Moonchild Magazine – Fevers of the Mind

with Fizza Abbas:

Q1: When did you start writing and first influences?

Fizza: I started writing at the age of 11 when I saw my then-best friend reciting her own poem during the farewell party of one of our teachers. The rhyming scheme of the poem tickled my fancy and I tried to explore poetry a bit more, Urdu poetry particularly. At that time, I didn’t have a proper understanding of English language, so I used to write scribbles, thinking it’s poetry but as I grew older, I came across works of legends like Khalil Gibran, Shelley, Wordsworth and Alexander Pope who taught me what poetry is all about

Q2: Who are your biggest influences today?

Fizza: While I love Sylvia Plath, Matthew Arnolds and Ben Jonson’s writing style, Billy Collins has become one of my most favourite poets in recent times.

Q3: Where did you grow up and how did that influence your writing?

Fizza: I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. My mother was fond of Urdu and Persian poetry as well as classical Hindi songs. She often used to recite/sing verses of her favourite songs/ghazals which increased my interest towards writing.

Q4: Have any travels away from home influence your work/describe?

Fizza: No, not yet but I like the idea. I’m thinking of going to Lahore because the city has such a rich history that I’m sure I’ll find a lot to write about after coming from there.

Q5: Any pivotal moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

Fizza: When I read The Prophet and Broken Wings by Khalil Gibran, I loved how he weaved words together and I decided I would want to do the same for the rest of my life.

Q6: Favorite activities to relax?

Fizza: I enjoy falling into Wikipedia rabbit holes, watching Sci-Fi movies and spending time with my husband.

Q7: Any recent or forthcoming projects you’d like to promote?

Fizza: Recently, my chapbook Ool Jalool has been published by Fahmidan Publishing. Another chapbook of mine, Bakho is forthcoming from Ethel Press by the end of 2021. Similarly, one poem from Moonchild Magazine and three poems are coming out in Sledgehammer’s three consecutive issues this year.

https://www.fahmidan.net/copy-of-ool-jalool-review-copy
https://cabinetofheed.com/2019/10/11/bonfire-fizza-abbas/
https://stoneofmadnesspress.com/fizza-abbas https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrZRCg9m_Nk5HR3MOkLfsA

Q8: What is one of your favorite lines from a poem/writing?

Fizza:

‘’Thou art not, Penshurst, built to envious show’’
( To Penshurst, Ben Jonson)

‘’I notice you are stark naked.
How about this suit——
Black and stiff, but not a bad fit.
Will you marry it?
It is waterproof, shatterproof, proof
Against fire and bombs through the roof.
Believe me, they’ll bury you in it.’’

(Applicant, Sylvia Plath)

‘’I notice you are stark naked.
How about this suit——

Black and stiff, but not a bad fit.
Will you marry it?
It is waterproof, shatterproof, proof
Against fire and bombs through the roof.
Believe me, they’ll bury you in it.’’

(Bird-Understander, Craig Arnold)

Q9: Who has helped you most with writing?

My husband, Waqas Rabbani who himself is a fabulous writer. He has not only been a staunch supporter of my work but has been a great mentor to me. He often offers me a critique and helps me steer my ideas to a new direction.

Tag: Moonchild Magazine

A Fevers of the Mind Quick-9 Interview with Fizza Abbas