Change is constant, but it’s up to everyone to determine if the change is in the direction of growth or otherwise. Esteemed writer and poet Twinkle Zaman has painted a clear picture of what change and growth are like in her book, Love Notes – Single Hearts Affairs, which she recently re-released with a new look.
The book, which will be available at the LA Times Book Festival in April 2022 for attendees to pick up and enjoy, is a deep dive into the life trajectory of a woman navigating growth and the numerous things that come with it. Love Notes – Single Hearts Affairs is a good fit for today’s world where empowerment is a central theme. The book aims for the modern woman who’s an old soul with a moral compass and some traditional beliefs.
We had a chance to sit with Twinkle and ask her a few questions.
This is a re-release of Love Notes. Why did you choose to republish? What’s different from the original?
Twinkle: I wrote the original Love Notes almost four years ago. Since then I feel I’ve not only grown as a person but also as a writer. This new version is broken into three parts: “woman within, chasing love, finding God.” Diving into each topic and sharing my experiences the best way I know how!
What are ways you’ve grown and evolved as a writer?
Twinkle: I’m definitely not ashamed of my vulnerability anymore. I’m 110% okay with what I feel and I feel now that I’ve found this voice inside of me I’m not afraid to share it. We’re all human and it’s okay to feel the way we feel. Nobody should feel scared or embarrassed about that. That’s what I’m most proud of, it was a huge insecurity of mine for a very long time.
You are big on women empowerment! What is something you hope the women who read your book take away from your story?
Twinkle: I hope someone out there doesn’t feel so alone in their day to day battles. I hope they never feel ashamed about their dreams or desires, and most importantly, I hope they feel inspired to find and use their voice. I think people get so used to seeing us one way that when we do start to speak up or go against what others are doing we’re automatically judged. For me, when I see a woman living her life unapologetically, I’m so motivated and inspired by that!
Love seems to be the topic of the first and now this new title. What does love mean to you?
Twinkle: It means so many things! I’ve gone back and forth on this. Sometimes I’ve even asked myself, “Is love even real? Do I really believe in it?” I know it exists. I believe the best kind of love in today’s world is just to find someone kind and humble. Someone who inspires you and challenges you to be the best version of yourself, someone who makes you dream beyond anything you could ever think was possible! Sadly, that’s not what I see as I look around. Maybe that’s why there’s books, songs, and movies because it lets us escape and gives us the illusion that we can have something that may not exist. Oddly as humans, we’re all longing for the same thing.
This is a poetry book. What’s a piece from the book that defines you?
Twinkle: It’s the very first poem. It’s called “identity.” That poem summarizes the whole book. Getting lost in someone else where they become your identity then you eventually finding your own through them! It’s not only relatable in love, but people struggle with this in motherhood and their occupations as well. The message is pretty universal.
What is next for you on your journey as an author?
Twinkle: I’ve really been watching and processing where I’m headed. I’m trying something different. I’m writing a lot. My books so far have been nonfiction. I’m going for a fiction novel based on a true story. Stay tuned.
Learn more about Twinkle Zaman through her website and Instagram.
