Audiobook Goodies

Tell us about yourself.
I am Dr. Muhammad Atique, a proud Pakistani, an author, researcher, and digital media expert with over 15 years of combined experience in academia and the media industry. My work primarily focuses on digital media, technology, and culture. I hold a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, a Master’s in Public Administration specializing in Digital Government, and a Master’s in Mass Communication. Over the years, I have worked as a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media, a broadcast journalist, and a researcher with several international publications.
My latest book, Digitally Hijacked: The Age of Influence, explores how social media and AI are shaping our perception, communication, and reality. I am passionate about digital literacy and helping people critically engage with technology in an era of overwhelming digital influence.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, a beautiful city in a country rich in diverse cultures. We often learn and speak many languages, and I speak and understand Punjabi, Urdu, English, Arabic, and I also understand and speak Chinese. This environment, along with my exposure to media history and political discourse, helped me realize the power of media from an early age—how it shapes narratives, influences society, and can be used both as a tool for empowerment and manipulation.

My journalism career allowed me to witness firsthand how digital media was transforming public discourse. Later, my experiences in Pakistan, China, and the US broadened my perspective on digital governance, technology adoption, and media culture. These experiences significantly shaped my writing, pushing me to explore the intersection of media, technology, and societal transformation.

What was your journey to getting published like?
My journey to publishing was both challenging and rewarding. Coming from a background in broadcast journalism and academia, I was accustomed to writing research papers and opinion pieces like short articles, but transitioning into book writing required a different approach.

Initially, I explored various publishing options, including traditional and hybrid publishing models. But later my book Digitally Hijacked was eventually picked up by Wipf and Stock Publishers, a respected US-based publishing house. The process involved extensive revisions, working closely with editors, and ensuring the book resonated with both academic readers and general audiences.

Seeing my book come to life was an incredible experience, but I also learned that publishing is only half the battle—marketing and audience engagement are equally crucial in today’s digital world.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a lot of positive feedback, especially on Amazon, such as:

"A great read and addition to your bookshelf!"
"A must-read on AI and social media's influence."
"Interesting read!"
"Insightful book on artificial intelligence and digital culture."
"A timely and insightful book on digitalization."
However, one of the most impactful pieces of feedback I received was:
"Your book makes readers question their digital habits in ways they never considered before. It doesn’t just inform; it challenges and transforms perspectives."

This feedback meant a lot to me because my goal has always been to spark critical thinking about our relationship with technology. Writing is not just about presenting information—it’s about provoking meaningful conversations.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice would be…
Write with purpose: Your words should have a message, whether it’s storytelling, analysis, or commentary.
Read widely: Exposure to different writing styles will help refine your own.
Be patient: Publishing is a long process, and persistence is key.
Market your work: In today’s digital world, writers must engage with their audience beyond just writing the book.
Never fear criticism: Growth comes from feedback, so embrace constructive criticism as part of your journey.

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Tell us about yourself.
Born with some defects, it was assumed I would not live so my young mother left me at the hospital. I survived and four years later was adopted. It is important to relate that information because it has influenced so much of my writing. An adoptee is disconnected from a sense of belonging and so we see the world from a less biased way. The bias of family or cultural loyalties.

But at age 50 the state released my birth records. While my biological parents were already deceased, I did find several biological siblings, including a 100% sister that was also adopted to another family. This reunion experience has further affected my outlook on life and worldview and this comes through in everything I write even though I write about much more than adoption experiences.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Growing up in Indiana, or more specifically Indianapolis afforded me both the small town experience and a more rural lifestyle. I grew up in a time when you were still allowed to rake big piles of leaves to the curb and set them on fire to dispose of them. I walked to and from school as a child. School was 2-3 miles away. This was a time when most of your school mates lived in your same neighborhood and everyone knew each other.

What was your journey to getting published like?
My adoption and reunion has greatly impacted me and my writing style. Further, reconnecting with my heritage as a Norse/Viking has greatly inspired my sense of belonging and exploration.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever been given about writing is that I should focus on the writing and not so much on the marketing. Writing is first, a labor of love. Of course making a living from it is good as well but hopefully that comes in time.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice to new authors in addition to focusing primarily on the writing instead of things like marketing, is to not set out to write your magnum opus with your first book. Your first book should be what I call a throwaway book. Don't expect much traction with it. Just use it to learn the process then on your subsequent works, you can dedicate your efforts to the other areas.

[Read more…] about Interview with: Roderick Edwards