Aishath Sara Arif

What was your favorite book as a child?

This is probably one of the more difficult questions because when I was a child, I read what my current self views as an envious amount of books. But I can confidently say that the author I read the most was Enid Blyton. I especially loved The Magic Faraway Tree, The Enchanted Wood, Malory Towers, and her short story collections which were a bedtime favorite. Those stories were some of the most comforting, fun, and now nostalgic books, and I still have them all. Just seeing her signature reminds me of how immersed I was in those storyworlds throughout my childhood, which was the happiest time of my life.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I’ve had a love for storytelling and learning English as a second language for as long as I can remember, and I think my motivation to write creatively was partly borne out of a desire to improve those skills. The remaining I think comes from my love for reading, and wanting to write similar stories. For poetry in particular, it began by having one written to me, and attempting to respond. I had found a mode of expression that suited my teenage turmoil, and my motivation, style, and inspiration has since changed through my journey of finding a writerly voice.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I think I’ve yet to experience what I would describe as the most adventurous or thrilling, but I’m excited to find an answer, and then another. I do love the ocean, and scuba diving is up there which fits the category, but it feels more calm and at home to describe as such. Do concerts and finding new bugs count as thrilling?

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

Unless it was already in the background, I rarely listen to music while reading or writing. Having ADHD, I often find it too distracting, especially if I know the words. The only exception is Hozier’s first album, which I can listen to tirelessly, and became obsessed with around the same time I started writing poetry. There's always a song playing in my mind anyway, and writing helps me be with just my thoughts (which Hozier’s music has the same effect on). Music has inspired certain moods and poems, with some lyrics and titles being referenced in my verse. If I’m journaling, I write down the song that is playing to better remember the moment.