What inspired you to write The Poor King?

It's a great question – one I can't answer in black and white. I had thought about writing a book for children a long time ago, but I wanted it to be a story both adults and children can read and gain something from. I can say now that my inspiration came from watching my little nephew grow. I marvelled each day at how he gained a little bit more independence, how he learned to walk and do things for himself, but most of all how innocently he lived each day! And I thought, wouldn’t it be great if we always remained like that. But I guess we cannot because we grow up and learn life’s harshest lessons, which enriches this life all the more. But it’s our reliance on others to take us through this joinery that fascinates me, the trust involved, and I guess that’s what The Poor King is ultimately about, how much you can trust another human being.

The story’s central character has many layers, what main message do you wish to give to readers when they read this book?

There are many lessons hidden in the plot of The Poor King, even the paradox in the name itself is a lesson. However one of the main messages I would like the readers to take away with them is that only a pure and sincere nature leads to success. Watching out for others and kindness towards them is another.

What was your favourite book as a child?

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett amongst others.

If you could be any character in a book who would you choose?

I would choose to be Mary Lennox, the central character in The Secret Garden. She has the ability to heal another human being through love, and that’s a powerful tool to have: the power in nature that can influence us humans in a good way if only we let it

What message are you hoping to give to children reading your book?

For children it’s definitely to take good advice from wise people, regardless of how old they are!

I understand that this is your first children’s book – you must be delighted with the response it’s received in the States and now in the UK. Do you think you have found your place in writing for children?

I am happy with the way things have turned out with The Poor King, and I hope to write more stories for children, insha-allah.

What other subjects would you like to write about?

Modern issues that affect Muslim children and young adults. However I will not confine the stories I write to a specific group of people. With The Poor King, almost anyone from any religion and background can relate to the story because I have not limited it to people of the Islamic faith.

Do you have a favourite illustrator?

I love Angela Barrett’s illustrations. Her illustrations such as in Snow Goose and Snow White are so rich, full of detail and symbolism. She makes the plot and characters come to life with her drawings.

When you are not writing what do you do?

I love to read; so I spend a lot of time doing that. I enjoy walks and playing badminton and of course playing with my young niece and nephew!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write! If you're passionate about it, don't stop at the first hurdle. There are no boundaries, no rules – so let yourself go. But most importantly, be true to yourself and look at your own work objectively. That’s how others will read it; so be prepared for criticism.

What type of subjects would you like to see in today’s Islamic literature market?

I personally think storytelling is a traditional Islamic art, and the novel brings this art right into the home. It is important that our children can use the contemporary Muslim story as a way of interpreting the world in an Islamic light; it’s a great way of imparting morals to children. So I think contemporary issues that affect children as they grow up should be our priority, for example bullying, especially in the schools, respect for humans and animals, the environment.

Are you working on any future books?

At this moment in time, I’m getting ideas together for another children’s book, but this time I'm hoping to give it a modern twist.

"Enchanting and humbling, Asma Iftikhar’s The Poor King’ is a

captivating story filled with personal lessons for every young adult to

take with them. Beautifully illustrated, this is a wonderful addition

to a child’s bedtime reading- if you’re a parent, you need this book!"

Editor and Founder, Zaufishan Iqbal

Asma Iftikhar is a medical researcher living in the UK. She is an avid reader of Shakespeare, Greek mythology and mystery anthologies, as well as a lover of badminton and Sudoku. Her inspiration for writing comes from little observances made throughout the day that spark the imagination and the desire to share stories. Other than writing, Asma enjoys reading and writing poetry. Her poetry has been published by Damazine, an online literary journal published out of Damascus, Syria and United Press, in the UK. This is her first Children's story and she hopes to write more. She lives in Birmingham, UK, with her family.

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