Photo from the interviewee's archive. Shakhsanem Murray
— How did you start your journey in literature?
— In school, our teachers instilled a love for reading through extracurricular activities. This awakened in me a desire to read more and discover new works, often visiting libraries. I remember how the reading rooms were filled. After reading books, I always wanted to write short reviews and share my impressions with friends, which led to lively discussions. I hope that future generations will also have a desire for reading.
At that time, I got acquainted with unknown authors through the magazines "Zvezda Vostoka" and "Inostrannaya Literatura." These encounters became the foundation for my future works. The desire to write arose when I translated the book "When Edelweiss Bloom" and several stories by my grandfather, the science fiction writer Begenas Sartov, into English.
— What genre is closer to you?
— I do not choose the genre or characters; they choose me. It all depends on the plot and how the actions and dialogues of the characters develop. Creating a book is a huge task that requires deep immersion in the emotions and events of the characters, to describe them in such a way that the reader cannot put the book down until the end and feels all the experiences.
— How does your working day as a writer go: by strict schedule or by inspiration?
— A writer's life requires discipline. My creative process usually begins in spring and continues until early autumn. I wake up early — at 4 a.m. With a cup of coffee, I go out to my small garden, enjoy the sea air, and listen to the birds singing. I reread what I wrote the day before, make edits, and continue working on describing my characters' actions.
I work until 6 a.m., then take a mandatory hour break for a walk in the fresh air, visiting the pool, and exercising on the treadmill. This strict routine, which I call "military," is necessary to complete any work. Self-discipline plays an important role.
When I face a creative crisis, I leave work for several months and enroll in literary courses at the University of Edinburgh.
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By the way, while studying "Boris Godunov" by Pushkin, I wanted to read the work in the original. I brought the Russian version of the book, and my classmates asked me to read a fragment in front of the class. I gladly agreed, and the Scots, not understanding a word, listened with interest. This inspired some students to enroll in Russian language courses to read in the original. Although I spent only a little time reading, it had a significant impact on my classmates.
— What is more difficult for you: to start a new book or to finish it?
— Starting a new book requires careful preparation, but finishing it is a much more touching moment. It’s your project that needs to be released into the world. It’s a huge psychological effort involving editors, and it’s a step-by-step process. Each book is created in a team, and during the work, I also think about illustrations, the cover, and the readers' perception.
— Are there themes you return to?
— The main themes, like for many creative people, are love and respect, devotion to the homeland and family, as well as kindness and tolerance, which are sometimes lacking in people.
— How do you perceive criticism? Does it affect your work?
— I perceive constructive and professional criticism with a certain degree of anxiety, but overall positively. A critic should understand how much effort I put into my work. I can move on even if someone does not like my creativity.
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— Which of your books is especially dear to you and why?
— All my books are dear to me, and I sometimes reread them, realizing what events I have experienced. Each new work is just a small part of what I would like to convey to the world. I understand that it is a drop in the ocean, but it is part of something bigger. This thought always inspires me to write.
Especially significant for me is the book "Naked Halo." While working on it, I faced the COVID-19 pandemic and a serious illness. It was a difficult time when I could not get inspiration as all cultural institutions were closed. I was grateful to the doctors who helped me cope with the illness and for the support I received.
After the borders opened, I was able to return to Kyrgyzstan for a few months. At that moment, I did not know that my father had been ill for a long time. After his birthday, he passed away, which was a huge loss for our family. He was always interested in my books and was waiting for one of them to be translated into Kyrgyz, which was important to him.
— Is the profession of a writer valued in Scotland?
— In Scotland and English-speaking countries, reading is part of the culture. People read everywhere: on public transport, in parks, and in libraries. I hope that there are also reading enthusiasts in Kyrgyzstan, and literary evenings can be organized to attract youth and hold artistic reading competitions.
— Which writers or books have influenced your style and thinking?
— There are many influential authors. Among them are both domestic writers, such as Chinghiz Aitmatov and Alykul Osmonov, and Russian classics — Pushkin and Tolstoy. French literature is represented by the names of Émile Zola and Alexandre Dumas, and from English authors, I admire Shakespeare and Orwell. The German classic Hesse and American authors such as Dreiser and Mitchell have also left their mark on my work.
Now I can flip through the issues of the magazine "Inostrannaya Literatura" and find works that played an important role in my development as a writer.
— What are you currently working on?
— I am promoting my new book "Naked Halo" and planning the creation of documentary films, the ideas and scripts of which are in development. I have many plans.
Besides writing, I also do administrative work in a private company.
— You moved to Scotland in 2001. What surprises you about this country?
— I am amazed by the culture, tranquility, and many other aspects. This country has changed my perception of historical values, and its residents genuinely care about preserving heritage. Scots are divided into clans, each with its unique tartan, which attracts tourists and is an important part of the economy.
Of course, there are downsides — frequent rains and dampness, but otherwise, it is a beautiful country. I miss my relatives in Kyrgyzstan and try to visit them more often, especially in spring and autumn.
— Are you promoting the culture of Kyrgyzstan or Central Asia in Scotland?
— Yes, we organize cultural events such as evenings dedicated to folklore and literature. For example, a recent evening was dedicated to Robert Burns, where musicians and actors representing Kyrgyz culture performed.
In December 2025, an evening dedicated to Chinghiz Aitmatov was held in London, organized in collaboration with the magazine OSA and Hertfordshire Press. It was a significant event where I received a medal from the Eurasian Creative Guild for my active participation in literary festivals.
We also hold small poetry reading evenings, which promote the exchange of information and communication between people from different cultures.
— How do you see your future?
— Everything depends on higher powers. I hope to find a good team of directors and producers to help young talents realize their ideas. I met a talented director, Hassan Nazer, and discussed interesting projects with him.
I hope we will find sponsors and patrons, as this is a team effort, and the project promises to be interesting.
