Booklovers_Talk

the amazingly alluring and decorous - clumsymonkey

In this interview, we will be peeling many visible layers of @clumsymonkey, an overly excited and enchanting teenager. She's got a very pure heart *chorus of ma shaa Allah* This interview was necessary in order for people to know that such entertaining souls exist and that her childish-side is extremely adorable. She's a kind-hearted and joyous presence to have around, and to jokea round with.  Basically, follow her and message her and make her feel more special than she already is x

much love. enjoy (:

radirulz: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

clumsymonkey: I think that I never actually came to a realisation that "wow, yes, writing that's what I want to do with my life." Even all this time on Wattpad, I've never actually thought about being a legitimate author with all the professionalisms and fame, having to contact publishing companies and searching for ideas everywhere. I didn't ever think "I want to be a writer," but I have always wanted to publish a book. The difference for me is that it's a less of a job and more of a "Oh yes I've published this. Now let me hope for the best and get along with life." I know that publishing one book would still classify me as a writer, but - I don't know - I just never thought of associating myself with that term.

But I have ALWAYS known that I want a book of mine to be published since I was a young child: I tell everyone this story and I'm really sorry if you already know it, but I still remember the first story I ever wrote. It was hand written in black ink on a plain sheet of printing paper and it was about a girl who went to the library which was suddenly invaded by aliens. Her parents came to the rescue with zapping-guns or something though. It was inspired by Horrid Henry; I really wanted that "book" (which was one side of paper long) to be published. Thought I'd get da dollas.

radirulz: How long does it take you to write a book?

clumsymonkey: The thing about me is that I try to finish the book that I start as soon as possible. I have this thing like "What if I'm halfway through writing this and I die and nobody knows on Wattpad and they're waiting for an update." It usually takes just a few months for me to write a book. 'My Life as a Muslim' was quite long (I'd check the word count but I've lost my USB) but I wrote it all within four months - an indication of how rubbish it is. 'her desolate demise' took me a month because it's just a pretentious pile of dung and 'Gone With the Dawn' took me five/six months I think (bearing in mind that I went to Saudi Arabia for a month in that time frame.) So yeah, I write pretty fast, but it creates more work for me because I have to go back and edit a lot. Trust me, if you're going to write, take your time.

radirulz: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

clumsymonkey: there is no schedule. Just go with the flow.

radirulz: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

clumsymonkey: I only ever write after twelve at night and need to write on a notepad first and then type it. I pick out quotes before writing the book and have it all in a separate book, and before falling asleep, you know that time you spend thinking about situations that'll never happen or you're thinking deep thoughts about your day? Yeah, I spend that time planning out the next chapter. Oh, and most of my books were thought of in the shower haha.

radirulz: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

clumsymonkey: My main source of ideas for my books is real life. All my books are a product of real life events for example, Zahra Hussain's story in 'My Life as a Muslim' is literally me. I went through a really bad phase in real life where I became - in short - an idiot. It wasn't that bad compared to others, but it still had an effect on me. The whole stalker thing was also based off me! I thought I was getting stalked because I kept on getting threats online from someone who knew everything about me, but then I realised it was a prank from my friend. I still punch her sometimes for that. 'Khalisa Smith' is based off a friend of my brother's who became a Muslim at my house because he was too shy to convert in front of everyone at the mosque. 'Umaymah Bangi' is obviously based off current events.