Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• From Ya to Ants

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

I think I had this repressed feeling for a long time, but the title of "author" seemed unattainable and too grand for little ol' me. Granted, I had been writing magazine articles for a long time, but the thought of writing a book seemed impossible. But then a series of (not-unfortunate) events helped me make the conscious decision to become an author. The short answer is, if you want to blame someone (or something) blame my kids, my students, NaNoWriMo, Tim Urban, and the pandemic lockdown. Oh, and Hafsah Faizal.

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

From Ya to Ants took about seven months from concept to editing. Next time I'm aiming to take seven years (joking). 

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

I don't think I could have a proper schedule if my life depended on it. I plan, I try, but life gets in the way. So I write whenever I can. Sometimes I have to tell myself I need to write/edit a certain amount in a day, and that works. I probably get the most done when I know I have two hours until midnight, and I better start typing or I'm not going to meet my goal for that day. (This is an unhealthy habit I picked up in my years doing NaNoWriMo.)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I'm trying to make sense of something, usually when reading or writing, I tend to talk aloud to myself, while wildly gesticulating with my hands. I assure you, my poor family is not amused, but thankfully they love me for who I am.
 

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

Everyday life! If we really pay attention, our normal lives contain many more ups and downs and dramatic moments than fiction. As a children's writer, I'll often find inspiration from my own kids and their friends (the number of ideas I have that I can't wait to share)! And kids really say the funniest things. One of these days, I am going to go to a park and just sit, to eavesdrop on kids' conversations and take notes.

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

What I like to do and what I actually do, are two different things. I would love to be able to read all the time, with not a care in the world. I would also like to devote more time and energy to my Quran learning. But since that's not possible, I make myself happy with other responsibilities that are fun, too. Like teaching my college classes, marketing my writing, and annoying my kids.

What does your family think of your writing?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I definitely know they don't see me as a genius, which is good because it keeps me from having an inflated ego. All jokes aside though, they've been my supporters from Day One, and I wouldn't be where I am without them. (I might've actually gotten more writing done, though, if I wasn't always washing everyone's dishes...)

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

That's a tough one. I already knew writing and editing is difficult. I did, however, learn a lot about the publishing process that I hadn't known before. I think one of my most surprising discoveries was the sheer number of Muslim authors and books that already exist, Masha Allah! I joined Instagram when embarking on my author journey, and the Muslim Bookstagram sphere opened up my eyes to all these amazing people and books. I felt like I had been living under a rock. (Maybe I was...I should check.) 

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

Three pieces of advice: 1. Read as much as you can, and absorb the intricacies and interweavings and peculiarities of language. 2. Observe - spoken language, how relationships work, sights and smells and sounds, and what makes people the way they are. If possible, keep a place (notebook, app on your phone) to take notes. 3. Don't be afraid to write. Accept that your first draft will not be perfect. In fact, it might be pretty horrible. But that's ok, because hardly anyone's first draft is good (yes, even published authors'). If you have a draft, you can go back and polish it. If you don't have a draft, you can't do anything. 4. Ok, a last one. Bring your voice into your writing, even it's kind of snarky. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I love character-driven stories. If the character goes through development in a way that makes sense (and is not forced by the writer), that makes for a good story. A good story will also keep the reader engaged, hanging on, wondering what will happen next. If the readers are invested in the character's life, that makes it even better.

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

I wanted to be a lot of things, but 'teacher' was consistent throughout, and that's what I became first. (I think it comes from my childhood habit to lord over my younger siblings and "grade" their homework. The power!)

What is your favorite book?

How can a writer have a single favorite book - impossible! I love the classics - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Mill on the Floss, Pride and Prejudice. But I also don't read them anymore. I go back frequently to the Hunger Games series and Harry Potter. I also love to read mysteries, especially Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling's Cormoron Strike series. I was very disappointed when Sue Grafton died before finishing her last book in her Kinsey Millhone series. In children's books, I adore Mo Willems' Pigeon books. 

Where do you live?

Houston, TX (United States)

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I'm named after my mother's childhood doll.
2. I used to get in trouble when younger for reading TOO much. When we would go to a store with our parents, I would refuse to get out of the car until I finished the paragraph/chapter/entire book.
3. I was born in Houston, but spent a formative thirteen years in Karachi. This is why:
4. I can speak and write English and Urdu fluently.
5. People often think my eldest daughter and I are sisters.
6. People often think my sister and I are unrelated. (She is much prettier than me.)
7. People often think...ok I'll stop. I have a weird sense of humor. (Some people might even call it cringey.)
8. My best friend in high school recognized my passion for literature and language, and suggested I major in English. I was clueless until she made that suggestion.
9. I like to complain about there being too much to do, but I also cannot sit still without doing anything.
10. I *extremely* dislike housework.