Basit Parray

Resident of Srinagar district, 16-year-old Sadiya Nisar Shah after writing her debut novel “The butterfly of Paradise” has become one among the youngest authors of Kashmir valley. 

Her debut novel published by Freshcode books was released by the then Director Information, Dr Sehrish Asgar in December 2020 at DPS school Srinagar.

The then Additional Secretary, Dr Abid Rashid, renowned poet Zarief Ahmad Zarief and Vice-Chairman DPS Srinagar, Vijay Dhar were also present on the occasion.

According to the teenager her father instilled the love for literature in her. 

“Some of my earliest memories are of my father telling me stories. This inspired me to be creative with words.”

Initially Sadiya was into poetry writing, but soon she developed interest in long form of writing also. Although she likes to read everything, she is more into fiction when it comes to writing.

She first realized how to become a writer during the first phase of pandemic. “I started writing what I imagined. I kept on writing and at the end, I summed up all the pieces which formed a novel,” recalls the Sadiya.

Sadiya’s novel is based on a stream of consciousness and its central idea revolves around keeping the heart pure and having faith in God.

The author is inspired by Maulana Rumi (R.A.). 

“For the past two years, I read about Hazrat Maulana Rumi (R.A.) and Hazrat Shams Tabrizi (R.A.) It opened my imagination and inspired me to write.” 

It took Sadiya two months to complete her book. 

Sadiya managed her time very well to ensure that her book writing does not affect her regular studies. 

“I used to write during evenings and night time so that I had enough time for my regular studies.”

Sadiya gives credit for her book to her teacher Sajid Reshi who provided her with the information and ideas. “He has a big hand in the success of my book. He is my mentor because he taught me many things about literature and life”.

The author has been receiving many positive responses and good compliments about her book from her readers. “Even some of my juniors in school said they got inspired by it.”

Sadiya is a voracious reader and believes it is important to read before one starts writing.

Among the books she has read include, The forty rules of love by Elif Shafaq, The wings of wire, Ignited minds and My journey by APJ Abdul Kalam, The Essential Rumi by Coleman barks. Besides, she has also read autobiographies of various poets including Lalded, Hazrat Sheikh ul Alam, Hazrat Maulana Rumi (R.A.).

“It’s really important to read before we write. Knowledge is the most important key for writing. I would recommend students to read books apart from their academic books. They would not only gain their knowledge from the books, but it would also open their imagination.”