Writing Exercises
Archived under Personal Ramblings .
Assalaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullaah.
I'm not sure how many readers of this blog are vaguely interested in writing (with the exception of Umm Sadiqah wa Asma of 'Muslim by Choice'), but if there's anyone who would seriously like to write fiction stories - of course they will need to be beneficial Islaamically - then I would strongly encourage you to take part in some reading exercises.
Some may remember reading about my writer's block woes and I've since tried to combat them by actually doing some reading of children's books. I've also come across a writing exercise which has sparked some renewed interest to write and right now, I'm doing it as a past-time.
Was-salaamu 'alaikum
~ Umm Junayd.
Oh.. and here's the link to one of the exercises I did this morning - maybe I'll post the result of it here for your critique. I'm on a roll, wa lillaahil hamd!
Creating Characters Children Will Love
Your Thoughts
Wa 'alaikumus-salaam.
Mashaa`Allaah ukht, that's great to hear. What do you plan to do with your story once you're done with it?
BTW inshaa`Allaah I may be starting a new blog soon which will focus on writing etc.
Was-salaamu 'alaikum
Umm Junayd.
Asalaam 'Alaikum:
I'm intending to use it with our Islamic studies - the girls are homeschooled. I would love to publish - but am still so disappointed at the lack of avenues for publishing islamic stories. I've been told again and again from parents that they wish I would publish (their kids like the stories) - but right now, it's not in my hands. Insha'Allah someday.
By the way - I went and requested the book you are using from the library - thought I'd check it out.
Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah Umm Sadiqah wa Asma
Wa 'alaikumus-salaam.
but am still so disappointed at the lack of avenues for publishing islamic stories.
How many publishers have you tried? Have you been mainly looking at Muslim publishers? Have you tried to look for those non-Muslim publishers who cater for 'multicultural' books - there are a few. How do you 'sell' your stories to publishers?
Sorry for all the questions, but there are many publishers who may be intersted in your stories inshaa`Allaah.
~ Umm Junayd.
Asalaam 'Alaikum:
I actually have only tried Muslim Publishers because my stories are specific to that target group. I doubt any other publisher would be interested. The good news is - I just received an email stating that an Islamic Publishing Company is interested in one of my stories. Insha'Allah something will come out of it.
I guess I just don't know what publishers are out there and which ones are trustworthy and reliable - if that makes sense.
Insha'Allah I will keep writing - I just want to share what I have - I hate to see it go to waste on my computer and my kids are too young yet to appreciate stories without artwork. When I finished my first story all my daughter could say was - hey, where's the pictures? I may be able to write - but artwork is definitely not my strong point.
Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah
Wa 'alaikumus-salaam.
Have you heard of Mantra Lingua Ltd? They publish multi-cultural books in mutiple languages, mashaa`Allaah. I actually lent a children's book about 'eid from the library yesterday and it was published by them! If you have a multi-lingual section in your local library, check to see if the books are published by Mantra, and read through a few to see what they like.
Of course, Muslim Publishers are most desireable, but very few of their books get into libraries etc which is a shame really.
What stance do you take with regards to illustrations of those with souls when aimed at children?
Asalaam 'Alaikum:
I've heard of Mantra Lingua - I've looked over their website and I believe I may have read one or two of their books. I may have to check out the library again - because I'm not sure.
I prefer not to be the cause of making pictures of animals/humans with souls in my book - and this is a concern because I don't know what a Publishers stance on this (although I see many are not worried about it at all). I was told the Publisher was interested in my story and would contact me soon with more details. I don't know what to do - because my story is quite visual and involves a lot of description of Allah's creation of Animals. At this point, I'm not sure what to think - but I want to do what is best - even if that means not getting published.
Any advice?
Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah Umm Sadiqah wa Asma
Wa 'alaikumus-salaam.
I prefer not to be the cause of making pictures of animals/humans with souls in my book
I totally feel the same. I prefer not to have images of animals and humans in my books, however, I do feel that maybe the drawing of people/ animals without the faces ie here)
This may be the only way you can get the visual effects across. Allaah knows best.
With regards to the publishers, you can always see their stance reflected in their books - they usually do have images of people in there etc. There are a few who do not have such images in them.
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Asalaam 'Alaikum:
Jazak Allah Khair for sharing - I'm going to try this too, insha'Allah. I woke up today energized - and actually came up with a story line while getting ready this morning. I'm so excited (and a tad disappointed that I actually can't start writing right now as our day is supposed to be a busy one).
I usually don't write often - but when the inspiration strikes - it strikes in full force. So, this is a good day for me, masha'Allah! I guess I should mention it will be a story to teach Muslim children the importance of patience.
Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah Umm Sadiqah wa Asma