Featured Interview With Hiba KIAL

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in Morocco, I am a multifaceted individual, blending the worlds of architecture, writing, art, and research. As an architect, I craft spaces that resonate with history and human experience, while my work as a writer allows me to delve deeply into the realms of autobiography, philosophy, and personal growth. I am an anthropological researcher, fascinated by the ways civilizations and people have shaped cities through time. In addition, I am a pianist and an artist, using music and visual expression to channel my creativity. I have a few cats, who bring joy and serenity to my life, grounding me amidst my diverse pursuits.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve had a deep connection with books since I was a child. My fascination with reading began as soon as I could hold a book, and I’ve never stopped exploring the world through words. Writing came naturally to me—ever since I could hold a pen, I would fill blank pages with diverse words, poetry, essays, and everything in between. It was like a dream come true, being able to express my imagination and channel my thoughts onto paper. Writing became a journey of self-exploration, and I’ve been on it ever since. I was first published at 19, marking the beginning of my creative journey in the literary world.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to authors who craft stories that transcend traditional boundaries and explore the depths of the human experience. Some of my favorite authors include those who can blend philosophy, introspection, and deep narrative, such as Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Milan Kundera. Their ability to intertwine existential questions with beautiful prose has always resonated with me.

When it comes to genres, I gravitate toward philosophical works, autobiographies, and romance. These genres allow me to explore the nuances of identity, purpose, and human connection. I love reading books that challenge my perceptions and offer new perspectives on life.

As for what inspires my writing, it’s the desire to capture the essence of the human condition. Whether through an introspective lens or through the eyes of a character, I aim to explore deep emotions, identity shifts, and the search for meaning. I’m inspired by my own experiences, my journey of self-discovery, and the exploration of both the psyche and the world around me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest work is an ongoing autobiography that delves into the lessons I have learned throughout my life and the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. It explores the complex journey of identity shifts, examining how personal growth and cognitive-behavioral work can transform the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Through this book, I question what it means to become the “best version” of oneself—whether it’s defined by achievements or by deeper, more personal growth. This work is a reflection on purpose, self-improvement, and the ongoing process of becoming, and it’s a journey I’m continuing to unfold through each page.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Hiba KIAL’s Website

Featured Interview With Elisa Hawa

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an Canadian author. Born and raised in Toronto. Currently living in Brampton. I am 40 years old. A wife and a mother. Love fantasy, romance, anime and the supernatural. No pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I can’t remember what age. I guess at an early age when I was in elementary school. My favourite place to go was the library. I loved checking out books and reading them. It was mostly fantasy books. Then it grew to supernatural and romance.

I started writing two years ago. I never thought I would be a writer.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Suzanne Collins- The Hunger Games series

Lucy Maud Montgomery- Annie of Green Gables

Cassandra Clare- Mortal Instruments

Favourite Genre to read is Fantasy, Romance and Supernatural.

My dreams and my imagination are what inspires me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book, “My Fate, My Heart You See” was based on a dream I had in my early twenties. This dream never left me. As the years passed, I came to the realization that there must be a reason why. I had to share this story with the world and so I did. This was my very first project. It took me two years to complete and I’m very proud of it.

“My Fate, My Heart You See” is about Nina Rosethorn: A university student survives a lightning strike and returns home to Vancouver. There she discovers a new gift -a vivid nightmare that predict a future disaster. Determined to change fate, Nina embarks on a daring mission, only to discover her dream are tied to Nathan Winterstorm, her high school crush and heartbreaker. As her premonition grows, Nina’s resolve to save Nathan leads her on a heartbreaking path of self-sacrifice, culminating in her tragic demise. Nine months later, Nathan encounters a mysterious figure who resembles his lost love.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Elisa Hawa Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Edward Burley

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a former guitarist turned writer as a result of creative frustration during the Covid restrictions.
I was born in Brighton, raised in Weston-Super-Mare where I currently reside with my wife, two children and nearly one year old puppy called Pippin.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of 3, I would sit on my potty with a book, recite its contents out loud and turn the pages at the appropriate time.
I think I would have begun to write sooner had the guitar not got in the way. As it is I started writing in my late 30’s during the covid pandemic for the sake of my families sanity as much as my own.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite authors to read span genres and decades. I adore Alan Moore’s work; particularly V for Vendetta and Watchmen. I have spent hours in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, and have been humbled by Viktor Frankl reading Man’s Search for Meaning. I also have a soft spot for Horror; particularly Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe.
Each have been inspiration to me, and encouraged me to develop my own voice.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called Agency, and is a love to letter to the crime genre and the selfless people who work in social care.
Having re-watched The Soprano’s three times, I thought it would be interesting to look at the lives of the career criminals British counterparts. Quite obviously they would be nowhere near as glamourous, but that immediately implies a heightened sense of believability.
Having worked for several years in the social care sector myself, I thought it would be interesting to follow my characters as they plan to rob a care home; a concept I am yet to come across.
It’s also my way of saying thank you and shedding light on the social care industry at the same time.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Edward Burley Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Elizabeth Jaeger

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Queens, New York, but I spent many summers in Mattituck, Long Island. I now live in New Jersey, a consequence of getting married. However, I still consider myself a New Yorker, and I am always happiest when I’m on the road. I love to travel and will jump at any opportunity to go away even if only for a weekend. I have three adorable cats—two black, one tabby. Until a year ago, I was not a cat person. Now, I can’t imagine ever living without a cat.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a child, I hated to read and I despised writing. My poor mother had to endure many of my tantrums when I came home with a writing assignment for homework. I also struggled to read, a product of learning disabilities I didn’t know I had until college. In high school, I had three absolutely amazing English teachers. They were so passionate about literature it was impossible not to get swept up in their enthusiasm. Also in high school, I was somewhat of an outcast. I was shy and socially awkward and at a loss to understand why I didn’t fit in. Books became my escape. I started reading because I got tired of being alone in crowds. With a book, I could melt into the pages and disappear. I started writing when a boyfriend suggested I keep a notebook in which to jot poems. Coincidently, it was the same year I had to write a short story for English class and my teacher pulled me aside to ask if she could submit it to the school literary magazine. It was the first time I felt noticed by a teacher.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Laura Ingalls Wilder will always be my favorite author. As a kid, I begged my father to buy me the books because I loved the televisions show, Little House on the Prairie. He bought me the first three, but they sat unread on my book shelf until I got to college. They had to wait for me to actually learn to love reading. Wilder is the reason I decided I wanted to be an author. My favorite genres are historical fiction, memoir, and lesbian literature—I’m not sure if that’s a technically a genre, but I consider it one. When I was growing up, I never saw myself in books. Maybe that’s part of why I didn’t connect with them until I was older. Now, I’m making up for lost time. My son inspires me. I’ve written many essays about motherhood and my son growing up. I’m also inspired by queer youth. I want to write young adult novels that they can relate to. I want to create characters that might make them feel a little less alone.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Stolen: Love and Loss in the Time of COVID-19 is about my father’s death. When the world shut down, I started a blog. It was never supposed to be serious, just something light and fun to ease the tension of being trapped in a small condo with three people. But on day eight, my dad got sick. Day twelve, I drove him to the hospital and I never saw him again. My blog about stupid mundane things suddenly got very serious. I wrote about what it was like living in New York City, the epicenter of the virus in America. I detailed conversations with doctors. After Dad died, my writing became a record of my grief at a time when grieving rituals weren’t permitted. Trapped at home with my sorrow, my devastated son, and my distraught mother only seemed to exacerbate our pain. The first sixty days of that blog has become my memoir.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Elizabeth Jaeger’s Website

Elizabeth Jaeger Facebook Page