At Partnership Publishing, we believe in the transformative power of words and the healing that can come from sharing one's story. Today, we're excited to bring you an inspiring Q&A session with one of our talented authors, Saira Anwar. Saira's journey as a poet is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to turn pain into power. Her latest work, Rising From Despair: A Journey to Hope, which is set to be released on June 5th, 2025, continues to explore themes of healing, empowerment, and self-discovery, particularly within the South Asian community.
In this candid conversation, Saira shares the evolution of her writing, the role of faith in her healing process, and her hopes for those who read her poetry. Whether you're a writer seeking inspiration or a reader looking for solace, Saira's words offer a beacon of hope and strength.
"Rising From Despair: A Journey to Hope" reflects a profound transformation. Can you share more about how your writing has evolved since your first collection, "The Death of a Beautiful Dream"?
My writing has evolved significantly since the release of my debut book, The Death of a Beautiful Dream - A Poetry Collection. Initially, my poetry served as a therapeutic outlet for processing a particularly painful chapter of my life. However, over time, my writing has transformed into a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. Through the act of writing, I’ve found a way to rebuild myself. This process has instilled in me a sense of resilience and has built up my confidence, especially when performing live. My writing has evolved as a consequence and I have grown stronger in it. Readers say that my writing now is filled with dazzle and light, it's more introspective and inspiring.
Your work beautifully explores themes of trauma, healing, and empowerment, particularly for women. What inspired you to write about these topics, and how do your personal experiences shape your poetry?
My journey through a failed marriage didn’t just end with a divorce; it led to the discovery of my voice as a poet. It was as if, through the storm, I stumbled upon a hidden part of myself waiting to be unearthed. I began writing poetry in May 2012, driven by a desire to share my life experiences and lessons with others who might be healing from similar wounds.
Through my work, I delve into themes like marriage, divorce, healing, self-love, and love—subjects deeply intertwined with my personal journey. My poetry is a reflection of my own experiences, and I believe that by sharing our stories, we create a sense of connection and understanding. In turning our struggles into art, we find common ground, and maybe, just maybe, we help someone else feel a little less alone. That’s the power of turning our struggles into art.
Faith seems to play a crucial role in your healing process as depicted in your poems. How has your faith influenced your writing, and what message do you hope to convey to readers who may be on a similar journey?
Faith has been the foundation of my life and my healing process. It has provided me with the strength to navigate through life's challenges with determination and patience, while maintaining a positive outlook. This often comes across in my writing in the form of gratitude. The message I hope to convey to my readers is one of resilience and hope. No matter how dark the times may seem, faith can guide us towards the light, helping us to rebuild ourselves and find purpose even in the midst of despair.
Your book is dedicated to those going through divorce and healing from heartbreak, particularly within the South Asian community. What do you hope these readers take away from your work?
I hope these pieces bring them peace, love, comfort, strength, hope, and inspiration as they navigate their journey. That they find the light at the end of the tunnel and take whatever resonates with them from each poem.
Especially for those seeking healing and closure, I hope they come to realise that they are not alone. Healing takes time, and their journey is valid. That they matter, and we are stronger together. To never let anyone silence them—tell your story, be bold, be brave, and be the light that guides others out of their own darkness.
Your poetry is deeply personal and reflective. Could you walk us through your creative process—how do you channel your experiences into poetry, and what does the process of writing mean to you?
When I write, the words flow naturally from my soul onto the page. Writing has become a powerful tool, enabling me to process and navigate the painful experiences I've endured. Over the past 12 years, poetry has been my outlet for turning darkness into light, and pain into power, through this I'm able to share my story in a way that is authentic and true to who I am while offering hope, healing and happiness, solace to those who have been through similar experiences.
In "The Shackles of Tradition" and other poems, you address cultural stigmas, particularly surrounding divorce in the South Asian community. How do you navigate these cultural challenges in your writing, and what advice would you give to others facing similar pressures?
Every culture faces challenges connected to domestic abuse and societal pressures, particularly around divorce. Through my writing, I aim to challenge these stigmas and create conversations that bring women from diverse backgrounds together, offering each other support. There is always more that unites us than divides us.
Through my writing, I aim to challenge these stigmas and empower those who feel trapped by them. My advice to others facing similar pressures is to build a support network of family and friends- this is a key element in the healing process. Surrounding yourself with positive people can make all the difference, offering understanding, empathy and encouragement when it's most needed. A strong support network provides a sense of safety, security, and solace. Being vulnerable enough to ask for help when needed can strengthen this circle of support.
Remember, healing is not a solitary journey-leaning those who care about you can provide the strength and perspective needed to move forward with resilience. Embrace your journey, and don't let societal expectations define your worth. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle, and there is power in sharing your truth. Together, we can break free from the shackles of tradition and pave the way for a more accepting future.
You describe poetry as your "medicine" and "armour." How has writing helped you heal, and how do you hope your words will serve as a healing tool for others?
My writing has been my sanctuary, a safe space, a place where I can find comfort, contentment, closure, and calmness to process my creativity. Poetry has become my medicine, soothing every wound that life has left behind, and my armour, shielding me from the hardships that arise. Through writing, I've been able to transform my struggles into something special, turning pain into purpose, power, passion, persistence, and darkness into light. Each piece has been a step towards healing, a way to reclaim my voice and power.
I hope that these pieces can serve as a healing tool for others in the same way they have for me for the past 12 years. I hope that the readers find comfort, contentment and calmness, peace, love, strength, hope, and inspiration in these words. I want them to feel heard, understood, appreciated, respected, supported, honoured, loved and celebrated to see that they aren't alone in their journey. If my poetry can help even one person feel less isolated and more empowered, then I know my words, my mission, have served their purpose.
As you continue to write and share your journey, what future themes or projects are you excited to explore? Are there any new directions you see your writing taking?
As I continue to write and share my journey, I'm filled with excitement for what the future holds. With Rising From Despair: A Journey to Hope soon to be out in the world, I'm eager to see how it resonates with readers and where this path will lead me next.
The release of this collection is something I've long anticipated, and I'm looking forward to its success and the impact it will have on readers. This book is the result of immense personal growth, and I hope that it resonates with people from all walks of life. I’m confident that the themes of marriage, divorce and healing, self-love, and love and empowerment will connect with many readers on a profound level. The true measure of this book's success will be the lives it touches, the conversation it will spark, and the support it will offer to those who have been through similar experiences.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue writing and exploring new directions. I feel that this journey is just beginning, and I’m thrilled to see where it takes me next. Each step forward is another opportunity to connect with others, to share my story, and inspire those who may be searching for hope and healing, happiness and closure.
What advice would you give to aspiring poets and authors who wish to write about deeply personal and emotional experiences?
I would offer the following advice to aspiring poets and authors:
1. When you begin your writing journey, be sure to know and understand what it is you want to achieve. What’s the intent behind your writing? Everything you do will be guided by this purpose, helping you stay focused and motivated.
2. Write for yourself: Don't worry about anyone else seeing your work initially. The very act of writing down your feelings can be incredibly cathartic. Getting your pain down on paper enables you to look at it more objectively, allowing you to process it in a deeper, more meaningful way.
3. Embrace your Vulnerability: The most impactful writing often stems from our deepest vulnerabilities. Embrace that vulnerability- it's where your true voice lies. This authenticity is what will resonate most deeply with your readers, setting your work apart and allowing you to connect with readers on a profound level.
4. Read the work of others who have been in similar situations. Their words can provide comfort, perspective, and even the inspiration you need to start writing. Over time, you may feel safe enough to share your work with a trusted friend, which can encourage conversations that further your healing process.
5. Use writing as a therapeutic outlet to process, explore, journal, and make sense of your experiences. Don't be afraid to let the words flow freely, unfiltered, and unedited, as you delve deeper into your feelings.
6. Believe and trust in the ability of your writing to not only heal yourself but also to uplift, empower and provide solace to others.
7. By writing for yourself first, embracing vulnerability, and drawing inspiration from others, you can begin a healing journey that may eventually encourage deeper conversations and connections. When you're ready, sharing your work can not only help you heal but also touch the lives of others who need to hear your story.
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Yes, I am, readers can visit my website: www.sairaanwar.co.uk & http://getbook.at/sairaanwar and follow me on socials here:
Facebook: @sairathepoet
Instagram: @sairathepoet
X: @sairathepoet
TikTok @sairathepoet
Threads: @sairathepoet
Youtube: @sairathepoet
Soundcloud: @sairathepoet
Pinterest: @sairathepoet
Substack: @sairathepoet
Saira's latest poetry collection: 'Rising From Despair: A Journey to Hope' will be AVAILABLE 5th JUNE 2025!
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