Author Saleema Nawaz returned to her alma mater Feb. 8 for a reading of her debut novel Bone and Bread.
Nawaz is a graduate of Carleton University’s bachelor of humanities program, which is devoted to great minds and great books.
Last year was a success for Nawaz, who released her first novel, Bone and Bread.
Nawaz returned to one of her old lecture halls for the reading, which she said made her feel nostalgic.
“It was an incredible feeling to come back to the Humanities lecture hall and speak at the podium in the same room where I spent so many hours learning and taking notes,” she said.
“And to have my former professors—these brilliant scholars and teachers I revere—ask me smart questions about writing and literature, was like living out an amazing fantasy I’d never even paused to dream up,” she said.
Nawaz spoke fondly about her time at the college, airily citing her favourite writers and philosophers.
Nawaz said she chose humanities over an English degree because she liked the fact that the program would push her.
“I really wanted to read all of the books in the humanities program and I thought that I might not read all the philosophy and religion texts on my own,” she said.
Though she said she hardly completed any recreational writing while in the program, Nawaz recommended the degree.
“You will end up being better read than most people you meet,” she said.
The material she studied at Carleton has come to influence her works in broad strokes, she said.
“They absolutely come into play, though in so many small and large ways . . . everything we studied has given me a very strong foundation when it comes to writing about ideas of truth, goodness, and happiness, although it probably sounds grandiose to say so,” she said.
Many of Nawaz’s pieces deal with topics that may be considered controversial, such as teen pregnancy and eating disorders.However, Nawaz said she is strong in her commitment to write about what she wishes to, regardless of societal norms.
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t write about,” she said.
And that dedication stretches far back. Although Nawaz began her career as a published writer during her post-secondary years, her love affair with words began much earlier.
“I started writing stories in Grade One, as soon as I had enough words I could spell. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a writer,” she said.
At the end of the night, Nawaz left the audience at her reading with some sound advice for aspiring writers.
“Don’t wait for inspiration to get started. Just write as much as you can,” she said. “A lot of people who want to be writers don’t spend enough time actually writing.” θ
