Spotlight: Poetry Writer and Author A. Ikram.

This week's Spotlight covers indie author A. Ikram, who is know for her introspective writing on self-discovery, heartbreak, and generational trauma.

Another week, another Spotlight! Welcome one and all, as we take a special look into A. Ikram— poetry writer and author of books like: The Roadtrip of Life, and Tears into the Shadows!

There is so much to learn about this talented writer, but before we dive in. Did you know you can find her right here on Substack? It’s true, so go give her some love!

A. Ikram is an indie author and poet known for her heartfelt and introspective writing. Her works, including The Roadtrip of Life and Tears in the Shadows, explore themes of self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and generational trauma. With a talent for capturing raw emotions in simple yet profound words, she has built a strong connection with readers who find solace and relatability in her poetry.

A. Ikram's work has resonated with many, ranking Tears in the Shadows among the bestsellers. Through her poetry, storytelling, and creative pursuits, she continues to inspire and engage a growing audience.

Below are some questions A. Ikram answered for the Spotlight.

What drew you to writing poetry? What sort of themes and ideas do you explore in your work?

I first fell in love with poetry as a child when I read a poem in Arabic about freedom. Something about the way words carried so much emotion and meaning captivated me. It felt powerful like poetry could hold both pain and hope at the same time.

Since then, writing has become my way of making sense of emotions that feel too big to carry. I explore themes of self-discovery, love, heartbreak, grief, and generational trauma. My work often captures the quiet, everyday moments where these emotions surface, the weight of memory, the ache of longing, and the resilience found in healing. I write simply but with depth, hoping that anyone reading can find a piece of themselves in my words.

Do you have a favorite style or structure you follow?

I don’t follow a strict style or structure, I prefer to let the emotions guide the form. My writing leans toward free verse because it gives me the freedom to express thoughts and feelings without constraints. Simplicity is important to me; I like my poems to feel natural, like a conversation or a quiet thought lingering in the air.

While I appreciate rhyme and traditional structures, I tend to focus more on flow, rhythm, and the weight of each word. I want my poetry to feel personal and honest, as if the reader is stepping into a moment of raw emotion with me.

How do you approach your writing?

I approach my writing with honesty and emotion, letting the words flow naturally rather than forcing a structure. Most of the time, a single thought, feeling, or memory sparks a poem, and I build around it, following the emotions wherever they lead.

I don’t overcomplicate my writing I prefer simplicity, allowing the weight of each word to carry meaning. Sometimes, I write in one sitting, capturing a raw moment, while other times, I revisit and refine my work to better express what I’m feeling. No matter the process, my goal is always the same: to create something real, something that resonates.

What is a piece of advice you've received which has propelled your poetry forward? How has it evolved your writing?

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to "write as if no one is reading." It reminded me to be honest in my words, to let go of the pressure to sound a certain way, and to focus on what I truly want to express. That advice freed my writing it made my poetry more raw, more personal, and more connected to real emotions.

Over time, my writing has evolved to embrace simplicity even more. I’ve learned that poetry isn’t about using the most complex words but about making the reader feel something. I no longer try to perfect every line I let the emotions lead, trusting that honesty is what makes poetry powerful.

What does your relationship with "Writer's Block" look like?

My relationship with writer’s block is unpredictable it comes and goes, sometimes staying longer than I’d like. I’ve learned that forcing words onto the page rarely helps, so instead, I step away and reconnect with the world around me. I look at the sky, feel the breeze, or quite literally touch some grass anything to ground myself and let my mind breathe.

Inspiration often comes from the quiet moments in between, so I remind myself that not every piece has to be perfect or even finished. Sometimes, I write a single sentence and let it sit until the rest follows. Other times, I simply trust that the words will find me again when they’re ready.

Below is a poem A. Ikram included for us to showcase.

What compelled you to write this piece, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

I wrote The Cost of Peace as a reflection on growing up in a house filled with fights, where silence never meant safety, it meant the calm before the next storm. I spent years yearning for peace, only to realize that when it finally came, it felt unfamiliar, almost expensive, like something I couldn’t afford.

I hope readers who have lived through chaos and conflict can see themselves in these words. Sometimes, the hardest part of healing isn’t escaping the noise it’s learning to trust the quiet.

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What was the most difficult part of getting your work published (or self-published) in a journal or book?

The most difficult part of self-publishing wasn’t just the technical side, formatting, marketing, and figuring out how to reach readers but also the fear of being seen. My writing is deeply personal, and the thought of people witnessing such a raw, unfiltered side of me still makes me uneasy.

Even now, I sometimes think about deleting my book, as if taking it down would somehow make me feel less exposed. But I remind myself that vulnerability is what makes writing powerful. If even one person finds comfort or connection in my words, then sharing them was worth it.

How do you process receiving negative feedback or reviews?

Negative feedback is never easy, especially when my writing is so personal. At first, it stings.... I can’t pretend it doesn’t. There’s always that moment where I wonder if I should’ve kept my words to myself. But over time, I’ve learned to separate myself from the critique and see it as part of being a writer.

Not every piece will resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. I remind myself why I write in the first place not for perfection, but for expression, for connection. Some feedback helps me grow, and some I simply let go of. At the end of the day, I’d rather be real and imperfect than silent.

And how do you decide which pieces to include in a collection?

I choose pieces for a collection based on emotion and connection if a poem still makes me feel something after reading it over and over, I know it belongs. I want each piece to carry weight, to tell a part of the larger story I’m trying to weave.

I also think about balance and flow some poems are raw and heavy, others are softer, offering a moment to breathe. I include the ones that feel necessary, the ones I’d regret leaving out. And sometimes, I go with instinct if a piece lingers in my mind, it’s meant to be there.

Is there anyone whose inspired your writing?

Yes, many people, in different ways. My love for poetry started when I was a child, after reading an Arabic poem about freedom. It showed me how powerful words can be, how they can carry emotions bigger than ourselves.

Beyond that, my writing is deeply shaped by personal experiences, the people I’ve met, and the emotions I’ve lived through. I find inspiration in conversations, in memories, in the small moments that linger. And of course, I’m inspired by other poets and writers those who write with raw honesty, who make me feel seen through their words.

Are there any poets or poetry books you'd recommend to readers?

Yes! There are so many poets whose work has stayed with me. I'd recommend:

- Nizar Qabbani
- Mahmoud Darwish
- Mae Setrova
- Rose Brik

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In this section we’ll be covering more details about A. Ikram’s books, any upcoming releases, and all of her links. The Synopsis for each book is pulled from their respective webpage.

"The Roadtrip of Life" is a poetic journey that takes you through the ups and downs of life. It is a book that mirrors the author's own journey but is uniquely yours too. The author shares their personal story, the hurdles, the triumphs, and the countless moments of growth. They become your companion, a friend who cheers you on from the sidelines. The book is dedicated to all those who have lingered in the backseat of their lives, hesitant to take the wheel. It's time to cast away those doubts and fears and learn how to drive towards the life you've always dreamed of. The road might be winding, and at times, it might feel like you're steering through a storm, but the view from the driver's seat is beyond breathtaking. This book will transform not just the way you see the world, but the way you see yourself. Get ready to take the wheel and embrace the adventure that lies ahead.

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Pain has many shades, some loud, some silent, some hidden behind smiles and acts of kindness.

In this collection of heartfelt poems, A. Ikram unveils the unspoken struggles that reside in the depths of grief, heartbreak, and generational trauma. Through raw and poignant verses, Tears In The Shadows explores themes of resilience, longing, vulnerability, and the silent battles we fight daily. Each poem serves as a reflection of survival, of finding light despite the weight of sorrow, and of embracing love and kindness even in the face of adversity.

For those who have ever felt unseen in their pain, these words are for you.

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A. Ikram is currently working on the sequel volume to Tears in the Shadows, with the series being dubbed Love, Scars and Smiles. However no other details are known at this time.

But if you’d like to stay updated on that, I once again urge you to head over to A. Ikram’s Substack. There you’ll be able to catch any news, and just to get check her amazing writing!

Thanks everyone for reading this week’s Spotlight, and a big thanks to A. Ikram as well! Being able to make posts like these means a lot, so I hope that sentiment carries over to all of you as well.

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