In Conversation with Zaara Ahmad Khan
1. Your debut book, Halcyon, feels deeply personal and introspective. What inspired you to write it, and how did the idea first take shape?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: I began writing Halcyon during a deeply lonely phase of my life. It started as journaling — a way to pour my thoughts onto paper, but always in a gentle, positive tone. Writing helped me find calmness within, like a soft peace spreading through my mind and body.
2. Writing can often be a healing process. Was Halcyon a form of emotional release or self-discovery for you?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: It was both for me. Halcyon became a space where I could release everything I was feeling. Through it, I also discovered a part of myself — that I could express so much through words, and maybe I was a better writer than I had ever known.
3. You mention that writing has always been your quiet companion. How did that relationship with writing begin, and how has it evolved over time?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: I started writing when I was younger, mostly in a diary. Over time, it became a habit — a safe space. Now, it’s how I connect with myself and others.
4. Many readers find comfort in your simple yet powerful language. How do you approach the balance between emotional depth and minimalism in your writing style?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: I try to keep my words simple but honest. I believe a few strong lines can say more than a long paragraph.
5. As a student and emerging writer, how do you manage the demands of academics alongside your creative pursuits?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: It’s not always easy. Most of my time goes into studying or doing small activities for myself. But I write whenever my mind feels full — when thoughts begin to overflow, writing helps me let them out.
6. What emotions or experiences were the most challenging to put into words while writing this book?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: Most of the pages in Halcyon carry strong and difficult emotions. But instead of holding them in, I chose to let them out — and that’s what made the writing so honest.
7. Who are some writers, poets, or creators who have influenced your voice or inspired your work?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: Writers like Sylvia Plath, Franz Kafka, and Virginia Woolf have always inspired me. But more than anything, it was my own thoughts and emotions that pushed me to write — they became my biggest inspiration.
8. What do you hope readers take away after spending time with Halcyon? Is there a particular message or feeling you wish to leave with them?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: I hope they find comfort in knowing they’re not alone — that even in stillness or sadness, there is peace.
9. How did you feel when you held your published book for the first time, knowing it was born from your private reflections?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: It felt unreal and emotional — like holding a piece of my heart in my hands. It’s something I’ll never forget.
10. What’s next for you as a writer? Are you working on any new projects or exploring other forms of creative expression?
Zaara Ahmad Khan: Right now, I’m taking some time to breathe after Halcyon, but yes — I do have ideas for my next project. I’m slowly exploring new themes and also trying other forms of creative expression like short stories and visual poetry. I’m excited to see where it leads me.
Zaara Ahmad Khan is a student and an emerging writer, driven by a deep connection to emotions and expression. Writing has always been her quiet companion — a way to give shape to the thoughts and feelings she experiences most intensely. Whenever something touches her deeply, she turns to her pencil and lets the words flow naturally.
This is her debut book, born from heartfelt moments and personal reflections. Through it, she hopes to connect with readers who find comfort, meaning, or resonance in the simple honesty of words.
