Today we’d like to introduce you to Aalia Zealous.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was 16 when I wrote my first short story. It was around that time that I had an inkling that I knew I wanted to be a writer. My dad taught me how to self-publish and from there I started publishing my own works of short fiction. As my skill grew, I eventually learned to write a full-length novel and published my first novel when I was 21. Since then I’ve continued to hone my craft and create more longer works of fiction.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started out writing, I didn’t think it was an important craft to have and I wasn’t sure if anyone would care to read my work. I’ve been writing for almost a decade and it wasn’t until three years ago, back in 2020, that I actually published something I was proud of and felt was an accurate representation of my skill level and talent. Along my journey, I’ve faced a lot of imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an author of fantasy and science fiction. I’m mostly known for dark fantasy and my novel Royal Jelly which was released back in 2020. It’s one of my works that I’m most proud of. I really love to write stories that are whimsical and have an element of magic. I think what sets me apart is that my work is inspired by three things. The parts of nature that are at times terrifying, the parts of science that borderline magic, and the sides of god that no one like’s to believe exist, and I think my work reflects those concepts.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned how important it is to have your own craft and enjoy your own space. I think when the crisis hit, many people have always focused on work that was for other people that they didn’t know what to do with their time when they had it. And many people didn’t know what to do with themselves when they couldn’t see their friends and family or go out. I think that it’s important to remember that at the end of the day you have to be pleased with you and you alone. Because there may come a time, like in the crisis, where being with yourself is all you have at the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aaliazealous.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaliazealous/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalia.zealous
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaliazealous
