At the age of eleven, Dilara Nagib was writing. By fourteen, she was the Deputy Editor of her school’s magazine club. Fifteen, and she had expanded the journalism experience by starting an internship. Sixteen, and she had completed her debut novella It Stung and I Laughed.
What was your inspiration for your latest published novel?
Inspiration stemmed from various books I had read; The Silence of the Lambs, Divergent, and Me Before You all had massive impacts on the creation of It Stung and I Laughed – in different ways, but equally as important. I wanted to write something unique and unexpected, something that might perhaps shock people. That’s the stark beauty of words, I find: from the most trivial matter to the most significant plot device, anything and everything happens just under your fingertips. It’s all on you.
What has been the biggest challenge that you have faced?
Perfectionism. Whether it was my writing style, the characters, or even the storyline itself – I must’ve rewritten the thing at least seventy times. There was that, and also the fact that people didn’t believe I was capable of being a published author – mostly due to my age. But as I progressed in my writing, I came to learn that I am my biggest enemy. It doesn’t concern me what other people think I can and can’t do. I wanted to write a book? I wrote a book.
Do you plan on pursuing writing as a career?
Writing is not a secure career choice unless you’ve sold millions like J.K. Rowling. Things might not work out. Things might. My life would probably be better had I decided that I wanted to be an engineer or a doctor. When writing full-time, there is a lack of stability and an abundance of uncertainty – which I love. I love not knowing what’s about to happen; I love not knowing what I’m going to do, or who I might meet. I love writing. And I can’t wait to pursue it.
Have you got any upcoming projects? If so, what?
Like most kids my age, I’m currently preoccupied with school. At the end of this year, I’ll be sitting my GCSEs, and until then, I might write from time to time – but nothing huge until the summer break. I’ve been considering the likelihood of a second book.
How have you organised yourself throughout the creation of your book?
That’s easy: I haven’t. I’ve been making things up as I go along. Probably not the most tactful approach. There were days where I was writing from eleven in the morning to four o’clock the next morning, and days where I didn’t even want to look at my laptop let alone touch it. Unfortunately, my organisation heavily depended on my mood.
What is your favourite book?
No clue. There are so many great reads out there. I remember reading the first book from Darren Shan’s Cirque du Freak series for school when I was eleven. I finished all twelve books in eight days. As far as favourites go, Shan’s spider story was a legend. (Quite ironically, I have arachnophobia.) ν
This is available to purchase at www.amazon.com, authorhouse.com and barnesandnoble.com