Raidah Shah Idil - Debut Author and Story Enthusiast
- litkidsmagazine
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Raidah Shah Idil was born in Singapore; grew up in Sydney, Australia; worked in Amman, Jordan; and now lives in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, with her husband, three children, and mother-in-law. Raidah earned her BA in English and BSc in psychology from the University of New South Wales and her Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Raidah loves ginger tea and noodle soup and dreams of uninterrupted sleep. How to Free a Jinn is her first book.
1. Where do you get your ideas from?
Sometimes, characters come to me fully formed in my dreams! That's where Insyirah came from - the main character from my debut middle grade fantasy novel, How To Free A Jinn.
2. Why did you begin writing? Was it because of a person or something else?
I've always loved stories - telling stories, and reading/listening/watching stories. My late maternal grandmother, Arwah Nenek Saliah, told me and my siblings the best bedtime stories.
3. If you could choose only one thing to do/have to inspire yourself, what would it be?
Imagining how excited my kids are to hold a book I've written.
4. What did you like to write and read as a kid?
Fantasy and adventure stories.
5. What was your favorite subject in school?
English.
6. Where do you like to write?
Either in my home office or a quiet cafe.
7. Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?
As a busy mother of three young kids, audiobooks are my absolute favourite.
8. Does anyone in your family read your books?
Yes! My children, nieces and nephews.
9. How often do you write?
As often as I can, which is rarely daily! I like to write either in the morning when my kids are at school, or in the evening when they're asleep.
10. Do you write more than one thing at a time?
It depends on my mood, and how much my story is calling out to me. But I tend to focus better when I finish one book at a time.
11. Do you write on the computer or freehand?
Computer, 100%! I have terrible handwriting, and I don’t have the time or patience to write on paper and then type it out all over again.
12. What do you do when you feel stuck?
I never force it. I take a nap, step away, exercise, play with my kids, watch a good show/movie/listen to an audiobook.... and then that spark of creativity always comes back.
Raidah, thank you for your lovely interview and the insight into your creative process! Please follow Raidah on social media, and check out her magical middle grade debut, How to Free a Jinn, in our Bookshop. Keep shining!
Website: https://www.raidahshahidil.com/
Comments