SPFBO 9 Author Interview- Aisha Urooj
What inspired you to write your SPFBO entry? Is there a particular story, personal experience, or idea that sparked this book?
My SPFBO entry is The Stone Mermaid, inspired by the classic fairytale. I always wondered what would happen if certain characters made different choices, or if different options were presented to them. For instance, if Ursula had a son, or the human prince, that the mermaid fell in love with, was different than he seemed?
Exploring these questions led me down a fantastical and magical creative path, culminating in a fantasy book that started a series (each book was in turn inspired by a different fairytale). My stories are darker than the original, but I hope they also capture the reader's imagination as much as the stories they were inspired by.
How would you describe your writing process? How did it evolve during the creation of this book?
I have a loose outline and an ending that I work towards, but the path to getting there is a surprise. (I guess I am a combination of a plotter and pantser…. a plantser?) I tried doing a detailed plot, but it didn't work for me creatively speaking.
What challenges did you face during the writing or publishing process, and how did you overcome them?
Writing blocks or sometimes time management. For writing blocks, I take a creative pause and starting reading or catching up on movies and shows that I missed. For time management, I try to keep the same time slot for writing, but alas, it does not always work out.
Who are your biggest literary influences and how have they impacted your writing style?
Classic books in different genres, like Lord of the Rings or Pride and Prejudice. These are books that I cherish and have read multiple times in difficult times. I hope that one day I can write books that people can go back to again and again for comfort.
How do you approach world-building in your fantasy novel? What elements do you think are essential for a compelling fantasy setting?
In fantasy it is easy to have a quick magical solution to any problem, but that would be a let down to the readers. My goal is that whatever worlds or magic system I create should be believable in the context of the book that I am writing.
If you could give a piece of advice to the main character in your book at the start of their journey, what would it be?
No one is perfect and you shouldn't expect yourself to be either. Strive for the good, and trust your heart.
As a self-published author, how do you navigate marketing and promoting your work?
I do newsletter swaps with other indie authors. I do paid low cost ads. I think the best possible path for me is to create a strong backlist and continually work on improving my craft.
What made you decide to participate in the SPFBO competition? How do you think this experience will benefit you as an author?
I heard of SPFBO a year or so ago on Twitter. I loved the excitement the competition generated among readers, and best of all, I learned SPFBO was for self-published authors. There are so many great authors that enter this competition, and it is surreal that I was able to enter my book. I hope to learn from this experience.
If you were to win SPFBO, what impact do you think this would have on your writing career?
I can't even imagine it without getting goosebumps. I think it would be an incredible experience. Just entering the contest has made me feel so welcomed in the writing community.
What's next for you after SPFBO? Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?
My newest project is Prince Charming, a fae fantasy inspired by Cinderella. It is set to release August 2023. I am also working on a prequel for next year.
