Five Questions with Farzana Doctor
Award-winning novelist on staying focused during
Farzana Doctor is an activist, therapist, social worker and award-winning novelist. She was named one of the “100 Writers in Canada You Need to Know Now” by CBC books, and her novel All Inclusive was a Kobo 2015 and National Post Best Book of the Year. Her fiction draws upon social justice themes from her activism and mixes in the perception and empathy of her psychotherapy background, creating rich and genuine stories that deal with loss, community, relationships and healing. We reached out to Farzana to ask her about writing, staying in touch with her readers and preparing to launch her next book during a pandemic.
Have you been writing during the quarantine, and if so, how is the enforced isolation different from the usual isolation that comes with the writing life?
I have been working on revisions for my fifth book, which will be my first YA novel. During the quarantine, it has been harder to focus than usual, probably because this global pandemic creates more fear in the system. It has helped that I have a deadline. I also started a writing sprint group on Facebook (a writing sprint is a prescribed time when a bunch of people write together and then report back) and this community support has helped to motivate me, and I’ve needed this motivation. Anyone can join.
It has been harder to focus than usual, probably because this global pandemic creates more fear in the system.
Has the pandemic made you rethink how you will promote your upcoming novel Seven?
Yes. And at first this really bummed me out; I mourned all the lost touring opportunities. But once I accepted the reality, I found myself embracing the shift. I’ve “attended” many more virtual literary launches and festivals than I would have if they were in-person events. I’m not alone; I’ve noticed way larger audiences at these virtual events—sometimes five to ten times the usual numbers, probably because they’re more accessible (physically, geographically, and possibly socially).
I’m paying attention to what works, squirrelling away ideas for my September launch. I guess I’ve been “pivoting”—oh how I hate that word!
How are you using social media to connect with your readers?
I got on Facebook in 2007 in order to promote my first novel, Stealing Nasreen. Since then, I joined LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. I use all of these platforms to connect with readers and writers and to promote my books and other writers’ books too (I exploit my dog Maggie for the latter with #MaggieWithBooks).
Right now I’m using social media to announce Seven’s September release and to encourage pre-orders. I probably spend at least an hour on social media each day, and it sort of feels like a normal part of the writing life now.
Do you have a guilty pleasure that you’ve been binge-watching, reading or listening to in order to help you cope with self-isolation?
I’ve been watching Grey’s Anatomy. I came late to this party, and oh wow, what an amazing, immersive, high-drama escape it is! I’m currently on Season 11 (so you know I’ve been binge-watching). Until recently, my father worked as a surgeon, and I never understood his work life (except that it took a LOT of his time) and so I think a part of me is probably hooked for that reason.
What are you most looking forward to when social distancing restrictions are loosened?
Eating out at restaurants! It’s Ramadan as I write this, and one of the most fun things to do (in more normal times) is to meet up with friends and eat out late at night after a fast. I’m missing that for sure, and I hope my favourite places survive this (shout out to Moti Mahal, Little India’s oldest restaurant).