Author Interview: Karimah Grayson

Today's interview is with Karimah Grayson, author of The Shoulders On Which I Stand.

Karimah recently began writing in the little known genre of Muslim fiction and looks forward to sharing the Muslim American experience with the world.


Can tell us a little bit about yourself and your book, The Shoulders On Which I Stand?

My name is Karimah Grayson. I have been married for more than 25 years and am the mother of four. I also have two grandsons. Currently I’m a Social Science teacher for high school. I live in Broward County, Florida. I’ve been Muslim my entire life. I grew up in Philadelphia at a time when all the Muslims knew each other.

“The Shoulders On Which I Stand” is my debut novel. It chronicles a time in the life of Daria Van, who is a US History Teacher. While teaching, she teaches more than the standard history provided in the textbooks. She ensures to include all of the ethnicities of the country. However, her principal doesn’t like that she is going outside of the textbook and causes a lot of turmoil for Daria. On the home front, she finds out her husband takes a second wife. While she doesn’t mind that he took a second wife, she does get upset when he disrespects her and his second wife.

Daria begins receiving threatening calls and cars following her and her children. Because she doesn’t know what to do, she turns to her brother who’s been on the run for more than twenty years. This story takes twists and turns of emotions and different situations. I cannot tell too much more because it will be a spoiler alert.

What inspired this story?

What inspired the book were the various stories that I’ve read through the years of teachers being fired or disciplined for teaching African-American history beyond what I termed, the African-American History Trinity (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriett Tubman). I imagined what it would be like if a principal went beyond his means in making someone stop teaching something he disagrees with.

Highlight some of your achievements and challenges while working on your book.

While working on my book, some of my achievements were improving my showing versus telling. Also, I decided to go the independent publisher route and by doing that I found various entryways into marketing my book after it was published. On the other hand, some of my challenges while working on the book were working on description of characters and settings. I found myself doing a lot of research on character development and setting development to work through those challenges.

Describe your writing style in ten words.

I write the story first and then edit the story.

Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Five positive words that describe me as a writer are determined, excited, enthralled, tenacious, and serious.

Thank you so much, Ms Grayson, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your writing journey with us.

Want to learn more about the author and her books? Visit her at:

Her website.

Her email: authorkarimahg@gmail.com.

Her facebook page.

Her Amazon author page

An Interview with Author, Saadia Faruqi

Today's interview is with Saadia Faruqi, the author of Brick Walls: Tales of Hope and Courage from Pakistan. Ms Faruqi writes fiction, teaches cultural sensitivity, blogs about religion, and organizes interfaith events. You can learn more about Faruqi on her website: www.saadiafaruqi.com




Can tell us a little bit about yourself and your book Brick Walls? 

 I am a Pakistani American writer, speaker and interfaith activist residing in Houston, TX with my husband and two young children by the grace of God. Professionally I am a grant writer, and by vocation I am an interfaith organizer, speaking about interfaith and Islamic issues at a variety of venues in the Greater Houston area. In 2009 I published a research-based book on grant seeking, and for the last decade or so I’ve been writing non-fiction about cultural and religious issues. Only recently did I somehow get the urge to write fiction, hence my debut fiction title “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan.”

Brick Walls is a collection of short stories based in my birth country of Pakistan. It is a fictional account of characters living in Pakistan, but the situations they find themselves in are very real. Each story in the collection focuses on a specific obstacle the characters find in front of them – be it poverty, terrorism, gender discrimination, police harassment, political turmoil, ageism, and so on. These are the brick walls the characters face, and the stories are about how they deal with these walls. It is a unique look into the everyday lives of Pakistanis, and how they deal with the problems they face.

What was the inspiration behind the book? 

 During my training, when I would speak about Islam or interfaith topics, I would often be asked about my life in Pakistan. Americans know a lot about Pakistan thanks to the news, but most of that information is very biased. They read about bombs and terrorists and violence, but they never see the beauty and charm of Pakistani culture. All these questions made me realized that a depiction of Pakistani life was much-needed here, and that readers would be very interested in learning more about the daily accomplishments and struggles of the Pakistani people. So I decided to write a fictional account based on the reality of that country.

Highlight some of your achievements and challenges while working on Brick Walls. 

My biggest challenge was to decide which topics or themes to write about. I wanted to show a wide variety of situations that Pakistanis undergo, but I didn’t want to go overboard. So I had to choose very carefully which issues I would write about, and which to leave out. I also wanted to make sure I included a variety of characters, male, female, young, old, rich, poor. My biggest achievement I think was being able to find the correct mix of characters and story lines that really make the book all-rounded without being overwhelming or preachy. I have received wonderful feedback about this aspect of the book and how it appeals to so many different readers.

Describe your writing style in ten words. 

Writing stories of cultural importance in a conversational literary style.

Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer. Engaging, dedicated, passionate, informal, and thoughtful.


Thank you so much, Ms Faruqi, for taking time out of your busy schedule and sharing your writing journey with us.

An Interview With Author Yasmin Mogahed

Today's interview is with the author of Reclaim Your Heart, Yasmin Mogahed.  She is a freelance writer and international speaker. She also hosts Serenity, her show on One Legacy Radio.


Greetings and Welcome. Please tell us a little bit about your book, Reclaim Your Heart.



Reclaim Your Heart is a book about freeing the heart from the chains of worldly life. It talks about healing, about coping and about redemption.



What was the motivation behind writing Reclaim Your Heart

My own life experiences and the lessons I was learning along the way about love, loss, pain and God.


I had the wonderful opportunity to hear you read "I Prayed for Peace Today," at the Seattle IlmFest 2015. What inspired you to write that poem?

A very difficult personal challenge that I had no control to alter. It made me realize how powerless I really am, and that all power belongs to God.

Can you share with us your publishing journey? What were some of your greatest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was finding the right publisher, as I faced an incident of attempted fraud during my initial search.



Do you have any other projects/books you are working on now?

My next project is a collection of my shorter quotes insha Allah.



When you are not busy writing or teaching classes or giving lectures, what do you like to do?

Spend quality time with the people I love. I enjoy deep conversation and really great humor.



Which of the poems in your book is your favorite and why?

I think it would be "I prayed for peace today" because of how raw that sentiment was.


And for our final question:


As I mentioned before, I attended the IlmFest conference in Seattle and the theme of the conference was Balance, balance in every aspect of our lives, Currently, we are seeing a lot of turmoil in Muslim communities, whether it is in the home, at work, school or with dealing with the public at large. If you had one piece of advice for the Ummah, to heal and grow from these struggles, what would it be?

Stay close to God, nourish your heart with His constant remembrance, and love Him more than anything else.


I would like to thank Ms Mogahed for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her book and insights with us.

Read more about Yasmin Mogahed book and our review of this title on Goodreads.

Author Interview: Hend Hegazi

Today's interview is with debut author Hend Hegazi, author of Normal Calm. Hend is a freelance writer, whose work has appeared in notable Muslim magazines such as Azizah and SISTERS.


Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, USA. I graduated from Smith College with a degree in biology and shortly after, moved to Egypt where I have been for the past 13 years. I’m married and have 4 children. I’m a freelance writer for SISTERS magazine as well as a couple of online magazines. Recently, I’ve delved into the role of freelance editor, which is an endeavor I’m really excited about.

Can you share with us a little about your publishing journey?
I have always loved to write, but I didn’t become disciplined about it until I realized that those millions of published authors out there are no better than me! Some are exceedingly more talented and their stories are far better than mine, of course, but the opposite is also true. Authors are just regular people who simply make their writing a priority. When I accepted that truth, the idea of finishing my novel shifted from being a dream to being an achievable goal.
Once I finished it, I did all sorts of research on how to get published. Naturally, I learned that unsolicited manuscripts get no notice from most publishing houses and most authors make use of agents. So I set about doing my research into which agents may be interested in an Arab American story, and queried a bunch. A whole bunch. And although a few showed interest, in the end they all declined, saying it was a tough sell. Between the actual rejection letters and the no-reply rejections, I hold under my belt more than 100 agent rejections. Although I mention it with humor, at the time it was discouraging. I decided I would no longer pursue it: if it was meant to be, then God would make it happen.

I stopped actively researching agents, but if I learned of an Arab American published author, I would skim her acknowledgements page, searching for the mention of an agent. If I found one, I would query the agent, if not, I sent the query directly to the publisher. And that’s how I found FB Publishing. I sent them my manuscript, and they saw enough potential to publish it, Praise God.

What inspired your story, Normal Calm?
There were two things: First, I really hated the Arab mentality of blaming rape victims for this horrendous crime which was committed against them. During my research on the subject I have learned that victim blaming is really an international crises, one that all ethnicities struggle with. In Normal Calm, I felt the need to stand up and clearly say that rape survivors are the victims and should never be criminalized.

The other motivation was a desire to give people a window into the lives of Arab Americans. I wanted to show people that although we have religious and cultural differences, we are really more alike.

What was on of your biggest challenges, if any, while writing Normal Calm? And, how did your overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I faced was how Amina, the main character, would deal with the rape. In my earliest version, she reports it to the police. That’s what I wanted her to do, so that any readers in her position would be encouraged to take that same route. But when it came down to it, I realized that the novel would take a different path from the one I originally had planned: the police report would lead to a trial, and sentencing, and all sorts of things which, I felt, would pull the story away from the social repercussions of her rape. The thing which made her NOT file a report is the fact that her rapist flees the country. Don’t get me wrong: I encourage any victims of rape to report it to the authorities, but for the purposes of this fictional story, having him leave just made more sense.

Tell us about your favorite scene in your story, without giving us too much of the story.
There is a scene when one of her perspective suitors basically calls her promiscuous, and she tells him off. I love her brashness in that scene, partly because it comes as a shock, even to herself. It shows that we are capable of strength beyond our own awareness.

What is the most important thing you want your readers to take away after reading Normal Calm?
That even when there is a lack of support from people you love, being honest and staying true to yourself will always be rewarded with goodness.

Do you have any other projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
I’ve finished writing my second novel, Praise God, although I still have no news of publication. Along with my freelance writing and editing, I’m developing some ideas for my next book and hope to begin writing that soon, God willing.

If you could share one piece of advice that you wish you had been given at the beginning of your publishing journey, what would it be?
Do not overlook the small, niche publishers. For example, there are Muslim publishers out there, even though they may not easily turn up during your search. Facebook is a super resource to help locate and connect with people, and that includes niche publishers.

This question is for Amina (book character) ... If you could say or share one thing with rape victims around the world, what would it be?
Many rape survivors experience self-blame, but just as it is ridiculous to think of blaming the victims of theft for that crime, it is even more ridiculous to blame rape victims. It may not be easy to find a partner who will understand and accept your circumstances, but if you are honest and true to yourself, God willing, HE will reward you with goodness.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and sharing your writing journey with us.
It is my pleasure. Jazakum Allahu khairan for giving me the platform to share my journey.

Muslims and Romance: An Interview with Papatia Feauxzar

Today's interview is with author Papatia Feauxzar. Papatia is the author of many books in the genre of romance and the founder of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing .

As Salaamu Alaikum and thank you for joining us sister Papatia.

Can tell us a little bit about yourself?

1- Papatia Feauxzar is my pen name. I wish to remain anonymous and to any sister who knows who I am, please keep it to yourself. Everything about me always has a French stamp on it because French is my first language. Writing is a hobby as I have a day job. I consider myself well-rounded with flaws. And it's very hard to get under my skin. I do have a breaking point though but I am always in a good mood even when below the layers, it's chaos.

What was the inspiration behind your book, Between Sisters, Svp?

The inspiration behind the book comes from many sources. First, it comes from the daily Muslim lives of many women I came across, myself included. As Muslims, our activities don't differ much from non-Muslims if you take out the required salat we observe daily. At the end of the day, we are all humans and we face daily struggles like any other human being. We have jobs, we worry about finances, we have marital problems, we go out to movies, we read sometimes in the goal of gaining more knowledge, we use social media, we talk like our peers, we eat, we love and the list goes on. Secondly, I also wanted to have an edge because I didn't want my work to be another boring love story with no kick (no drama, etc). And since intimacy is an untapped market in Muslim authored fiction, taboo in the ummah, and that I am comfortable around that area, I went for it. Finally, I was also tired of reading stories where the characters are always rich. They come and sweep a good virgin off her feet. Why can't it be about normal people who have 9 to 5pm jobs or 6pm to late hours or even broke? That's more realistic in my opinion, and it can still be dreamy.

Can you highlight for us some of your achievements and challenges while working on Between Sisters, Svp?

It was challenging writing the love scenes while avoiding spilling the beans on the main character's bedroom secrets or avoiding coming off vapid. It was also challenging to get over the hurdles of self publishing with the editing and reediting process. There is also the wary vibe you get from some sisters not quite sure how to categorize or accept a different kind of writing. From my debut in July 2011, I have definitely learned a lot about writing professionally. And everyday, I learn something new steering me in the right direction Alhamdullilah and getting me close to becoming great and bestseller author :) .

Describe your writing style in ten words.

My style is heavily related on Islam and pop culture.

Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Spiritual, Loyal, Crazy, Fun, and Loving.

Thank you so much sister Papatia for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your book and publishing experience with us.

Thank you for having me. May Allah reward you for taking a leap of faith in me and my work and not caring if you would be tag 'guilty by association.' ;)

If you would like to learn more about Papatia Feauxzar and her books, please visit at

papatia.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Djarabi-Kitabs-Publishing/300737010063511
https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
http://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1416182677&sr=1-1

The 3 B's of Storytelling: An interview with Donna Martin.....

Today I would like to introduce Donna Martin, author of The Story Catcher. In this interview, Donna will share with us her debut picture book, what it takes to be good storytelling and her 3 "B"s of becoming a stronger story teller. Welcome Donna!!!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I stay pretty busy. By day I am a Fourth Degree Black Belt Certified Taekwondo Instructor who helps run a martial arts training facility. Once I get home around 9:30 each night I go into Ninja Writer mode and work on my writing until around midnight before I crawl into my bed for a few hours of much needed sleep. I can also say I’ve been writing for 45 years but only professionally for the past 5 years.

What is your story about?

My debut picture book, THE STORY CATCHER, is about a little girl named Addie who comes from a family of readers or ‘story catchers’ as they like to call themselves. Addie tries to catch her first story but the wiggly words keep playing tricks on her. She tries different ways to make them sit still but it takes a little faith to help Addie become her family’s next STORY CATCHER!

What do you think makes a good story?

Something that makes an emotional connection with its intended audience. When i read a story that makes me laugh, cry, or just feel like I can relate to the main character, then I know I have a good book in my hands.

Your book teaches children the importance of faith and how to catch a story, what is the first story you ever caught? Was it hard to catch? How did you catch it?

I was lucky. I was the youngest of four kids in my family and my sister closest to me in age helped to teach me to read. I could read books on my own by the time I was around 4 or 5 and one of the first books I remember reading on my own was a children’s version of the dictionary. I’m not kidding! My mother was an HUGE fan of the written word and when she found out I had checked out a dictionary, she not only made sure I read every page, but she also gave me a verbal test on it when I was finished reading it and I passed!

Who was your favorite story catcher growing up? Who is your favorite story catcher now?

One ‘master’ writer I devoured while growing up (and still enjoy reading today) is Mercer Mayer.  The incredible balance between his art and the written word calls to the kid in me and if I ever grow up, I want to be more like him! Besides Mr. Mayer, it’s not so much an individual I admire as the beauty of a well written story. My all-time favorite story, bar none, is THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein, but I’m not a huge fan of his other work. I enjoy the work of people I’m honored to call my friends and colleagues like Susanna Leonard Hill, Tara Lazar, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Corey Rosen Schwartz, and many, many more.

Can you share with us a few of your tips for being an excellent story catcher?

I can list three “B”s to help newbie writers become stronger storytellers:

Believe…in yourself, in your skill as a storyteller, and in your own stories.
Be open…open to constructive criticism  so you can grow as a writer, open to the world around you so you may never run short of story ideas, and open to opportunities…large and small…which might come your way in your writing career.
Be determined…never let the doubters shake the faith you have in yourself. Do whatever it takes to succeed, but most of all stay true to YOU and keep on writing every day!

Author Interview: Robyn Abdusamad

Today I have the honor of introducing you all to author Robyn Abdusamad and her new book You Are Beautiful. The coming of this book, along with many others being published that tackle the issue of racism and racial bias and promote diversity, is quite timely. Children need a safe place to discuss these issues and picture books are the perfect medium to help children understand and navigate this tough topic. Without further ado......Robyn Abdusamad.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your book?

Well, I am from North Carolina but my family recently relocated to Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  I am a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor in Communications/ Public Relations and a Masters in Public Administration from National University.  I have over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. I’ve also worked in the secondary school system in North Carolina. Right now, I am a stay at home mom.   In my spare time I enjoy volunteering in my community, traveling, shopping, and connecting with family and friends.

My new book, "You Are Beautiful" is about two sisters who have their first encounter with a racial bias and are saddened by what they hear.  It is a heartfelt and inspirational lesson that provides both children and parents with a solution to embracing diversity with knowledge and kindness.

What was your favorite children’s book growing up?

I recall several of my favorite children’s book growing up, but the ones that stand out were ‘Bambi Gets Lost’, ‘Mooch the Messy’ and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’.

What author inspires you the most and why?

Wow, I have so many but if I have to select one it would be Iyanla Vanzant.  I am inspired by her well-grounded and passionate approach to life.  I also like her ability to connect and engage with her audience-- it is through her books or lectures.  Her straight to the point approach is a breath of fresh air.

What are your earliest memories of writing?

My earliest memory of writing is in middle school.  During the summer, my mother would always have my brother and I writing reports on various topics. Most of the time if we traveled we were required to write mini reports about our experiences.  Also, I didn’t grow up in the era of email, texting and instant messaging so I was always writing letters to my relatives and friends.  Back then we had pen pals too and my mother encouraged us to write.  She saved a book I wrote in middle school titled “Summer Love”.  As an adult, I read it and found it to be quite cheesy, but she liked it.

Were you encouraged to write or was it something that came natural?

Both. My mother encouraged me to write because she realized that writing was a natural extension of reading comprehension. And because writing (hand writing and not typing) was a thing of my generation is was second nature to write both for pleasure and for communication purposes. During the summer, writing was a fun activity we did and when I turned 14 I started journaling; I still journal to this day. So, writing has always been a part of my life.

 
What do you do when you’re not writing or promoting your books?

When I am not writing or promoting my book, I am spending time with my husband and children or connecting with friends and family.

What do you hope that readers will take away from your book?

The message I would like for children to take away from YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL is that despite the outside differences, people are similar on the inside.  After reading my book, every child should understand that their skin color is unique and beautiful.  As for adults, I would like for them embrace having conversations with their children about race and other forms of bias they might encounter away from home.  I am sure the conversation will be uncomfortable for some, but I would like for my book to be a catalyst for that conversation.

How can your book be used in the classroom?

Educators may use my book in their classroom as an introduction to teaching diversity and multiculturalism to their students.  Also, I have activities on my website that they can print and use for their class at www.robynabdusamad.com.

You Are Beautiful will release November 28, 2014

Thank you for your time, Robyn and best of luck with your new book release.

Author Interview: Fatimah Ashaela Moore Ibrahim, The Azurean Trilogy

Every once in a while you come across a book that is really different from all the rest. I would like to introduce a wonderful new series written by Fatimah Ashaela Moore Ibrahim called, The Azurean Trilogy. I love scifi and the fact that this was a spiritual fiction, put the icing on the cake. It is unique, fresh and has all the fun and adventure I like in science fiction/fantasy. The Azurean Trilogy follows the adventure of five gifted teens as they train to save their planet from an evil that is oppressing them and sending their new found home into the same chaos and destruction that planet Earth went through. Today, I am happy to introduce the author of this exciting new series as she shares her publishing journey.

I would love to know a little bit about your writing and publishing journey of The Azurean Trilogy (Books 1&2).

My writing and publishing journey for "The Azurean Trilogy" (Essentia and Burgeon) has been a really awesome experience. I had the basic ideas for the story in my heart for a long time; exploring, showing the power of faith, Earth conservation, world peace, healthcare, and caring about each other on a human level regardless of color, religion, etc. were at the top of the list. But every time I tried to think of the actual story-- it just wouldn't come. Then, one day, I sat down and said to myself, "Let me just start writing, see what happens, and then go from there." And the characters and storyline just flowed out! From then on, I wrote everywhere I could. I have three children, so writing was often done late at night. I found this great site (Wattpad.com) where you could post chapters of your story up to build an audience and get feedback, and seeing all of the people who read my book motivated me to finish it. Once I was done, I found another great site, Createspace.com, which allows authors to self-publish their book in paperback and Kindle, and sell it on Amazon.com--all without an upfront cost. They were very user-friendly with great customer service for any questions I had. The whole experience was a blessing.

How long did it take?

It took about 1 year to write, edit and publish Books 1&2. Looking back, I can't believe it took that long...the time just flew by. But I enjoyed every moment of it. 

Was it difficult balancing family life and making time for writing?

It was definitely a challenge. It can be really tough to balance home, work, family and staying on top of your prayers too. And then to have a passion to do something in addition to it all can be overwhelming. But staying focused and prayerful was invaluable. 

What challenges did you face?

The biggest challenge for me was finding the actual (quiet) time to write. The things God has given me in my life as responsibilities are my priority. But it was also a priority to nourish the passion I had for this project. I have such a strong desire to use my talents and gifts to bless others and bring more light and love into this world. I may sound like a hippie, lol, but I truly do. 

Which part of your publishing journey was your favorite? Which was your worst?

I actually have two favorites: Writing and doing the graphic design. I am also a Visual Artist, so I really enjoyed writing the actual story as well as creating the graphics for the cover and promotional materials. The worst was the editing!!! I literally read through the story about 10 times once it was done trying to catch errors....my eyes were crossing by the 5th read through! But I have to say, each time I finished, I was like, "Even if this was a story I hadn't written myself, I would really enjoy it." That's what makes me the most excited about it. 

 

Why did you choose to self-publish your work?

I chose to self-publish because there was a shorter wait for when my book could be available to the public. I didn't like the idea of sending my manuscript off and waiting months to see if someone would read it. It just seemed like it would take so long, lol. And then, the genre (Spiritual Science Fiction, or Spi-Fi) is still working to carve out a real niche for itself....so there aren't a lot of publishers looking for books in this relatively new genre. 

What sets your story apart from other books about human survival after the death of our planet?

The difference with my story is that it really explores the power of faith-- it just takes it to a new and exciting level...and in a way that I have never read before. 

 

Tell us a little bit about your story, The Azurean Trilogy (Essential and Burgeon)?

The Azurean Trilogy is an adventure that takes a look at where we have been, and what can be if we all work really hard not to repeat the mistakes of our past. All of this is done within a framework of characters who are God-conscious. I don't want to give away anything, lol...in essence, it is an adventure that feeds your faith. 

What inspired you to write your story?

A desire to see a reality where we truly have world peace inspired me to write this book. I wanted people to be hopeful and empowered when they look out at the state of things on this planet of ours. I wanted to write a story that is entertaining, fulfilling and healing. I wanted people to be excited about being believers. 

What is the significance of using both Qur'anic and Biblical references in your book?

My original draft used references from the Qur'an, Bible and Torah, but I wasn't able to find a public domain source for the Torah scripture- so I ended up using Qur'an, and then Old Testament and New Testament from the Bible. I used them to unite people in their similarities rather than divide them with their differences. I wanted people of different faiths to not see each other as so different and foreign to each other.

Why do you call your work 'spiritual' fiction as oppose to 'Islamic or Muslim' fiction since your main character is a Muslim?

My main character is a Muslim, but the story, like life, includes many different people. I chose to put it under the genre of Spiritual Fiction because it is a story that can be enjoyed by people of many different faiths, because it focuses on our spirituality. For me, spirituality is a person's understanding that there is something greater than them that created them and all that they see. We all choose a different practice/religions to cultivate that. 

 

I'm curious, why was Yaya chosen to be the narrator? How different would the story be if one of the other Gifted Five narrated it? Or maybe even one of the Guardians?

The moment I sat down to write the story, Yaya was narrator. It felt most natural to tell the story through her eyes, probably because she is most like me: A female and a Muslimah. I think the story could have been just as good through the eyes of one of the other characters...but for me, it just felt easy and most natural. 

Do you have plans to write more spiritual fiction?

Absolutely!!! I have already begun writing an outline for Book 3, Manifest. I also have two other stories in the wings... but am giving all of the attention to completing The Azurean Trilogy and making it as full and exciting as I can first! My prayer while writing it is that it would inspire people to get a closer relationship with the Creator. If I accomplish that through anything I write, then that is the greatest gift to me. 

Blog Tour: The Dragon Empire and Giveaway

Today we're celebrating the release of Heather McCorkle's fantasy novel, The Dragon Empire! For today's stop Heather is answering the following question:

Why write from a dragon's point of view?

Heather: Dragons have fascinated me since I was very little. They are well covered in literature but it's rare to find a story written from their point of view. I wanted to give voice to the creature that has captured my imagination so completely.

B&N / Amazon / Goodreads

Here is a bit about it:

On Yacrana dragons are the advanced species. But advanced doesn't always mean civilized...

There's trouble in the Dragon Empire, the kind that could start a war between dragons and the races of people. Hidden factions of dragons believe they should rule the lesser races, not simply stand aside and allow them to develop as they will. Having lived so long in peace, the Emperors turn a blind eye, many oblivious that such attitudes even exist.

Despite being only an architect class, emerald dragon, Grendar is willing to risk banishment and death to stop that which his rulers refuse to see. The hope of peace lies not within the scaled breast of a dragon however, but within the hands of a group of people. But if the hidden factions have their way, these people won’t live to fulfill such a destiny. With a reluctant seer at his side, Grendar must leave his precious Empire for the outside world to save those that will one day save his kind.

While The Dragon Empire is for ages young adult and up, it does contain mild violence and some difficult subject matter. 

Visit the author's website for a chance to win a signed paperback of your choice of one of her books

Author Interview: Tameka Fryer Brown

Happy Thursday everyone!

It has been a while but I'm finally catching up :D Here is a wonderful author I would love to introduce to you all! Tameka Fryer Brown! I fell in love with her first picture book, Around My Way On Neighbors' Day, a rhythmic tale that celebrates the diversity of a close knit community. Her second picture book, My Cold Plum, Lemon Pie, Bluesy Mood, will be published in March 2013!  

So here she is friends.......... Tameka Fryer Brown

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

    Well, I am--and have been--a lot of things: I'm a wife and mother of three, a children's book author, and an active Montessori parent and volunteer. I have been a medical supplies sales representative, a Montessori teacher's assistant, and a bible school teacher. I'd like to be an illustrator, a singer, and an actress. But for now, those things are just dreams. I haven't yet committed to a plan of action that would turn any of them into goals.

2. When and why did you begin writing?

    I've always loved to write. As a youth, I remember winning a blue ribbon from the Dade County Youth Fair for a poem I wrote, and I also had an open letter published in a local newspaper. But as for the decision to make writing a career choice, that happened in 2005. I was a stay-at-home mom and had been looking for a just-for-me, cerebral type activity to fill a void that had been growing inside me. The idea came to me while reading a picture book to my youngest daughter. I thought to myself, "I can TOTALLY write these." Took a bit longer than I thought to write something worth publishing, but ultimately, my gut instinct was right ,

3. What inspired you to write "Around Our Way On Neighbors Day"?

    This is always a weird question for me to answer, because really, the first draft of this story came to me in that twilight state one enters just before waking up. Before I opened my eyes, I had the rhyme scheme and the first verse worked out. By the end of the day, I had a complete first draft.  The story that ended up being published has a totally different rhyme scheme than the original (which was an ABC book), but the essence remains the same: a rhythmic love story between a young girl and her close-knit, diverse community. 
    But I do think there was a deeper inspiration for this story. I think my subconscious reached into my childhood memories and brought forth a story inspired by them.
 

4. What are some of your most fondest memories of your neighborhood growing up?

    My fondest neighborhood memories actually come from my Bigmama's (my great-grandmother's) neighborhood. She used to watch me during the day when I was pre-school age, and then after school once I started.  I remember kickball games and jump-roping; learning cheers and forming singing groups that performed for the neighbors; buying frozen cups from the Frozen Cup Lady, as well as Lemon Heads and hot sausages; hoping my Bigmama would give my cousin and I some money for the ice cream truck that had just pulled up outside, and hoping it wouldn't take off before we were able to race down the apartment stairs and get back to it.  I remember respecting adults who I didn't know personally, but who told us to stop doing wrong when we were doing it. I remember everybody in the neighborhood--young and old--calling my Bigmama "Bigmama" too. 

    I think the love and sense of community I experienced at my Bigmama's house provided the emotional blueprint for Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day.

   
5. Can you share with us your publishing journey? What were some of your greatest challenges and how did you overcome them?

    I think the greatest challenge was hanging in there. Although the time that lapsed from my joining SCBWI to selling my fist book was only 3 years (which isn't that long according to many), when you are a perfectionist who can be borderline compulsive, three years full of rejections and almosts can be excruciating.
    I seriously considered ending my publication journey twice in those three years, and both times God sent me a signal that it wasn't time to quit yet.  The first time I was about to stop, I received an offer of representation from Jennifer Rofe at ABLA. The second time, I received a first place award in the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories Contest AND got my first book deal, both within a few months of each other. I took the hint.

6. What do you think is one of the biggest mistakes a new writer/author can make and how do we avoid it?

    Not seeking out or listening to professional feedback on one's work is a major mistake. No matter how talented you may be, it is almost impossible to catch all of the issues that exist in your own work. Join up with a critique group that either has some experienced writers, or one where everyone is totally dedicated to growing in their craft. If you write for children, it's best to be in a group that writes for children as well. If it's a genre specific group, that's even better.  Professional paid critiques are options, too. It's a great investment in your craft. Ask around for recommendations, or analyze the service provider's stated criteria and testimonials to find the critique service that best suits you.

    Raw talent only gets you so far in this business. Those who succeed are those who are willing to study and perfect their craft.

7. As a teacher, I am always looking for books to enrich my classroom, how can your book be used in the classroom?

    Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day can be used to foster conversations about community, diversity, and poetry.  The beautiful, expressionist-inspired illustrations by Charlotte Riley-Webb can also be used in a study of art and various artistic styles. There is also a little-known holiday called Good Neighbor's Day (September 28) and AOW would be a great educational companion for informing students about that.   There is also a comprehensive study guide, created by Debbie Gonzales, that provides wonderful discussion questions and great extension activities that is perfect for both teachers and parents.

8. Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started out on your publishing journey?

        I wish I had had a more realistic picture of the marketing aspect of publishing. I think I had a larger expectation of the marketing dollars a publisher would invest in a new author's title than turned out to be realistic. They certainly invest a huge amount to get the book published, but the unknown, unproven author still has a lot of hustling to do to try to get it on the radar of purchasers.

9. What advice do you have for writers who are plagued with writer's block?

    Immerse yourself in the things, people, places that inspire your creativity. And when all else fails, give yourself permission to sit down and write crap. That's hard for me--the perfectionist--to do. Intellectually, though, I totally believe that the mere act of writing is the most creative boon in and of itself.

10. Last but not least, can you tell us three fun facts about yourself? :)

        I love Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, but I am coveting the Maple Glazed, Bacon Doughnut. I've never had one. I want one!
        My outfit of choice is jeans and a t-shirt. Actually, it's my pajamas, but I can't run errands in those, so....
    I don't watch much TV these days, but the one show I make it my business to see is Once Upon A Time.  I got suckered in by a marathon ABC showed one night and now I'm hooked.

Author Interview: Umm Nura: The Jannah Jewels Series

Greetings everyone!!! I feel really bad that I have not been posting on my regular schedule but it has been a very busy month for me. God-willing, I will be starting back to my regular postings. Today I will start it off with an author interview!!! :)

Meet Umm Nura. She is the author of the Jannah Jewel Series. This series features four adventure seeking time-traveling friends on a mission to save the world from a power hungry entity seeking world domination. These girls are fierce, determined and intelligent, each with a unique ability that serves the group. Here's more about the author herself!

Thank you for joining us today Umm Nura. Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a homeschooling mom of two beautiful girls, 3 and 1.  I am a Masters of Arts graduate with a degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Spirituality in Education.  I have been a public school and private school teacher for grades K-12 for 10 years.  Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a Youth Liaison for 7 years.  Currently, I work for a homeschooling organization, in which I am a Learning Consultant for various families in British Columbia, Canada and writing stories part-time.  My hobbies include sports, graphic design, photography, calligraphy, gardening and playing with my little ones.

What are your earliest memories of writing?

Probably writing "more than what was expected of me" in school... Grade 5 comes to mind... when I wrote pages of pages of a story when we were only supposed to write something short and sweet.

Were you encouraged to write or was it something that came natural?

I didn't think I would ever become a writer.  It was something that was encouraged from professors and writing mentors that had a look at my work.

What inspired you to write the Jannah Jewel series?

I was taking Japanese Bow and Arrow - Archery classes when the inspiration came.  I absolutely fell in love with the story of the bow and arrow and researched what Islam had to say about it.  I have always loved playing sports as a Muslim girl who grew up in Vancouver, BC (where Nature is your ultimate playground with the ocean, mountains and abundance of greenery here). I wrote the Jannah Jewels series mainly as inspiration for young girls and boys to continue being physically active and to re-new a sense of confidence and pride of being a Muslim in this day and age.

What do you hope that readers will take away from your book?

To take pride in the years of Golden History that Islam has to offer our young people... for young people to take initiative of the future and make change... to be able to identify with Muslim characters in an engaging story much like other mainstream stories with their main characters... to want to seek adventure, to explore and love being Muslim while doing so.

How can your book be used in the classroom?

Teachers can use Jannah Jewels in a variety of ways... I see it fitting in across the curriculum... mostly, I hope that Jannah Jewels encourages more engaging and fun reading material along with all of the other great literature out there.

What advice would you give parents on selecting the right books for their children to read?

Whenever possible to actually read the book before passing it over to their children! And, I'm a strong believer in that a child is never too old to continue being read to... (I love being read to as an adult!)  I know families who have "reading circles" with their teens and I can't wait to continue this tradition with my children when they are older.

Are you working on a new book?

I just finished my first picture book called, "Hijab and Basketball" which seems to fit right in with the FIFA people lifting the ban of headscarves in national sports.  All praise due to Allah (God)!

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?

The countless emails from parents who are so happy that their Muslim child can read a story with Muslim characters and it's so fun and cool.... and also countless emails from young girls and boys asking me to hurry up with the remaining books in the series.  Haha!  

What advice you would give to new writers?

Everybody has a voice.  Everybody has a story to share.  Yours is needed in our growing world today.  Ask Allah to place barakah (blessing) in your writing and just go for it!

Author Interview + Giveaway: Nabeel Akbar

Today, I would like to introduce you do, Nabeel Akbar, author of, To Catch a Bug, Castle Park, and Down the Hill We Go. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a free app code and don't forget to check out Nabeel's website!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Toronto, my parents emigrated here from Pakistan.  Growing up in Canada definitely had a huge part shaping the books I wrote in two ways.  We don’t always realize the abundance of children’s books available to us here.  So many of these mainstream books are full of imagination, adventure and wonder.  The stories are very creative and original, as is the artwork.  I wasn’t a big reader as a child, but I did read a fair share.  Stuff from Robert Munsch and similar authors were always a lot of fun to read.  Those types of books played a part in shaping my own writing, and then of course there was my own childhood.  I grew up in the suburbs, and there were quite a few kids in my neighbourhood that were the same age range. And all of the kids were of different races or colour, which is something I wanted to try and show in my stories, because I think it’s a great reflection of not just Canadian kids but Muslim kids.  We were outside all the time.  Winter was snowball fights and tobogganing, summer was spent playing neighbourhood games, sports, swimming and water fights. 

What was your favorite children’s book growing up?

Where the Wild Things Are.  Great story, full of imagination, wonder and adventure.  The illustrations created a bit of suspense, which made them very captivating.  It’s the type of book a kid can read over and over again.

As a picture book writer, how did you learn your craft? What are your natural strengths? Greatest challenges?

I believe with writing you need to read a lot and also write a lot to improve your skill. I was also fortunate to have a lot of memories to relate to and also a lot of younger relatives I’m close with whose experiences I could draw on to come up with ideas my stories.

What was your first published book and what inspired you to write it?

The first book I wrote was Down The Hill We Go, but the first book to be published was To Catch A Bug.  When I first sat down to write, I remembered how we would build ramps out of the snow and jump our sleds over them and so I built the story around that. It took me four days to write it, I then showed it to my wife who really liked it, then to the rest of my family.  Everyone thought it was good, and that really encouraged me to write more.  I thought about doing a series of books and within a month I had completed Neighbourhood Safari (not yet published), Castle Park and Summer Splash.  I thought “Daze of Fun” was a good title for the series.  I remember when the completed hardcover copy came in the mail.  Alhamdulillah, it was a great feeling.  I was very happy with the way it came out.  Another thing which I felt good about was that I had accomplished something which could potentially be a lasting contribution to the community- something people could enjoy and perhaps even benefit from.

The snow has fallen and the school's are closed.
Jibraeel and Amanah can't wait to get to the park
and enjoy all the exciting activies Winter brings!

How has publishing changed since you published your first picture book?

As I published my first book recently, not much has changed.  There is a lot of demand for ebooks and book apps for mobile phones and tablets.  Seeing the popularity of these mediums increase we decided to also develop apps for three of our stories.  I wanted some shorter stories, but something with a twist or joke at the end.  After some time I had Midnight Snack, To Catch A Bug and Colours of My Imagination. The idea for To Catch A Bug came from a charity picnic we attended.  My niece and nephew were picking up caterpillars from a tree, when they saw how terrified my wife and sister were, they started to chase them around with the caterpillars! 

What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of publishing your books?

Self publishing is very challenging because you are handling all levels of work, writing, book designing, printing, distributing and even marketing. Before self publishing, I waited almost a year to hear back from publishers – due to some of the content, I was only sending it to Islamic book publishers – so there weren’t that many.  All of them declined, some said they didn’t even read the manuscripts because they were too busy.  The books were written in rhyming verse, and one publisher replied back that they weren’t looking to publish poetry, but if I have a children’s story, then they will look at it.  It was pretty frustrating because I felt they were unable to understand the idea behind them.  I decided that I would just self publish them which wasn’t difficult.  One of the publishers, Kube Publishing (formerly known as Islamic Foundation of UK) agreed to be the distributor, but I had to pay for all the book printing costs, which can be quite expensive – not to mention the artist fees.  I then came up with the name Kids Will Be Kids for my publishing company and thought about putting together a website once the first few books were ready.    Finding an artist wasn’t too difficult as my sister had a friend in art college and I also had a friend who is a really talented illustrator.

The most rewarding thing is when I receive comments from complete strangers who love our books and appreciate the effort we are putting forth.

What do you do when you’re not writing or promoting your books?

I love spending time with my family and being outdoors, playing sports and just being active.

What do you hope that readers will take away from your books?

 

I want kids to smile and laugh when they read these books.  I want them to feel that Muslim kids have just as much fun as any other kids, and I hope they will see how easy and natural it can be to incorporate the rememberance of our Creator in our everyday language.  

Are you working on a new book?

At this time I am not working on a new book.  Alhamdulillah, I have several stories waiting to be published.  We are focusing a bit more on mobile apps, and Inshallah another youtube video.

What author inspires you the most and why?

I would have to say Robert Munsch, he has touched the lives of so many people and continues to produce enjoyable stories.

How can your books be used in the classroom?

I think they are great books for story time in the classroom.  Kids find them to be funny and relatable, and teachers get a great opportunity to show how zikr (remembrance) of Allah can be used in any conversation.

What advice would you give parents on selecting the right books for their children to read?

Don’t limit yourself to focusing on books which are about lessons only.  Some parents might frown on fictional stories, but it’s important for children to read all kinds of books, it really helps them to become creative and imaginative thinkers as they grow older.  Let your children pick out their own books, and then you can sit down and screen them together in case of inappropriate content.  In such a situation, it can be a great opportunity to discuss and teach our children about our lifestyle as Muslims, the beauty and benefits of such a lifestyle.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Nabeel!

Jazakallah Khair for giving me this opportunity to speak about what we’re doing at Kids Will Be Kids Publishing!