Sara Hatoum

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

A Change Of Heart

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

When I was diagnosed with heart disease it hit me how important it is to be able to share such heavy, hard concepts such as medical diagnosis and illness with children. It is essential that we educate kids to understand how to live with or socialize with people with the illness. it was doubly important that we do that hand in hand with our Islamic Identity. Being an author was something that began as a project out of love an became something much more important.

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

It took me about 3 months to plan and write out my book. It took almost a year to find the right illustrator to being my story to life after that though.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I wrote my story with the intention of setting it up as a duaa, so while it reads like a letter, it’s actually based on the framework of surah Alfatiha and ends in Ameen. By reading the story and reaching the end, you will have effectively made a prayer to God asking for the health and best well being for all those suffering with heart disease- without even realizing!

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

I based all the information on symptoms, diagnosis and medical information from my own experience being suddenly diagnosed with heart disease and having to make sense of it.

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

I love to swim and paint! I currently do custom paint designs on shoes.

What does your family think of your writing?

They are very proud that I turned such an experience into something hopeful.

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

One of the most surprising things I learned in my experience writing is how sharing your hardest stories can touch so many hearts and inspire many more.