Hina Shamsi debuted her writing with a funny satire called The Quintessential Fat girl– beautiful is not a size. She was always fond of storytelling. Recently, she also launched her second book “Love Knot.”
She’s a nature lover and loves to plant trees. Often she takes her cloth bag shopping – hopefully, that will make her an environmentalist someday. She is not a pet person, as she only likes birds that are in the sky but never caged.
Also, she’s also a psychotherapist in progress. She enjoys meeting people and studying their behaviour. She dares to be somewhat opinionated about social norms and finds solace in her faith. You can connect with her on @hinashamsiwrites.
We decided to sit with her to ask some questions about her book. Here are her intriguing answers.
Q. What makes you pen down your first debut book “The Quintessential Fat Girl?”
Hina: It was never planned. I enjoyed writing for different forums and blogs. My writeups were mostly women-centric. TQFG was not meant to be a book but one article on body shamming that later became a book. When I wrote the first draft I realized a lot has to be said about this topic.
Q. Your book is short, funny, includes rant, and discuss politics, social media, mental health and also other topics. How do you manage it all in one short novel? Also don’t you think including so many topics might overcome the actual agenda of the book?
Hina. I am so glad you asked me this. Debut novels are usually from the heart. An author often pours out his/her inner feeling in a debut novel. Having said that I feel all the topics discussed in all the chapters are related to some form of shaming that we as a society have not recognized. We feel that there is only Fat shaming in our society, which is far from reality. There are many kinds of shaming that exist in our society. For example, asking personal questions about fertility is so common in our society. I feel it is a way of shaming a woman who can’t have kids, but sadly we don’t accept it as Shaming.
Similarly, the mental health issue discussed in the book was related to the fact that the person had gotten so big in size that he decided to cut off himself from all social interactions due to the continuous shaming he faced from his loved ones. Thus, going into loneliness and depression. So, all issues discussed in the book are related to some form of shaming that exists in our society. Hence, the rants are a consequence of seeing or experiencing any or all of the topics discussed in the book.
Q. Body shaming is the least talked about topic in Pakistan. We don’t even think before calling people funny names. What we can do to address this issue since everyone doesn’t read?
Hina: Yes, it exists, we need to first acknowledge that it exists. The only way to make a difference is through inclusion. We as a society must work to change the narrative and standards of beauty and include all shapes and sizes. I am glad that a lot of new clothing brands are taking plus size women as models and it’s a refreshing change.
Q. You also talked about mental health in this book and how one person lost his life suffering from anxiety and depression. What we can do to overcome this specific problem?
Hina: The rule of thumb is the same. Accept that it is a problem and seek help. The more we talk about it and normalize it; we will see that it will not be such a big taboo. I can’t stress enough that like any other health issue that needs medical care, mental health should be treated the same way and one must get professional help.
Q. What’s the response you received from TQFG in Pakistan?
Hina: I was surprised by the love TQFG received. I got many personal messages from unknown readers who told me they had suffered similar circumstances and felt so happy reading about it.
Q. As a writer, what really inspires you to pick a pen and start writing?
Hina: I take inspiration from my surroundings; from people I meet and observe.
Q. Who’s your favourite author?
Hina: It’s a long list but to name a few: Mustansir Hussain Tarrar, Elif Shafaq, Alex Michaelides. I also love Urdu poetry so Faiz, Joun Elia, and Parveen Shakir are a few of my favourites.
Q. You have recently launched your second book “Love Knot.” What it’s about?
Hina: Love Knot is predominantly a love story but it deals with some very important issues in our society that no one wants to talk about. It is a book that deals with issues of abuse in our society. A love knot is also very romantic and deals with the emotion of love in its purest form, and gives a short view of another country and its culture. I am so glad that it has been received so well by the readers.
Q. Any message to the emerging Pakistani writers or to anyone who wants to write a book but is scared to publish it?
Hina: My advice to emerging authors, is “write from the heart and finish your first draft. If the book is true, it will find its own audience.”
Connect with Hina Shamsi on:
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
