“You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.”
Stealing this quote from Wonder woman because the one we are talking with today is the one. Life is not what’s given to you but it is what you make of it. Saira Anwar not only made it to Amazon Best seller but paved the way for many new artists by providing them valuable feedback.
Her outlook on life to not only write but to heal people at the same time is what captivated millions of hearts including mine. If you like to read about themes like marriage, divorce, healing and self- love, you have to read her book – ‘The Death of a Beautiful Dream’
Most of the people relate to the poetry is the way she shares her life experience with her readers. It’s like the hand reaching out to you when you need it the most.
Enjoy this unfiltered and inspiring conversation with Saira Anwar.
- I’ve read your journey and it’s very inspiring to many people out there. Do you consider writing as your healer or a motivatior that helped to fight all obstacles and outshine?
Yes, I do consider myself to be both, as my writing journey has been a healer for me itself. I use my passion of writing as a way to reach out to others going through similar experiences or otherwise through poetry.
- You left Australia in 2011 and you mention that period depressed and traumatized. What was your attitude towards life in that particular phase?
When I returned to the UK in 2011 my attitude to life was negative, as I had my confidence taken away from me. I was suffering from post traumatic trauma. I was having nightmares, waking up screaming, crying. I didn’t want to go out, meet people. We would get visitors coming over to see me. Every time I spoke I would burst into tears. Until one day my brother suggested I take up counseling. I turned to counseling. After my first session I decided to start writing. The therapy was writing all my feelings down and everything that happened. It then turned into poetry.
So I decided one day, I’ll continue and will publish a book.
- Saira when you look back at your literary journey of being Best Selling Poet and motivator to millions. How does it feel?
If I knew it was going to take me two years or less to see a published book with my name on it. I wouldn’t have believed it. I would’ve laughed at you. I would’ve even given up had I known it would take that long – I’m glad though that I didn’t. Looking back I feel privileged to be having a book out with my name on it.
I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that I have a book with my name on it. To have become a bestseller and within Amazon’s top 20, it was shocking to be honest. It was humbling to have achieved this for a book I thought I wouldn’t have ever published. This was only possible by those who purchased and supported the cause throughout the journey.
As for what it feels like to be a ‘motivator to millions’ – I feel honored to be motivating people as my intent has and has always been to empower people through poetry. If it takes motivation to do that, then I feel like I’m achieving that. To make positive changes is why I do what I do. The fact that people can turn negatives to positives. How not everything is darkness, but light can always take over. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times where I didn’t feel like doing anything. But the readers, the fans, the supporters, and my best friend keep me going too. They have motivated me too. For example, I’ve had messages from Gaza, Palestine and how I’ve helped them. Messages from Australia who shared their thoughts and like this many others.
In truth, the book and what I do right now wouldn’t have been a reality without the help and support of my brother. He took my words, formatted it, gave me ideas, designed and self-published the book for me through Amazon / Createspace. He designs and advises. He did the same for other poets too. I always say to him, he’s also a poet himself but always dismisses it.
Also Read : Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang | Interview with internationally acclaimed poet
- What is your book ‘The Death Of A Beautiful Dream’ about and what do you think is the reason that people relate to it very much?
The collection covers a variety of themes predominantly those of love, marriage, betrayal, friendship and family ties. Focusing on the cruel realities of relationships, the poems express the hardship accompanying life changing experiences. The poems are aimed to be inspirational and educational. The reason people relate to it very much is because they themselves have gone through similar experiences or otherwise and it helps them to find peace within and get closure.
- If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Never give up on yourself. Follow your dreams and goals in life. Never allow others to put you down.
- I loved the cover of your book. What was the idea behind that?
The cover symbolizes the struggle and pain of the journey I experienced. With the subtle addition of the tears and one half of the face. Again down to my brother.
- How did you deal with negative reviews or ordeal?
I would deal with negative reviews and ordeals as learning curves. In life this is what happens, you have to learn to take it with a pinch of salt. We can’t please everybody in life. We win some and lose some. Take a positive attitude towards negative reviews and ordeals, these are part of life and they do test us. For me they are a chance to improve. As I always say,
“It is through pain we truly appreciate life’s tests.” (sairathepoet)
And as the great Rumi is quoted to have said in the words of Coleman Barks,
“Everyone has been made for a particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.”
Solving a life of purpose means to fulfill the desire you have in your heart, whilst your faith gives you the strength to take it, fulfill it and reach great heights.
- Who is your favorite author and why is it so?
At present, my favorite author currently is Najwa Zebian, because her work is so amazing, powerful and I am able to relate to it. What she writes about and her positive approach to life is similar to myself and we have a lot of synergy. I’d love to collaborate with her one day.
- Are there any tips for aspiring writers and people who admire you a lot (count me in)?
When you start your journey, be sure to know and understand what it is you want, have a target and achieve. What’s the intent? Everything you do will be dictated by this.
Sure there will be some setbacks, but you just have to get back up – no matter how many times that maybe. Never let anyone put you down.
Always make sure you proofread before you make a final draft of your work. Make any changes you feel necessary, you can ask for feedback from other writers. They are there to help and support you and answer any of your questions you have about writing and how to get your work out there. Don’t be afraid to ask for this.
- At last, Saira, any quote or poem from your book that’s right now lingering on your mind?
My favorite from the book is ‘The Ocean of Hopes and Dreams’ which is always on my mind because it is based on a beach still vivid in my mind but also one that I remember well.
PS : It was refreshing to gain perspective from someone like Saira. She is one of the kindest personalities I’ve ever encountered. We wish her nothing but the best for all her upcoming books. If you haven’t ordered her book yet, please give it a read. You’ll love it for sure. Feel free to reach out to her at www.sairaanwar.co.uk.