Author’s Corner: With Ayesha Salman

Interview with Pakistani author Ayesha Salman, about her debut novel Blue Dust.

Ayesha Salman is a writer and poet. Her first novel Blue Dust is based in Pakistan and the Middle East. It explores the lives of three generations of a family who struggle with their relationships, dreams, hopes and fears.

If you had not become a writer, what would you have been? 

What is the best thing about being a published author?

The best thing about it is being able to share your thoughts with others and learning something about your writing from your readers’ reactions. Now I can confront my own work with more clarity.

What was the hardest thing about writing Blue Dust?

Trying to create a balance between my portrayal of the public and private domains of the characters’ worlds. And trying to be true to both. That was the most difficult part I think.

If you were a man, would there be anything different about your book?

Blue Dust was written by me and I am a woman. That’s really all I can say. If I could write it again being a man that would be quite an experience, alas!

Who was the first to read Blue Dust? What was his/her reaction?

My three sisters have been my biggest supporters with my writing so I know for certain it was one of them, but to be honest I cannot remember which one. They have all always told me they love the book.

One book you would love to have written?

There are so many incredible writers and so many life changing books and poems that I have read and been influenced by. But being a poet as well as a prose writer I’d like to choose a poem instead of prose if I may and that would be The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S Eliot.

Future literary plans?

I am half way through my second novel which is based in Islamabad, Pakistan and I am hoping to finish it by the end of the year. I am also making a collection of my poems and continue to write poems. I have also recently moved from Pakistan to the UK and am hoping to further my writing career in the UK.

*Photo credit: Ayesha Salman.

Now dear readers, a book giveaway for you!

Answer this question: What do you think the title of this book “Blue Dust” means?

Just leave your answer as a comment below – and the best comment will get a copy of Blue Dust!

Please note: Only 1 comment per person. The book can only be sent to a valid address in India. Giveaway closes on 9 AM IST 15th Oct 2012.

So what are you waiting for? Comment away!

Update: Giveaway Closed.

The winner is Subha! Congrats Subha.

Previous Interviews in Author’s Corner:

Shefalee Vasudev of Powder Room

Tuhina Varshney of I’m Not Afraid Of GDPI

Yashodhara Lal of Just Married, Please Excuse

Rashmi Bansal of Poor Little Rich Slum

Meghna Pant of One & A Half Wife

Eowyn Ivey of The Snow Child

Shakti Salgaokar of Imperfect Mr.Right

Himani Vashishta of Princess of Falcons

Lata Gwalani of Incognito

Nina Godiwalla of Suits

Urvashi Gulia of My Way Is The Highway

Kiran Manral of The Reluctant Detective

Ameera Al Hakawati of Desperate In Dubai

Judy Balan of Two Fates

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