Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Hamza and Aliya share the Ramadan Cheer (for Muslim kids)
• Hamza's Pyjama Promise (for Muslim kids)
• ABCs of Pakistan Nadia and Nadir (chapter book series)
• A Dupatta is...
• Henna is... Awe-samosas!

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

In 2019. When I was taking a break from my baking business.

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

Hmmm... months. Writing a picture book may seem like a small task, but if youre hoping for it to get published by the tradional route, the revisions take a really long time. I have critique partners and critique groups and we swap work and help each other polish it. If youre self-publishing things may look dofferent, but in the traditional publishing world theres a lot of competition.  

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

I dont make a schedule to write. I do try and wake up early and get some words down, but i write in bits and pieces. Sometimes scribbling words on scraps of paper, sometimes on napkins and sometimes on an app in my phone.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love adding alliteration to lift my language during revisions.
 

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

Everywhere. This world is full of inspirations. SubhanAllah. Nature, kids around me, my own childhood, and amazing personalities. Sometimes research for one project may send me down a rabbit hole and sometimes that information sparks an idea for another book.

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

Bake. Read. Pray. Play. Eat. Not always in that order!

What does your family think of your writing?

My kids think every book I write is about them 🤣 which isnt entirely untrue. My parents and husband are very proud of my books. Alhamdolillah

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

So much goes into creating a book- it literally takes a village to bring a book to life! 

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

Read. Read. Read.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Theres no formula- but the best ones are books that make the reader feel something on a very personal level and usually that makes them want to re-read the book!

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

I wanted to fly and I wanted to dive. I think writing helps me achieve bit of both- my deep dive into language helps my words soar.

What is your favorite book?

The Quran. As i learn more about language i learn about the beauty of the words of the Quran, the parables help me understand the power of metaphorical language and creating imagery and connecting thought with a tangible, relatable object or event helps to deepen the understanding of the reader.  

Where do you live?

Pakistan

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I have names for my leg! (No I cannot tell you what they are!)
2. I ran a baking business for 9 years before i began writing
3. I love chai
4. I'm a morning person
5. I love samosas
6. I enjoy my own company
7. I was always the nerdy type and I dont mind that at all
8. I was born in Abu Dhabi
9. I am a business graduate and think my education helped me in a lot of non-obvious ways
10. I love people who stick to deadlines and promises!