Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The Cosmos that Allah has Designed
• Between Fear and Hope
• Before Allah Made You

Where do you live?

Dubai

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Matti and Massi Missions series (Rome, Dubai, Washington, DC)

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

2008

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

1 year for the first book. 6 months for others 

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

No schedule. Just do it whenever I can.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Need coffee, a quiet room, and at least 3 hours of uninterrupted time.
 

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

First hand account, internet, natives

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

Workout, explore outdoors, travel, dance, eat

What does your family think of your writing?

They love the stories!

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

The publishing industry is very tough, and a lot of patience is needed.  

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

Don’t give up early. Share your ideas and writing with those you trust.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Fun facts! A dash of humor.

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

Actress

What is your favorite book?

Bear Snores On, The Day the Crayons Quit, Mornings in Jenin  

Where do you live?

Dubai and Washington DC

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I have two sons
2. I’m a certified yoga instructor
3. I’ve visited over 42 countries
4. my left eye is half black/brown
5. my family is Palestinian
6. I’ve been married ten years
7. I speak 4 languages
8. I am one of 8 siblings
9. I have 2 books in the pipeline (outside of the Matti Massi Missions series)

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Nothing but Love
• In the Land of Strangers
• unlocking One Another
• I’m Fasting this Ramadan!
• Hadith, the way of life
• Roses and Thorns
• Dear Daughter
• ... and a couple of fiction in Sinhala language.

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

I’ve been writing from a very young age. But I strongly wanted to become an author at age 15.

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

Depends on subject matter and work it needs. I’m fasting Ramadan was written in weeks but took three years to complete with illustrations as the illustrator was a young child.  

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

I use the me time to write. When heavy with the final drafts for printing then I’ll be working on it day and night but first fulfilling the needs of my children and family.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When writing I let myself change into the character
 

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

Imaginations, books, people, history, newspapers etc.

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

Reading, crafting, painting and exploring the nature.

What does your family think of your writing?

I’m the first writer in the family, so yes, they are proud.

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

Patience  

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

Practice writing. Every writer’s dream is to get published. But if you want to become a professional writer, then perfect your craft without publishing it the sooner you finish writing. A gemstone gets a lot of value once polished and presented in an appealing manner. Your craft is a gemstone. Spend time improving it.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Every time you read it you’ll feel it’s the first time you are reading.

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

A lawyer

What is your favorite book?

HP series, Storyteller, Island of a thousand mirrors 

Where do you live?

Colombo

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Hardworking, dedicated, outspoken, petite, enjoy the company of kids, nature friendly, love mountains, green grass excites me, animal fur and skin scares me except for horses, I’m a beginner of everything. So like to try new things.

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• Surah An Nas Board book

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

4 years ago, after I had my first baby.

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

3 years 

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

Very random, as I also work as a part time NHS doctor, and am a full time mum of 2..

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I come up with ideas on the go, usually whilst I'm in the middle of another task.
 

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

My source is the Qur'an, and my ideas are inspired by my children.

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

Reading, yoga, walks on the beach, spending time with family and friends.

What does your family think of your writing?

They're very supportive, and always willing to help.

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

The importance of having a wonderful and knowledgeable illustrator.  

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

Seek advice and guidance from other writers.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Being focused and concise.

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

Become a teacher.

What is your favorite book?

The Qur'an  

Where do you live?

BOURNEMOUTH

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I went to medical school in the Czech Republic.
2. I've bungee jumped 3 times.
3. I attended 7 different schools as a child.
4. My favourite place in the world is a beach.
5. I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.