Saira Anwar’s journey from heartbreak to healing is a testament to the transformative power of poetry. Starting in 2012, she channeled her experiences with marriage, divorce, and personal growth into verse, helping both herself and others along the way. Her debut poetry collection, The Death of a Beautiful Dream: A Poetry Collection, became a top 20 Amazon bestseller, marking the beginning of a successful career that spans live performances, workshops, and multiple publications. With a new collection on the horizon, dedicated to those navigating the pain of divorce and heartache, Saira’s work continues to inspire and empower, proving that even in the darkest times, one can find light and strength through the art of words.
What initially inspired you to start writing poetry, and how has that inspiration evolved over the years?
I started writing poetry in May 2012 with the aim of sharing my life experiences and lessons with others to help them heal from similar experiences. Specifically writing about marriage, divorce, healing, self-love, and love. Two years later my debut poetry book, ‘The Death of a Beautiful Dream: A Poetry Collection,’ became a top 20 Amazon bestseller.
Over the years, I’ve also been published in more than twelve anthologies. Most recently, my work was published in The First Line Poets Anthology: June 2022.
I don’t just write collections or get featured in anthologies – I am also a content creator (an Instapoet), spoken word performer, and teaching assistant. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform at over twenty events including: Open mics, MWAF: Poetry Bonanza with North-West Poets at Manchester Central Library, Art and Soul Events: Feminity Workshop, and Commonword’s Moss Side Festival at the Millennium Powerhouse Library. I’ve performed at the MACFEST with Prof. John McAuliffe, and the Word Central Open Mic presented by Flackjack Press at Manchester Central Library.
I have also been featured twice on BBC Upload on BBC Radio Manchester with David Scott – what an experience! I have also done numerous live readings on Instagram Live for Poetry pages. I’ve also attended poetry workshops at the Poetry School in-person, and online with Sukina Noor.
Now I am in the process of working on my 2nd poetry collection the book is dedicated to all those who are living through a divorce or breakup, and those who are working through healing from a broken heart. In the South Asian community, divorce is considered a stigma. Women are expected to put up with toxic marriages. But I believe wherever you are in the world, you can find healing, hope, happiness, love, peace, strength, confidence, freedom and closure.
My current collection has been under the works over the past nine years. A product of my journey as a woman and a poet. Writing this book has helped me to rebuild myself and come back stronger. I wanted to share my story with everyone in the hope they find it beneficial and helpful.
Could you share a bit about a personal struggle or challenge you faced on your journey as a poet, and how you overcame it?
Picture this: it’s 2011, and I’ve just received a marriage proposal that felt like a dream ticket to Australia. I was swept off my feet by the promise of a new life in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Sunshine, fresh starts, and that beautiful Aussie accent everywhere. Who could resist?
But here’s where things took a turn. I got married within a month, ignoring the red flags and advice telling me to slow down. And boy, did things unravel fast. What started as a dream quickly spiralled into a three-month-long nightmare. By the time I got back to the UK in October 2011, I felt like a shadow of myself. My confidence was shattered, and I was grappling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nights were the worst – I’d often wake up crying or screaming. I shut myself away, not wanting to face the world or even chat with friends.
Then, something shifted. My brother, seeing the state I was in, suggested I try counselling. I was hesitant, but I went. And something amazing happened after that first session – I started writing. At first, it was just a way to process my therapy sessions, pouring all my tangled feelings and experiences onto paper. But then, it evolved into poetry.
That’s when it clicked for me. My journey through a failed marriage didn’t just end with a divorce; it led to the discovery of my voice as a poet. It was as if through the storm, I stumbled upon a hidden part of myself waiting to be unearthed.
So, I made a decision. I was going to take my poetry, my story, and share it with the world. I published a book and set up a website, not just as a creative outlet, but as a beacon for others navigating their own rough seas. Through my work, I delve into themes like marriage, divorce, healing, and the journey to self-love and understanding love anew.
My message is simple: through sharing our stories, we find common ground, and healing, and maybe, just maybe, we help someone else feel a little less alone. That’s the power of turning our struggles into art.
My brother has been the most helpful with me overcoming challenges. 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, and designed and self-published the book for me through Amazon / Createspace. He shares strategies, ideas, designs and advises.
Can you share a bit about your upcoming second poetry collection and what themes or messages readers can expect from it?
This is a collection of prose and poetry exploring the grief of torture, marriage, and divorce. The poems build on the lessons I learned and wrote about in the previous book. In this book, I am taking you through the darkness and how I gained my light.
I dedicate it to all those who are living through a divorce or breakup, and those who are working through healing from a broken heart. It is the product of my journey as a woman and a poet. Writing this book has helped me to rebuild myself and come back stronger. I wanted to share my story with everyone in the hope they find it beneficial and helpful. I hope it reaches as many people as possible.
Your debut poetry book became a bestseller. What was the most rewarding part of that experience, and what lessons did you learn from it?
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.
The lessons I learnt from it was 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.
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.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to pursue a career in writing or poetry?
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.
In what ways has your writing helped you grow personally, and how do you think it has impacted others?
Writing has allowed me to grow in so many ways.
Not only have I published a book and performed at various events, but I’ve also built communities online and created content on social media. I’m passionate about teaching and learning, which is why I’ve participated in poetry workshops and assisted in extracurricular classes. I’ve even volunteered and led teams at a local charity, which has given me the chance to make an impact both locally and globally.
It’s been quite a journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself, my writing style, and my ability to connect with others through my words. It hasn’t always been easy, and there have been times when I felt like giving up, but I’ve persisted because writing is my passion and my purpose.
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing has been the opportunity to help others through their own struggles. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult breakup or learning to love oneself, I’ve found that my writing can offer comfort, insight, and inspiration to those who need it most. Hearing from readers who have been touched by my words is truly humbling and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
In addition to my writing, I’ve also enjoyed sharing my poetry through live performances. There’s nothing quite like the rush of standing in front of an audience and sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions. Over the years, I’ve performed at a variety of events and venues, from small open mic nights to large fundraising dinners. Each experience has been unique and memorable in its own way, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to share my work with others.
Looking back on the past 12 years, I feel proud of all that I’ve accomplished and excited for what’s to come. I’m currently working on my second poetry collection, and I can’t wait to see it published and share it with the world. I’m also exploring new ways to connect with readers and other writers, from starting a blog to collaborating on projects with fellow creatives.
Through it all, I know that writing will always be a part of who I am. It’s my way of making sense of the world, of exploring my own thoughts and feelings, and of connecting with others. So here’s to the next 12 years of writing, of growth, of learning, and of making a difference in the lives of others. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Could you share a meaningful experience or feedback from a reader that touched you deeply?
“A truly wonderful collection of poems that take you through a life journey of sadness, grief, courage and strength. An amazing and talented poet who has shown through her work how life struggles can put you on a path that will allow her to inspire many many women all over the world. I would recommend this book to everyone. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and found many poems touching my heart.”- Shabana Mirza.
What role do you think poetry plays in promoting healing, self-love, and empowerment, especially for women?
Poetry plays a profound role in promoting healing, self-love, and empowerment for women. It is a powerful literary tool that uses the interplay of words, rhythm, and metre to use our voices to communicate, perform, and express our hearts. Bringing all our emotions, rhythm, fierceness, voice, and confidence to life.
It is a powerful tool, enabling women to process their experiences and celebrate their voices, and identities, they can find solace, strength, and solidarity, making poetry an essential practice and collective empowerment.
It provides a creative outlet for women to express their deepest feelings, fears, and experiences. The act of putting pen to paper can be a cathartic process, allowing women to process and healthily release emotions.
Through poetry, women can find and amplify their own authentic voices. This can be especially empowering for women who have been conditioned to silence or diminish themselves. Poetry becomes a medium for self-expression and self-assertion.
It enables women to reclaim their narratives and challenge societal norms or expectations imposed upon them. This can be a revolutionary act of self-love and empowerment.
How do you approach the process of self-publishing, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are considering this route?
It’s been a decade since I’ve touched self-publishing and a lot has changed. But the same principles still apply.
The first thing you have to do is understand what you want, what you want to achieve, and what your goals are for your book. You have to be super specific with this. This might be to maximise reach, build your personal brand, or give as much value as you can.
After determining this, you can then determine who you want to self-publish and what approach you can take. For instance, if you want to give maximum reach or you want exposure, you’ll go with Amazon because they have an easy process and you can reach many people.
That aside, there are many other elements and it can all be overwhelming. You have to deal with writing the work, formatting it, cover design, getting your file formats, what type of quality you want, whether you want an audiobook, Kindle book, eBook. You will need to know what size you want for the book, how you will launch it, promote it and more. There is a lot that goes into this.
My advice would be to first try and publish something on a small level. A booklet perhaps just to get used to the process and understand the process. You will be better placed when you publish the real thing.
https://www.facebook.com/sairathepoet
