1. Why do you write?
I never liked writing when I was younger. It may sound awkward coming from an author, but that's the truth. I guess it was mostly because I viewed writing as a rigid task in school. Writing essays and reports was all I knew. It wasn't until my teenage years that I got the confidence to write, for myself. Not for school but for me. I used to write to get away from it all. Create a whole new world in which anything, could be. And I still write with that same passion to this day.
2. How many books have you written?
"It Takes Two" is my debut novel. Although I have wrote several stories that are scattered on the hard-drive of my computer, "It Takes Two" is my first ever published novel.
3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?
Experience. Like many novelists out there, both established and newcomers, it is experience which inspires me to write. For me it was the experiences in my own life that lead to the creation of "It Takes Two".
4. What is your favourite genre to read?
I am a huge bibliophile. I read almost anything and everything that I can get my hands on. But I have always had a soft spot for modern fiction novels.
5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favourite authors?
There are many authors, whose works have contributed to my writing experience. But in my novel I mention one particular author, who is the biggest influence in my writing style. And that's Haruki Murakami. I remember reading his work for the first time and being blown away by his style. At the time I couldn't believe that a novel could be so creatively descriptive. I kept reading one novel after another.
6. Which is your favourite book that you’ve written?
Even though I have only written the one novel so far, I think "It Takes Two" will always be my baby.
7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?
Writing is unlike any other art. You do not need to have any specialist equipment or instruments to do it. You can do it anywhere and everywhere. It is through words that you can bring a smile on someones face, or a tear to their eye.
8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?
When you write, write for yourself. Nobody else but you. Forget the word count, syntax or grammar. Write with conviction and belief. If you just type the words, then it's just a sentence. But if you feel the emotions that carry those words, that's what makes it a statement. Write because of the love of writing. If you're writing for a fast buck, then forget it.
9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?
I have a funny story about how I almost came up with a character. The novel was still in it's research and development stage. I was building the personality of the protagonist of the story (Adam). I took out a sketchpad and started to put a face together. I found it easier to relate to a character if I gave them a face. I was sitting by myself in the university canteen at the time. And after half hour or so, I had drawn a very rough sketch of a face. And out of nowhere, one of the canteen staff walked by and pointed at the sketch while shouting in my ear "If you add a moustache to that face, it would look exactly like my uncle Lionel!" I jumped out of my seat. I didn't know what to say to the man. I just handed him the sketch as a memento and left.
10. Coke or Pepsi?
Bottled coke. Not the cans. I don't know why, but it always tastes better when it comes from a bottle. Or maybe it's just me.
You can buy Faiyaz's book on Amazon as well as an autographed copy. The trailer is available for viewing here.
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