Safinah Danish Elahi has carved out an impressive niche in the literary world as a lawyer, novelist, publisher, and poet from Pakistan. With two novels and a poetry collection to her name, one of which was adapted into the TV series Dauur and another shortlisted for the Asian Fiction Prize, her achievements are notable. As the founder of Reverie Publishers, Safinah created a platform to support and guide Pakistani writers. Her journey includes prestigious milestones such as being selected for the Iowa Writers' Program and earning an MFA from Emerson College in Publishing and Contemporary Fiction. In this interview, Safinah shares her unique path in writing and publishing, offering insights into her experiences and aspirations.
Safinah, you've made impressive strides in the literary world, from being shortlisted for the Asian Fiction Prize to founding your own publishing house. For our readers, could you introduce yourself and share what led you to pursue a career in writing?
Hi, my name is Safinah Danish Elahi. I’m a lawyer, novelist, publisher and poet from Pakistan. I have written two novels, and a poetry collection, one of which has been converted into a TV series called Dauur and the other shortlisted for the prize you mentioned. I am also the founder of Reverie Publishers. I’ve been a lifelong reader and have always had many stories I wanted to write. I find writing very therapeutic and believe it helps me understand the world. And with Reverie, I wanted to create a platform for writers to be able to display their work I could help and guide with my specific knowledge about writing and publishing in Pakistan.
How does it feel to be the only Pakistani to have been shortlisted for the Asian Fiction Prize?
It has been fantastic. To be honest, most writers who are shortlisted for these awards have spent significant time abroad and have had a completely different support system via agents, big publishers, and PR professionals. So, making it to the shortlist with a small press that didn’t even submit for the award was a pleasant surprise. There are two Indian authors and a Sri Lankan author who have also been shortlisted, and one of the biggest publications in India, Scroll, has featured them.
What has your writing journey been like?
Honestly, I never thought I would be able to publish my work. I’ve been a lifelong reader and writer, but professionally, I only started writing about six years ago. It has been immensely rewarding and liberating to be able to put a story out for thousands of people to read.
You were selected for the Iowa Writers' Program in the U.S., which is a very prestigious writing residency offered to only one Pakistani every alternate year. How was your experience, and can you tell us a little bit about it?
Of course. It is a three-month residency hosted by the University of Iowa. Writers who are selected become Fellows of the program and get to teach Master's students at the university, participate in translation workshops, and attend readings by many famous writers as well as other writers from the residency. The experience was quite glorious.
HM Naqvi, Shandana Minhas, Sanam Maher from Pakistan, and many big names like Orhan Pamuk, Shehan Karunatilaka, and Hisham Matar have attended the Residency Program. It is highly competitive, with 160 writers nominated each year and only one selected. It was such a privilege to be part of such a program, and I had a fantastic time reading, writing, and connecting with other writers from 32 countries.
You also completed your MFA from Emerson College, USA. Was that in publishing or writing?
It was actually both. It was a Master of Fine Arts in Publishing and Contemporary Fiction. Having a professional degree in writing, rather than shorter courses, is very beneficial. A Master’s program is more holistic and covers a wide range of topics, such as structure, design, marketing, editing, peer groups, literature discussions, and in-depth analysis of texts by students.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
I would say to continue pouring your thoughts onto paper and not to feel dejected by rejection. Keep submitting your manuscripts, attending events, meeting people, and learning about the publishing and writing process. Your story is important; it just needs the right home.