Maybe it helps that I do believe that everything I do, and everywhere I am, I am meant to be doing or being in that specific moment in time. There’s no such thing as no impact. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that there are times I wish more people would take advantage of […]

It’s so weird to have something so consume your daily attention and be so completely oblivious to the world at large. Here I am, in the midst of preparations, this year it’s our turn to host Eid and the logistics of doing that are tough to say the least! But one day at a time, […]

And alhamdu lillah it feels so good! Getting up at a reasonable time (around 9 am) not having to rush to shower and have breakfast, even pottering around a bit before having breakfast and starting the day’s writing. It’s been so tricky working on this project. I’ve had to stop and start so many times, […]

That fuzzy muzzy feeling when you’ve had enough sleep but you’re still woozy because of the time of day. Hope it gets over soon. Got back in from Sharjah yesterday afternoon and I’m still digesting the trip. The best attitude to have in such a situation is a ‘just to go with the flow’ a […]

I’m going to be doing a skype visit this Friday morning insha Allah with some kids at a school in Brooklyn about career choices and I’ve been thinking about what it takes to make it as an author. Thing is you need to have a number of ‘income streams’. I know that sounds kind of […]

Think of character sketches as a sort of ‘painting with words’. Using large brush strokes to capture a likeness of an individual. And notice the little details I included that provide clues. I read it just now and it still made me laugh! See if you can guess who it is.   George couldn’t help […]

Just got off the phone with another artist, and there’s something about collaborative works that’s completely energizing. Much better than working alone, slogging away after the initial euphoria of the concept washes over you and you have to get down to putting  your vision down on paper! I might be wrong but I think George […]

What do you do when you get such a nice compliment that it kind of floors you? I spend a lot of time reminding myself to not take myself so darn seriously! And I am really fortunate that I have a family who keeps me grounded. I don’t want to ever become one of those […]

Apologies for the infrequency of my blog posts. This summer has been beyond hectic! And with all the work I’ve been doing, both writing, updating websites, preparing for conferences/workshops and preparing for Artist in Library residency that started today, well…things have been crazy. And blogging has not been a priority. I’m doing a workshop at […]

Have to laugh at myself here. I should be working on the teacher guide for King for a Day, but instead, I’m writing about how I’m procrastinating on it. Got me to thinking of that hadith that I love so much. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Make use of five things before five […]