Ask the Author: Shahid Hussain Raja
Answered Questions (9)
Shahid Hussain Raja
Inspiration for my writing process is generally ignited by a question posed by one of my online students. Their curiosity serves as a catalyst, prompting me to research, thoroughly explore the subject matter, and provide them with a comprehensive answer. This interaction not only benefits the student but also fuels my passion for writing, as I find immense satisfaction in imparting knowledge and facilitating learning.
Shahid Hussain Raja
I do not know which kind of death you have in mind as there are different types of deaths that we experience in life. One is the physical death that begins the moment we are born; each breath we take brings us closer to the end of our time on Earth. Life, in fact, itself is like a slow-motion death that reaches its climax when we take our last breath. in this respect, I am always ready to embrace death which will be a transition from one universe to another
Another kind of death is spiritual death, a state of deep despair and emptiness within our souls. It's like the light within our spirit has faded, leaving behind darkness and hopelessness, creating an emptiness that is hard to fill. In that sense I died the moment someone started cursing me without appreciating my constraints and limitations.
However, the most painful death is the emotional death when you die in bits and pieces after an unexpected heartbreak. It is like a painted glass of a window in a cathedral is broken. In that sense, I have died several times and risen again like the mythical Phoenix. Every heartbreak seemed like a death sentence, but I managed to survive them because there were people out there who always remembered me in their prayers- my mother, my sisters, and so many others.
Surprisingly, even those who broke my heart played a role in my survival. Through the tears and pain, they unintentionally helped me grow. Their absence forced me to find solace within myself and discover strength I never knew existed. With time, I realized that their actions didn't define my worth but were a reflection of their own battles and limitations. I always pray for their welfare and happiness.
Another kind of death is spiritual death, a state of deep despair and emptiness within our souls. It's like the light within our spirit has faded, leaving behind darkness and hopelessness, creating an emptiness that is hard to fill. In that sense I died the moment someone started cursing me without appreciating my constraints and limitations.
However, the most painful death is the emotional death when you die in bits and pieces after an unexpected heartbreak. It is like a painted glass of a window in a cathedral is broken. In that sense, I have died several times and risen again like the mythical Phoenix. Every heartbreak seemed like a death sentence, but I managed to survive them because there were people out there who always remembered me in their prayers- my mother, my sisters, and so many others.
Surprisingly, even those who broke my heart played a role in my survival. Through the tears and pain, they unintentionally helped me grow. Their absence forced me to find solace within myself and discover strength I never knew existed. With time, I realized that their actions didn't define my worth but were a reflection of their own battles and limitations. I always pray for their welfare and happiness.
Shahid Hussain Raja
If given an option, visiting the historical fictional world portrayed in William Dalrymple's book "The White Mughals" would be a fascinating choice. Set in 18th-century India during British colonial rule, the book delves into the lives of British officers and Indian women, exploring their relationships, cultural exchanges, and the complexities of the era.
If I were to visit this world, I could immerse myself in the vibrant city of Hyderabad and witness the rich fusion of Indian and British cultures. I might encounter characters like James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British resident of the East India Company, and Khair-un-Nissa, a noblewoman of Hyderabad, who form a unique cross-cultural romance.
Exploring the historical backdrop of the book, I could witness the grandeur of Nizam's court, stroll through bustling bazaars, and experience the luxury and diversity of Indian traditions. I could also gain insights into that time's political and social dynamics, including the East India Company's influence and the growing tensions between British and Indian communities.
It would be a chance to delve into the rich tapestry of history, witness the interactions between different cultures, and experience the beauty and complexities of 18th-century India as depicted in "The White Mughals."
If I were to visit this world, I could immerse myself in the vibrant city of Hyderabad and witness the rich fusion of Indian and British cultures. I might encounter characters like James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British resident of the East India Company, and Khair-un-Nissa, a noblewoman of Hyderabad, who form a unique cross-cultural romance.
Exploring the historical backdrop of the book, I could witness the grandeur of Nizam's court, stroll through bustling bazaars, and experience the luxury and diversity of Indian traditions. I could also gain insights into that time's political and social dynamics, including the East India Company's influence and the growing tensions between British and Indian communities.
It would be a chance to delve into the rich tapestry of history, witness the interactions between different cultures, and experience the beauty and complexities of 18th-century India as depicted in "The White Mughals."
Shahid Hussain Raja
There are many ways to get inspired to write, here are a few suggestions:
1. Read widely and diversely: Reading can expose you to different writing styles, genres, and perspectives, inspiring you to try new things in your own writing.
2. Observe your surroundings: Pay attention to the world around you and take note of sights, sounds, and experiences that spark your imagination and creativity.
3. Take breaks and try new activities: Stepping away from writing and trying new experiences can give you fresh perspectives and new ideas to write about.
4. Write about what you care about: Write about topics, issues, or stories that matter to you personally and tap into your passions.
4. Use prompts or writing exercises: Writing exercises or prompts can be a great way to overcome writer's block and generate new ideas.
Remember, inspiration can come from unexpected places, so keep an open mind and be willing to explore different avenues
1. Read widely and diversely: Reading can expose you to different writing styles, genres, and perspectives, inspiring you to try new things in your own writing.
2. Observe your surroundings: Pay attention to the world around you and take note of sights, sounds, and experiences that spark your imagination and creativity.
3. Take breaks and try new activities: Stepping away from writing and trying new experiences can give you fresh perspectives and new ideas to write about.
4. Write about what you care about: Write about topics, issues, or stories that matter to you personally and tap into your passions.
4. Use prompts or writing exercises: Writing exercises or prompts can be a great way to overcome writer's block and generate new ideas.
Remember, inspiration can come from unexpected places, so keep an open mind and be willing to explore different avenues
Shahid Hussain Raja
The best thing about being a writer is that I can express my thoughts, emotions, and imagination in a creative and powerful way. It is not only a form of personal fulfilment but also a vehicle to preserve memories, ideas, and stories
Shahid Hussain Raja
Because I personally know the author who actually ditched her and then wrote this fictional memoir to ruin her life. And he is in the habit of biting the same hand which feeds him. His other book, The Terrorist Prince, is against the Bhutto family which helped him throughout his life.
Shahid Hussain Raja
I looked in the mirror and saw a face that wasn't mine, and then realized I was trapped inside someone else's body- a mermaid from the River Hydaspas.
The last thing I heard before losing my consciousness was the sound of my own laughter, but it was coming from the reflection in the glass.
The last thing I heard before losing my consciousness was the sound of my own laughter, but it was coming from the reflection in the glass.
Shahid Hussain Raja
Idea for writing about the history of economic development of Pakistan came into mind when I wrote a two-piece article about the development experience of Pakistan’s first military regime which ruled the country for a decade from 1958 to 1968. It was published in two instalments in the now defunct daily newspaper ‘The Muslim’ in the last week of September, 1979 and was appreciated for its condensation of the debate about the policies pursued during the Ayub regime and their short term and long term consequences. I intended to follow it up by writing a similar long form essays about the successive periods of Pakistan’s development history. However due to paucity of time at my disposal during the service I could not complete this exercise.
After my retirement I started working on it and its first volume is in front of you in the form of a short book about the six decades of history of economic development of Pakistan. It will be followed by volume two in which I will discuss the challenges Pakistan is facing in general and its political economy in particular and how far it can respond to those challenges as well as a plan of action to do so.
Free from unnecessary jargon, notes and graphs, it is in between an article which you can read in one sitting and a book for which you need many days. Although I have written this book primarily for the students of development studies and general readers but others also, may be economists, students, policy makers and public servants can find it useful as a short handy book which attempts to chart the 60 years of the journey of a post-colonial state in the backdrop of changing global perspectives. Specifically, it tries to raise some questions- what went wrong and what worked during the development process of a post-colonial state, and ends with the lessons learnt which provide guidelines for countries struggling to improve the quality of life of their citizens.
After my retirement I started working on it and its first volume is in front of you in the form of a short book about the six decades of history of economic development of Pakistan. It will be followed by volume two in which I will discuss the challenges Pakistan is facing in general and its political economy in particular and how far it can respond to those challenges as well as a plan of action to do so.
Free from unnecessary jargon, notes and graphs, it is in between an article which you can read in one sitting and a book for which you need many days. Although I have written this book primarily for the students of development studies and general readers but others also, may be economists, students, policy makers and public servants can find it useful as a short handy book which attempts to chart the 60 years of the journey of a post-colonial state in the backdrop of changing global perspectives. Specifically, it tries to raise some questions- what went wrong and what worked during the development process of a post-colonial state, and ends with the lessons learnt which provide guidelines for countries struggling to improve the quality of life of their citizens.
Shahid Hussain Raja
1. Write about something unusual you experienced with the help of any of your five senses today or yesterday or even during the last week-something unusual you saw, smelled, heard etc.
2. Write about something unusual you experienced with the help of your sixth sense recently-yes anything from Dejavu to paranormal experience-a ghost may be?
3. Explain the details of last book you read or reading to your imaginary or real girlfriend in the form of a juicy love letter. May be explain to her the complex theorem
4. Describe the first time you did something-went to school, college or university, started a job, fell in love
5. Write a story about your childhood love which must have been unrequited-doesn’t matter.
6. Start writing the biography of your parents-ask them the details of how they met and married if they are alive. If not, seek the help of your elder siblings.
7. Attempt a fairy tale-yes a fairy tale in which your son/daughter play the leading role. Probably it would be the best birthday gift for them.
8. Why not start writing your own biography-you can purchase software to kick-start and help you in this project.
9. Go to a mall, sit in a coffee shop, order a large cup of coffee and start observing people around you. When the coffee is served, start writing about those people- what they are doing and mostly why they are doing what they are doing. Imagine.
2. Write about something unusual you experienced with the help of your sixth sense recently-yes anything from Dejavu to paranormal experience-a ghost may be?
3. Explain the details of last book you read or reading to your imaginary or real girlfriend in the form of a juicy love letter. May be explain to her the complex theorem
4. Describe the first time you did something-went to school, college or university, started a job, fell in love
5. Write a story about your childhood love which must have been unrequited-doesn’t matter.
6. Start writing the biography of your parents-ask them the details of how they met and married if they are alive. If not, seek the help of your elder siblings.
7. Attempt a fairy tale-yes a fairy tale in which your son/daughter play the leading role. Probably it would be the best birthday gift for them.
8. Why not start writing your own biography-you can purchase software to kick-start and help you in this project.
9. Go to a mall, sit in a coffee shop, order a large cup of coffee and start observing people around you. When the coffee is served, start writing about those people- what they are doing and mostly why they are doing what they are doing. Imagine.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more