Fascinating Authors

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Tell us a little but about your book.

Author: Wrestling with the Goddess is about my struggles living with a rare medical condition, and the power of perseverance. It reveals my feelings growing up with disabilities and how people react to my differences. It was written to inspire others and to remind them that anyone can achieve anything. Hard work, even for someone like me with a low IQ, can bring success. Character traits like perseverance, compassion, empathy, respect, and a host of other qualities are evident throughout the book.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What inspired you to create a work of non-fiction?

Author: One day while I was at college, I was kicked out of a group and I became despondent. I went to the cafeteria and sat down. I began feeling sorry for myself, but then I pulled myself together, and reflected on something my parents said to me several times.
“You have two choices: 1. To sit and wallow in self pity or 2. Take Action.”
I began writing about the pain I felt when I was isolated and the difficulties I will have finding another group. This did not start off being a book. My parents found my few pages and encouraged me to continue writing. I did and the end result was Wrestling with the Goddess.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What did you do to prepare – such as research – to write your book?

Author: It is amazing that there was little or no preparation. The words just came naturally. My parents were amazed at my ability to be so open about such personal events. I interviewed them to get more details on my early years, and on the rare condition I acquired.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: How did you decide which information to present in your book?

Author: That was the easiest part. Because the book is about my experiences, I let everything out. There was no holding back. At times, it was tough reliving some of the experiences. My language and choice of words were harsh, but I felt so relieved when they came out. So, I think the process was therapeutic.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What do you hope people will gain from reading your book?

Author: (a) I am hoping that those who are normal and healthy will be more empathetic toward those who are challenged. I want them to know that those of us who are different, have feelings just like anyone who is normal.

(b) I would also like everyone to realize that anything is possible, and success comes with hard work.

(c) I want people to believe in themselves and the way I did that was by repeating the words “I CAN” to myself several times every day for many years. Those words empowered me.

(d) The most important thing that readers should take away is that obstacles in their lives are opportunities – opportunities to grow. This growth will enable them to develop positive character attributes like respect, compassion, perseverance, courage, empathy, responsibility and many others.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: How long did it take you to write the book – (was it longer or less time than you expected)?

Author: It took me about four years to complete. I did it between college classes, assignments and job hunting. I did not set a deadline for myself and I worked at my own pace.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Did you seek the support of a writer’s group or class?

Author: No. My support team was my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What surprised you most about this process?

Author: One of the most surprising things about the process was my ability to cope with so much isolation, pain, bullying, and humiliation. It taught me something very valuable – the amount of inner strength I possess.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What tips would you offer anyone writing non fiction for the first time?

Author: I think that knowledge of the topic is very important. If the story is close to the writer, he or she should just let the words and feelings flow.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What can we look forward to in your next book?

Author: At this time, I am not thinking that far ahead. But, Wrestling with the Goddess has taken me on an incredible motivational speaking journey, and that could be the subject of my next book.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you would like to include?

Author: Yes. I will like to talk about the impact the book is having. Some schools are using the book as a read aloud novel, and students are learning more about respect, compassion, social justice, and so much more. Students write reviews and reflections, and forward them to me. It is good to know that I can make a difference in the lives of so many people.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Thank you for taking the time to be part of this interview.

To learn more about the Author and the book please visit: http://www.azeemkayum.com/