The easiest way for readers to connect with characters and feel sympathy is to make the character entertaining, sympathetic and likeable.

You should take notes whenever you hear interesting or original language.

That’s when this warm feeling buzzes through you and you smile to yourself, knowing God’s watching you, knowing that He knows you’re trying to be strong to please Him.

We have to choices in this world; we either try to survive or to give up.

I've been writing stories since I was a kid. I love writing stories.

Most Muslim women know it is fear and curiosity that cause people to stare. They know it is ignorance and stereotypes that cause people to suppose that a piece of material covering the hair strips a woman of the ability to speak English, pursue a career, work a remote control.

For me, religious festivals and celebrations have become an important way to teach my children about how we can transform living with diversity from the superficial 'I eat ethnic food', to something dignified, mutually respectful and worthwhile.