Nayaab Suhel, a 14-year-old prodigy from Shillong, released her second story book for children in August and it looks like there is much more to expect from her in the years ahead.
Nayaab is a Class 9 student in the BSF Secondary School in Shillong where her father, a doctor in the Border Security Force, has been posted for the past few years. Her first book, ‘Flamingo in Vamprickle Land’ released to rave reviews and gave the young author inspiration to carry on her passion.
Her second book, ‘Gobo and the Enchanted Toadstool’ continues the series of adventures in her make-believe world. Both books are available on Amazon.
Nayaab was named ‘author of the week’ in April 2020 and runner-up in the ‘author of the year’ contest (readers’ choice) by Story Mirror, an online portal.
Her latest achievement is winning an all-India essay competition organized by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research. She secured first rank in the North East and fourth in India.
Here are excerpts from an interview taken last month with the budding writer.
Q1. So tell us about yourself
“I was born in Burdwan in West Bengal and my father, Dr Suhel Ahmed is currently posted in Shillong with the BSF. I love books and my favorite writers are Enid Blyton, Chris Colfer among others. I am in love with the Harry Potter books.
Q2. Give us a small insight into your new book and how it came about?
My new book is about a goblin, Gobo, who is thrown out of his house and discovers a magical toadstool in which he travels to different fantasy adventures. I have created a few words and twisted the whole fairytale.
Q3. What has been the inspiration behind the two books that you have written till now?
Undoubtedly, Enid Blyton has been my inspiration behind the two books I have written. She is the one that introduced me to a different world altogether and made me believe in magic. Of course, it was my mother who introduced Enid Blyton and the habit of books into me.
Q4. When did you decide that you needed to write stories and how?
After reading so many books of so many authors, I started dwelling in those fantasy lands. I could not come out of it. It was like a potion in a magic cauldron after which there was controlling me or my pen.
Q5. How do you balance your writing along with your studies?
Studies are something that I cannot escape from. Whenever I get any off time, I immediately begin writing from the thoughts in my head. Without penning my thoughts, I feel I will not survive.
Q6. When can we expect the next new book in the series?
I am currently thinking of giving Gobo a rest this time and am writing a book about a little girl who comes to the state of Meghalaya and simply falls in love with it.
Q7. Who is the inspiration in your life? How far has the support of your family helped in your journey so far?
Enid Blyton in my inspiration though with new authors and new books every day, the inspiration changes. Sometimes it’s Chris Coulfer and sometimes it’s JK Rowling. However, another person I want to mention is Patricia Mukhim, who has not only been an inspiration but to me is also like a fairy godmother.
My family has been very supportive and keeps pushing me to continue writing. My mother, instead of buying jewellery, invests in books for me. She even goes through my diary to look at the work I do and keeps on inspiring me. My uncles, too, have been extremely supportive.
Q8: What are your other passions and what’s next for you?
I love to paint and of late I have begun to bake, inspired by the yummilicious cakes of Shillong.
Q9. Any words for aspiring writers and authors?
I myself am an aspiring writer. I would however be really happy if I can make my place in the hearts of children and inculcate the habit of reading in them. For aspiring writers like me, I would say write simple, write from your heart and write for children.
