Interview with The Writer - KHALED TALIB

(Skadi Winter)
Sep 3, 2017
7 min read

It is my great pleasure to introduce several writers to you in a course of twelve fellow-writers who have agreed to be interviewed by me.

The aim is, to have a short introduction to a writer’s life, the honest Q and A which might interest readers in their books.

First in line today will be: Khaled Talib.

Introduction:

Khaled is a former journalist with local and international exposure. His articles have been published and syndicated to newspapers worldwide, and his short stories have appeared in literary journals and magazines. The author is a member of the UK Crime Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers.

Please, first tell us about yourself as a writer and a person:

I am an observer of people, preferring to keep a distance rather than join the crowd. It’s different, of course, if I meet likeminded personalities, not necessarily writers themselves, but simply anyone. There are lots of interesting people out there, but you should search for them among the drones.

I have written three novels, all thrillers. I have also written a few short works, including a book of aphorisms for writers.

I was born in Singapore. My family came from the Middle East more than a hundred years ago. I like travelling, but who doesn’t? I like to explore all sides of a country. Travelling is like taking a nice, sweet medicine — it invigorates you, makes you feel fresh. I am not xenophobic, so you’ll find me everywhere—watching, indulging, experiencing.

What was your last book and what genre was it listed under?

My upcoming novel Gun Kiss, to be published by Imajin Books in Canada, is a thriller.

How do you determine what genre your story is listed under?

I think it’s the pace of the story and the magnitude of the story that makes me decide what genre the story should be. But then, when I set out to write it, I already have in mind what I want it to be. I’ll include the ingredients that makes it a thriller — plot, place, action, and enough thrill that’ll make the reader forget about doing housework.

What made you decide to b writer and who (or what) inspired you to become a writer?

I didn’t decide to become a writer. The elements chose me. I have always been fascinated with stories, and I found myself day dreaming a lot, creating stories of adventure in my head. But there were many authors who inspired me. I find myself drawn mostly to crime and thriller authors although I do read literature. From Agatha Christie, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, Jeffrey Archer— so many. You start to wonder why your name is not on a book cover.

Are you self-publishing or going the traditional way?

I do both. I’ve written several flash fictions, which I self-published. My compilation of sayings for writers was also a self-published work. However, when it comes to novel writing I am currently at a wait and see situation. To be a successful self-published author, you need to have a business mind as well. You must think advertising and marketing. I am a trained public relations practitioner, and I have only begun to understand the business side of publishing. It’ll take time before I decide if I want to change course.

Who would you name as your literary inspiration?

Mary Shelley, Lewis Carroll, Thomas Hardy— too many to name!

Are you reading the same genre as you are writing under?

Yes, I usually do. I have a kindle so it makes it easy for me to grab a book. I like bookstores, but who needs traffic? I could get book sitting on my sofa. What a world we live in today.

Is writing your main income or do you have a different day job?

I am a public relations practitioner but I am to write full time, which I find myself slowly doing.

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

There are days I write like fourteen hours a day, and there are days I spent a mere two hours. I get up at five daily, so I have time to spare. I also avoid unnecessary social gatherings, so some people, who don’t understand the field of writing, think I am anti-social or a recluse. Well, if they paid for my rent, it’ll be a different story.

How do you deal with ‘writer’s block’?

I don’t think about it. But I do know one thing; the mind needs to rest. I was talking to another author and I told her that I took six months to complete a novel, but I now I need to rest as my mind feels tired. She told me it’s advisable. Writing is like going to the gym, you can’t possibly light weights when you’re tired. So, if you have a writer’s block, take a break, watch a movie or something. You can’t force the words out, it should come to you.

What do you find easy about writing and what do you find the hardest?

I find descriptions and creating dialogue easy. It’s the plot and sequence of events that’s tricky. If you get it wrong, you’ll have to rewrite it. One of my problems is that I make it complicated when the solution is much easier that earlier thought. I am training myself to be simpler.

Who are your favourite writers and which books are your favourite ones?

I have many favourite writers, and too many books to rave about. It’s hard to pinpoint. I also like to give new writers a chance. So, I’ll read anything, even if the person is a newbie.

Do you think advertising on social media as a self-published writer is effective?

As a public relations practitioner, I disagree with the term “self-published writer” because you are battling a stigma. The newspapers are not on your side, so you can imagine the propaganda machine working against you. So, by labelling yourself a self-published writer you are making it more difficult for yourself. I know many self-published authors in the United States and Europe have made millions from their books, and they have been interviewed by traditional newspapers. But these authors have also complained about being snubbed by literary circles. Moreover, they don’t get their books reviewed in the traditional media, because of business politics.

It will take time for things to change as I see some notable reviewers like Publisher’s Weekly are trying to accommodate self-published authors with a new category for review. But if I may, I’d like to suggest a blurring of the lines— just call yourself an author. You know, not all traditional published authors succeed. Their books end up dusty in the bookstores, while some self-published works fly high. So just call yourself an author, unless of course you lack the confidence to be one. If you look at trends, successful authors, both traditional and self-published ones, have one thing in common — their success is based some marketing, but more due to word of mouth. It’s also very clear that readers don’t have an issue if you are self-published or traditional. They want interesting stories to read regardless where it comes from. If you are good, they’ll applaud you and support you.

If you have received any, how do you deal with negative reviews?

In the initial I panicked, but now I laugh at bad reviews. I know there are lots of trolls out there whose sole purpose is to destroy your self-esteem. But I am so immune to negative reviews that I could even sleep peacefully if they bomb me day and night. I welcome various thoughts. It’s interesting to see how different minds see your work. It’s good to have a fair mix. If you get a genuine negative review, you decide whether you want to take the person’s opinion or not. You can either brush it off or learn from it.

If you would have to spend an entire evening with a group of people, who would you like to spend it with?

I dislike politicians and business people. I find them boring. I prefer people in the arts: actors, artists, lawyers, fellow writers, historians, and even some ordinary folks who are good conversationalists. I like to talk about movies, desserts, travel, books. When you talk to me about numbers and millions you made in the stocks, property prices and whatever, I’ll shut down.

What are your activities besides writing?

Well, I’m a shisha aficionado. My favourite flavour is apple. I spent a lot of time doing that at cafes at the nearest Malaysian town across the border. They banned shisha in Singapore. Silly rule.

Do you have a passion?

Apart from writing, no, I don’t have a passion for anything. But I am game for anything if it’s not risky. I like camping, but I haven’t done it for a long time.

How would your friends describe your character?

Some say I am calm, while others think I am intense. Some say I am generous. What’s the problem with that? Afraid of people taking advantage of you? If it’s yours, it’s yours— you don’t have to worry about competition.

Do you think writers (as other celebrities in public life) have a responsibility to comment on subjects like war, religion and human/animal rights?

They do have a responsibility, but it must be done professionally. I dislike watching celebrities getting themselves entangled loudly on issues, especially those who take political sides. They instantly lose their shine. Others, however, are so emotional and aggressive that they lose their clout. The same goes with writers. Some do it with panache, while others sound like someone yelling prices at a bazaar.

What is your favourite colour?

Green. I chose the colour at the age of seven while unwrapping a sweet.

What/who would you take with you to live on a remote island?

A gun and a cell phone with solar charger. One for safety, the other for SOS.

What are you writing on at the moment and can you tell us about future projects?

I am taking a break, preparing for Gun Kiss to be released soon. The novel is longer than my first two and tells the story of a Hollywood actress who gets kidnapped by a drug lord in Mexico. She manages to escape, but her life turns upside down afterward when the drug lord starts playing mind games.

You can learn more about Khaled at www.khaledtalibthriller.com