s twiddling her thumbs). Okay on a serious note, if writers can find the perfect balance between ego and self-confidence; that would definitely help with their writing, but having a huge ego alone will probably be no good.

4. Have you ever gotten reader's block? Yeh! While I was editing mine over and over again; at one point, I tried to read my book in 2 and half days. It didn’t quite work out.

5. Do you try more to be original or deliver to readers what they want? I would like to think that I can be original and still deliver something that feels good. I do think it’s important to respect what the readers like, otherwise who’s gonna read my books, but I don’t agree with writing or promoting things that I might not personally resonate with. I have to find a balance between what I like and what my readers like.

6. What other authors are you friends with and how do they help you become a better writer? I am friends with a children’s author; Hajera Memon, who was always very supportive and helped me through the writer’s block(s). Although we don’t share the same genres, I guess the principle of writing can still be related.

7. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? I would tell myself that I’m awesome; not because I think I’m God’s gift to the planet but because I spent way too long doubting my skills, so in other words I would tell myself that I need to have blind faith in me as a human being and my capabilities as an individual.

8. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? When I bought myself Spa Day for One. No, I’m joking again. The best thing I did was invest in a gorgeous notepad and pen that I loved using. I know it sounds silly but having something that I truly enjoyed writing on/with, motivated me to WRITE, and that’s all you have to do; to put pen to paper, if you want to get somewhere in life.

9. Did you base your characters on real people? I tried so hard to but my imagination just won’t let me. I couldn’t do it.

10. What does literary success look like to you? When my writing brings joy to people; that is success in best physical form.

11. What's the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? EVERYTHING! I had to do research and ask friends to make sure that the characters were believable.

12. How many hours a day do you write? 6-8 hours a day; sometimes a lot of that would consist of me staring at a blank paper/screen or lying in my bed while I work out the plot line.

13. What did you edit out of this book? I edited quite a bit out of this book. In a constant attempt to better the book, I ended up editing scenes that just felt like they were dragging the story or not adding emotional value. There was a scene where Caleb has a heart to heart with his best friend Jeremy (again); about hurting Nora, but I changed it because I wanted an emotional connection between Caleb and his father too. The “Deleted Scenes” will be available to read soon too, so I won’t give away more here.

14. If you didn't write, what would you do for work? That’s not really an option. I do a lot with my time and none of it is a hobby. I am a Graphics Designer, Web Designer and Interior Designer, as well as an Author. I write because it’s something I have been adamant about and not writing is just not possible to imagine. Writing for me was pre-determined, however, it was only a matter of time; choosing when I was going to get around to writing. Writing became a priority when I felt that my writing was good enough to go public.

15. Share one little known fact about yourself. Well, if I told you guys then it won’t really be little known, would it?

Thank you for reading through the interview. My deepest appreciation for those who made it to the end. I hope you all enjoy reading Loving You Like a Rubber Band.