Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Here With You, a realistic Islamic fiction
• Zaynab bint Jahsh: The One with the Longest Hand, a children's picture book

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

Ever since I was little, I loved to write stories. I remember writing stories during in my dad's office.

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

Around 3 years. I used to draft it on and off. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I enjoy writing at night, in the dark, on my bed, when everyone's sleeping around me.
 

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

Real-life scenarios along with research for factual information, my learnings, knowledge, and experiences.

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

Reading, teaching, and practicing as a Qur'an Life Coach.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are my alpha-readers. Their critiquing helps me to develop and polish the characters and plots.

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

I realized I love writing books and creating stories, especially those that are filled with Islamic morals and values.  

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

Read, read, read, and write, write, write. When you're not writing, read; and when you're not reading, observe. 

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is built by good character development.

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

I wanted to be a nurse, writer, and teacher, and الحمد لله رب العالمين, Allah has blessed me to be an author, madrasah teacher, and a life coach.

What is your favorite book?

This is a difficult question. I don't have any one particular book that I love. Off the top of my head, I would say, Don't Be Sad by Dr. Aidh al-Qarni, His Other Wife by Umm Zakiyyah, Nothing but Love by Zeneefa Zaneer, Behind Picket Fences by Hend Hegazi, and Disciplining The Soul by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi. 

Where do you live?

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I love being in the nature.
2. I prefer to study/work during the day, and create stories or brainstorm at night.
3. I'm a tea-person with family, and coffee-lover with friends or when alone.
4. I love to curl up with a book at the end of the day.
5. I love watching babies' and cats' videos.
6. I am a student for life, I love learning.
7. I would love to have a room filled with books - my own personal library.
8. I'm an extrovert with introvert traits.
9. Growing up, I wanted to be a psychologist.
10. As a Qur'an Life Coach, I serve my Muslim sisters to build their personal, deeper connection with the Qur'an.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Alhamdulillah for Everything
• Fatima and Nabil Spend Ramadan
• Eid in Mali

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

When I became a mother and wanted to see more diversity in Muslim children books that would reflect the ummah at large.

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

About a month 

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

Once I start writing a book, I stick to it till I finish it. I write everyday and constantly edit.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sticking to it until I finish writing the book.
 

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

I get my inspiration from speaking with my children.

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

Reading to my children, homeschooling and other regular things in life.

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?

My editing obsession. It wasn't all that surprising as I always do the same when I write articles and blog posts. 

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

Be consistent once you decide on writing a book. Don't immediately jump from one book to the next. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I believe if people can relate to the story or way or another, it's a good story. Reflecting real life is important. Also, the story would be amazing if people can learn something from it or get a lesson.

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

I had no idea at the time and was confused.

What is your favorite book?

The Qur'an 

Where do you live?

USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I love children
2. I love homeschooling
3. I was a challenged reader growing up, so I hated reading. Becoming a mother changed that.
4. I'm an extremely shy person; in an unhealthy way.
5. I love languages because all languages come from Allah as He taught mankind the names of everything.
6. I love diversity and see soo much beauty in the diversity of our languages, looks and colors because Allah made us this way to get to know one another.
7. I love nature as it makes me reflect on the amazing creations of Allah and calms me down.
8. My favorite drink is water. I actually find water tasty.
9. I love listening to birds signing at dawn as they're praying Allah.
10. I love being a Muslimah and sincerely wish the same for everyone (except extremely evil people) because I want everyone to have eternal happiness in Jannah.