Farhan Khalid
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Interview 
What book(s) have you written?
- Bilal and the Big Bully
- Wali's World Tour
- A Tale of Two Cookies
- Cars Go Vroom!
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
I've always liked writing as a form of communication, as it allows me to think through what I want to say. In 2016 I realized that I really wanted to write a book, so I did.
How long did it take you to write your book(s)?
It depends on the type of book I'm writing, but it typically takes me about 3 months to complete a book.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I work a full-time corporate job, so I write in the evening and/or on the weekend.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I might sneak a corny joke into my writing here or there, but I can neither confirm nor deny.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I don't like to force an idea, so I write based on things I'm really interested in or passionate about, or when the proverbial light bulb goes off (or is it on?) and I feel inspired.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Work out, practice Tae Kwon Do, spend time with my wife & son, eat desserts.
What does your family think of your writing?
My son enjoys the rhyming books I wrote for toddlers. Once he's a little older I can read him the books I wrote for older children.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
It takes a lot of work. After getting your ideas out onto paper, there's a lot of revising, rearranging, proofreading, etc. And if the book contains illustrations, even more work. But the print formatting is probably the hardest because everything has to be exact so the final product looks good.
Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Just keep writing. Let your ideas flow. Don't limit yourself because you think you're not good at this or that. If you have a weak point, such as grammar, then outsource the proofreading. Do your best to put out a quality product.
What do you think makes a good story?
I don't worry too much about things like plot and character development. For me, reading (fiction) is about pleasure and entertainment. So first and foremost the story should be fun and entertaining.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be an architect.
What is your favorite book?
For fiction, I enjoyed The Great Gatsby. For non-fiction, I really liked The Virgin Way by Richard Branson.
Where do you live?
Chicago, United States
Fun Facts
Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!
- I like sushi
- I like pizza
- I like burgers
- I like donuts
- I like cupcakes
- I like cream-filled pastries
- I like bubble tea
- I like cappuccino
- I like nature and wildlife
- I like cars
