There are authors including one of my favorites, Jodi Picoult, who claim that "writer's block" is non-existent, that it's a mere myth: "I don't believe in writer's block. Think about it - when you were blocked in college and had to write a paper, didn't it always manage to fix itself the night before the paper was due? Writer's block is having too much time on your hands." As much as I admire Jodi Picoult, I find the last line slightly offensive because I am an English teacher, an author, an editor and a mother of three. Thus, I certainly do not have "too much time on my hands" nor do I consi ..read more

"Secrets in the Wind" has officially won its first literary award: "Honorable Mention" in the 2023 London Book Festival's Young Adult Fiction Category. To celebrate with you, I would like to share with you five mistakes to avoid when searching for representation. 1.Sending in an incomplete or unedited version of your manuscript. Some may hire a professional to edit the work, some may even download an editing app or use a digital editing service, while others may edit it themselves! There’s also the option of asking someone within your circle of friends to double-check your work completely free ..read more

With my book, "Secrets in the Wind," having launched on February 15th, my publisher, Djarabi Kitabs Publishing, requested I answer some questions for the latest press release. I wanted to share these answers with you: I remember hearing about real life stalker victim stories in Bangladesh. When I began researching deeper into the topic, I realized that it was actually a common struggle among young girls in Bangladesh. Moreover, due to societal pressures of Bengali norms, thereby the lack of support most victims receive from their own family members, these girls often choose to keep silent or ..read more

One of the biggest questions for authors are whether or not they wish to self-publish their work or traditionally publish their work. Speaking from experience where I have been on both paths, I can shed some light on the advantages of each: SELF-PUBLISH: If you choose the self-publishing path, be aware that you, yourself, are in charge for everything. It is an exhilarating feeling! You will have to, however, dig deep into your pockets, investing in yourself, unsure of whether or not that investment will win back any profits at all. It's taking a chance on yourself and that's okay because you ..read more

Notice that I wrote "6 Tips on Picking the RIGHT Title" instead of "6 Tips on Picking the PERFECT Title" to name this particular blog post. Perfection is overrated and although that's one of a writer's biggest flaw, the search for perfection, it shouldn't be. Titles are, after all, like most things... subjective. Therefore, choose a title that is RIGHT for YOU, yes...for you. You know your written text best! Here are six tips on how to pick the "right" title for your written text: 1.First of all, It's definitely easier to come up with a title AFTER you complete the written project. 2.Secondly ..read more

For some reason, fate brought me time and time again to look over at Djarabi Kitabs Publishing Company as a potential publisher for my fourth book. I wondered whether or not they would be interested in publishing it; whether or not it would be a right match between author-and-publisher, and vice versa. It turns out that it was and I signed my fourth book with them, tbr 2023! Here are five facts about my novel, "Secrets in the Wind:" 1. is a YA fiction. 2. It is a thriller inspired by real life stories. 3. It is meant to be thought-provoking enough to spark deep analytical questions among stude ..read more

1.The best way to beat writer's block is by being the ultimate YOU: Whatever is burning within you, whatever is setting your heart on fire at this very moment, write it all down. Most times, there's a hesitation because you're afraid of showing yourself to the world, sharing your thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger, your reader. But know this, that someone, somewhere needs to read your words; they need reassurance that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are experiencing or feeling in that moment in time. Your words can impact in a positive light so let that light shine ..read more

I have started and even completed a number of manuscripts, some of which I have attempted to gain representation for, some I am still editing according to the constructive feedback from my author circle and the literary agents who rejected me. I keep writing! And I recommend you to do the same. Why? 1. If you get the most minimal amount of encouragement from one good word or compliment regarding your written work, your work is worth pursuing. Even if it's a family member who can often be the most blunt with their words, take that compliment and turn it into your motivation. I recently got rej ..read more

Most recently, I have been struggling with finding my inspiration again and thus, second-guessing my own written work for the umpteenth time! In this battle, I have discovered that "writer's block" isn't just about staring at a blank page and not knowing how to start; rather, it can also be about looking at a complete manuscript and shaking my head, No, I am not happy with this...something is missing, what's missing? Here's 5 battle techniques I have found helpful against "writer's block:" Having someone else read my work and give me feedback or I, myself, reading it out loud to someone else ..read more

I recently got a message from a young mother and aspiring blogger who said she was struggling to write her blog. I asked her if it was the content she was struggling with. She expressed that she had plenty of content, but she wondered whether or not her personal story will be an interesting enough read. "I don't want to bore them," she said, referring to her potential readers. I recently lost my inspiration. My only sibling, my brother, Robin (Ryhan), who had battled 32 years of his life with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He passed away suddenly, yet peacefully. And I know, in my heart, that h ..read more