1. Can you give us a summary of your books, Visions of the Soul and Withered Petals?
Visions of the Soul:
Throughout life we store information collected from
experiences and try in some way to make sense of it. When we are not able to fully understand the things that occur in our
lives, we often externalize the information. By doing this, we are afforded a different perspective, thus allowing us to think
more clearly about difficult or perplexing events and emotions. Art is one of the ways in which we choose to externalize our
thoughts. Within the arts, needs of expression differ, but poetry is a very powerful tool by which we can share sometimes
confusing, sometimes perfectly clear, concepts and feelings with others. Intentions can run the gamut as well: We may simply
want to share something that has touched our lives in some way, or we may want to get help to allay anxiety or uncertainty.
The poetry within Visions of the Soul is from every point on the spectrum — every intention, every event or
emotion imaginable. Some poems will speak to certain readers more than others, but it is always important to keep in mind
that each verse is the voice of the poet, of a mind that needs to make sense of this world, of a heart that feels the effects
of every moment in this life, and perhaps of a memory that is striving to surface. Nonetheless, recalling our yesterdays gives
birth to our many forms of expression.
Withered Petals is the collection
of poetry, in hand, has various meanings evolving in many ways. Meanwhile, we are shown how to be stronger and live our lives
more fully by expressing the self-discoveries we uncover. The confidence we possess shows on the pages we share. Traditional
poetry has indeed laid the foundation on which to build upon and writing poetry is water for a parched soul. Poetry exists
because of writing and speaking through the creative mind with powerful positions. Gather all the meanings in life and then
position them. Never give up your dreams, desires, passions and hopes---just follow your heart to where it leads you.
Poetry reveals itself through inspirational moments in life and inspiration
comes from the most unlikely of places. The writer has allowed her thoughts to flow easily through her, leaving the audience
filled with an awakening passion, new hopes, longings, and desires.
Joshua Clover once said, “The great poetry is written by people
who understand there is nothing to be gained from it but the poem itself.” The poems portray both the inner and outer
selves we all contain and attempt to represent the struggle between the two in an artists rendering so as to illustrate the
all-too-frequent rift separating real sensibilities and their linguistic translations.
In this compelling
book of poetic rhythm the emotions are truly explored, well-captured and poetically projected.
2. How long did it take
you to write?
I started writing my poetry
when I was still is college, in 1984 and compiled it in to a book form in 2004 and PublishAmerica published it and released
it on January 27, 2005
3. Are there any authors or books that have inspired you?
I have read many good writers in my entire life since I was very fond of reading, but Danielle Steel has always been my
favorite author and has been my inspiration always.
4. Do you keep a strict writing schedule?
When I have a project in hand then I'm working at it day and night until it is completed, other wise it depends when I'm
in a mood to write then only I write. Rest of the time I'm busy doing other stuff I love to do and I visit the library
to get books to read or am busy doing research and designing, my passion.
5. Who is your target audience?
When I write poetry, then only poetry lovers are my targeted audience but when I'm writing children's stories then children
are the targeted audience, depending whatever age group I write for.
6. What are some of your favorite books?
My favorite books are poetry collections, romance novels and sometimes I even love to read children's books meant for teenagers
too, thus anything I read that I get my hands laid on. A book is after all a man's best friend.
7. What would you like your readers to know about you?
I would like my readers to know all about me and my books. They can visit my website at: www.freewebs.com/samiamuqueem
8. What are you working on now?
I'm mostly working on writing for children's stories these days, since I needed a break from poetry as well and then
I also qualified from Longridge in Children's Literature so I am doing what I'm good at. I just finished writing 2 stories
for children and am planning on working on a new project already.
9. Any tips for aspiring writers?
For the aspiring writers, I'll give them the message that to be a good writer always read anything and everything you come
across, you never know what might inspire you to take the initiative to put pen to paper. To have a good vacabulary and to
get good ideas for new projects alsways read which is a must for every good writer.
As mentioned above, for more information, please see Samia's website at www.freewebs.com/samiamuqueem.
