Ask the Author: Atia Abawi
Answered Questions (9)
Atia Abawi
Much love and hellos to you and your students!
Atia Abawi
Hi Mindy!
I think that there are many themes that the readers can pull from the story. But what I hope that readers definitely get from the book is the power of empathy. Deep down, despite our differences, we are all humans with very similar needs and hearts. And when we use empathy we can understand one another in a way that we can't without it.
I think that there are many themes that the readers can pull from the story. But what I hope that readers definitely get from the book is the power of empathy. Deep down, despite our differences, we are all humans with very similar needs and hearts. And when we use empathy we can understand one another in a way that we can't without it.
Atia Abawi
Take a break. I walk away from the computer and let my brain relax and think without the stress of a blank screen. Hopefully things will pop into my brain. When I get to the blank screen I just type whatever comes to mind, even if it is a scene that might be used later in the book or not all - it brings me back into the story.
Atia Abawi
The best part about being a writer for me is to be able to share stories more in depth than how I have as a journalist. If I am lucky enough to have a reader pick up my book, I am blessed to have their attention for much longer than I would as a reporter on TV or in print.
Atia Abawi
Keep writing and keep reading. And if you want something, don't ever give up. Only those who give up, don't succeed. If you keep trying and working hard, it will happen one day. That's my advice for anything you want to do in life.
Atia Abawi
Research and interviews. Once I research and talk to people who have gone through the experiences I write about, I am inspired to try in some way to have their lives understood.
Atia Abawi
I just submitted my first draft for a YA book about the current refugee crisis, focusing on unaccompanied minors taking the trip. Something that isn't discussed much on the news is how more than 10,000 have gone missing, it's quite frightening.
Atia Abawi
My next book, releasing in 2018, involves the current Refugee Crisis. I was inspired to write about the journey of the refugees to give a deeper glimpse into a story we all saw on the news but not many may feel connected to. I was born a refugee when my parents escaped a raging war, while my mother was pregnant with me, so I couldn't help but think of what they went through and the many millions of others throughout the current crisis and past ones.
Atia Abawi
Hi Ranz Joseph, Thanks so much for your interest in "The Secret Sky." We dont have any copies to give away but we did just launch a signed book give away and would encourage you to sign up. It hasn't launched yet but will in the next few days. Good Luck!
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