Zahina Shah is a writer based in Boorloo and spends most of her time reading and writing, enjoying the quiet moments that inspire her. She currently studies English and Literary studies at the University of Western Australia and works in social media at an Indie studio.

Tell us about a typical day?

My day varies but I usually start with morning prayer which helps me feel grounded in the beginning of the day. If I don’t have much on, I love having my coffee and reading a book when it’s quiet. I try to get in some writing a few days of the week since that’s my background, sometimes for practice and other times just for fun as well. If it’s a workday though, then I guess I have a bit more structure and usually try to journal in the evening.

What is your future hope?

I really love writing, so I hope people will read my stories. I started when I was school just for fun but the more, I continued the more I learned and developed my style. I think there’s a beauty in the way it connects people and teaches a person so much about themselves or maybe even about an idea that the author tries to relay through the character.

If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and where would you take them in your city?

Hayao Miyazaki! I’m a big fan of animation too, but studio Ghibli films are my favourite. I find his creative process really intriguing and I love the quiet ambience of his movies. I’ve read a few books on his films and keep finding new things each time I watch his movies. There’s a lot I’d love to learn about them, and it would be wonderful to speak to him about the way he develops them. I don’t have a specific place but somewhere that’s probably outdoors during spring.

What is your favourite book store?

I don’t think I have a favourite store; I love all the bookstores that I’ve been too and probably spend way too much time when I’m there! Every store has its own vibe and I think there’s something sweet about that. Planet Books in Mount Lawley was very close to my school so I would often go there with my friends. I don’t go there as often but when I do, it holds of nostalgia for me.

What’s your favourite sea creature?

It’s always been a jellyfish! They seem to be so ethereal and remind of the aliens of the ocean. I don’t have a specific reason for liking them, but they seem so calming to watch, freely traversing the waters.