The heart has its own language.
The heart knows a hundred thousand
ways to speak.
~rumi
Dive into the enchanting world of connections as we explore the bond between the beloved writer of ‘Souled Out’ and the timeless wisdom of Rumi. Anjum Choudhary, the creative force behind this literary gem, has captured the hearts of avid followers with her unparalleled generosity and knack for offering invaluable advice.
What sets Anjum apart is her unwavering dedication to uplifting others amidst the pursuit of her own success. In a landscape often overshadowed by self-interest, she shines as a beacon of support and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the literary scene.
Known affectionately as a hopeful romantic by day and a devoted selenophile by night, Anjum first made waves with the release of ‘Souled Out’ in 2016. Its subsequent revised edition only served to deepen the adoration of her readers, showcasing her enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Join us as we embark on a captivating conversation with Anjum herself, as she shares her insights and reflections on this remarkable journey. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted by her unique perspective and unwavering passion for making a difference in the world.
- Anjum, Congratulations on launching the revised edition of “Souled Out”! What inspired you to revisit and revise this particular book?
Thank you. Well Souled Out was a very special book, it was very personal and close to my heart. When I published it the publishing company kind of messed it up and I was heartbroken with the experience. There was a point where I accepted its fate and just let it go. But the thought haunted me every now and then. And I decided I am taking it back, like many other things I never fought for but should have owed it to myself. Hence I edited and added more soulful poems to the original draft and republished the Souled Out revised edition.
- As a fellow lover of Rumi, how has his poetry influenced your own writing in “Souled Out”?
I say if you want to truly know love, then know love like Rumi. Anything else is just merely touching the surface of a vast ocean. The depth of his words, the interpretation of every fine detail in his poems, the many meanings of his writing is what I connect with. Just like Rumi’s I wanted my work to resonate with anyone and everyone who would come across it. There is no one out there unless the person is heartless who cannot connect with Rumi’s writing.
- Your readers have left glowing reviews for your poetry books. How does it feel to receive such positive feedback on your work?
It feels surreal I must say, because I never wrote for reviews. When I wrote this book, I was just placing my feelings and emotions out there. When people read and connected with my words I was like, WOW I am not alone. I mean honestly that was my reaction. But I am very grateful for all the love my readers pour out to me in the form of comments, reviews and heartfelt feedback.
- In “Souled Out,” do you have a favorite poem or passage that holds a special meaning to you? If so, can you share a bit about it?
The whole book is me, every poem in it is deeply connected and rooted with my being. I say if you read Souled Out revised edition then you are taking a peek into my soul, but the art is meant to be read between the lines. And that being said, yes, my personal favorite poem is
“Do not focus on the words I write, pay attention to the ones I don’t. These lines won’t tell you much about me, try to read in between these lines.”
- As a hopeless romantic, do you find that your personal experiences and emotions often inspire your poetry?
Always, I have always written about unrequited love, unconditional love, self love, heartbreaks, goodbyes, grief, and many other emotions. These emotions don’t just come to one. To write about them, one has to experience them, to feel them, to sail through them, and then build a storm out of all that, finally letting it out on pages after pages.
- Anjum , are there any quirky writing habits or rituals you have while working on your poetry?
Hmmmm, that is a good one. I guess a warm cup of tea and a quiet space.
- If you could spend a day with Rumi himself, what would you want to ask him or discuss with him?
You mean after I would have stood there admiring him in silence for like eternity, I would maybe show him my favorite poems and then ask him about the depth of grief.
Interview with Annie Pruth and Vedant Saxena
- Your passion for your work shines through in your writing. How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating poetry?
Thank you once again for the compliment, but honestly I struggle with motivation. I write when it comes to me. I never sit down with the mere intention of writing, if I do that I cannot connect with the words that come out. I am my own worst critic. Mostly I am in writer’s block, like even now when I say this. Writing is spiritual to me. There is no time, place, occasion, hour to it. Some of the best poems I have penned down are in the middle of chaos and some at 3 am on a peaceful night.
- If “Souled Out” was turned into a movie, what song would you choose as the soundtrack for the film adaptation?
It would be Chasing cars by snow patrol.
- Lastly, on a lighter note, Anjum, if you could have dinner with any fictional character from literature, who would you choose and why?
This may sound strange but I would like to pick Shams from forty rules of love. Because I would like to know what was about him, that Rumi took him as his muse.
- Anything you want to say to our readers and aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Keep creating. I know it is hard especially during this whole social media thing where your worth is apparently determined by the number of likes, followers and engagements one gets. But do not let that be the source to drive you. Create because you want to create. Write because you want to write, it is a madhouse and art like writing is pure. Do not let that be influenced by petty things. Remember the best of the writers existed without any social media platform and marketing.
Now if you get that, great but if you don’t then don’t be disheartened. The right readers will always find you. And to the readers, please don’t judge a book by its cover. Do your research. There are many aspiring talents and authors out there, give them a chance, read their books, give them a follow, comments, feedback and reviews. Support new writers and please leave them reviews.
P.S. Anjum, your invaluable insights are like pixie dust, and your support makes you the superhero we’ve been seeking. Wishing you ongoing success and countless achievements. Follow her inspiring journey on Instagram
We hope you’ve relished our latest addition to the Interview series. Feel free to share it with your friends. If you’d like to connect with us, hop into our “Contact Us” section. We’re here to assist you with pleasure.
