Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique enjoy a delightful conversation with author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh has over 40 published books for kids, from board books to middle grade. In our discussion, she elaborates on her journey from professional baker to award-winning author. Marzieh's story is so inspirational. Come be inspired to create your own successful writing journey.

You'll discover:

• How 12 x 12 played a pivotal role in Marzieh becoming a multi-published author
• Why she chooses to publish in the US market while she lives in Pakistan
• How she was inspired to write for children
• The challenge of being a writer without access to public libraries or bookstores
• How she studied mentor texts to learn to write picture books
• Writing Muslim books for Muslim kids vs. sharing the experiences of Muslim children with a mainstream audience
• Why finding joy in the publishing process is crucial
• What it is like to write a picture book bio of a living person
• The importance of being in a community that gets what you're trying to do

Books mentioned in this episode:

• A Dupatta Is . . . by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan
• Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan's First Woman Architect by Marzieh Abbas and Hoda Hadadi
• Aarzu All Around by Marzieh Abbas
• The Camel Library by Marzieh Abbas and Anain Shaikh
• The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
• Malala's Magical Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët
• Henna is... by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan
• Awe-samosas! by Marzieh Abbas and Bhagya Madanasinghe
• A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh Abbas Ali and Najwa Awatiff
• Radiant Ramadan by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed
• Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed
• Excited for Eid by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed
• Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita
• Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita
• Big Red Lollipop by Rukhana Khan and Sophie Blackall

Get 25% off Marzieh Abbas's webinar Mentor Text Your Way to Picture Books that POP! HERE.

Join Marzieh's Substack here.

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Thank you for listening!