The Writers Lounge:
How long did it take for you to write WonderWorld and where and how do you write? Example: In an office or living room and with a pen or computer?
Rudaba Khan:
Saviours from the WonderWorld took me quite some time. I have to create something with finality in my head before putting it on the paper. So, the thinking process took a few weeks, but when I had the complete story in my head, it took a mere 3-4 days to put it in words. And, then a few more reads to proofread the manuscript.
We have an office set up at our home and I usually work there.
As for writing, I jot down snippets, dialougues and scene creation ideas on paper. Once, I am done with it, I open my laptop and I dive into my imaginary world.
The Writers Lounge:
What was your process of imagination behind the creation of WonderWorld? What led you to write about a deadly virus just months before the COVID pandemic took control of the world?
Rudaba Khan:
The power of an imagination always amazes me. Since my childhood, I have had a very strong, active and creative imagination. My imaginative world is actually my escape route where I can weave tales to my liking; embedding fictitious characters that only exist in my head. The same process was involved when I started on the plot of Saviours from the WonderWorld.
As for the plot of the story and Covid pandemic, it’s a coincidence really. I wrote my story in the May of 2018 and it was a mere coincidence that it got published in the October of 2019.
The Writers Lounge:
You have focused on writing for the younger adult population. What sort of message are you intending that they learn through your writing?
Rudaba Khan:
I have been through the young adult phase and I know it’s quite a bumpy road. Majority of the youth is lost and they do not know where to turn to, in the time of need. This compelled me to write my narrative in a manner which could help guide the young towards ethical values and moral character building.
The Writers Lounge:
When you sat down to write WonderWorld you decided that the book would be a novella. What drove that decision as opposed to writing a longer length novel? Do you have plans to expand it into a series?
Rudaba Khan:
Actually, this story was written to enter a competition and the guidelines required it to be no more than 10,000 words. So, I had to narrate the tale in a way, where all the prerequisites were met and the message was not lost. Otherwise, with this plot, it would have been a treat to expand it into a full length novel.
As for the series, the thought has crossed my mind more than once. Who knows, I might end up writing it’s sequel in the foreseeable future.
The Writers Lounge:
As a writer and now as a first-time published author, do you have any anxieties or fears about your abilities to write novels going forward- such as do you self-publish or go the traditional route?
Rudaba Khan:
To be honest, I never thought of publishing this story. I am always in doubt of my abilities. I have dreamt of becoming an author someday since I was a small kid, but this is yet another story! So, coming back to it, this agency approached me and asked to send the manuscript for evaluation and then, the rest is history.
For the future, I might try to self-publish. But, I haven’t given it much thought yet. Will see when the time comes.
The Writers Lounge:
When you completed writing Wonder World did you ask a friend or family member to read it and how did that make you feel while waiting for them to finish it?
Rudaba Khan:
Yes, I asked my husband to read it. And while he was reading it, I was nervous yet excited. And then his comments after reading it made my day. He said out rightly, “This could be turned into a movie. I can visualize it.” Turned out, he isn’t the only person who said this or thinks this way!
The Writers Lounge:
What advice do you have for young adults or older adults on the writing and publishing process?
Rudaba Khan:
If you have the flair, do give it a try. As Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read and it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I followed the same advice.
The Writers Lounge:
What do you do for fun? Your hobbies outside of writing?
Rudaba Khan:
I read. I love the Harry Potter series, both the novels and the movies. I draw. And I spend my time with my toddler.
The Writers Lounge:
Are you working on another book?
Rudaba Khan:
I haven’t started on it as yet but yes, I do have an interesting plot in my head. Though it’s not completely formed yet but it’s there. Once it’s done, it won’t take long to put it on the paper, hopefully.
The Writers Lounge:
Where can people find you on the internet?
People can connect with me on facebook. And, I can be reached at my email.
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