Asma Wahab
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Interview 
What book(s) have you written?
- ALIF BAA TAA: LEARNING MY ARABIC ALPHABET
- AL-ALWAN, AL-ASHKAAL, AL-ARQAM: LEARNING MY ARABIC COLORS, SHAPES & NUMBERS
- KALIMAATEE AL-OOLA: LEARNING MY FIRST ARABIC WORDS
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
When I was a child in fourth grade I vividly remember thinking I would love to make cool Islamic books. We were sitting in class and Islamic books that we are reading which were underwhelming and lacked color illustrations that American books had.
How long did it take you to write your book(s)?
Our first book we finished in four months (we have no idea how we did that!) our second two books took a year each.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Because my books are learning books I don’t have to write a story. But my mind is always working on the design. All credit goes to Nadia Afghani the incredible illustrator of our books. I come up with simple concepts and she takes them to another level.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The biggest inspiration for my books has been my children. I wanted them to grow up having a completely different experience than I did with learning Quran. I wanted their foundation of Arabic to be fun and exciting and engaging.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
My hobbies include archery, organizing, I’m karaoke.
What does your family think of your writing?
I think they were very surprised. I have always struggled with reading in both English and Arabic. So I don’t think any of them thought that was an industry I would go into.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I feel that the whole process was a surprise. I thought making bucks would be a lot easier lol.
Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Ask for help from those around you who are talented writers, lawyers, teachers etc.
What do you think makes a good story?
A story that many people can relate to. Also stories I don’t have obvious in-your-face lessons. Essentially, books that make you reflect.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A dolphin trainer
What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter
Where do you live?
Santa Ana, California
Fun Facts
Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!
- I’m multiracial.
- Mama of 2.
- The youngest of 4.
- I’m an animal lover.
- I started doing archery when I was 6 years old.
- I attended catholic school as a Muslim.
- I love trashy reality tv.
- I love karaoke.
- I have been a La Leche League Leader for the last 6 years.
- The beach is my favorite place to be.
