An interview session with Sameer Khan.

Sumith Chowdhury

Hello everyone! Good evening folks.

It’s Sumith here, the writer of this blog who entertains you with his writeups and reviews. Before I end up doing any further discussions, let me cut to the chase by introducing the guest I’ve today with us, ‘Sameer Khan’ an amazing poet who has touched countless hearts through his amazing and exceptional poems that vibrates the very essence of our souls.

He’s today along with us for his debut book ‘Eerie edges’ which has been successfully published.

His poems are captivating, engages the reader to travel to a different world altogether making them feel surreal and lost in the imaginative world he reels for us. His writing stirs, rebukes the suppressed feelings in us, as they reciprocate with the immense feelings emanating from within us. The readers pour their overwhelming love in the form of words and blessings.

Let’s begin the telephonic interview session.

1. Hi Sameer, how are you feeling now?

Ans. Hey Sumith, I’m doing good. Hope you’re doing fine.

2. So, tell me something about yourself.

Ans. People usually perceive their life as how they feel, but when you’re a poet you don’t see things normally, you visualize and feel them differently. Most of the times, we think about ourselves how we feel! But the intrinsic question that arises is ‘how things seem to my eyes.’ I see people and things metaphorically, I think of them as metaphors for my writings. Each day seems different to me, as I look around for inspirations to write.

About myself, well I’m a student of computer science engineering from integral university. Writing has always been my passion and I've been fortunate enough to publish a book, name " Eerie Edges ". This book is all about emotions and feelings, which one finds so hard to crack or express with others. I dedicated this book to people who all are suffering from clinical depression and anxiety.

My debut book ‘Eerie edges’ is available at all around the globe

3. Tell us something about your upcoming debut book ‘Eerie edges.’

Ans. Basically the book is not only my journey of depression, but the journey of many people. To be precise, 72 people. I interacted with many people who are contracted with clinical depression, as they shared their feelings with me. The various kind of depressions which they undergo and the different stages, for instance when a person faces the problem of ‘unrequited love’ and how it triggers depression. I used to listen to them, interact and metaphorically advise them. It used to cure their pain, even if it meant for a moment, apart from the copious number of medicines available to intake, but sharing meant an effective way to lighten the self-build burden, a means to heal oneself.

The book also reminds me of my past, because I’ve been through depression as well. So, I know exactly how it feels to be victimized, the pain he has felt, the void left in their lives. It is again journey of a person’s life, the various stages of life and how he faces depression at some point of their lives.

The book is divided into many parts, 1^st part consists ‘poems’ which are pain-oriented, pain differs from one person to another. The reader reading this book will associate themselves with the pain he has felt in his life and connect with it instantly. The pain is completely relatable with his past.

The 2^nd part consists of ‘proses.’ Once the reader identifies the suffering he has endured, the prose helps him connect with his feelings and help him heal. It also encourages him to move on in his life.

The 3^rd part is about ‘quotes.’ It comprises of various motivational quotes. After identification of specific pain, he needs a helping hand, a rope to climb onto, the thought that occurs ‘what needs to be done next’ is what is described effectively in this part.

The 4^th part is ‘tiny tales.’ It consists of ‘graveyard of memories’ in which they bury their past and move on in their individual lives.

Now I’m excited to read your book as well.

Adding further, what I desired was to write a book on motivation, to describe those moments in every person’s life when he/she grabs onto a pillow and cry their heart out just to relinquish the pain which lies buried deep in their hearts. How the overwhelming pain which sometimes slip in the form of tears, when we don’t share our pain. This thought provoked me, that this book can be a help to those with whom I can’t be present every time, this should be a helping hand for them.

Your book reminds me of ‘A leap within’ by Ameya Agrawal which successfully deals with depression and is a life-saver.

Wow, that was exciting to her, let’s proceed further.

3. What’s your writing style? Where do you get most of your ideas from?

Ans. Well, I don’t interact with people much. As mentioned earlier, I connect everything around me poetically, I don’t visualize people as people, I perceive them ‘metaphorically.’ For instance, an object like ‘flower’ represents ‘beauty’ and ‘sunlight’ marks a ‘new dawn.’ So that’s how I let my feelings flow in the form of words. Secondly, in every person lies many indescribable feelings and I relate them via ‘metaphor.’ Like how I’m interacting with you, I feel some vibes surrounding you.

So basically, you perceive people you interact as metaphors. These metaphors in turn give rise to new words which helps you construct your poems.

Yes indeed!

4. Does your book consists of any characters or just a soliloquy of poems?

Ans. The book is a soliloquy of poems, the way I’ve narrated it will grab the reader’s attention and the feelings which are concealed within him will be set free and will guide him towards a better life.

5. So, is this your debut book or have you published any other book?

Ans. Yes, this is my debut book and I haven’t written any other book. Though I used to participate in many nationwide contests which helped me build up my writing skills further.

6. Well, you were talking about some contests earlier! Can you say something about them?

Ans. Sure, why not! I’ve participated in many intercollege competitions since childhood and they have helped to enhance my writing skills further.

7. Which publisher published your book? How was your experience working with them?

Ans. Well in India I opted for ‘self-publishing.’ Technically speaking, the book was in published in UK and later I had tied with Amazon and many international publishing and distributing houses for worldwide reach. Due to ISBN issues in India & lack of marketing knowledge I opted for an international publisher. Moreover, I’ve many friends who are also from UK and US who helped me get in touch with many publishers and distributers.

8. How long did it take to publish your book? What issues did you face while opting to publish it?

Ans. The duration it took was around 3-4 months. Once my manuscript was submitted to review, I got a quick response from the publisher and within the next quarter my book was published.

Basically, authors in India suffer when they opt for traditional publishing, some wait for almost an unlimited amount of time whereas others wait for a minimum of 8 months.

Well fortunately, in your case it seems quite less Sameer.

Apparently, the story goes on like this, I mailed my manuscript to most of the publishers in India, but to my avail there was no response. I was tired of waiting and had to get my book published promptly. Fortunately, my work was selected internationally, which made things easier.

Also, I launched an ‘eBook’ copy of my book over Amazon, but the demand for hardcopy and overwhelming response I got from my Indian friends and readers was another reason I chose to self-published my book here.

9. Well, I couldn’t help but notice a fact that you seemed to have gathered quite an audience or followers for yourself! What do you have to say about that?

Ans. Ha-ha, I’m amused to hear that, well I wouldn’t go so far to call them as my fans, but it’s their ‘love’ for my work which has made me what I’m today. It’s their kindness that reciprocates in the form of blessings which motivates me to write every day and this is the sole reason that I was able to overcome my depression and move on further in my life.

10. So how did you feel when your book ‘Eerie edges’ was getting published?

Ans. It was happiest moment of my life. When it comes to writing, I’m quite serious. As we all know, first book holds very special moments for every writer. Moreover, it’s not only my journey, it’s the collection of journeys of many people, their feelings, blessings are the result this book is successfully published.

11. What’s your favorite genre to read and write?

Ans. I love Charles Bukowski’s works, his aggressive nature, his badass works, the way he talks and interpret on society is something commendable and he holds a profound respect in my heart. Also, I’ve a collection of Salman Rushdie’s books as well and there’re many other good authors.

My favorite genre to write, now that’s a tough question to answer. Because, the moment I start writing I’m lost in my own world. For instance, if I’m doing content writing, I need to think and speculate things before I finalize my work. Whereas other times, I simply sit idle and pen down my feelings meticulously as I gaze upon the stars or sit in my balcony sighting the picturesque of the marvelous nature than holds the very depth of all creations.

Also, my poems depend on my mood. When I’m happy, I write sad ones. When I’m sad, I compile sad ones.

Well Sumith, what about you? I see quite often that you write as well, am I right? Which is your favorite genre to write?

Ha-ha, its likewise how you said, it’s a difficult question to answer. I love to read mythological and historical books. About writing, I’m currently working on my future works which are based on mythology as well. My debut book will be on romance genre, upon my friends’ request!

12. What’s your inspiration behind your work? Who inspires you the most to write?

Ans. To be honest, my books are my inspiration. Taking a peek at my mini-library in home is what inspires me the most. The dream of seeing my book amongst them is where it all began provoking me to write my very own book. With every poem I write, I wish to improve every day. Also, being a writer is tough, everyone demoralizes you, because it’s a unique field & hardly we get encouragement to write. I tell myself every day that I’ll definitely reach that level of authors whose works I admire the most.

The other reason for writing my book, are the friends I’ve lost in the past. Many were victims of depression, many felt like committing suicide. Depression often leads to panic attacks; silent eruptions triggers a person to the extent where his mind sets up thoughts, which ends up killing him both on the inside and outside. So, this book is also dedicated to them.

13. When did you began writing and at what age?

Ans. It all began when I was in class 1 at the age of 5. I still remember what inspired me to write was when our homeroom teacher told us to write for our essay writing assignment in class,

“write something about yourself.”

This is where it all started and also the poems of William words worth and Robert Frost were the ones which inspired me to write.

14. What do you write more, is it prose or poetry?

Ans. I do write prose, but mostly poetry. The reason behind that is, poems have that essence which connects people instantly, touches the deepest recess of their souls and brings out their innermost emotions. To my diary, I’m a poet. If technically spoken, I’m a professional writer, blogger, content writer and so on ….

So, to connect with people, to touch their lives and their souls, you write poems.

15. Was it your dream to become a writer or rather something else? Also, did your family support this passion of yours?

Ans. ‘People do the contrary of what they’re told to do.’ Since the moment I told my parents that I wished to become a poet, all they did was stop or advise me this isn’t some suitable profession & how writers are jobless. It made me feel pathetic at first, however; the burning desire to bring a change, the spark which ignites my soul to bring forth a revolution is what made me to write relentlessly.

Initially, our parents won’t support us. To them, our poems mean only a Facebook or social media status updates. But to us, writers it means our very own existence. Once we prove our worth to them, they start believing in us and support our passion.

16. Coming to the end of our session, the final question is “What message would you like to give to the readers?”

Ans. I just wish everyone to be happy and live peacefully.

A quote which I would like to dedicate to them “No religion owns morality but your own soul!”

And that’s the end of our interview session. It’s been a wonderful evening with you ‘Sameer khan.’

Here’re the links to purchase his fabulous book and also an insight to the reviews and acclaims the book has gathered worldwide.

Thank you.

‘Eerie edges’ is available at all around the globe and most of the online shopping portals like Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm & Pothi.

It has even been reviewed by India TV news.

http://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/books-culture-eerie-edges-book-review-the-end-you-were-scared-of-383021

Apart from that, he always wanted to bring a change and spread love with his words.

So, he frequently runs few poetry series on Facebook.

One series is dedicated to individual life of LGBT people.

The series has been named "The Lore of Rainbows,” where he describes LGBT individual's life in form of poetry, and a happy story has been added to how the world they are as beautiful as we think of ourselves.

https://www.facebook.com/awarriorofart/albums/10211155796024858/

Second series is a romantic story portraying a long-distance couple love story in form of poetry.

The series has been named "A chestnut of cuddles and care.”

https://www.facebook.com/awarriorofart/albums/10210430422090963/

Third series is totally on musing, dedicating poems to love of our life.

The series has been named “A series dedicated to 'Her'.”

https://www.facebook.com/awarriorofart/albums/10210238329688773/

Apart from that, he writes short quotes in wisdom, motivation, modern love and depression.

The portfolio including such mini poems and quotes are given below:

https://www.yourquote.in/sameer-khan-kad/quotes/

He even has a website cum blog, where he posts short stories, blogs on how to overcome depression or stay happy in today's era.

www.awarriorofart.com