Can you tell us about your journey as a writer and illustrator, and how did it start?
It started by chance in one of the cultural groups, it was just a joke in teaching improvisation, and here we are saying I “Ahmed Sheikh” owner of “Mr. Khan’s Notebook”.
What inspired you to create the “Mr. Khan Notebook” series, and what makes this character special to you?
Because if it weren’t for Mr. Khan, I wouldn’t be here today, he’s the one who deserves the credit and the love, a character mixed with the scent of humor and seriousness.
What themes and emotions did you want to explore in your book “Hopeless Memories”?
book full of poetic prose, balanced between love, loss, sorrow, absence, and reproach, a book that made a legend for me, I love it a lot.
How do you balance writing and drawing in your creative process?.
I draw if it requires that, because drawing is more troubling than writing because it’s the only one that can’t be faked.
What comes first for you: the story or the visual imagination?
I love imagination very much because it’s very honest.
How did your upbringing in Kom Hamada, Egypt, affect your artistic and literary voice? Is there any Egyptian writer or famous person who inspired your work or life?.
Kom Hamada is a city of poetry, that’s why I’m here, I was just a simple person, and a simple reader, but now I can say I’m Ahmed Sheikh, as for my inspiration, it’s the late writer and my teacher: Walaa Al-Jarahi and Safaa Al-Agmawi.
Your work has received international recognition. How did these awards shape your career and confidence?
No, I haven’t reached what I want yet, they’re just attempts, but I pray to God for ease in work and the love of the reader.
What attracts you most to creating illustrations for children?
Love, and simplicity.
What message do you hope readers, both young and old, take from your work?.
It’s that education is the basis of everything, if it weren’t for it, a person wouldn’t reach the peaks of success, writing loves those who love it.
What advice do you give to young writers and artists who want to follow the same path?.
Never give up, because the dream still has its wings fluttering.
Do you have any future plans or projects? What are you focusing on these days?.
I’m currently writing a new book, balanced between messages and prose.
