We’re deep into The Dragon’s Call Giveaway Event and today Author Sana Pirzada has graciously joined us. Please check out the interview, then head to the event and join in the giveaway below!
K.W. – Hello, thank you for joining us today. Why don’t you introduce yourself for our readers and tell us about your works.
S. Pirzada – My name is Sana Pirzada. I am a human rights lawyer and the founder of VLA – Virtual Legal Advisory. In addition to my legal work, I am the author of five books: The Rose Within – A Gothic Romance (2016), Vernon Hall & Other Stories (2019), Naomi Byron (2020), The Raven’s Call (2022), and Tainted Whispers of Eden (2025).I have always been highly imaginative and naturally introverted. In my earlier years, being an introvert meant creating imaginary characters and envisioning a parallel life—one that felt like a better version of my own. This passion was further fueled by my dream of bringing stories to life on screen. To pursue that vision, I turned to writing, hoping that one day my books would be adapted for the silver screen.
K.W. – Who or what are your biggest influences and how do you stay inspired?
S. Pirzada –My greatest inspiration comes from my love for Victorian Gothic fiction. Books like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla deepened my fascination with the genre, compelling me to weave my own narratives within that hauntingly evocative era.
One of my greatest influences was living in Britain during my adolescent and adult years. I was mesmerized by the culture and the lingering sense of history that pervades quaint English towns and cities—a feeling that finds its way into all my books.
Another major inspiration was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, with its hauntingly beautiful music and tragic love story. My passion for music also led me to compose original pieces for my debut novel, The Rose Within, and direct a music video for it, both of which are available on YouTube.
K.W. – What is it like moving through your writing process when you begin a new book?
S. Pirzada – I begin with a detailed chapter-by-chapter synopsis as a blueprint for my story. However, in all the books I’ve written so far, I’ve found myself naturally deviating from that structure. The narrative takes on a life of its own, and I follow the flow wherever it leads, allowing creativity to guide the process.
K.W. – What are some of the challenges you have faced, and how were you able to overcome them?
S. Pirzada – I have often encountered writer’s block, usually when I push myself to write continuously without taking breaks. Forcing the process only stifles creativity. However, I’ve learned to overcome this by taking vacations, which have significantly helped my writing. Stepping away allows me to return refreshed, with new ideas, experiences, and even new characters. This was especially true for Tainted Whispers of Eden.
K.W. – How has the industry changed and do you see any new trends?
S. Pirzada – I am a self-published author, primarily because I work within my own deadlines. However, a deeper reason is the fear of rejection—a reality that even renowned writers have faced. Rather than waiting for approval, I chose to take control of the process and publish my books independently.
While self-publishing offers creative freedom, it also comes with challenges. Success can be harder to achieve, as writers must handle all marketing and promotion themselves. Those with an extensive network or public recognition have an advantage, but for those still establishing their name, the journey requires persistence and effort.
On the bright side, the rise of independent publishing has created a thriving community of authors worldwide, and through this journey, I have connected with fellow writers from different corners of the world.
K.W. – What advice do you have for authors out there?
S. Pirzada – Despite the challenges, my advice is simple: keep writing. Who knows? You might become the next J.K. Rowling, and your book could one day be adapted into a Netflix series! Writing is a passion, and it’s important to pursue whatever fuels your creativity. Don’t worry about who will read your book—if you enjoy the story and believe in it, others will too. Have faith in your work, and let your passion guide you.
K.W. – What is your favorite character you’ve written and why?
S. Pirzada – That would have to be Shirley Lester, the protagonist of Tainted Whispers of Eden. She is beautiful inside and out, possessing an extraordinary soul. Generous and loving, she embraces those who are different and fights for those too weak to stand up for themselves. If Shirley Lester existed in real life, she would be an ideal role model—someone I would deeply admire and cherish.
K.W. – Do you have any upcoming projects?
S. Pirzada – My current goal is to adapt Tainted Whispers of Eden into a screenplay, and I am determined to see where this journey takes me. I’m eager to explore the possibilities and discover my chances of bringing it to the silver screen!
