The characters are deeply influenced by the people I’m surrounded by though. The main character, Eiliyah, resembles my mother’s personality.
Umme Pritam – 17 December 2022
The Back Flap
The boy you loved since you were a child comes back when you think you’ve found the love of your life in another person, what would you do? Eiliyah is a swooning love story between two fierce individuals only ready to be shattered by a life-altering truth.
When Ellie moves in with her father after her mother’s death, her long-gone nightmares begin.
Eiliyah aka Ellie turns out to be a kind and feisty twenty-one-year-old despite having a tragic childhood- a childhood that no child deserves. A childhood shattered by agony, heartbreak, and a big betrayal from her best friend- Hussain.
While her tragic past keeps haunting her, and she is in grief from her mother’s demise, she meets her neighbor- Raiyan: a charming, full-of-life, soon-to-be college graduate who happens to be the owner of a bookstore. Recently heartbroken from her five-year-long relationship, Ellie fights hard to stop herself from falling for Raiyan. On the other hand, Raiyan helps her with college math lessons and takes her out for a bike ride in the middle of the night, introducing her to his best friends. For a mysterious reason, he also can’t help himself from falling in love with Ellie.
Slowly, Ellie opens up to Raiyan, but he still keeps some secrets from her. The boy- Hussain from her past comes back which changes everything Ellie believes. Would their fierce love for each other survive the storm or fall apart?
Eiliyah is a moving tale of vulnerable yet strong people, rock-solid friendship, an unexpected betrayal, and heartbreak wrapped with the warmth of a strikingly beautiful love story.
About the book
What is the book about?
My book Eiliyah is a contemporary romance fiction. It is a moving tale of vulnerable yet strong people, rock-solid friendship, an unexpected betrayal, and heartbreak wrapped with the warmth of a strikingly beautiful love story.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing it the last October. Which is October 2021.
How long did it take you to write it?
Surprisingly, I wrote it with a speed of a tornado. Took me only five months to wrap it up.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea just randomly clicked. The characters are deeply influenced by the people I’m surrounded by though. The main character, Eiliyah, resembles my mother’s personality.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I didn’t struggle but got deeply invested in a certain scene where the main character Eiliyah was running through a sunflower field. That particular scene was a life-changing one for her.
What came easily?
I would say, the whole plotline. It came so easily that my writing just flowed. I guess I got lucky!
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Some of the characters share a resemblance with the people I’m close. I have already said Eiliyah’s personality matches my mother’s. Her cousin Areeba has similarities to my sister-in-law and one of my friends.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Well, I’m influenced by so many writers out there. Colleen Hoover, Christina Lauren, and Sally Rooney are the biggest influences. I’m awestruck by the simplicity of their writing. Their writing is vivid yet so easily read.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I don’t follow any particular process. Sometimes, I like to plot beforehand, and sometimes, I just keep writing whatever pops into my mind.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I would say, both. It depends on the genre. If I’m writing a thriller, extensive outlining is a must for me. When I’m writing romance, keeping a list of notes is all right.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I have a toxic habit to edit as I go. I can’t just help myself.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I did hire one. But I wasn’t super impressed by the final outcome.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I don’t. It’s distracting for me.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
In our country, we don’t have literary agents. We are on our own.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?
I self-published due to a lack of publishers who publish English-written fiction in our country.
Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I didn’t have any option rather than going indie. So, it was predetermined.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
It was professionally done by an amazing cover artist Sabby Zaman. The idea was mine, though.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do have it. Till now, following the plan. I believe, planning a whole marketing content ahead would boost your sales.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
One piece of advice I want to give is don’t be heartbroken if it’s your first time trying to get published. You’ll meet many people, but not all of them are going to be pleased with you. And that’s okay. Keep writing, your readers will eventually find you.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I’m a South Asian girl, who grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Where do you live now?
I live in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I can pass a whole day just by watching cat videos online.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on two projects. One is a contemporary romance and the other is a surprise for my readers.
End of Interview:
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