Interview

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

I started writing books twenty years ago when there were scarcely any books for Muslim children.

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

Writing is a process. For a picture book, a draft can take a few days but revisions, editing and critique can take weeks or even months.

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

When I have an idea, I put everything else aside just to focus on the first draft. After that, I aim to spend at least 2-3 focused hours revising and editing. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’m known to pull the car over on the side when I have an idea.
 

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

I have a lot of experience working in schools. I draw experience from the students around me and sometimes my own kids. 

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

Exercise and eat, not necessarily in that order.

What does your family think of your writing?

They’re very supportive but also the most critical. 

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

An author once told me clearly that you have to love your characters before you write them. That’s the mindset I have when I write their stories. 

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

Read! The more you read, the better your vocabulary and the sentence structure. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Identifying your target audience and seeing what’s already out there. Don’t write a story that’s already been written. 

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

Physician

What is your favorite book?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 

Where do you live?

Doha, Qatar

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. Born and bred in NY
2. HP and Star Wars fan
3. mom of four big kids
4. I hate cooking but I love to eat
5. I play tennis and I love to exercise.