Write Now with Zarrar Said

Why this writer prefers silence when creating

Write Now with Zarrar Said
Photo courtesy of Zarrar Said

Zarrar Said often writes in a silent room. Sometimes that works for me, but I often need distractions. Some sort of noise that is just enough to keep my mind active but not steal attention. If you’re able to write in silence, more power to you. It clearly works for Zarrar.

Who Are You?

Name: Zarrar Said
Profession: Finance Professional/Author
Home: New York, NY
Author of: Pureland

What Do You Write?

I am a writer of literary fiction. It is the only form of writing I think I am capable of doing. I began learning this craft while I was writing articles and tried to develop a voice of my own. I don’t like to avoid any themes or put restrictions of any kind on the creative process, though. I believe that is the job of the critic and you can’t be a writer and a critic at the same time. I love the liberty of writing fiction. It gives you the wings you need to not only fly but also help others see the world from your lens.

Where Do You Write?

I write on anything I can get when I am inspired. Usually, it is my laptop but at other times I have my cell phone’s notebook app and it has random lines that end up in the novels. I started writing in a space of chaos with a lot of sounds and street noise. Now I do it in absolute silence at my desk. No one environment is right or wrong, it is how I feel that day and it comes out in the work.

When Do You Write?

I write early in the morning. As soon as I get to my desk I try and put together something. I am usually analyzing prior work and how to enhance it. I need a little bit of regiment in the process and the editors really help with that.

Why Do You Write?

Writing chose me and not the other way around. It is hard to explain that I could do nothing else that makes me as happy as when the character of my work is coming together and becoming real before my eyes.

How Do You Overcome Writer’s Block?

I don’t believe in writer’s block. That is just a lazy phrase for people that don’t want to work. One way to get over it is write! put together a sentence and get up and leave. It will draw you back to it, promise.

Bonus: What Do You Enjoy Doing When Not Writing?

I like playing music and taking long walks in the city. It helps me rejuvenate.

A version of this article also appeared on Medium.