Hey friends, it’s been enough time that my ego is compelling me to give you an update on my life, so let’s work backwards and start with squirrels…
I’m currently writing this newsletter from the splendor of a cabin in the woods. Pictured below, there’s little Wi-Fi out here but a whole lot of peace. There have been campfire s’mores, long walks, and now I’ve completed the copyedits for my sequel. This has been a nice little personal writer’s retreat that is winding down today.
Speaking of writer’s retreats, I’m hosting one for others. It’s an all-inclusive event in October at a stunning little resort alongside hugely successful authors and a literary agent. Sign up for that here!
Also on this personal writer’s retreat, I’ve been contemplating the school visits that I’ve done lately. There have only been a couple, as time allows, but I would like to do more in the future. School visits are hard to come by (if you’re reading this and have a connection to a school, please let me know!) but they are endlessly rewarding. The best part of being an author is easily the readers, and kids tend to be the most curious and ask the best questions.
It’s tough to figure out what ‘message’ you want to impart, but after wrangling a presentation that centers on my Arab background, my alopecia, and my love of sweets, I’ve decided the theme will be ‘write what you know’. After all, many writers struggle with crafting compelling story ideas and the fact is that the best ideas are personal. Things we can speak to from experience.
Here’s to many more school visits in my future!
As for sequels, I did mention I passed in copyedits for Shad Hadid and the Forbidden Alchemies, which you should pre-order NOW. What this means is that the novel is all but complete in the eyes of HarperCollins, my publisher. I’ve also been working on the first of my contracted graphic novels, which I couldn’t be more excited about.
As I look to wrap up both projects, my mind is on the future. Will I sell another middle grade fantasy series? Will it be an anthology, or perhaps another graphic novel for an older audience? I’m eager to work on something new and I’m hoping to make a decision shortly.
But that’s pretty much it on my end…for now.
Of course, if you follow me on social media, you’d know I’ve had a whole lot more going on, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I have a very exciting announcement coming shortly. More than one, in fact. So find me where I am on socials and follow me if you don’t already for even more fun!