Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• From Ya to Ants

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I think I had this repressed feeling for a long time, but the title of "author" seemed unattainable and too grand for little ol' me. Granted, I had been writing magazine articles for a long time, but the thought of writing a book seemed impossible. But then a series of (not-unfortunate) events helped me make the conscious decision to become an author. The short answer is, if you want to blame someone (or something) blame my kids, my students, NaNoWriMo, Tim Urban, and the pandemic lockdown. Oh, and Hafsah Faizal.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

From Ya to Ants took about seven months from concept to editing. Next time I'm aiming to take seven years (joking). 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I don't think I could have a proper schedule if my life depended on it. I plan, I try, but life gets in the way. So I write whenever I can. Sometimes I have to tell myself I need to write/edit a certain amount in a day, and that works. I probably get the most done when I know I have two hours until midnight, and I better start typing or I'm not going to meet my goal for that day. (This is an unhealthy habit I picked up in my years doing NaNoWriMo.)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I'm trying to make sense of something, usually when reading or writing, I tend to talk aloud to myself, while wildly gesticulating with my hands. I assure you, my poor family is not amused, but thankfully they love me for who I am.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everyday life! If we really pay attention, our normal lives contain many more ups and downs and dramatic moments than fiction. As a children's writer, I'll often find inspiration from my own kids and their friends (the number of ideas I have that I can't wait to share)! And kids really say the funniest things. One of these days, I am going to go to a park and just sit, to eavesdrop on kids' conversations and take notes.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

What I like to do and what I actually do, are two different things. I would love to be able to read all the time, with not a care in the world. I would also like to devote more time and energy to my Quran learning. But since that's not possible, I make myself happy with other responsibilities that are fun, too. Like teaching my college classes, marketing my writing, and annoying my kids.

What does your family think of your writing?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I definitely know they don't see me as a genius, which is good because it keeps me from having an inflated ego. All jokes aside though, they've been my supporters from Day One, and I wouldn't be where I am without them. (I might've actually gotten more writing done, though, if I wasn't always washing everyone's dishes...)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That's a tough one. I already knew writing and editing is difficult. I did, however, learn a lot about the publishing process that I hadn't known before. I think one of my most surprising discoveries was the sheer number of Muslim authors and books that already exist, Masha Allah! I joined Instagram when embarking on my author journey, and the Muslim Bookstagram sphere opened up my eyes to all these amazing people and books. I felt like I had been living under a rock. (Maybe I was...I should check.) 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Three pieces of advice: 1. Read as much as you can, and absorb the intricacies and interweavings and peculiarities of language. 2. Observe - spoken language, how relationships work, sights and smells and sounds, and what makes people the way they are. If possible, keep a place (notebook, app on your phone) to take notes. 3. Don't be afraid to write. Accept that your first draft will not be perfect. In fact, it might be pretty horrible. But that's ok, because hardly anyone's first draft is good (yes, even published authors'). If you have a draft, you can go back and polish it. If you don't have a draft, you can't do anything. 4. Ok, a last one. Bring your voice into your writing, even it's kind of snarky. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I love character-driven stories. If the character goes through development in a way that makes sense (and is not forced by the writer), that makes for a good story. A good story will also keep the reader engaged, hanging on, wondering what will happen next. If the readers are invested in the character's life, that makes it even better.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lot of things, but 'teacher' was consistent throughout, and that's what I became first. (I think it comes from my childhood habit to lord over my younger siblings and "grade" their homework. The power!)

What is your favorite book?

How can a writer have a single favorite book - impossible! I love the classics - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Mill on the Floss, Pride and Prejudice. But I also don't read them anymore. I go back frequently to the Hunger Games series and Harry Potter. I also love to read mysteries, especially Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling's Cormoron Strike series. I was very disappointed when Sue Grafton died before finishing her last book in her Kinsey Millhone series. In children's books, I adore Mo Willems' Pigeon books. 

Where do you live?

Houston, TX (United States)

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I'm named after my mother's childhood doll.
2. I used to get in trouble when younger for reading TOO much. When we would go to a store with our parents, I would refuse to get out of the car until I finished the paragraph/chapter/entire book.
3. I was born in Houston, but spent a formative thirteen years in Karachi. This is why:
4. I can speak and write English and Urdu fluently.
5. People often think my eldest daughter and I are sisters.
6. People often think my sister and I are unrelated. (She is much prettier than me.)
7. People often think...ok I'll stop. I have a weird sense of humor. (Some people might even call it cringey.)
8. My best friend in high school recognized my passion for literature and language, and suggested I major in English. I was clueless until she made that suggestion.
9. I like to complain about there being too much to do, but I also cannot sit still without doing anything.
10. I *extremely* dislike housework.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The Shapes of Eid
• According to Me
• Salaam, World!

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

When I became a mother, and firsthand witnessed the shortage of Muslim representation in children’s literature.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

One year for the first book, and two years for the second  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I am a high school teacher, working more than full time hours, as the job is demanding. I write in moments of quiet when I can best obtain thoughts and ideas, such as when I’m in my car driving and observing the world, or with my children and seeing their interests and inquires about the world around them.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love to rhyme.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

My children, the Muslim community around me, are what fuel my thinking tank of ideas and topics needing n representation.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to cook, and I also love to spend time with family & freinds.

What does your family think of your writing?

My late father was a poet, and my writing journey made him very proud. My children admire their mother as an author, since they find this role of mine to connect into their role as students of literature, and my husband supports me tremendously.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The power of words, ideas, and images on a child’s mind and development. 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Write from your heart, and write with purpose. 

What do you think makes a good story?

One that teaches something for the better.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite children’s book is anything by Dr. Seuss. 

Where do you live?

Chicago, IL, USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I am left handed
2. I teach English to high schoolers
3. I was born in London
4. I am a dual citizen-American and British
5. I am the youngest of 3 girls
6. I love creating new recipes
7. I believe that the way a person carries herself through her style can help or hurt her
8. My parents are from Pakistan
9. I love children & babies
10. My favorite color is black

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Firdaus & Friends: Firdaus Learns About the Heart

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I always liked to write even in elementary school. After medical school, I decided to switch from writing fiction to non-fiction, because I felt like it would make more of an impact. There are not many STEM books for Muslim children, and I wanted to change that. I started writing Firdaus & Friends in 2016.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

It took six years! 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I like to take difficult anatomy and biology concepts and break them down into a simpler format that kids can understand. Most of this information comes from my prior medical knowledge (textbooks, classes, etc.)

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to bake, cook, travel, and learn about other cultures. I've been to 13 countries so far, Alhumdolillah.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is super supportive, Alhumdolillah. I remember back in 2016 my parents, husband and I were sitting around the dinner table. My dad said, "When are you going to start writing the children's science book you always wanted to write?" That started a discussion on what I needed to do next, and my dad set-up the "Firdaus & Friends" website that same day (six years before the book was written)!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I realized that you can't just write a book and then just expect it to sell. You have to work hard to market your title as well. Any product, without good marketing, will never sell. 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Read other books and book reviews in your genre to see what worked (and didn't). Get an editor, not just for grammar, but also content and development. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I like to read stories that inspire me to be a better Muslim, give me hope, or teach me something useful.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a doctor. Believe it or not, there's a video of me at age two breaking my doll's leg and hitting it with a block. My mom asks me, "What are you doing?" And I very clearly say, "I am a doctor. I'm fixing her leg."

What is your favorite book?

I enjoyed the Hunger Games and Harry Potter series (even before they were movies). 

Where do you live?

Atlanta, USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I was a girl scout for 12 years and my mom started the National Islamic Committee on Girl Scouting back in the day. We were the first Muslim girl scouts troop in the USA.
2. The name Sara Kulsum means "Princess Chubby-Cheeks" 😅
3. I like to play RPG adventure video games.
4. My grandfather, Mir Khalil ur Rehman, was a journalist, and the founder of Pakistan's Jang Group of Newspapers.
5. INFJ personality type
6. I love sushi (spicy tuna roll, please).
7. I watch K-dramas and have been to Korea twice.
8. Favorite country to visit is Malaysia.
9. I have type 1 diabetes.
10. And yet I love to bake, decorate cakes, and make mithai.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• A Change Of Heart

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

When I was diagnosed with heart disease it hit me how important it is to be able to share such heavy, hard concepts such as medical diagnosis and illness with children. It is essential that we educate kids to understand how to live with or socialize with people with the illness. it was doubly important that we do that hand in hand with our Islamic Identity. Being an author was something that began as a project out of love an became something much more important.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

It took me about 3 months to plan and write out my book. It took almost a year to find the right illustrator to being my story to life after that though.  

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I wrote my story with the intention of setting it up as a duaa, so while it reads like a letter, it’s actually based on the framework of surah Alfatiha and ends in Ameen. By reading the story and reaching the end, you will have effectively made a prayer to God asking for the health and best well being for all those suffering with heart disease- without even realizing!
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I based all the information on symptoms, diagnosis and medical information from my own experience being suddenly diagnosed with heart disease and having to make sense of it.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to swim and paint! I currently do custom paint designs on shoes.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very proud that I turned such an experience into something hopeful.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

One of the most surprising things I learned in my experience writing is how sharing your hardest stories can touch so many hearts and inspire many more.  

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a part time ballerina and part time archeologist digging for dinosaurs.

Where do you live?

Canada

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• My First Book About the Qur’an
• My First Book About Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• My First Book About Allah
• My First Book About Ramadan
• My First Book About Hajj

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

After my daughter was born

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

Around one year per book (on and off) 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Varied and flexible

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Triumphant endings
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Qur’an and Hadith

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spending time with family and friends

What does your family think of your writing?

They love it Alhamdulillah

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The length of time it takes 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Keep writing :)  

What do you think makes a good story?

Great characters/subject matters, interesting setting and/or plot

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Something related to Art and Languages

What is your favorite book?

Qur’an  

Where do you live?

United Kingdom

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I was born in Stuttgart, Germany.
2. I lived in Amman, Jordan for one year.
3. I’m now based in Cheshire, United Kingdom.
4. I love travelling, art and different languages.
5. I can speak German, Arabic, Urdu and English.
6. I have an 8 year old daughter who was still a baby when I first started writing.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I started writing my first book at 12 years. I never finished it

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

Sometimes I can write a book idea in a day, but it takes a year to get it ready for publication. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

My work schedule is random, sometimes I write all day everyday for days. Sometimes I write nothing for days.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Some of my "written in a day" books got me a book deal. Other books I have worked on for years and still nobody wants them.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I get my ideas for books from life. Its filled with bitterness, sweetness, and experiences so many of us share. I translate these experiences and emotions into book form.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to farm, sew, cook, but I'm not very good at any of these things.

What does your family think of your writing?

My kids love my stories. I try out my ideas on them and keep telling the story as it changes through the editing process. They are by best critiques.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Critism is hard at first, but once you learn to grow from It, it will greatly change your writing for the better. 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I suggest anyone looking to get better at writing to get together with other authors. Critique partners and writer support groups are great resources for new and experianced writers. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story has heart. It makes you feel something powerful, unexpected, or beautiful. It pulls you in and surprise you.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be so many things growing up (and as an adult too). I wanted to be a doctor, a writer, an architect, a farmer, and so many other things. But writing won finally, after I got to my late thirties.

What is your favorite book?

I loved all of Amy Tan's books. She was my favorite author. Her books have a complexity and lots of emotion.  

Where do you live?

Amman, Jordan

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I'm already 40!
2. I have six children.
3. I love crafts.
4. I speak Arabic.
5. I hate laundry and dishes.
6. I'm half Spanish and half Palestinian.
7. I used to live in New Mexico.
8. I grew up there.
9. I am the second of 10 children.
10. I love peanut butter!

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• my dinosaur and unicorn

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I felt a great need of bilingual picture books for young children.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

Few months  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I work full time in health care field.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Inspiration of multi language culture
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

From my niece and nephew . Their love of their toys and imagination of toys doing the activities/ action in Urdu.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to create small short poems / rhymes in Urdu

What does your family think of your writing?

They are surprised.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The joy of writing.  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

It is important to know your audience before writing.  

What do you think makes a good story?

In my opinion suspense can create interest in a story.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to explore nature and find beauty in nature.

What is your favorite book?

A book with good moral story.  

Where do you live?

Chicago

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Through language finding better meaning of living with love and care to each other.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Talaal and The Whispering Worrier

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

Since a child, I loved the idea of allowing people to escape through a completely imaginary world where anything can be made 'real'. In Talaal's story, I was able to portray his erratic worry as a silly panda.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

It took me just three months to write Talaal's story. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

(No response)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to have the draft of my children's book reviewed by parents, teachers, children and clinical counsellors to ensure it's realistic, useful and relatable.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Talaal's story is based on my life experience, the experience of many children I have provided therapy to, the research of psychologists and the teachings of Islamic scholars, the Prophet peace be upon him, and most of all, Allah.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I enjoy doing other creative arts, like pottery, and spending time with family and friends.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family thinks my story is pretty cool. They like how it rhymes and has pretty illustrations. They also like that Talaal's progress is realistic and not an overnight miracle.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The most surpising thing I learned in creating my book is that you can get an ISBN and it's free. A simple surprise but cool, nevertheless. To get one made me feel like I was in a special club of authors! 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Always seek feedback from others and be open to making those changes even though you don't want hundred percent agree with it. The reason is: just because something makes sense in your mind doesn't mean that it will be received the same way by everyone else, and the most important thing is that your message is received by your audience. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A relatable story that can personally touch any reader, and will make them feel hope is what makes a good story.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I think I first wanted to be a firefighter, then a doctor, then a forensic detective, then an international relief worker, then an interior decorator and then a clinical counsellor. I'm sure that wasn't all of it either!

What is your favorite book?

Epic of Gilgamesh.  

Where do you live?

Canada

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I once flew over an active volcano and saw the lava splashing around.
2. I enjoy trying new international foods.
3. I was once an "extra" in a movie that was filmed at my high school.
4. I can make pottery on a pottery-wheel.
5. Thai food is my favourite cuisine.
6. I've owned two red-eye tree frogs before.
7. I've driven on the "opposite (left)" side of the road in St. Lucia
8. Passionfruit juice is my favourite juice.
9. I slept overnight in a hammock in the amazon jungle.
10. All my life, I've lived down the road from the hospital where I was born.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Kamillah the Butterfly
• Imagine
• Little Blue Skater Boy
• Who Could I Be?

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

My love for children's books rekindled after having my first child, but it wasn’t until I had my second child that I realised I wanted to be an author. A strong urge to tell stories planted itself, so I followed the calling!

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

The four picture books that are published, I’d say, probably about 2-3 years. I had actually written five stories in total. When I spotted the submission opportunity, I put forward my best one. When the editor expressed her like for it, I asked if she was open to see more. That’s when I submitted the rest. She liked three out of the four, so I’m grateful. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I’m a flexible writer. Although I try to write every day, it’s not always possible. My children are young and their needs always come first.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I write, I go off into my own world. (Not sure if that’s a quirt!) There’s nothing quite like the feeling of words on paper, and being lost in my story.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I use google and books for information, especially when I’m researching and checking facts. As for ideas, I think they come from all around me. My children, my day-to-day life, and being aware of what’s going on in the world. I read a lot, and that inspires me too.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Read! Reading is my second passion. I read across genres and categories, so I’ve always got something to read. I also like spending time with my husband, children and extended family. They are all important to me.

What does your family think of your writing?

I’m not sure, but I’d like to think they’re happy for me. They ask me once in a while what I’m working on next and send me prayers when I talk about my projects, which I’m grateful for.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

It’s not as easy as it seems. Especially picture books! When I started out, I wrote freely and had very little understanding of writing stories. It was only after I came back from a long writing break (2017-2021) that I noticed writing courses, craft workshops and webinars, and the writing community. I joined Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Challenge and InkedVoices (both writing communities) at the end of 2021. They now both play an important part in my learning and progression as a writer.  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Read lots of books. Especially the genre you’re writing in. Take lots of writing workshops and webinars. Find a critique group. Learn about publishing. I have a resources page on my website, where I share books, blogs and organisations I’ve benefited from. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I think this will be different for different people. For me, a good story needs to take me on a journey. It needs to be engaging, entertaining and emotional.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child, I had no ambition. I wasn’t academic at all, although I enjoyed subjects that allowed me to be hands on, like art and design technology. My mum and I did a lot of sewing together, so I’ve always known creative projects are my thing.

What is your favorite book?

I don’t have a favourite book because it’s always changing! There are too many good books out there to just choose one. My reading taste has changed over the years. I read more own voices stories and books by people of colour. Maybe what I’ve read and enjoyed so far this year would be better. YA novels - Mark My Words & I Am Thunder, both by Muhammed Khan. One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus. Children Of Blood and Bone & Children of Virtue and a Vengeance, both by Tomi Adeyemi. MG novels - Front Desk & Three Keys, both by Kelly Yang. A Kind Of Spark by Elle McNicoll. Picture books - My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel. Laila In Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz. Watercress by Andrea Wang.  

Where do you live?

Bolton, UK

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I love tea. I could live on it!
2. I love my family.
3. I love learning about writing and all the nitty-gritty things about the craft.
4. My closest friends are from childhood.
5. I love spicy food! Especially traditional Bengali dishes.
6. I read multiple books at the same time.
7. I thrive on routine.
8. My faith is super important to me.
9. I don’t enjoy rushing. I try my best to be present and appreciate things/everyone around me.
10. I love watching book adaptations. There’s special about seeing it all come to life.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Wonderful Women Around the Prophet
• The Clever Companions Wonderful Women Around the Prophet
• The Adventurous Friends

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved books but having children of my own made me realise that I wanted to write books that inspired them.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

6 months  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I was lucky to work with my co author, Rumaysa, and so we both supported each other with our strengths. We took breaks during our project to ensure we could approach our writing with a fresh mind each time.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Being able to write with a house full of little children can be very demanding but Alhumdulilah I think the hustle and bustle helped me. Also my inspiration was visibly there to remind me to keep going all the time.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Through reading many books and referring to the primary sources of the Qur’aan and Hadith.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spending time with family and exploring. I also love teaching the children at my school and this keeps me busy too.

What does your family think of your writing?

My children are immensely proud of my writing. Alhumdulilah! My children love to see the books in shops and are eager to tell others about the books.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

My cousin and I created a small publishing company so that we could self publish our books. This was the biggest learning curve for me as we were beginners in this journey.  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Read more. Join a book club. Have those interesting conversations with people around you whenever you can. See what sparks your interest and write just for the sake of enjoying the process.  

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story for me is one where the reader is invested in the outcome. The reader wants to find out what is happening and even if it is a superhero story there is still some relatability to the reader. Good stories are ones where the reader is invited to use their imagination and they leave a memorable effect.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A teacher! And I still am a teacher today.

What is your favorite book?

The Harry Potter series  

Where do you live?

London

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I love to read but only if it’s a physical book.
2. I have 3 girls who keep me very busy.
3. I’ve held an an Olympic torch, FA Cup and Cricket World Cup.
4. I once gave away my Harry Potter book set (the original covers) because I needed more space. Sob :(
5. My feet are a size 1. That’s a EU size 34
6. My favourite thing to do is go to the beach. Just being near the sea is so calming and beautiful.
7. Appeared on a tv show in Shanghai as my friends and I were recorded whilst in the city.
8. Coffee is my fuel!
9. The last place I visited abroad before lockdown restrictions was Paris and it’s soon to be the first place I visit again.
10. I will always prefer the book to the movie!

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The Arabic alphabet’s first Excursion
• A Perfect Ramadan Welcoming

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

Few months 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Anytime there is peace

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love writing At night 😉
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

From reaching Quran to a non Arabic speaker

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Reading Quran

What does your family think of your writing?

Amazing 😊

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Very long process but worth every minute 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

..Have patience, and never give up .. Keep your intention that you’re writing to help our Muslim juniors to learn deen more (write for the sake of Allah )  

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A doctor

What is your favorite book?

Quran, sahih bukhari 

Where do you live?

Sydney

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. English is my third language.
2. I’m a mother of 4 allahuma barek
3. I learned English from watching tv 🤣
4. My childhood story can be done as a movie
5. I’m the only girl in my family
6. I can’t drink more than 1cup of coffee a day otherwise I might end up in the hospital.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Did Santa Forget About Me?

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

In high School

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

A year months with editing  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Was working full time

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When writing by pen and paper I angle my paper at like a 45 degree angle for ease
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Personal experience imagined conversations

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Photograph nature, spend time with my family and friends, travel and explore beautiful spots in nature.

What does your family think of your writing?

They’re supportive

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Not all printers can work with different sized books and many schools prefer hardback books to paperback  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

To keep writing every day if you can. It helps to develop a habit even if it’s just one sentence. Also to read more and read different genres. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is engaging, relatable to its audience and exciting.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Wanted to be a comedian

What is your favorite book?

Secrets of Divine Love 

Where do you live?

Leesburg, VA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I live on a small farm
2. I’m married with two kids
3. I’m Libyan American
4. One of my favorite foods is Tacos
5. I love the color red
6. I LOVE the beach especially blue seas
7. My favorite fruit is Pomegranate
8. I want to travel the world
9. I dislike shopping
10. I enjoy the outdoors

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• One Perfect Eid Day and No More Cake!
• The Colours of My Eid
• What Do You Say?

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

When I was a student I loved writing stories.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

I’ve been writing for over 20 years.  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I write when I feel inspired.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

From my children or my school students.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to travel.

What does your family think of your writing?

They think it’s pretty cool.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How wonderful it is to hear from my readers.  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Keep trying!  

What do you think makes a good story?

A story that is relatable and funny.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to write books.

Where do you live?

Burlington Canada