Here at Olympia, we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Mostofa Kamel about his book!
1. Hold old were you when you first wrote something substantial?
Ans: It was in 1984, I wrote a poem and sent it to the daily news paper's literary page. After a few weeks, I received a copy from the newspaper authority. I found that the newspaper published my poem. I was really very happy to see my published poem. After that, I started writing poems, stories, novels and for the kids. One of my novel and some stories published in 1991; encouraged me to write regularly. But my novel `Hello Colonel' was the turning point of my writings. Hello, Colonel based on Taliban extremism rising in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
2. Did you ever have aspirations to become a writer?
Ans: From my childhood, I thought I would be a writer and journalist. Actually, it was my dream. I always read the newspaper and creative books. I used to write from my inner-feeling. I believe that no one could be a writer forcefully. My dreams become reality is really great achievement.
3. What is the best piece of advice you've received?
Ans: Firstly I received advice from my mother. She told me in the early stage, write regularly you will be a great writer. I have received some writer's advice. Our eminent writer Mr Showkat Ali said to me that if you want to be a writer you should read, read and read then write. Another writer Mr Humayun Ahmed said, if you put the white paper in the photo-copy machine white paper will come out. If you put some matter in the photocopy machine the same thing will come out. That was really great piece for me.
4. What was advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Ans: You should prepare first as a writer. To established your name as like `brand', you should write in the newspapers and magazines. You have to understand that it's not the shortcut or easy way. it's a very hard journey. So never feel discouraged and should not stop writing.
5. What did you find easiest and hardest about writing?
Ans: As a fiction writer I would say, Love story, the social aspect of the story based on imagination is easier to write. But the historical novel and story-telling is the hardest part of my writing. I have written a trilogy based on history. In 1947 partition of India to 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh. The character and historical events are true but I was writing a novel. It was really very hard job. If you think, history is a structure of a human body, as a writer, I have been given it heart, blood, vein, feeling etc. Then the history can walk, speak, laugh and cry. That is the creation of a writer.
6. Was it faster to write your book or have it published?
Ans: I would say, I am the luckiest person in these regards. It is faster to published my book. I have to take much time to write a book. My publishers are waiting for a book from me.
7. What was your favourite part of your book to write?
Ans: If I could start my novel or story then I can write easily. Actually, story-telling (when the character speaks) is my favourite part of my books. the feeling is that my story talks to the readers.
8. Do you have any plans to publish more work?
Ans: Yes. I love to write. I use it as a form of relaxation. I am writing every day religiously for about two hours. So I have been writing 4/5 books every year. Such as Novel, science fiction, thriller etc. I am waiting for my next plan to publish.
9. If you could review Olympia Publishers in just a few words, what would be?
Ans: Olympia is an internationally reputed publisher in the world. I have found Olympia is very much professional. When I involved with the publication process every person received me very cordially. All are very supportive, so my journey was very smooth and easy. I have got extra-ordinary experience from this journey. I would highly recommend them.