Crimson Cloak Publishing Author – Ali Lawati

1) Do you write books as a career, or are you currently still juggling your author time with a full or part time job?

My writing is inspired by life experiences. I’m an own voices author and can certainly see the attraction to working as a full time writer but for me that would be a bit bland.

2) Have you always wanted to be an author, or did some time or event in your life set you on the path?

Funny you should bring this up (Laugh’s). I didn’t discover the writer within till one evening, when an event set me on the path to storytelling, and you can learn all about it on my website. www.alawati.com.

3) Do you always write in the same genre, or do you sometimes like a change of theme? If you haven’t already, is there another genre you would like to write?

Although, I love writing for children as I find it very fulfilling. It kinda allows me to relive my own childhood. But, I also enjoy writing for adults, and am presently revising a contemporary, romantic thriller set in an exotic location.

4) As a writer, what is the best thing that has happened to you, and what is that most exciting thing that could happen to you?

The most exciting thing that has happened thus far as a writer is to land a traditional publishing deal with CCP, after relentlessly querying for three long years, which entailed self – doubt, determination and reinvention. I guess landing a book deal sort of validates the whole struggle to publication. My book was a bestseller for 3 weeks in its category. That was pretty amazing too!!!

But most importantly when strangers upon recognizing me in a random place take the time to appreciate my book or those wonderful human beings, who take time to leave a review has to be right up there in the most exciting things.

As to your question about what could be a future experience that would up the excitement. Well, landing a good literary agent would be awesome!

5) How do you view the promotion, book signings etc. Is it something you enjoy, or do you prefer the writing stage?

I enjoy interactions with present and potential readers and like the marketing side of the whole experience. Having said that, I would like to be in the supporting section and strongly believe that marketing is an art and like storytelling is my art. I would prefer to leave marketing to those who are experts in that art.

6) Could you tell us something about your published books, and let us know what they are about and where they are available?

I love chatting about my book. But let me share some things those that have purchased “The Greatest Race” had to say.
“Great visual writing.”
“You do setting and character development very well, which is the hardest to do.” “My son really loved Gul and we read it in one sitting.”
“Mr. Lawati, I just couldn’t put it down.”

Gul, a young Afghan Tortoise in Yosemite Park, who impulsively accepts a challenge to race from the Cottontail Clan of rabbits. The rabbits, who are distant cousins of the hares, have been twitching for a rematch ever since the legendary race where the tortoise outsmarted the hare. Set in the harsh yet rich landscape of Yosemite, this fun to read adventure story teaches children about collaboration and fostering relationships while raising awareness about illegal poaching.
One cold winter day in Yosemite, Baba Meerza, an afghan tortoise elder taken from his home in Margalla National Park in Pakistan along with his Horsfieldii Clan by poachers, tells the forest younglings a story about a young tortoise named Gul, who is unaware that his clan’s survival in Yosemite Park depends on the outcome of the race. He accepts the challenge for a rematch with Big Ears, the fastest Cottontail rabbit. Little do the tortoises know that the challenge is a well laid out plan by Bushy, the leader of the Cottontails, to get rid of the Horsfieldii clan once and for all.
This story has a double narrative structure, a story within a story and has an underlying message, that there are no losers but only winners. Additionally, this story for ages 7 to 12 and aims to help children deal with transitions in a positive way by using Gul as a role model when he adapts to change and overcomes challenges in a positive manner.

Currently The Greatest Race is available on Amazon and other major retailers in print and ebook formats, as well as on Crimson Cloak Publishing’s home page.

Go to the book on Amazon
Ali’s author page on Crimson Cloak Publishing’s website

I enjoyed reading your replies, Ali. Best of luck with your writing career!