Conversation with Zara Raheem

Zara Raheem is an accomplished author and educator who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. She is the recipient of the prestigious James I. Murashige Jr. Memorial Award in Fiction and was recognized as one of 2019's Harriet Williams Emerging Writers.

Raheem's debut novel, The Marriage Clock, garnered widespread acclaim, earning spots on numerous "must-read" lists by Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, Bustle, and Book Riot, among others. The novel's popularity extended internationally, with translations available in Italian and Portuguese. Her highly anticipated second novel, The Retreat, was released in April 2023.

In addition to her novels, Raheem is currently developing a short story collection that delves into themes central to the South Asian diaspora, the Muslim-American experience, and the complexities faced by first- and second-generation immigrants.

Based in Southern California, she shares her passion for storytelling by teaching English and creative writing. Through her work, Zara Raheem continues to shed light on underrepresented voices and experiences, making a significant impact in contemporary literature.

1. Can you share with us your journey as a writer and what inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

Zara Raheem : Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved the process of creating and exercising my imagination through storytelling. Although writing for me began as a hobby, it wasn’t until my mid-twenties when I finally found the courage to pursue it as a career path.

2. Your debut novel "The Marriage Clock" received critical acclaim. What was the inspiration behind the story, and how did you approach the writing process?

Zara Raheem : The idea for the book was initially inspired by my own life. When I was going through the arranged marriage process, I turned to writing to make sense of my experiences. As I continued developing the story and the characters, however, it began taking a life of its own that was separate from mine. So, while most of the novel is fiction in terms of the suiters that Leila meets, the situations she finds herself in, her interactions with the other characters, the part that remains autobiographical is the emotional journey that she goes on.

3. "The Marriage Clock" explores themes of cultural identity, tradition, and societal expectations. How important is it for you to incorporate such themes into your writing, and what message were you hoping to convey through your novel?

Zara Raheem : I remember grappling with those elements in my own experiences, so I wanted to share those ideas with readers who also saw a part of themselves in Leila’s journey. I hope the story sheds light on the pressures of marriage and family often imposed on young women and inspires those reading to carve out their own paths to happiness even if it challenges societal and cultural expectations.

4. How do you approach character development in your writing? Are there any strategies or techniques you employ to create authentic and relatable characters?

Zara Raheem : There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a character transform, of seeing them come out of the story a different person than who they started as. When developing my characters, I think about not just what that transformation will look like, but also how that journey of growth might resonate most strongly with readers.

5. "The Marriage Clock" delves into the complexities of relationships and the pressures of marriage. Can you discuss the significance of exploring these topics in your work and the impact it may have on your readers?

Zara Raheem : A lot of the topics explored in the book are issues that we, in the South Asian community, don’t often talk about. And because we don’t openly talk about things like ageism, colorism, gender biases, etc., many of these behaviors and expectations become accepted and normalized when they are anything but. I hope reading stories like “The Marriage Clock” might help create a starting point for readers to discuss those issues more critically.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to make their mark in the literary world?

Zara Raheem : Continue writing. Continue trusting yourself. Continue sharing the stories that matter to you because if you don’t believe in your stories, no one else will.

7. Are there any specific themes or subjects that you are interested in exploring in your future writing projects? Can you provide any insights into your upcoming works?

Zara Raheem : I’m interested in exploring themes that speak to me and will hopefully speak to readers as well. I’m currently working on another novel. It’s still in the early phases, so there’s not too much to share just yet, other than it’s something I’m really excited about and can’t wait to share more soon!