Lucky 13 Interview With Awais Khan

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

Yes, of course. No Honour is a story of a young woman who defies convention in a small Pakistani village, with devastating results for her and her family. It's a novel about courage, family and the meaning of love, when everything seems lost…

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I am most definitely a panster. I mean, I love to create elaborate chapter outlines, but when I actually sit down to write, I find myself following another trajectory altogether.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury, any day! I don't have a sweet tooth at all. 4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Harry Potter, The Secret History and The House at Riverton 5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars (obviously 😂). I've got so many favorite characters: General Grievous, Senator Palpatine, Darth Vader, Count Dooku. Seems like I only like the villains 🤣, but to be honest, I do love Master Yoda too!) 6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I'd love the ability to read minds! Wouldn't it be fun to know what the other person actually thought of you? However, in that case, I wouldn't have a lot of friends, so I'm not sure about this ability. I've always wanted to fly, so maybe that? 7 – Music or Silence when writing?

I'd prefer silence, but I can also write in crowded cafes. The noise helps me, but music distracts me. 8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

London. Anyone who knows me would know about my love affair with the city. 9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

I have a horrible voice. I wouldn't dare think of a karaoke song, but to answer your question, I guess I'd go with an old Indian classic song. 10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Don't give up. I know it sounds like useless advice, but honestly, I speak from experience. I started taking writing seriously in 2011, but it wasn't until 2017 that I landed an agent and 2018 when I got my first publishing deal. Don't write for the millions. Write because you love to write. The millions will follow (someday!) 11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I'd donate it to Alzheimer's research. My paternal grandmother battled with the disease for many years and I helplessly watched her steady decline. It's a disease that literally eats you alive, snatching away everything you've ever held dear. I'd do anything to make sure there's a cure for it someday.

I'd spend the rest of the money putting a deposit for an apartment somewhere (preferably in London although I don't think half a million would make a dent in London's real estate market!). I'd love to have my own personal space.

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to horror films, and yet I can't resist watching them. There are so many favorites: The Exorcist, The Shining, The Haunting at Hill House, The Omen, IT, Drag me to Hell, The Ring, Scream, Cabin in the Woods. The list goes on and on... 13 - What are you currently working on?

I'm supposed to be writing my third novel. I have a few ideas circling in my head, but nothing concrete. All my attention is currently focused on No Honour that's out in August of this year.