Welcome to an insightful journey into the world of storytelling and creativity with Ameera Rahaman, a passionate writer whose love for crafting narratives transcends conventional boundaries. From delving into the enchanting realms of science fiction to navigating the intricate nuances of romance and ethical dilemmas, Ameera’s writing journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of imagination. Join us as we explore her unique perspectives on writing, her upcoming debut novel “Forged In Stardust,” and her inspiring mission to empower fellow writers through her Instagram platform.
Can you tell us about your personal journey as a writer? What sparked your passion for writing, and how has it evolved over the years?
Ever since I could grasp the concept of stories, I’ve been absolutely enchanted by them, losing myself in books to the point where the hobby predates my earliest memories. For 14 years—soon to be 15—writing has taken up more than half of my life. My writing was an integral part of my becoming, growing in tandem with my development as a person. A simple notebook gift one summer ignited the realization that my insatiable appetite for stories could evolve into creating universes of my own. What started as an escape into fantastical realms has morphed into my life’s calling, against odds, saboteurs, and naysayers, transforming a child’s solitude into a canvas for my imagination, now flourishing into novels, game narratives, and beyond.
Transitioning from Bangladesh to Italy must present unique opportunities and challenges. How do you anticipate this move impacting your writing and creative process?
Stability was never my strong suit. Identity for me has always been more about the journey than the origin. My spirit thrives on change, making the impending transition from Bangladesh to Italy less of a leap and more of a continuation of my lifelong wanderlust. I see this move as a gateway to untold stories, fueled by the vibrant tapestry of Italian culture and history. The essence of writing, after all, is to shatter oneself into smithereens, give each shard a name, and compile them into the grand mosaic of storytelling. Italy promises a beautiful wellspring of such fragments.
“Forged In Stardust” sounds like a compelling journey through the cosmos. Can you share a bit about your creative process? How do you go about developing intricate storylines and complex characters?
June 2023 did not begin well for me. As a result, I sought solace in the familiar embrace of science fiction, revisiting the titans of the genre and immersing myself in narratives that spanned from the pages of classic literature to the final frontier in film and gaming. All of these combined into a rekindling of my love for physics, which soon planted the seeds for ‘Forged In Stardust.’ Inspired by my experience in Dungeons & Dragons, I am building a world where plot and characters are a symbiotic relationship, in that both must feed off of one another, ensuring the story’s heart beats in tandem with its inhabitants.
Your debut novel seems to blend elements of sci-fi, romance, and ethical dilemmas. What draws you to these themes, and how do you balance them within your narrative?
Sci-fi serves as the perfect vessel for those of us caught between the nostalgia of an uncharted Earth, and the yearning for the undiscovered cosmos. It’s a genre that mirrors the duality of light, both wave and particle, allowing us to speculate on the future through the prism [or prison, depending on how you view life] of the present. Romance and ethical dilemmas are as quintessential to the human experience as breathing, and since my story involves a cast of characters of varying backgrounds, origins, and upbringing, their mission is like a microcosm of human society, where we get to see different people reacting to any event through their perspective. My narrative strategy so far has been a dance between depth and brevity, ensuring each theme enriches the story without overwhelming it.
You mentioned being influenced by classic authors like Jules Verne. How do you incorporate elements of their writing styles into your own work while maintaining a fresh and modern voice?
Reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in 4th grade had completely altered me as a person. Verne’s masterpiece was as close to hard science fiction as he could get for his era, from mentions of the Voltaic pile to the use of electricity for Captain Nemo’s Nautilus. His works also had commentary on social issues of the time, a fascinating rabbit hole to get into if you have an afternoon to yourself. It would be arrogant to say I could be someone like Verne for my era, but I will forever aspire to that goal, of using our current scientific discoveries and social issues to tell stories that leave readers forever changed, thinking and debating long after they’ve closed the book.
Writing a trilogy is a significant undertaking. What challenges have you faced during the writing process, and how do you overcome them?
So far, as an eldest daughter taking up the role of Atlas of my household, the biggest annoyance has been, funnily enough, reality. Jobs, grad school applications, familial responsibilities, and burnout have been giving me writer’s block periodically, which frequently throws me off my goals. However, as someone who has been writing for 14 years, I’m glad to say I’ve identified the one – the story I’d like to turn into my debut into the genre. This means even when I don’t write, I constantly think of it, from reels to use for my characters when I scroll through Instagram, to foods my characters like/dislike when I cook, and making playlists of each character’s favorite music. It’s become more than a project; it’s a passion that refuses to be sidelined, interwoven into the fabric of my daily existence.
As someone with experience in both literature and video game storytelling, how do you approach narrative differently in each medium? Are there any common principles that apply to both?
I work for a living as a writer in gaming/tech. Irrespective of medium, storytelling is the art of immersion. For example, in video games, the story must adapt to player choices, making it a dynamic narrative form. Yet, at their core, both demand memorable characters, compelling worlds, and narratives that resonate on a personal level, principles that I hold sacred in my craft.
Your Instagram presence seems to focus on sharing insights and experiences from your writing journey. What inspired you to create this platform, and what do you hope your followers gain from it?
At 12, I was told I was crazy for writing by myself in a corner, and having non conventional hobbies. At 17, my school director told me that my ten year dream of being a writer and a scientist was a ‘tall order’ in front of the entire school. I cried myself to sleep that night. At 22, I had co-authored a publication in a peer reviewed journal as the sole student author. At 23, just weeks after my father’s passing, while I stressed about how to put myself through university, someone very dear to me said writing would not pay the bills. At 25, I accepted a job to write an upcoming video game. I’m not even 27 yet. I was denied support and resources at every milestone of my journey, and I refuse to let that happen to anyone else. I’m planning on making my Instagram profile a place with 3 content pillars: progress of my WIP/my personal journey, writing tips & tricks I’ve picked up over the years, and of course, helping people learn how to become better writers/writers that make money.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers, particularly those interested in breaking into the sci-fi genre or pursuing unconventional storytelling formats?
Do it. The naysayers have the privilege of being, we dreamers shoulder the burden of becoming. The world of sci-fi and beyond is ripe for endless exploration, requiring nothing more than your imagination and a willingness to venture into the unknown. I want aspiring writers to know that their stories matter.
There is nothing more democratic and revolutionary than the passion of writing. All you need is a pen and paper. You could give a room of a hundred writers one prompt and each story would be as unique as a fingerprint. Your voice isn’t just welcome, it’s necessary. Pick up that pen.
Do it for love. Do it for hate. Do it for grief. Do it for revenge. Whatever the reason, don’t EVER stop writing.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for “Forged In Stardust” and your writing career in general? Are there any future projects or milestones you’re particularly excited about?
‘Forged In Stardust’ marks the beginning of an expansive universe waiting to be explored in several other trilogies, series, and duologies. I look forward to telling each story but outside of writing books, I have a lot of other projects in the works, from video games to apps to interactive fiction. It’s been a life-changing couple of years for me, and I can’t wait to show the world the fruits of that labor.
