Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• My dad is...
• I love Allah
• Kalbi's Kennel
• 52 Poems for 52 Weeks

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

During secondary school

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

2 years 

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

Balanced between full tone work and writing, so loosely evenings and weekends.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Using colloquialisms from England
 

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

Life experience and observations around me

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

Watch football

What does your family think of your writing?

My children love it and are proud of the achievement

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

Always having the audience in mind, as what's in my mind may not transfer well for others to understand.  

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

Make notes, whether that's on paper or on your phone or even a voice note. It's helps when your putting your thoughts together.  

What do you think makes a good story?

A story or narrative that the reader can follow and perhaps a personal touch.

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

A designer or something creative, so this fits that I suppose!

What is your favorite book?

Picture book would probably be 'My Perfect Pet' but I also love poetry, both classical and modern.  

Where do you live?

Leicester / United Kingdom

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I am Bangladeshi in origin.
2. I love football.
3. I support Liverpool FC.
4. I grew up in London, UK.
5. I like to eat chicken.
6. I love ice cream - favourite is Magnum.
7. Favourite season is Autumn.
8. I've lived in 3 different countries.
9. One been resident in 4 cities.
10. My favourite superhero is Batman.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Maryam goes fruit picking

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

In 2019, after the arrival of my first born child.

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

9 Months  

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

Working every evenings

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Short stories for children
 

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

Other books, a ton of researching

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

Family time, learning new things

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

The amount of revisions  

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?

A good story is one written with passion

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

Chef

What is your favorite book?

Not now Bernard  

Where do you live?

London

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Male
2. Your average guy
3. work in IT
4. Liverpool FC fan
5. swimming
6. travelling

Interview

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

I started writing books twenty years ago when there were scarcely any books for Muslim children.

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

Writing is a process. For a picture book, a draft can take a few days but revisions, editing and critique can take weeks or even months.

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

When I have an idea, I put everything else aside just to focus on the first draft. After that, I aim to spend at least 2-3 focused hours revising and editing. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m known to pull the car over on the side when I have an idea.
 

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

I have a lot of experience working in schools. I draw experience from the students around me and sometimes my own kids. 

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

Exercise and eat, not necessarily in that order.

What does your family think of your writing?

They’re very supportive but also the most critical. 

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

An author once told me clearly that you have to love your characters before you write them. That’s the mindset I have when I write their stories. 

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

Read! The more you read, the better your vocabulary and the sentence structure. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Identifying your target audience and seeing what’s already out there. Don’t write a story that’s already been written. 

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

Physician

What is your favorite book?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 

Where do you live?

Doha, Qatar

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Born and bred in NY
2. HP and Star Wars fan
3. mom of four big kids
4. I hate cooking but I love to eat
5. I play tennis and I love to exercise. 

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• A to Z Just Like The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)
• Why Are You A Muslim?
• Ramadan Blessings for Muslim Kids

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

2018, after attending a program organised by Naima B. Robert called Muslimah Writers Summit.

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

My first book took me about a month to write and a year to illustrate and finally publish. The second book took a few days to write and edit etc, and 3 months to illustrate and publish. The third book was writen in a moment of inspiration in Ramadan, April 2021. Alhamdulillah started illustrations and published it with a month in April 2022. 

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

Not too complicated, it's all about the little moment, usually triggered by an event or statements by a young person.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I get goosebumps when writing and will not stop until I run out of ideas for that moment.
 

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

Life special moments

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

Spend time with family, friends and myself.

What does your family think of your writing?

They love having a passionate author around.

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

Dua, passion and patience are integral to success as an author and publisher.  

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

Make dua for Allah to grant you openings. Write down every idea that crosses your mind, you never know when you will need it. Always get a few trusted and experienced people to check your work.  

What do you think makes a good story?

I am mainly a non-fiction writer

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

Be a physiotherapist.

What is your favorite book?

Ibn Qayyim's Spirital diseases and it cures. 

Where do you live?

London, UK

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. A mother of 2
2. A wife
3. A baker and decorator
4. An event planner
5. Dyslexic
6. Passionate about Youth Development
7. A graphic designer
8. Can learn any skills, when interested in it.
9. Love seeking Islamic Knowledge.
10. Tarbiyyah of kids and adult is very important to me.

Please see Rabiah York Lumbard

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

Children's series:

1. A Race to Prayer.
2. Turning back to Allah.
3. Tides of Change (due out this year 2022)

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

Age 10

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

6 months but 10 years to publish after winning international awards for writer of the year and best children‘S story  

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

I can get seriously engrossed and write for hours but I usually schedule time around my other commitments

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t plan. I just think of a theme and make it up as I go along
 

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

Childhood memories mostly mixed with Islamic topics and stories in the Quran and Sunnah and how to make them relatable to children in modern times

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

Socialising. Swimming but haven’t been for a while.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are supportive. When they were younger I would read to them but now they are older, I think they’ve forgotten I’m an author to be honest!

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

How long it can take to get published, not just to have your submission accepted by publishers but also the whole process from submission to bookstore 

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

Practice. I can’t stress that enough and to never give up! 

What do you think makes a good story?

A relatable character and theme and a good plot. For children it has to have humour and excitement.

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

So many professions from a physiotherapist to paramedic. My background is now in public health and research. I also love community work

What is your favorite book?

The seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey  

Where do you live?

UK

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I’m a revert to Islam.
2. I’ve been a Muslim for 27 years.
3. I’m a twin.
4. I love searching for bugs, frogs and other animals in forests.
5. I love swimming.
6. I love ice cream.
7. I love the colour green.
8. I’m a qualified life coach.
9. I love walking, the sea, beaches and rock pooling.
10. I drink far too much coffee & tea & need to stop it!!

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• My Muslim Mate
• Why Does Mum Wear A Hijab?
• Tayta Remembers
• Ramadan Rules
• Jeddo's Suitcase

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

I've always wanted to write a book which documented my family's history. As a lover of History, writing about my heritage felt very important to me from a very young age.

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

On average one year. Some took longer than others. I'm a mother, so my time and energy is mostly spent on being present with and for my children. Writing is a hobby which I hope to make more of a profession one day, Insha'Allah  

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

I don't stick to a schedule. I write if and when I can. This mostly happens at night when my boys are asleep and the house is quiet.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write about my cultural heritage and my faith. It provides insights otherwise unavailable.
 

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

Seeing the need for more representation in children's books. As a mother, I wanted my boys to have access to books they could see themselves and their families in. I couldn't find the books I wanted to read to my children, so I wrote them myself.

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

Spend time with my family. I love cooking and baking for them, too. It helps keep me grounded.

What does your family think of your writing?

My boys are very proud of my work which makes me very happy. They love taking my books to school and sharing them with their classmates. Jeddo (my grandfather) often praises my work. He often tells me how much he would have loved to write stories and poetry but never had the opportunity. I owe so much to him.

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

That people actually read them! People are moved by them and find value in them. People often tell me how much they love them and how important they are. Truly grateful Alhamdulilah  

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

Keep writing. Invest in writing courses. Take advice from fellow writers and have fun on your writing journey.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Connection. The moment you connect to a story, is the moment you will feel a sense of belonging or representation. These feelings often last even if we don't remember the whole story, we remember they way we feel/felt when we read it.

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

I wanted to be an actress, then I wanted to be a photographer.

What is your favorite book?

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton  

Where do you live?

Melbourne, Australia

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. My favourite movie is The Wizard of Oz
2. I love baking Lebanese sweets and food.
3. I went bungee jumping in New Zealand.
4. I have 3 sons expecting another in 2022 Insha'Allah
5. I once won $25 in a competition
6. When I finished high school, I did an advanced diploma in Marketing.
7. I was a high school teacher before becoming an author.
8. My favourite genre is Fantasy
9. I've talked about my books on TV, radio and in newspaper articles.
10. I hope to write many more books in the future Insha'Allah about my culture and faith.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Affirmations For Little Humans
• Polygynous Musings
• Don’t you know?

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

When I started illustrating children books. I was like ohhh I have so many ideas 💡

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

Years. I started illustrating for others first. I’ve already illustrated several books before I did my own. الحمد لله  

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

Late nights sis! Between homemaking, homeschooling and working at MP as the illustrator. I do my own projects at night.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm I’m not sure! Let me do three more books and I might have an answer.
 

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

From my children! I love making up stories and they enjoy it so much. الحمد لله

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

Draw sis! I love to draw, forage, homeschool and ride my Ebike with my husband

What does your family think of your writing?

They supported me before I supported myself

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

It’s not easy!!!!!!!! Even if it’s a children’s book!  

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

Right now I’m learning. But I know you should research the topic. Get an editor and enjoy the process  

What do you think makes a good story?

One that is beautifully illustrated and the words are engaging, relatable and provoke emotions ….

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

Be a teacher of African American studies. Now I teach how to draw 😃 and tell stories with diverse characters الحمد لله

What is your favorite book?

Outside of the Qur’aan- the autobiography of Malcolm X  

Where do you live?

United States

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I am a twin.
2. I have seven kids.
3. I am a revert.
4. My husband is my best friend.
5. I forage.
6. I use to own chickens.
7. I like challenges.
8. I don’t drink soda.
9. Lasagna is the best.
10. I love being a Muslim.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

Nx7.eu/kidz

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

2005

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

1 year per book 

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

it's really until very late at night

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

remembering my dreams and write them down as a script in my books!
 

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

My inspiring environment

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

Driving far away or drawing

What does your family think of your writing?

Really proud mashaAllah

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

many anecdotes have happened to me while writing my books it would take far too long to describe it here but all I want I can tell you is that The Names of Allah have miraculous powers 

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

I see a lot of amateur sister wanting to start as a writer.. but I strongly advise them to study the whole question in depth and to respect all the stages of writing. there is very good training on this subject 

What do you think makes a good story?

A good scenario

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

Graphist designzr

What is your favorite book?

Role playing games as THE GREAT RACE TOWARDS PARADISE 😊 

Where do you live?

Paris - FRANCE

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I did the tawaf around the kaaba with my books.
2. My books have become bestsellers on the French-speaking market alhamdulillah
3. I graduated from the great school of graphic design "Gobelins Paris"
4. I studied fiqh maliki and the Quran
5. I put my know-how to use in my books
6. My books are all validated by the great sheikhs of azhar or Mauritania
7. My books are validated by clinical psychologists and orthopedagogical professionals
8. I have been a Quran teacher for 13 years
9. I created the first escape game for Muslims
10. I remain an eternal learner by the grace of Allah. +⭐️
11. I have written and performed more than 15 anashids and participated in the creation of the most famous song for Muslim children in the whole world "bismillah in the name of Allah"!

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Tara the Rickshaw
• The Tale of the Lost Kitten

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

I was always making up stories for the nieces and nephew. I knew then that I should write these down.

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

It took six months to a year to get the story finalized. 

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

Writing when inspiration hits is key. It's usually when my mind is clear and my heart is full.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My rhymes are non traditional and fun
 

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

From my life experiences. When I wrote the first book, I had just come from visiting Karachi after ten years!

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

I like to ride my bike, hike, hang out with friends.

What does your family think of your writing?

They love it! My parents were especially proud.

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

The support from friends and family for being creative is the best! As a lawyer, it feels like to be appreciated for the arts as well. 

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

Practice. Write and rewrite. No one writes a masterpiece in a day. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Rickshaws and cute animals!

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

Always a doctor :)

What is your favorite book?

The Rice Mother 

Where do you live?

Chicago, IL, USA

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

This is my first book

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

Writing a children’s book was something I always wanted to try. It was more of a passion project. I love the idea of using words and vibrant images to tell children meaningful stories in a way they will understand.

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

Around 4-5 months to write and finalize 

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

This was a project that I worked on in the evening or over the weekend outside of my day job.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love rhyming - rhymes are fun to read and write!
 

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

I took inspiration from a childrens book my mom read to me a lot, “Goodnight moon.” It is beautifully written in rhyming verse. The images are also soothing. Even if I flip through that book as an adult, I know it will help me relax and put me to sleep. I wanted Leena’s Pouncy Puppy to be a book that teaches children a valuable lesson about hard work and responsibility. At the same time, I wanted to make it a bedtime story with illustrations of pyjamas, the night sky, and a cozy bedroom.

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

A lot of my work involves writing so I am writing all the time. I am a content strategist at a tech company. I am also the founder of an email newsletter called The NewsRun that provides simple and digestible breakdowns of Pakistan’s top news.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very encouraging and proud of the book I self-published.

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

Visuals help tell a story as well, which is why I wanted to make sure I partnered with a talented illustrator who could bring my words to life. 

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

My advice is to just start writing. Work on a draft, take notes, and eventually, you’ll start shaping those scattered words into a story. Also, think about what inspires you. It could be school, gardening, food, your pet, anything that will motivate you to spend a lot of time writing. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A valuable lesson. Multi-dimensional characters. Suspense. Imagination. Descriptive imagery.

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

A journalist who traveled around the world to report on important events, conflicts, and breaking news stories.

What is your favorite book?

That’s a tough question! Ill list my top favorites: “To kill a mockingbird”, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “Rules of Civility,” and all the Dan Brown books 

Where do you live?

San Francisco, California, USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I spend too much money at the container store, because I love organizing with trays, boxes and bins.
2. I used to drink 4 cups of coffee a day, but now I've cut down to 2.
3. I hoard coffee mugs and have a massive collection now.
4. I buy fridge magnets from different countries and cities that I visit as souvenirs.
5. I’ve never been on a roller coaster.
6. I watch re-runs of Friends while I cook.
7. My favorite color is Tiffany Blue.
8. I can eat 99% dark chocolate and I love it!
9. I am not a very chatty or social person, and love having quiet time to myself.
10. When I make a typo, it haunts me forever.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds
• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot
• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Haunted House
• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret
• Llama Out Loud
• Llama On A Mission
• Llama on Holiday

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

When I was around 6 years old

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

It takes me on average around 2 months to write my book, plus extra time for edits  

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

Busy busy busy! I have to write every day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

That I must have snacks to write!
 

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

My imagination and from people I know

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

Yoga, watching tv, playing with my dog

What does your family think of your writing?

They often see aspects of themselves in my writing, and always want my autograph in their copy of the book!

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

That writing for a career is very different to writing just for fun! 

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

Only write stories you’re passionate about. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A touch of humour

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

I wanted to be an author!

What is your favorite book?

Oooh I couldn’t pick just one!  

Where do you live?

London, UK

Interview

Where do you live?

Canada

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Best seller "Discover the power of salah"
• Moments from the life of RasulAllah
• 15 ways to develop khushu
• Etiquettes of learning
• Secrets to raising strong confident Muslims

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

I am also founder and leader of Emaan Power, an online educational institute where we aim to help the parents instill the power of Emaan in the hearts of our children and help them rise as great Muslim leaders.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are extremely supportive

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

Find the challenges, that scare you but push you forward. That's what is going to bring you closer to Allah, and success! You must start to take the leaps, race ahead, push forward with trust in Allah, with all your fears, instead of waiting for fears to disappear. 

Where do you live?

Australia

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I live in Australia
2. I am an IT specialist
3. Mastered in psychology, Classic Arabic
4. I have also worked as a solutions architect in Australian government
5. I founded Emaan Power in 2010
6. I am also creator of online kids courses Rising Heroes. My Guide To My Mother's Heart, Enter My paradise, Tafsir for kids, Science In The Kingdom of Allah and more.
7. Alhamdulilah I have inspired and have taught 100000 kids

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

I have written simple, low content and informative books for kids that includes:

• SURAH TARIQ
• Zara and Zain Go to Hajj
• Ramadan Activity Book for Kids
• Eid Activity Book for Kids
• The Arafat Day

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

When I had a chance to draw some Islamic elements for someone.

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

Duration ranges from few weeks to few months. 

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

I’m teaching in the afternoon, studying on and off in between and writing and illustrating after evening and mostly after midnight.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it is interesting but my writing quirk is that I work on it continuously forgetting everything else, unless my family has to remind me that it’s been too much and now I have to take a break. So once I’m in I want it to be done.
 

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

Internet, books and fellows.

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

Exploring new art styles and thinking about new things to illustrate and write.

What does your family think of your writing?

They think that I’m doing just fine.

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

That it requires a lot of hard work than I expected especially when you have to illustrate them as well that too for a single page. It just amplified my respect for other artists and authors. 

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

I think I’m not an expert in this field to say anything about it but if you feel like your words would make a difference then you should write,blurring out every doubt that might creep in while you question your writing. With the right intentions just take the first step, learn and improvise. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Humor and Emotions.

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

A doctor only because it was a noble profession.

What is your favorite book?

Peer-e-Kamil by Umerah Ahmed 

Where do you live?

Jeddah / Saudi Arabia

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Love to explore different art mediums.
2. Can’t do one thing all the time
3. I keep on learning new things
4. Always in hurry
5. Urdu novels fan
6. Watercolor obsessed
7. Doesn’t like cooking
8. Accept challenges

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Samosas Are So Yummy!
• That Can Be Me!

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

My nieces inspired me when they told me how upset they were that books of people who looked like them were hard to find. They were six at the time and I was twenty-eight. It was a huge eye opener for me because at such a young age they were able to realize there was a lack of representation of brown girls in everyday things like books. I knew I had to do something to show them and others like them that the world sees us too.

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

About two years. 

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

I had one full time job and one part-time job when I published these two books. Now I look to write whenever I can.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Rhymes! I love children’s books with rhyming. I feel like its easier to read and understand and it seems so quirky. Growing up, I always enjoyed these types of books; I thought it was so creative that you can come up with so many words to flow rhymically and now I like to use the same method.
 

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

Samosas Are So Yummy was my first book. The idea came from me wanting to share with others my family’s favorite food. It was a hit. My second book, That Can Be Me! was written with the intention to inspire/remind young girls that whatever profession they choose to work in is possible! I especially wanted to share this mindset with the Muslim/South Asian community. We shouldn’t limit our girls, they’re capable of so much.

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

I love anything creative. Art, music and cooking.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family was super supportive of me wanting to write a book. I first thought it was a silly and impossible and didn’t want to tell people because I thought they would think it’s never going to happen. But when I mentioned it, my sister told me to go for it and I did. They loved the idea and encouraged me to continue.

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

Sometimes, I would say to myself ‘You’re going to write a book? And publish it?’ and I would really wonder if I could get it done. I had no idea where or how to start but to my surprise, I did it. It’s definitely my proudest accomplishment. 

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

Do lots of reading! Read anything. The more you read, the better writer you will be.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Anything that will remind you of your own life. That can be something that reminds you of your culture, your family, your dreams. When its relatable, it’s intriguing.

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

Be a teacher. Or anything that I knew would impact someone else’s life.

What is your favorite book?

This is really tough. I don’t think I can choose one.  

Where do you live?

Orlando, FL

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I was Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
2. I got married and moved to Orlando, FL.
3. I have a huge family.
4. I can touch my nose with my tongue.
5. I am short in height.
6. I am afriad of roller coasters.
7. I love plants.
8. My favorite color to wear is black.
9. My favorite season is Autumn.
10. I love to relax at home.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• ALIF BAA TAA: LEARNING MY ARABIC ALPHABET
• AL-ALWAN, AL-ASHKAAL, AL-ARQAM: LEARNING MY ARABIC COLORS, SHAPES & NUMBERS
• KALIMAATEE AL-OOLA: LEARNING MY FIRST ARABIC WORDS

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

When I was a child in fourth grade I vividly remember thinking I would love to make cool Islamic books. We were sitting in class and Islamic books that we are reading which were underwhelming and lacked color illustrations that American books had.

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

Our first book we finished in four months (we have no idea how we did that!) our second two books took a year each.  

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

Because my books are learning books I don’t have to write a story. But my mind is always working on the design. All credit goes to Nadia Afghani the incredible illustrator of our books. I come up with simple concepts and she takes them to another level.

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

The biggest inspiration for my books has been my children. I wanted them to grow up having a completely different experience than I did with learning Quran. I wanted their foundation of Arabic to be fun and exciting and engaging.

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

My hobbies include archery, organizing, I’m karaoke.

What does your family think of your writing?

I think they were very surprised. I have always struggled with reading in both English and Arabic. So I don’t think any of them thought that was an industry I would go into.

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

I feel that the whole process was a surprise. I thought making bucks would be a lot easier lol.  

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

Ask for help from those around you who are talented writers, lawyers, teachers etc.  

What do you think makes a good story?

A story that many people can relate to. Also stories I don’t have obvious in-your-face lessons. Essentially, books that make you reflect.

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

A dolphin trainer

What is your favorite book?

Harry Potter 

Where do you live?

Santa Ana, California

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I’m multiracial.
2. Mama of 2.
3. The youngest of 4.
4. I’m an animal lover.
5. I started doing archery when I was 6 years old.
6. I attended catholic school as a Muslim.
7. I love trashy reality tv.
8. I love karaoke.
9. I have been a La Leche League Leader for the last 6 years.
10. The beach is my favorite place to be.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

Hamza series

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

When my daughter was around 4 years old

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

They were written over many years  

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

Busy.

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

My kids

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

Working out, walking

What is your favorite book?

The Glass Castle  

Where do you live?

Oakville, Ontario Canada

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The ARABIC QUILT
• OUR WORLD: EGYPT
• THE NIGHT BEFORE EID

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

Ever since I loved to write, in elementary school

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

Months and months. 

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

Taking care of my kids, writing at random times, at random places. It's all chaos :)

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

Childhood, every little things, my kids, my culture

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

Biking, indoor cycling, taking my kids out, gardening, reading

What does your family think of your writing?

They love it usually! And give constructive feedback

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

They take FOREVER to write and publish 

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

I have some tips on my website www.ayakhalil.com under FAQ 

What do you think makes a good story?

authentic, relatable characters

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

writer

What is your favorite book?

Currently I love ABDUL'S STORY but Jamilah Thompkins- Bigelow 

Where do you live?

Ottawa Hills

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Born in Egypt
2. Came to the US at age one
3. Have lived in over 10 cities throughout my life
4. I have three kids
5. I love spending one-on-one time with good friends
6. I also love meeting new people
7. I have a master's degree in education
8. I have a BA in communication and English
9. I am a freelance journalist
10. I also sub at a local public school