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!