Hajara Hilmee is a published poet and debut author known for crafting mystery novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats and poetry that beautifully articulates the everyday human experience.Words are her world; you could say “writer” has probably become her surname. When she’s not immersed in words, she’s likely dreaming of libraries and the perfect character name.
About Golden Hour
Golden Hour is a poetry collection which offers a deeply resonant journey through the universal experiences of school days. Crafted from genuine life experiences, these poems capture the highs and lows, the friendships, challenges, and quiet moments that define this formative period.
With raw emotion and aligned verses. It is the voice to feelings many have known but perhaps couldn’t articulate, allowing readers to see their own past reflected in
words.
Paperback copies are currently available only within Sri Lanka. For international readers, the e-book can be purchased.
To place the order for the ebook send an email to asmhilmee81@gmail.com.
For ongoing updates and additional chapters of her upcoming novel, join the community and follow Hajara Hilmee on Wattpad: @hajarahilmee.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Like many writers, I’m first and foremost a reader. My passion for mystery novels naturally led me to write in that genre, while my love for transforming experiences into verse made me a poet.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
I’m not one for rigid plans, and that applies to my writing process too. I don’t pre-stack ideas, but when inspiration strikes for my novel, I do jot it down on my phone.
Do you have a muse?
My poetry, on the other hand, is intimately woven from life experiences; the people and events in my life are my constant muse.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
I believe readers will connect with my work if they appreciate someone who can articulate feelings they themselves struggle to express.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I’m fascinated by typewriters; they evoke a sense of ancient artistry, though ironically, I’ve never actually seen one in person!
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
While asking a reader to choose between two literary heavens is a crime, I’d pick a library every time. I can already feel its warmth.
How do you name your characters?
When it comes to character names, I have a unique method: after searching up through multiple websites ,I combine two random names I found from two different directions. The results, I promise, are surprisingly good! It shocks me at times too.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
While I’m not super active online on various platforms, Wattpad is where my readers often gather.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
A dream come true would be seeing my characters leap off the page and come to life. I’d definitely want it done.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
As for audiobooks, it might sound strange, but I’ve never really gotten into them. I do, however, enjoy edits with audiobook voiceovers, so I don’t have a specific dream narrator in mind.
Do you try to hit a certain page or word count with each writing session?
Sometimes I set a writing goal, but mostly, I just try to sit down and write something, maybe anything, that contributes to my progress.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Forcing myself to write on a strict schedule makes me feel sick and risks extinguishing my passion. I’d much rather write occasionally, hitting a goal that genuinely excites me, than sit for hours just to churn out a single word. I do not have specific writing rituals, and I would not prefer to.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
I haven’t made any public appearances yet, but I’m looking forward to them in the near future.
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
My poetry book, Golden Hour, which explores common school-day experiences, will likely resonate with many, probably the living.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
I admire many authors, especially teen authors who bring out a relatable side of me, Ana Neu and Ali Marie alongside best-selling poets like Whitney Hanson and Celia Martinez.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
I cherish a particular book gifted to me by a mentor—she adored it to the point that she considered it a part of her , but decided on handing it over to me just because she considered me special and thought it would be the best place to protect her all time fav book. It has now become my most treasured possession.
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
Yes, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring a budding writer myself who looked up to me.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
Interestingly, some of my best plot ideas come from casual conversations. People might not intentionally offer them as ideas, but if something they say sparks a thought, I’ll quickly take note of it, hoping to weave a new layer into my story.
What is the most unique way that an idea for a piece of writing has come to you?
One unique muse for my poetry was a terrible misunderstanding I had with someone. It just goes to show, everything truly does happen for a reason because that was the very first poem I ever wrote and today it is has led me to publishing a poetry novel.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I’m definitely a big reader but more of a borrower! I’ve read countless books, almost none of which belonged to me. I’ve recently started collecting my own, and I hope to build a personal library in my room someday.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
While I haven’t traveled anywhere specifically for writing, I’d love to visit places like America or Europe, as for me those are the places that automatically provides the urgency to write and where writers are celebrated in grand fashion.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
People often make many assumptions about writing. A huge one is that it’s easy and only requires a pen, paper and a creative mind.
Absolutely not! Writing is so much more. It’s a form of research, countless hours of scrolling to find exact details, all because you want to ensure no one feels offended or misrepresented by your work. Writing isn’t just writing; it’s a deep dive!
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
I measure the success of my writing career through the compliments from my readers. Looking back at my first raw, unhinged poem—it never went out of my home gates because it was so unpolished. Today, when I read a poem I’ve written, I see the transformation. The verses, the words, they’re perfectly aligned. You feel the progress when the comments shift from “oh nice” to “no way! did you really write this?” The most profound progress, though, is felt when you read them yourself, to yourself.
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