Author-Sheeza-Ashraf-interview

Interview – Author Sheeza Ashraf

What inspired you to start writing poetry, and what led you to compile Veins of Heart?

I have always been fascinated by the ability of words to make feelings seem real. It’s somehow a form of magic the way a poem can anchor a feeling in the real, for one to be fully aware of it. The premise of Veins of Heart set in when I thought about how many emotions I was stuffing inside, things that I didn’t quite know how to say out loud. The writing became an escape and a way to find clarity. Compiling it felt like taking every little piece of my heart and giving it a voice.

Your book captures deep emotions, heartbreak, and personal struggles. How much of it is drawn from your own experiences?

Much of it is taken from my own life—those little heartbreak moments, feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed by everything that’s happening on the inside. But some of it is also imagined, such as putting myself in someone else’s shoes. It’s this combination of the personal and the universal. I think that’s why it connects with people because it translates to their own experiences as well.

Many of your poems touch on themes of adolescence and social challenges. Was there a particular event or realization that influenced your writing?

I guess it’s just being a teenager in the world — everything is so loud and fast and shifting.” There was a moment, where in between both of those rooms, I saw myself being boxed in in a way. I saw how much pressure there is to conform, to be okay when you’re not. That’s when I began writing more about what it’s like to be unsure, to grapple with expectations, and to learn who you really are.

You started writing poetry just a year ago. How has the journey of self-expression through poetry evolved for you since then?

At first, it was kind of like I was just scribbling random thoughts and emotions, not really thinking about it. But over time, I started finding my voice. I became more aware of how the words I use can impact the way I feel and how others connect with it. It’s been a huge growth process—learning to be honest with myself and finding strength in vulnerability.

Who are your biggest literary influences or favorite poets, and how have they shaped your writing style?

I really love Rupi Kaur, because her words are so simple, but they carry so much weight. There’s something about her ability to distill complex emotions into something accessible that I admire. I also love Lang Leav for her delicate yet powerful way of talking about love and loss. They’ve both taught me that sometimes less is more and that even the smallest words can pack the biggest punch.

If you could describe Veins of Heart in three words, what would they be and why?

Raw. Honest. Healing. The poems in this collection are a reflection of the messy, beautiful, and painful parts of life. They aren’t polished, but that’s what makes them real. And I think, even though some of the poems are hard to read, there’s a sense of healing in there, too—like going through the pain and coming out on the other side.

Your poetry gives voice to unspoken emotions. What message do you hope readers, especially young girls, take away from your book?

I want them to know it’s okay to feel everything—the happiness, the sadness, the confusion. There’s power in owning those feelings instead of hiding them. I hope they feel like they’re not alone, that someone else understands what they’re going through. And I want them to know they can turn those feelings into something beautiful, even if it’s just for themselves.

What was the most challenging poem or piece for you to write in this collection, and why?

There’s one poem about loss “The Struggle of Letting Go” that I had to rewrite a few times. It was really personal, and every time I thought I was done, it didn’t feel right. Writing it felt like I was opening a door to something I wasn’t ready to confront, but in the end, I think it’s one of the pieces that connect most deeply with people. It was hard, but I’m glad I didn’t give up on it.

How has your personal growth and self-discovery been reflected in your poetry?

My poems then were more about what I was experiencing right then—snapshot of pain, of joy. But as I matured, my writing began to evolve into an understanding of my own self. I started writing about resilience, about what it feels like to heal, about the fact that change is a part of life and doesn’t always have to be scary. I think I’m still navigating it all, but through writing, I kind of see where I’m at and where I’ve been, and I guess that’s the mirror that writing offers me.

What’s next for you as a writer? Do you plan to continue exploring poetry, or are you considering other forms of writing?

I definitely want to keep writing poetry, but I’m also curious about other forms of writing, like short stories or maybe even a novel. I think poetry will always be my main outlet because it feels like the truest form of self-expression for me. But who knows? I’m still discovering where my words can take me.

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