From Readers to Writers

Interview-22: Hayaa, by saudi_araybia

Hayaa: 

  Cling to it. 

  Bathe in it. 

  For it is not the definition of oppression.

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  1. {Selcouth questions} Were you always an avid reader or writer?  

{Adelaide answers} Ever since a young age, I have loved reading. I read all the time as a child and that eventually developed into a love of writing.

  2. {Selcouth questions} How did you get the idea for your book-Hayaa?

  {Adelaide answers} The idea for 'Hayaa' came to me during the month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast to increase in faith. I wanted to do something spiritual for me as well as tackle something relatable and knowledgeable. Thus, 'Hayaa', Arabic for modesty, was born. It follows the struggles of a girl in the western world, trying to stay true to her faith.

  3. {Selcouth questions} Is the theme or protagonist, of your book, related to you or your life? 

 {Adelaide answers} My main character, Aleyah, was someone who I idealized greatly. I wanted give her a character that young Muslim girls, like me, would look up to. Someone who goes through the same pains as every other Muslim but still stands strong. To me Aleyah is a great model and I hope that other readers see that too.

  4. {Selcouth questions} Who inspires you to write? 

 {Adelaide answers}  My inspiration would probably to all my readers and my good friend Veiled_Humour who started an Islamic book before me. After seeing her amazing works, reading some of her poetry and receiving a few words of encouragement, I decided that I would try and write something spiritual.

  5. {Selcouth questions} In the near future, do you have plans to take your writing, to a new level? 

{Adelaide answers} That is something I am not sure about... but maybe if I think my writing is worthy enough. All I want for 'Hayaa' is for its message to be spread to as many people as possible. Us Muslims aren't all that bad! In fact, I've even created a second book called 'Zina' and I hope it, along with 'Hayaa', goes far together in a series. 

  6. {Selcouth questions} How does it feel, to be the winner of The Spice Awards?

 {Adelaide answers} To come second in The Spice Awards... wow. I'm still taking it in. I'm so proud of 'Hayaa' and how far it has come. I feel like a validated author and my cover is graced with a lovely sticker from the awards. In short, WINNING AN AWARD FEELS AWESOME and I hope to win many more in the future.

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Thank you Adelaide, for taking time, out of your schedule, in order to answer this interview.