Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Little Tree Goes For Hajj
• Little Trees Ramadan Adventures
• Lina the tree and the Woodcutter

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

In my 20's , i always wanted to write and illustrate childrens books, but didn't havevthe opportunity until after i had my kids Alhumdallah

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

The first one was easy because ir was me telling stories to my kids, the other two took me a few months each 

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

When ever i have free time and inspired. Im a very spontaneous person.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I would draw characters and try to come up with stories about them for my kids
 

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

My original story the little tree goes for hajj was inspired by my kids. My eldest asked me if trees were Muslim too, my story was a way to answer her question

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

I'm an artist/illustrator so I'm always drawing, illustrating and painting

What does your family think of your writing?

They are proud of my work

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

It's important when telling a story to consider your audience. Who are you writing for? How can my story include the reader, how can the reader relate 

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

Reading is educational, but it can also be fun! 

What do you think makes a good story?

Well rounded Characters, a conflict and a resolution, beautiful artwork

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

I wanted to be an artist😉

What is your favorite book?

The Quran  

Where do you live?

Calgary Alberta Canada

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I'm Palestinian
2. I have 4 kids
3. I love cats
4. I am a tree hugger
5. I'm an artist
6. I also teach art classes
7. I love baking
8. I have lllustrated several books
9. I was born in Calgary, Alberta
10. I've been working on writing a chapter book

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

Ramadan Rocket

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

I think I've always enjoyed writing but I didn't actually have a plan to become an author. The idea of writing books always seemed cool though, however I'm not sure I actually thought it would happen!

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

My first book, Ramadan Rocket is a short children's story - so it's not very long. Alhamduillah I was feeling really inspired when I sat down to write it, and Alhamdulillah the first draft was actually done in one night (Allah was very Generous!). BUT I went back over it many times since then and tweaked it here and there, and of course had it edited. This took some time, doing bits and pieces over a couple of weeks or so. 

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

I am not very good at scheduling! I just go for it when I can! Alhamdulillah I am normally working on projects a little each day... or alot in some cases! My evenings can run quite late, but it's my passion so I enjoy it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm... maybe you could tell me!? 😄 I always try to keep my stories light hearted with a cup of fun, a spoonful of humour and a dash of the unexpected!
 

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

Everywhere! I am really inspired by the situations we face in our everyday lives.

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

Family activities like rollerblading, kite flying and playing sport. I also enjoy just doing nothing! Hello couch!

What does your family think of your writing?

...I should really ask them! Alhamdulillah they are very supportive. Great cheerleaders Alhamdulillah.

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

How much was involved during the process as well as afterwards - but also how easy it is to learn Alhamdulillah! There are so many steps BUT it can be as simple or as complicated as you like - depending on the product you wish to create. I am a bit of a perfectionist so I tend to lean on the complicated side of the spectrum! But it's so doable, anyone can do it إن شاء الله! YouTube is full of helpful info if you need a hand! You can also send me an email no worries!  

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

Take a writing course. I know, I know, you probably think 'oh man do I really have to?' ...you don't, but it may help! It doesn't have to be expensive, there are often many free ones! This will help you in 2 ways: 1. It will inshaAllah improve your writing and understanding of books. 2. It will also inshaAllah ignite passion and motivation within you to help make your dream a reality! Course ideas: I would suggest you look up Naima B Robert. She has some freebies from time to time as well as paid courses.  

What do you think makes a good story?

That it's unique and relatable to it's audience.

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

A ballerina (disclaimer: I wasn't Muslim then!)

What is your favorite book?

The Quran 🥰 

Where do you live?

Saudi Arabia

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I grew up on a farm in Australia.
2. My favourite colour is purple.💜
3. I love writing children's songs as well as books.
4. My favourite food is sushi. 🍣
5. I have a blue bicycle with a basket on the front. 🚲
6. I lived in Japan as a teenager for a few weeks as part of a student exchange program. I loved it!
7. I became Muslim when I was around 21 years old, Alhamdulillah.
8. I'm not very good at cooking 😬
9. I think kite flying is super fun!
10. As a child I used to love writing letters to my friends. We would even write in code...which we regretted when it took us so long to read them!