Ask the Author: Nafiza Azad
Answered Questions (24)
Nafiza Azad
Honestly, no. It depends on how close the deadline is, haha.
Nafiza Azad
Many different things but to be very honest, I usually want to escape this bleak world so I create my own.
Nafiza Azad
Thank you for reading. And yes, I did. :D
Nafiza Azad
Wa'alaikum assalaam! I certainly am writing new books. I have a new project in the works that will be out in 2026, iA. I think you'll like it as it is unabashedly Muslim.
Nafiza Azad
Yay! I’m glad you liked it! It was originally intended as a trilogy which somehow became a duology but the second book hasn’t sold yet. I have a lot planned for Croi and her friends. Fingers crossed I get to write it. Thank you for liking Croi’s story!
Nafiza Azad
Who ate all the almonds in my cereal? The careful investigation to that mystery and the subsequent answer to it would be a good book. Haha
Nafiza Azad
I read a lot of Enid Blyton books when I was growing up. ROAD OF THE LOST is my answer to those books, to that time in my childhood when the fae were real and it seemed like they would pop out of a bush to say hello or perhaps go away.
Nafiza Azad
When I can't write a particular story, I take some time away from it. I read. I do other stuff to refill the creative well.
Nafiza Azad
Having people take the things you dream up very seriously. :D
Nafiza Azad
She remembered locking the door. But when she turned around, it was wide open.
Nafiza Azad
Thank you! I don't have another book in the series but I do have a different book coming out on August 3rd. It's vastly different from Candle but does feature excellent food and interesting women.
Nafiza Azad
If you're in North America, you can visit any library and if they don't have my book, you can request them to get it.
Nafiza Azad
Thank you! I really loved that book.
Nafiza Azad
Wa alaikum us salaam Salma. CANDLE is a standalone. While there is a potential for a spin-off featuring side characters, Fatima and Zulfikar’s story is basically done.
Nafiza Azad
This is a huge question and I'm not sure I can fully answer it in this space. I feel like research, a lot of research, is key to whatever you are talking about. You also have to be aware that there are some stories that are not for you to tell. Immerse yourself in research, ask questions, identify your biases, and once you're done, get a sensitivity reader. Even after doing all these things, keep in mind that you may still get it wrong. It also depends on the story you are trying to tell. Can you (and should you?) tell the story of a Holocaust victim (for example) as an outsider? As I said, this is super complex and only someone from the people/culture you are writing about can say if you are appropriating. There are a lot of resources on the web. Use them. Good luck!
Nafiza Azad
Thank you SO MUCH! This means a lot to me! <3
Nafiza Azad
I believe they are. If you have a contact at Scholastic, I believe you can request it. I don’t know when the egalleys will become available. They should be soon!
Nafiza Azad
Thank you so much! The book hasn't sold Australian rights (yet, it will hopefully) but Book Depository has it up for preorder if you are interested.
Nafiza Azad
Hi! I'm not certain who designed the cover but the art on it was done by Carlos Quevedo..
Nafiza Azad
I never say never! I do have an Aladdin retelling steeping in my mind. I may also return to the world of THE CANDLE AND THE FLAME as there are one clan of djinn that I don't mention much in the book but that have the potential to be developed into a story.
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