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Writer's pictureAjiva Talks

Interview with Ansar Hussain

Updated: May 19


Ansar

Ansar Hussain, the author of "You & The Rest Of The World," is a prolific writer with a remarkable body of work. Having written over 100+ articles for numerous news companies and websites, Ansar has established himself as a versatile and insightful writer. His articles cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with valuable information and thought-provoking perspectives. In addition to his articles, Ansar has actively contributed to the literary world. He has organized several international essay and quote writing competitions, providing aspiring writers with a platform to showcase their talents. Furthermore, he has co-authored over 41+ anthologies, collaborating with fellow writers to create impactful literary collections. His published works include over 200+ poems and 250+ quotes, which have been featured in various anthologies, magazines, and social media platforms. Ansar's poetic prowess has even earned him recognition on radio platforms, where his poems have been showcased and appreciated. Beyond his writing achievements, Ansar is also a co-founder of Escritor Explorers, an organization that empowers young individuals aspiring to excel in various fields. Through this platform, he has played a vital role in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive community for young aspirants. Ansar's writing skills extend beyond traditional literature. He has utilized his talents to script and voice advertisements for companies such as Zenith Defence Solution, Brain 'O' Brain, and sports clubs. His ability to craft compelling scripts demonstrates his versatility as a writer and storyteller. Recognized for his literary contributions, Ansar has received accolades for his work. In 2021, he was honored with Spectrum's budding writer award, acknowledging his emerging talent and promising potential. Additionally, he received the Rising Writer Award in the same year, further solidifying his status as a writer to watch. With his vast repertoire of work and ongoing dedication to the literary field, Ansar continues to inspire and engage readers through his thought-provoking articles, evocative poetry, and impactful quotes. His contributions to the literary community and his commitment to fostering talent have established him as a respected figure in the world of writing.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

> Writing became a gateway to create a world of his own, where the author could weave stories and bring characters to life.

What truly inspired the author to pursue writing was the profound power that writers hold, The ability to create a world of their own.

From a young age, the author held a strong aversion to stories with sad endings and a burning desire to ensure that goodness prevailed in his narratives.

As he discovered the freedom to modify and shape stories according to his vision, the determination to become a writer grew stronger. The realization that through their words, one could create uplifting and transformative tales propelled the author on his writing journey.


2. "You and the Rest of the World" is your latest book. Can you provide a brief overview of the story and its central themes?

> "You and the Rest of the World" is a mesmerizing love story that follows the journey of Aryan and Haritha. Filled with intriguing twists, the novel explores the depths of their connection amidst a world of complexity. As Aryan finds himself drawn to Haritha's charisma, their bond tests the boundaries of friendship and love. With the mysterious presence of Magana and a group of friends embarking on a persuasive journey, the story weaves together themes of unrequited love, loyalty, and the choices that define relationships. Set against a backdrop of college life, this old-school tale captures the purity of feelings and the challenges of navigating youthful romance. "You and the Rest of the World" is a jargon-riddled romantic fiction.


3. What motivated you to choose the title "You and the Rest of the World"? How does it reflect the essence of your book?

> The title represents the protagonist's perspective, emphasizing that to him, the person he loves is the center of his universe. In a world full of controllable elements, emotions, and distractions, the focus remains solely on "her." The rest of the world fades into the background as he cherishes the unique connection they share.

It signifies that even in a world teeming with countless elements, it is this singular connection that becomes the center of their universe, that the world is just divided into two elements for him.


4. Are there any specific real-life experiences or events that influenced the narrative or characters in your book?

> The characters were influenced by the author's own circle of friends, providing a foundation of authenticity and realism. While some characters have been fictionalized to propel the story forward.

The real-life friend group served as a valuable source of inspiration, allowing the characters to come to life with relatable qualities and relatability. While the characters were inspired by real people, the book itself is a completely fictional creation.


5. How did you approach the process of creating and developing the characters in "You and the Rest of the World"? Did any of them resonate with you personally?

> When creating and developing the characters in "You and the Rest of the World," the author drew inspiration from their real-life friend group. This served as a valuable foundation for crafting characters with relatable qualities and authenticity. The author also fictionalized certain characters by combining elements from different individuals, adding their own imaginative touch. By blending real-life inspiration with fictional elements, the characters in "You and the Rest of the World" became relatable for readers.


6. Themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity seem to be prominent in your work. Could you discuss how these themes are explored in your latest book?

> Cultural diversity is celebrated and explored in "You and the Rest of the World." Characters hail from various cultural backgrounds, and their experiences reflect the richness and complexity of multicultural societies.


7. As an author, what message or impact do you hope to convey to readers through "You and the Rest of the World"?

> As an author, through "You and the Rest of the World," the aim is to convey the message that love, even in the face of challenges and setbacks, still wins. The story explores the idea that love goes beyond just the romantic aspects.

One may encounter difficult situations and receive advice that may initially seem harsh or bitter, but these are the building blocks which is invisible until one travels to the future.

The story also shares the depth and importance of every bond. Friendship, love and family.

Ultimately, "You and the Rest of the World" will be inspired to believe in the power of love, not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a force that can shape ones life.


8. What challenges did you face while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?

> The author encountered several challenges while writing "You and the Rest of the World," each of which required a unique approach to overcome.

Having read the book numerous times during the writing process, the author found it challenging to gauge the level of suspense and surprise that readers would experience. To overcome this situation, the author had to stay away from the manuscript for months and start over again.

Another hurdle involved ensuring that each chapter served a purpose and contributed meaningfully to the overall narrative. The author was determined to eliminate any filler content and instead focused on incorporating elements of humor, love, or crucial plot developments in every chapter.

Additionally, the author recognized the importance of understanding the expectations and preferences of their readers, which led to numerous changes to the plot.


9. Did you conduct any specific research or draw from any particular sources to add depth and authenticity to your story?

> While "You and the Rest of the World" is a work of fiction, the author took great care in adding depth and authenticity to the story. Though the characters are entirely fictional, the locations portrayed in the book were thoroughly analyzed to ensure a sense of realism. For places the author was unable to physically visit, extensive research was conducted using various sources, including the internet. The author also sought the assistance of individuals familiar with those areas, requesting them to provide pictures and insights to capture the essence of each location accurately.

By incorporating minute details of the environment and drawing inspiration from real places, the story of "You and the Rest of the World" takes on an authentic and believable quality. The intention was to transport readers to these settings, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the narrative as if the events were unfolding precisely in those places.

The meticulous attention to detail and the blending of real-world elements with imaginative storytelling enhance the overall richness and authenticity of the book. Through research and careful consideration of the story's settings, the author aimed to create a vivid and believable world for readers to explore and connect with.


10. How do you balance the need for originality and innovation with the expectations and tastes of your readers?

> While incorporating real-life scenarios provides a strong foundation, it is equally important to infuse innovation into the story, enhancing its overall polish and appeal. The author drew inspiration from the real-life characters in the book, which allowed to anticipate how these individuals would act in various situations. This understanding facilitated a seamless balance between originality and familiarity.

By leveraging the unique traits and personalities of the characters, the author effortlessly introduced innovative elements into the plot. These creative additions served as connectors, propelling the story forward while maintaining a sense of authenticity.



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