Children are the powerhouse of creativity, there is no match to their exuberance, no limit to their imagination and no boundary to their possibilities. Hilal for Kids got an opportunity to have a conversation with the wonder boy, Faizan Ahmed, who is the youngest published writer of Pakistan. 

Faizan is only a 12-year-old schoolboy, with his 328-page debut novel “The Stolen Allegiance”. Hailing from Karachi and studying at the Head Start Schools System, Faizan’s journey into storytelling started from childhood. He holds the privilege that Amazon’s Kindle Edition carries his book, introducing his novel in fine words.
Here’s a question answer session with him:
What is “The Stolen Allegiance” about?
The Stolen Allegiance belongs to the genre of fantasy; it revolves around the themes of good, evil, brotherhood, friendship and courage. It represents my dedication to creating characters, building worlds, developing a plot that challenges boundaries.  The book is a sheer dose of magic and fun.
When did you start writing?
My first-ever piece ‘Storm at the Sea’ was a fantasy adventure. It was a thrilling tale of a young boy who survived a deadly whirlpool. I wrote it for my younger sister, who was always enchanted by stories of bravery and magic.
What inspired you towards writing a book? 
The inspiration came from an event at school. It was the ‘Young Authors’ Conference 2022’ that proved to be the foundation of my writing. Later, my teacher introduced me to Wattpad and its workings. Only then I came up with an idea of writing my own novel. 
Who was your biggest support?
At home, my parents have been my biggest cheerleaders. From the moment I started scribbling down stories, they encouraged me to pursue my passion. From staying up late to help me brainstorm ideas to patiently listening to my countless twists in plots, they are always there. At school, my English teacher saw in me a potential and then pushed me to improve. I owe much of my confidence to her. Besides, my principal was my true mentor; she believed in me and encouraged me to launch my podcast, which gave me a platform to share my ideas and stories with a wider audience.
You must be a good reader too? Aren’t you?
Absolutely! I’m a bookworm. Leave me alone with a good book and you might not see me again for hours! My favorite authors are J K Rowling, Christopher Paolini, and Katherine Arden. They all have inspired me and have a significant influence on my writing style. Rowling’s Harry Potter has been a huge inspiration. It has helped me build rich detailed worlds, with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. 
What are your hobbies, besides writing?
I really enjoy journaling and playing football. These activities give me a nice balance between creativity and staying active. I also fill the pages with my own poetry. As for football, I love the energy and thrill of being on the field. 
What is the most important ingredient required to write a book?
The secret ingredient to writing a book is creating unforgettable and memorable characters. If your readers don’t connect with the characters, the story won’t leave a lasting impression. You need to give character’s depth, flaws, and dreams, something that makes them feel real. That’s when a book becomes truly special.
How do you manage school and writing?
As a 12-year-old school boy, I had to keep my grades up and also finish my book. So, I made a schedule and woke up early to write for about an hour before going to school. After school, I would do my homework and study for tests and if left with some time, I would write some more! I used my free time wisely. 
How do you find readership in Pakistan?
The trend of reading is growing especially among young people. But more children are attracted to social media or visual content rather than picking up a book. Reading isn’t as widespread as it should be. In order to cultivate a reading or writing culture, there is a need to bring imaginative ideas, like: conduct nationwide writing contests to win a Reading Hero’s badge or award. Bookstores, libraries and schools should help arrange such events. With VR technology, we need to set up virtual book clubs where readers step into the story. We also need to develop accessible reading apps tailored for the audience, especially children.
What’s your message to the youth?
Well my message to young writers is, never stop reading. Reading is the first step to writing. To make your writing effective, you need to create meaningful characters and inject life into it making them memorable. Remember, creativity and success are not solo endeavors. Believe in your ideas and your work. No dream is too big or too early to chase; start working on it now. And lastly, never underestimate the power of imagination; it’s the force that drives creativity, solves problems, and helps innovate.