Meet Farah Ali
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview indie authors I’ve met through the interwebs whose online ramblings have inspired me to break down and read their books. It is truly a unique opportunity to be able to talk directly to the author about a book you’ve read. I thought I might as well share that conversation with you, reader. You’re welcome. Let’s get on with the interview, shall we?
This month I interviewed horror author and poet, Farah Ali. She is the author of the supernatural Deerleap Hollow series and resides in South East England. She has been conjuring up dark, thrilling, and supernatural stories for as long as she can remember.
How did you initially get into writing?
Like many authors, I came to writing through my love of reading as a child. I was a voracious reader with a vivid imagination, so it made sense to write stories myself. They were weird then, and they’re still weird now.
Tell us about your writing routine. Do you have any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
I write whenever I’m in the right headspace and when I get the chance to. Whether it’s poetry or working on my novels, I do try to write something most days, even if it’s only a few words. I like to wear my comfiest clothes when I write. I’m someone who finds it hard to write anywhere other than at home.
Have you received any criticism that has helped you grow as a writer?
Not to overexplain. Trust the reader to fill in the blanks themselves.
What are some of your writing influences? Favorite books?
I’m influenced by movies, artwork, my life experiences, and of course other authors. The top three are probably Agatha Christie, Natuso Kirino and Hilary Mantel. Christie taught me how to propel a narrative to a satisfying climax. Kirino showed me how sparse, stark prose can be used to horrifying effect. As for Mantel, I’ll always be in awe of her skill with detail and her ability to turn the mundane into something extraordinary. I love all the books by these authors. Favourites by other authors include Coraline, The Shining and Jane Eyre, to name just a few.
Did you plan to write an eleven-book series? Will there be more?
Haha, I don’t plan anything when it comes to my books, I’m a hostage, my characters won’t let me go. I thought the Deerleap Hollow series was going to be a trilogy, but I loved the world I created so much and had so many ideas it would have been impossible to cram it all into only three books. I think it’s going to be a 15-book series…
I loved Even Pretty Things Rot! In it, you illustrate a very creative way of disposing a girl's body by basically turning her into a human planter box. WTF? How did you come up with that?
Thank you J.B., I’m so glad you liked it! I have a vivid imagination which tends to the dark side, so I can be doing the most innocent task and something completely bizarre will pop into my head. As for EPTR, I love plants. I was preparing a big hanging basket. As I put the coco husk liner in, I saw a crystal-clear image of someone doing the same but with human skin. The details changed later on, but once I saw the scene in my head, the rest pretty much wrote itself.
Your Twitter feed is surprisingly cheery with posts of flowers and nature, which is lovely and also unexpected from an author who writes such ghastly fiction. In real life, if I were to spot you about town, say in a South East England bookshop, would I meet the sort of gothic macabre writer persona or the sunny, nature-loving Farah?
Haha, yup I’m sure my twitter feed confuses a lot of people. Hmm…I suppose I keep my macabre side mostly hidden offline so as not to alarm anyone. I genuinely love nature though. In sum, I don’t think you would know about my writer persona until you got to know me!
How will you be spending your Halloween this year?
Watching horror movies and revelling in autumn, most likely. If I’m organised enough, I might even dress up.
You also write poetry. Have you always written poetry and what form of writing do you prefer?
I’ve been writing poetry forever too, though I’ve only recently started feeling confident enough to share poems. To my astonishment, some are getting published in journals. I’m not sure which form I prefer, it changes. Poetry might have the edge, it’s very calming and there’s so much freedom in it. The best part about writing both is I can switch when I feel like it.
Would you be willing to write an original haiku for my readers? Something Halloween themed?
waxing moon
the weight of pumpkins
in the wheelbarrow
I love that! What are you working on now?
I’m writing poetry and working on book 12 of the Deerleap Hollow series.
Tell us where readers can find you.
I’m on Twitter: @farahauthor
Check out the Deerleap Hollow Series on Amazon Kindle, or read for free on Kindle Unlimited! Start the spooky season off right with Book 1: Even Pretty Things Rot.