Q&A: Bilal Siddiqi

Q Why do you write?
I write because I love the exercise. The thoughts that go through one’s head before having to put things down on paper are always exciting and even exhausting, at times. Writing is cathartic to me and I can’t imagine not doing it, now that I’ve started.

Q Describe your favourite writing space.
I usually write at my dad’s office when it’s not occupied. Which is usually late in the night. I feel happy when I’m alone, because it allows me to think without getting distracted.

Q Do you have a writing schedule?
Usually for an hour every night. I spend more time than that on weekends. Writing need not be the physical act of putting pen to paper or typing. I count thinking about my story as writing too.

Q Ever struggled with writer’s block?
Quite often. But I usually plot out my story using cards before I set out to write. This helps me fight my way out of the block, if I ever face one.

Q Do you keep a diary? 
Several. I have one dedicated to each project. That diary has every idea and thought jotted down. I love revisiting them after the book or screenplay is done. It shows me how much is changed from the time I set out to write to what has finally been published.

Q What inspires you to write? Do you have a secret trick, or a book/author that helps?
No secret tricks. I just end up watching videos on YouTube of famous writers or directors speak about their art. It inspires me to create something of my own.
 
Q Best piece of advice you’ve ever got?
My mentor S. Hussain Zaidi has given me a lot of advice that has helped me hone my skills as a writer. One such piece of advice was — start a story from the middle of a plot and then work your way forwards until you need to explain the beginning. This helps keep your readers on the edge of their seat, as there’s a greater element of intrigue.

Q Coffee/tea/cigarettes — numbers please — while you are writing…
I don’t smoke and don’t have tea. So for me, it’s only coffee. I like it black with no sugar. Maybe three-four cups when I’m writing.

Q Which books are you reading at present?
I’m reading The Cartel by Don Winslow. He’s a fantastic writer. Also, House of Spies by Daniel Silva. He’s one of my all-time favourites. And then, Dangerous Minds by my mentor Hussain sir. Yes, I start three books simultaneously.

Q Who are your favourite authors?
Hussain Zaidi, Daniel Silva, Don Winslow, Khaled Hosseini and J.K. Rowling.

Q Which book/author should be banned on grounds of bad taste?
Maybe 50 Shades of Grey. I cringe when I see people picking that book up at a bookstore.

Q Which is the most under-rated book?
I think A Stranger in the Mirror by Sidney Sheldon didn’t get read as much as it should have. It’s one of his best books, according to me. 

Q Which are your favourite children’s books?
The William series by Richmal Compton and the Harry Potter series, without any doubt.

Q Which classics do you want to read? 
I hate to admit it, but I haven’t read Lord of the Flies yet. 

Q Who is your favourite literary character?
James Bond. Vito Corleone. Jack Reacher.

Q Which is the funniest book you have read?
A lot of books by P.G. Wodehouse. They’re hilarious in a way that only British writers can make them.

Q Which is the most erotic book you have read?
I steer clear of erotica. But if I had to choose a scene that stuck with me, it has to be from The Godfather. The way Mario Puzo wrote out the scene between Michael Corleone and his wife was sensual without getting vulgar.

Q Which book do you wish you had written?
The Kite-Runner by Khaled Hosseini. My all-time favourite.