Me, the Fan – Hefseeba ~ Ishtta

Me, the Student

Writers Seminar: How has studying published authors changed/ improved your writing?

1. Are you glad you did your writer? Who different would you consider? Why?

After reading The Nightingale, I was completely in awe of Kristin Hannah’s iconic writing style and particularly the topics she chose to write about. I definitely enjoyed doing my writers seminar on Kristin Hannah as it helped me, as a writer, understand the significance of writing about topics that I am truly passionate about. While doing our research, we came across the fact that Kristin Hannah had pushed away the idea of writing The Nightingale as it required lots of hard work and effort. As she put it, “it’s to much work. I’ll just wait for someone else to write it.” Finally she gave in to her inner voice and began the process of creating an extraordinary masterpiece. I truly admire her for taking a huge decision and pursuing her passion despite the challenges that she will have to face along the way. By doing my research on Kristin Hannah I was able to identify and learn so many tips and styles that I hope to integrate into my writing.
If I were to pick someone different, it would be Khaled Hosseini. A Thousand Splendid Suns, is one of my favourite books and I would love to learn about the backstory and inspiration behind the creation of that amazing book. Furthermore, I love the full circle effect that is quite frequent in Hosseini’s novels and I would further like to study his work in detail and learn and adapt his stylistic choices.

2. What genres have interested you the most?

Historical Fiction: Kristin Hannah does a remarkable job of writing fictional pieces based on the history and significance of women from the past and the role they played in world events. I admire how she used these amazing stories to form fictional characters and conflict. While doing so, she never lost the value or significance of the stories from the past, rather she brought awareness to the topic and enhanced it to great importance.
Romance: I have always enjoyed romance novels; however, Kristin Hannah brought a new perspective to love and how it plays out in times of war. Hannah profoundly highlights the loss and pain one feels when choices are forced to make regarding loved ones and how it significantly alters their innocent idealistic world into the reality in which they suffer from the negative effects that one experiences in times of trouble.
Horror: I’ve always had nightmares from any sort of horror literature, so it was quite surprising when I found it really intriguing this semester! I have never been able to write any sort of horror pieces, neither have I had the interest in writing one. However, I really enjoyed learning about the stylistic choices that writers used to make their horror pieces amazing. As a reader, I was fascinating by the sly and cunning voice the writer developed, this completely drew me in and encouraged me to continue reading.

3. What did you learn from the writers? Inspirations?

My most valued take away from the writers seminars is the importance of never neglected to write – for enjoyment and for a purpose. As a student that is working to improve my writing, the advices that many writers provided were very inspirational and encouraging. I know I have much to improve; therefore, it is crucial for me to take these advices and write daily.
Furthermore, I was able to learn the different techniques and writing styles that authors incorporated into the works – especially the use of diction, imagery, and various rhyme schemes.

4. Do you have any emulations to share?

Writers Seminar Emulation can be found here

5. Do you intend to read more of a writer? Which books?

I just finished reading The Winter Garden and it was absolutely amazing (for more information visit my reading ladder May/June page). Presently, I am focusing on completing my summer readings for next years ELA class. Later, when my schedule frees up, I will be reading more of Kristin Hannah’s novels. Here are the two I want to read (links of books are attached to the corresponding number):

1 2
Discuss 3 student writers in the class who you have commented on and/or are a fan of their writing.

Preet – You are absolutely, impossibly awesome at writing!! Over the course of the last couple of months I have seen you grow as a writer and it is very evident in your pieces. I love how you are able to use great amounts of powerful imagery and descriptive diction that enhances your writing. My favourite poem that you wrote is the emulation from Starry Night. I especially liked how you personified the scene of the Starry Night as it helped me visuals the stars swirling and twinkling in the open night sky.
Faith – Since day one, you have been an exceptional role model for our class! Often times I have referred to your blogs and writing pieces as a guide and I have been amazed and inspired by your incredible talent .Your blog aesthetics, theme, and layout work in unison, resulting in the perfection of your blog!! Something I admire about your writing is that you have done a phenomenal job in pouring out heartfelt emotions into all your writing pieces. Knowing that you are graduating this year, I humbly request that you keep writing so we can read more of your work!!
Noor – The very first post I read this semester was your poem, ” Royalty and Bravery,” and I was so amazed at the amount of description and impactful actions you choose to include in that piece (I read it over and over!). From your other pieces, I have noticed that you focus on feminism and I admire the fact that you have chosen to write about a topic that you are passionate about. Furthermore, you blog aesthetics is eye catching and beautifully crafted, the header image is a perfect contrast with all your other images and everything is connected one way or another. Awesome work!!

Other Writers who you are a fan of:

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