Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The Moon of Masarrah
• The Sign of the Scorpion
• The Hour of the Oryx
• Beneath the Crimson Circle

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

When my kids were in their early teens and I couldn't find books with characters they could identify with.

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

The first one took over two years and the path to publication took several years. By then, I had finished the second book. The third and fourth books took about a year each.  

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

I work full-time, so I've pretty much had to squeeze in time to write. Sometimes I write late at night or early in the morning. And definitely on weekends and holidays.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

The house has to be clean and the dishes washed before I can write with peace of mind. Also, when writing, I sometimes talk aloud and act out scenes.
 

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

For reference and world building, I use the internet as well as texts that would help me. My ideas come from an overactive imagination as well as reading a wide genre of fiction.

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

I like traveling, gardening and going anywhere where there is water, whether it's a lake, a river or the ocean.

What does your family think of your writing?

They have always been proud and supportive, especially my husband.

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

I never thought I'd finish one book, much less four! Truly, I've surprised myself with each book I've written because I've been able to dig deep within a hidden spring of creativity that keeps the ideas flowing, Alhamdulilah. 

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

Read, read, read. Study the craft without stopping, and write a little every day or as often as you can. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Suspense, mystery, and caring about what happens to the characters.

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

I never really gave it much thought. When I was older, I thought about computer science or nursing but then my children came along and I just settled for an administrative job that had good benefits and helped to pay the bills.

What is your favorite book?

I really can't narrow it down to one. I've read many books that I've loved equally. Some that stood out for me at a young age were Enid Blyton's Wishing Chair and Magic Faraway Tree series. As a teenager, I loved Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark and Sherlock Holmes. Nowadays, I also have many favorites. 

Where do you live?

New York/USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I love vanilla ice cream
2. I'm not much of a chocolate person
3. My favorite fruit is mango
4. My favorite veggie is okra
5. I don't watch TV but do choose to look at a good movie now and again
6. Sometimes I can finish reading a book in one night if it is gripping enough
7. I love reciting Qur'an every morning after Fajr
8. I try to memorize a verse of Qur'an daily and listen to a good lecture or tafseer while I'm cooking or folding laundry
9. I do a lot of deep breathing to combat stress and anxiety
10. I've made Hajj once and Umrah twice