![]()
You know it's a good book when:
1. You can just can't seem to put it down
2. You tell everyone you know about it.
3. You left with over flowing thoughts once you done reading it.
That's exactly how I felt about the book Surviving. Today I'd like to introduce you to the author of the book, 28 year old Asmaa Khan.
Hi Asmaa, please tell us more about yourself and your book Surviving.
I left school in Grade 10 to pursue Islamic studies. Later, I matriculated and married at the age of 19. I loved reading from a young age, and this planted the seed to want to write something of my own one day. I tried my hand at writing many times, and ended up with short stories or longer manuscripts that remained unfinished and forgotten on the shelf. I eventually started writing Surviving, with no clue on how to go about, but my live of reading helped me along, together with various tips researched over the Internet. I did know that I wanted to highlight various issues within our muslim communities. It took me five years to complete the manuscript, before I began sending it off to publishers. They rejected me, and I was a little crushed but in no way ready to give up my dream. I decided to blog a few chapters to see what the response of readers would be like. I was overwhelmed. I had hope again. Ask Nanima assisted me with my blog and we published Surviving under the Ask Nanima brand once the blog stopped.
I am now a mother of three little boys, and a teacher.
Wow! Now that is inspiring!
Surviving tells the story about Mumtaz. It deals with challenges that we face in our society, focusing on her ability to hold onto her faith and values, how her faith is tested and how she deals with these many tests. It takes her from the confines of safety and drops her into the cruel world of abuse and finally lands her in the streets of Jo'burg. It is a story of immense hardships and pain, deep friendships and learning to love again.
What inspires your writing?
My grandfather has always been my biggest inspiration. He didn't complete school beyond the fifth grade, but he lived reading and would read every book or newspaper that came his way, often beneath the street lamps. He went on to collect an entire library containing more than ten thousand books.
Everything else inspires me too. The weather, a simple story, a family reunion where relatives are diverse and unified at the same time. A simple prayer, a hug from a child, a flower blooming. Everything has the ability to inspire me to write more, to describe, to relate a story, to understand emotion...
That's Beautiful. How and where can we purchase your book?
Visit www.nanima.co.za to order a copy of the book or look for an agent near you.
Are there any other writing projects that you are currently busy with?
There are so many ideas that I am playing around with, both for future books and for the blog. However time isn't on my side, and taking care of three small rascals comes first. Keep me in your prayers and hope that I can battle all these demons
How can readers keep in contact with you.
Twitter @Smazicles
Instagram @Smazicles
Facebook Asmaa Dangorgeous Khan
Email survivin@yahoo.co.za
