Fida Islaih's Blog, page 20
June 23, 2016
How I Started To Own My Story
Hello Poetteers,
As a young girl with a mother who sold Islamic books that was all I read. As I grew up I started going to the public library and bookstore. I didn't find any books with Muslim characters. I would occasionally find a non fiction book stating the basic facts of Islam.
I have a love for story telling and am an avid reader. At a young age I started to write my own stories. They weren't exactly my own. My characters weren't Muslim and had white sounding names. I didn't feel any emotion in these stories because I wasn't attached. I kept writing them, though. It was all I knew.
Eventually I found a novel that had a Muslim character. Reading that story gave me the push to write my actual own story. It takes one story for you to get going and keep going. Write the story for yourself first. Ask yourself what you want to hear and read. Since then I barely find any Muslim driven stories but I keep writing.
In the back of my head, though, I was scared to write because I thought I wouldn't do it justice but it's my experience and my story to tell. I was scared to write because I thought I had to write everyone's story.
I continue to write because I found a community that is like-minded. I hope you check out #OwnYourOwn. It opened me up and gave me the inspiration, encouragement and motivation to keep writing and one day share them.
It is okay to have fear but channel it for good things.
Stay inspired,
Fida
As a young girl with a mother who sold Islamic books that was all I read. As I grew up I started going to the public library and bookstore. I didn't find any books with Muslim characters. I would occasionally find a non fiction book stating the basic facts of Islam.
I have a love for story telling and am an avid reader. At a young age I started to write my own stories. They weren't exactly my own. My characters weren't Muslim and had white sounding names. I didn't feel any emotion in these stories because I wasn't attached. I kept writing them, though. It was all I knew.
Eventually I found a novel that had a Muslim character. Reading that story gave me the push to write my actual own story. It takes one story for you to get going and keep going. Write the story for yourself first. Ask yourself what you want to hear and read. Since then I barely find any Muslim driven stories but I keep writing.
In the back of my head, though, I was scared to write because I thought I wouldn't do it justice but it's my experience and my story to tell. I was scared to write because I thought I had to write everyone's story.
I continue to write because I found a community that is like-minded. I hope you check out #OwnYourOwn. It opened me up and gave me the inspiration, encouragement and motivation to keep writing and one day share them.
It is okay to have fear but channel it for good things.
Stay inspired,
Fida
June 21, 2016
Putting my Beliefs in my Poetry
Hello Poetteers,
Some authors believe their beliefs in love and life should show through in their writing while others feel that they shouldn't and the beliefs that show up in the story is up to the character.
In fiction stories, whether it's the author's beliefs or the character's beliefs, it is understandable but non-fiction is different. You write of your beliefs and your beliefs should shine through.
I'm picky about the songs I listen to. When I listen to songs, I stop if they are inappropriate. Inappropriate to me is drugs and sex.
Drugs isn't good to do and sex is something that holds a special meaning and should be private instead of being overly described. There is a fine line. You want it to be normal but you don't want it to be overly described that it takes away from what it is.
Lots of well known songs talk of a lover. It's romantic but some are too sexual for listeners to think of anything else other than that. If the sex is not there and the romanticism is light or not distinct, it won't be inappropriate for readers and listeners.
In some songs of romantic love I am able to think of friendship instead.
I make my poems like that, appropriate for both lovers and friends. I daydream about guys but I want my poems to reflect my beliefs.
What do you think? Should authors share their beliefs?
stay inspired,
Fida
Some authors believe their beliefs in love and life should show through in their writing while others feel that they shouldn't and the beliefs that show up in the story is up to the character.
In fiction stories, whether it's the author's beliefs or the character's beliefs, it is understandable but non-fiction is different. You write of your beliefs and your beliefs should shine through.
I'm picky about the songs I listen to. When I listen to songs, I stop if they are inappropriate. Inappropriate to me is drugs and sex.
Drugs isn't good to do and sex is something that holds a special meaning and should be private instead of being overly described. There is a fine line. You want it to be normal but you don't want it to be overly described that it takes away from what it is.
Lots of well known songs talk of a lover. It's romantic but some are too sexual for listeners to think of anything else other than that. If the sex is not there and the romanticism is light or not distinct, it won't be inappropriate for readers and listeners.
In some songs of romantic love I am able to think of friendship instead.
I make my poems like that, appropriate for both lovers and friends. I daydream about guys but I want my poems to reflect my beliefs.
What do you think? Should authors share their beliefs?
stay inspired,
Fida
June 20, 2016
Top 5 Reasons I'm Grateful
Hello Poetteers,
As I look at my previous blessings posts I realized I have a lot of repetition. I will look deeper. I encourage you to look deeper, as well.
1. Put a hand over your beating heart.
2. I like finding new online friends with inspiring messages.
3. Glad to have in real life friends who put in the effort in everything.
4. Arab sweets are the best.
5. Hard times are learning experiences.
6. This creative/writing/poetry business is something I will continue to navigate.
Stay inspired,
Fida
As I look at my previous blessings posts I realized I have a lot of repetition. I will look deeper. I encourage you to look deeper, as well.
1. Put a hand over your beating heart.
2. I like finding new online friends with inspiring messages.
3. Glad to have in real life friends who put in the effort in everything.
4. Arab sweets are the best.
5. Hard times are learning experiences.
6. This creative/writing/poetry business is something I will continue to navigate.
Stay inspired,
Fida
June 17, 2016
22 Blessings for Turning 23!
Hello Poetteers,
Today is my birthday and I'm counting my blessings. Celebrate along with me by counting your blessings.
1. Sunshine
2. New dresses
3. That moment when you feel like you have the place to yourself.
4. Birds chirping
5. The strength my faith and Ramadan together give me.
6. chocolate chip cookies with coconut on top!
7. Being exposed to multiple cultures and being part of multiple cultures.
8. For late nights of sudden inspiration to write.
9. For early mornings of silence.
10. I'm lucky to know my passions and know myself.
11. Time on my side.
12. Great conversations
13. Good food and fruits
14. Finding the right headscarf
15. Finding what you thought would be lost forever.
16. Chocolate covered pretzels
17. The moon and stars shining above us.
18. The tree that provides shade.
19. Reading your favorite books.
20. My cats are the cutest!
21. My family is the coolest.
22. The support from the friends around me.
Stay inspired,
Fida
Twitter-sized bite:
Celebrate along with @poetfida by counting our blessings. (Tweet it!)
Today is my birthday and I'm counting my blessings. Celebrate along with me by counting your blessings.
1. Sunshine
2. New dresses
3. That moment when you feel like you have the place to yourself.
4. Birds chirping
5. The strength my faith and Ramadan together give me.
6. chocolate chip cookies with coconut on top!
7. Being exposed to multiple cultures and being part of multiple cultures.
8. For late nights of sudden inspiration to write.
9. For early mornings of silence.
10. I'm lucky to know my passions and know myself.
11. Time on my side.
12. Great conversations
13. Good food and fruits
14. Finding the right headscarf
15. Finding what you thought would be lost forever.
16. Chocolate covered pretzels
17. The moon and stars shining above us.
18. The tree that provides shade.
19. Reading your favorite books.
20. My cats are the cutest!
21. My family is the coolest.
22. The support from the friends around me.
Stay inspired,
Fida
Twitter-sized bite:
Celebrate along with @poetfida by counting our blessings. (Tweet it!)
June 14, 2016
Behind the Poem: Doodle
Hello Poetteers,
Doodle
Doodle after doodle
each outstanding and unique
just like you
(read the whole poem when you buy the book)
Before this poem was published in A to Z Poetry, it was written for a different purpose. It was a gift for a friend. The poem was inspired by said friend for their own passion. The story of knowing this person is special to me. From afar, I admired their art. As with every person you are talented in one thing and end up struggling in something else. I was able to be there to help. I wanted to remember that some way and this poem was born.
For this poem and many other poems, you can get a copy of A to Z Poetry on Smashwords for $.99 using the code YE68T.
Twitter-sized bite:
Go behind the scenes of the poem, Doodle, by @poetfida. (Tweet it!)
stay inspired,
Fida
Doodle
Doodle after doodle
each outstanding and unique
just like you
(read the whole poem when you buy the book)
Before this poem was published in A to Z Poetry, it was written for a different purpose. It was a gift for a friend. The poem was inspired by said friend for their own passion. The story of knowing this person is special to me. From afar, I admired their art. As with every person you are talented in one thing and end up struggling in something else. I was able to be there to help. I wanted to remember that some way and this poem was born.
For this poem and many other poems, you can get a copy of A to Z Poetry on Smashwords for $.99 using the code YE68T.
Twitter-sized bite:
Go behind the scenes of the poem, Doodle, by @poetfida. (Tweet it!)
stay inspired,
Fida
June 9, 2016
Poetry Spotlight: Noor Shirazie
Hello Poetteers,
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets. I had the honor of getting in touch with Noor Shirazie and interviewing her for you today. Noor Shirazie is a 24 year old creativity enthusiast and author of 'Mourning Departures'.
When and how did you get introduced to poetry?
I was introduced to poetry through some of my earliest English classes but was more intrigued by my mom's poetry. She's been writing for decades. I was really impressed and blown away by her pieces upon first reading them. She also motivated me because she showed that it's possible to pursue a passion without pursuing it as a career. It was a very important lesson at a time when I was still figuring out which career path to opt for. In my culture, writing isn't the most reputable career, so for her to write passionately, it encouraged me to give it a try as well without worrying about societal or cultural limitations.
What is your inspiration behind your poems?
There are definitely a handful of people who come to mind, people who have both hurt and helped me over the years. They've fueled a lot of my pieces. That being said, the platform I post on more frequently [Tumblr] is also filled with inspiration due to its large pool of writers. By interacting with writers who can magically put unexpected metaphors and imagery together, it opens my eyes to the possibilities contained within poetry.
A poem is a story that many people can relate to. Because of this, I also began receiving poetry prompts from those who view my blog. They tell me of their stories, their challenges, and their experiences. I then write based on those scenarios. The scenarios are often such that many people can relate to them. It's a really rewarding feeling to write with the intention to heal.
What keeps you going back to poetry?
Since I began writing, it's never failed me. It's an outlet through which I can sort through my own thoughts. Before getting upset over something, writing allows me to talk to myself. If I were looking for words of encouragement, what would someone tell me? Poetry is almost like an out-of-body experience that way. I become a stronger version of myself through the words until I can become a stronger person. It's the ultimate form of catharsis. The poems are almost saying, "Here are a few words to help you get by while you heal at your own pace."
Another reason I'm drawn to poetry is the knowledge that it's inspiring others and helping others overcome whatever causes them to relate to the pieces. On a more technical level, it's fun to challenge myself and see which words can explain a specific situation. What if I pair these words together? What sounds most powerful? The sheer experimentation of it keeps it interesting.
Do you write in one sitting or over a span of days?
I know a lot of writers that take their time and form beautiful pieces, but personally, I prefer to write in one sitting. If I write over a span of a few days, the thoughts grow stale, and the words become less concise. My poems tend to be short, so writing in one sitting is usually never difficult. I write in spurts, haha.
Do you read your old poems?
Absolutely, and I encourage all writers to do so. Old poems are almost like a diary. It's interesting to go back in time and see where you were during a specific year or month, how you were feeling, and what you were going through. It's also a wonderful reminder of how much both you and your writing style have evolved.
Who are your favorite poets?
I gravitate toward strong, female poets who cover topics such as identity, love, culture, belonging, healing, and growth. Nayyirah Waheed, Warsan Shire, Emma Bleker, Pavana, Rupi Kaur, Salma Deera, Yasmin, and Ijeoma Umebinyuo have all been favorites for a while now.
---
Thank you, Noor, for being on the blog. I am able to relate to what you have to say and I hope the same goes for my readers or they learned something new.
Where to Find Her
Instagram | Twitter | Website
stay inspired,Fida
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets. I had the honor of getting in touch with Noor Shirazie and interviewing her for you today. Noor Shirazie is a 24 year old creativity enthusiast and author of 'Mourning Departures'.
When and how did you get introduced to poetry?
I was introduced to poetry through some of my earliest English classes but was more intrigued by my mom's poetry. She's been writing for decades. I was really impressed and blown away by her pieces upon first reading them. She also motivated me because she showed that it's possible to pursue a passion without pursuing it as a career. It was a very important lesson at a time when I was still figuring out which career path to opt for. In my culture, writing isn't the most reputable career, so for her to write passionately, it encouraged me to give it a try as well without worrying about societal or cultural limitations.
What is your inspiration behind your poems?
There are definitely a handful of people who come to mind, people who have both hurt and helped me over the years. They've fueled a lot of my pieces. That being said, the platform I post on more frequently [Tumblr] is also filled with inspiration due to its large pool of writers. By interacting with writers who can magically put unexpected metaphors and imagery together, it opens my eyes to the possibilities contained within poetry.
A poem is a story that many people can relate to. Because of this, I also began receiving poetry prompts from those who view my blog. They tell me of their stories, their challenges, and their experiences. I then write based on those scenarios. The scenarios are often such that many people can relate to them. It's a really rewarding feeling to write with the intention to heal.
What keeps you going back to poetry?
Since I began writing, it's never failed me. It's an outlet through which I can sort through my own thoughts. Before getting upset over something, writing allows me to talk to myself. If I were looking for words of encouragement, what would someone tell me? Poetry is almost like an out-of-body experience that way. I become a stronger version of myself through the words until I can become a stronger person. It's the ultimate form of catharsis. The poems are almost saying, "Here are a few words to help you get by while you heal at your own pace."
Another reason I'm drawn to poetry is the knowledge that it's inspiring others and helping others overcome whatever causes them to relate to the pieces. On a more technical level, it's fun to challenge myself and see which words can explain a specific situation. What if I pair these words together? What sounds most powerful? The sheer experimentation of it keeps it interesting.
Do you write in one sitting or over a span of days?
I know a lot of writers that take their time and form beautiful pieces, but personally, I prefer to write in one sitting. If I write over a span of a few days, the thoughts grow stale, and the words become less concise. My poems tend to be short, so writing in one sitting is usually never difficult. I write in spurts, haha.
Do you read your old poems?
Absolutely, and I encourage all writers to do so. Old poems are almost like a diary. It's interesting to go back in time and see where you were during a specific year or month, how you were feeling, and what you were going through. It's also a wonderful reminder of how much both you and your writing style have evolved.
Who are your favorite poets?
I gravitate toward strong, female poets who cover topics such as identity, love, culture, belonging, healing, and growth. Nayyirah Waheed, Warsan Shire, Emma Bleker, Pavana, Rupi Kaur, Salma Deera, Yasmin, and Ijeoma Umebinyuo have all been favorites for a while now.
---
Thank you, Noor, for being on the blog. I am able to relate to what you have to say and I hope the same goes for my readers or they learned something new.
Where to Find Her
Instagram | Twitter | Website
stay inspired,Fida
June 7, 2016
2 Ways to Pack Books
Hello Poetteers,
I am about to move. As I start packing I move to conquer my bookshelf. Looking at the boxes I realized I didn't know how to pack the boxes. The question of how was spinning in my head. After reading some blogs and watching a video I picked up a couple ways to pack my books.
Have the spines face the bottom of the box. Fill the space with packing paper, scarves or shirts.
Have the spines face inward. Fill the space with packing paper, scarves or shirts.
With the extra space fill the box with how the books will fit.
stay inspired,
Fida
I am about to move. As I start packing I move to conquer my bookshelf. Looking at the boxes I realized I didn't know how to pack the boxes. The question of how was spinning in my head. After reading some blogs and watching a video I picked up a couple ways to pack my books.
Have the spines face the bottom of the box. Fill the space with packing paper, scarves or shirts.
Have the spines face inward. Fill the space with packing paper, scarves or shirts.
With the extra space fill the box with how the books will fit.
stay inspired,
Fida
June 2, 2016
Bullet Journal for Ramadan
Hello Poetteers,
Ramadan starts Jun 6th!! Usually I set up my bullet journal by month, but this coming months I'm setting it differently. Instead of June and July For the one week of June I'm making a weekly spread. Then setting up for the month of Ramadan. Once ramadan is over I'll be done with my first journal! I'll be transitioning into a new journal. I will set up a monthly spread for the rest of July and go by as usual.
Have a monthly log to record the iftar parties. Set goals that will help you become a better person. My goals is to be able to donate to a charity, to watch the sunrise and sunset, and by the end of the month have read the whole Quran. Other things could be to volunteer somewhere.
Ramadan is a month to show appreciation and gratitude. Create a spread to write and doodle those things you are grateful for and memories you made.
There will be some things you want to focus on everyday throughput the month, create a monthly tracker to do just that. I'm keeping track of the usual stuff along with how many times I am able to wake up for sahoor, go to the mosque and listen to a lecture. Some other things you can track is the times you fasted.
During Ramadan you have a good chance of getting your prayers answered. Create a list to add to everyday and read everyday.
stay inspired,
Fida
Ramadan starts Jun 6th!! Usually I set up my bullet journal by month, but this coming months I'm setting it differently. Instead of June and July For the one week of June I'm making a weekly spread. Then setting up for the month of Ramadan. Once ramadan is over I'll be done with my first journal! I'll be transitioning into a new journal. I will set up a monthly spread for the rest of July and go by as usual.
Have a monthly log to record the iftar parties. Set goals that will help you become a better person. My goals is to be able to donate to a charity, to watch the sunrise and sunset, and by the end of the month have read the whole Quran. Other things could be to volunteer somewhere.
Ramadan is a month to show appreciation and gratitude. Create a spread to write and doodle those things you are grateful for and memories you made.
There will be some things you want to focus on everyday throughput the month, create a monthly tracker to do just that. I'm keeping track of the usual stuff along with how many times I am able to wake up for sahoor, go to the mosque and listen to a lecture. Some other things you can track is the times you fasted.
During Ramadan you have a good chance of getting your prayers answered. Create a list to add to everyday and read everyday.
stay inspired,
Fida
May 31, 2016
7 Things Authors Love
Hello Poetteers,
In my three years of being a published author I found many things I love about it.
1. Finding old ideas and new ideas for stories2. Writing 'The End'
3. Holding a finished copy of your book
4. Seeing your book in a bookstore
5. Seeing fanart
6. Reading a good review someone left
7. I love the feeling of signing books for someone who will cherish the story.
What do you love about being an author? As a reader, what do you love about authors?
stay inspired,
Fida
In my three years of being a published author I found many things I love about it.
1. Finding old ideas and new ideas for stories2. Writing 'The End'
3. Holding a finished copy of your book
4. Seeing your book in a bookstore
5. Seeing fanart
6. Reading a good review someone left
7. I love the feeling of signing books for someone who will cherish the story.
What do you love about being an author? As a reader, what do you love about authors?
stay inspired,
Fida
May 30, 2016
Let's Recap on May
Hello Poetteers,
It's time for my monthly recap! I look back at my goals I set in the beginning of the year and see how well I progressed.
Reading
I read two novels and a non-fiction book. My first read of the month was THE GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT. I was able to pick up THE ROSE AND THE DAGGAR. My non fiction read was THE DESIRE MAP.
Writing
I'm working on a few short stories and poetry collections here and there. That's all I can say. Stay tuned in the coming months for more information. You can get a sneak peak about this in my newsletter.
Personal
I'm in a better place than I was 5 years ago. I am able to have and stick with my exercise routine.
I'll say that I was able to accomplish most of my goals. I won't be sharing next month's goals in this blog post. I have a separate post for that.
stay inspired,
Fida
It's time for my monthly recap! I look back at my goals I set in the beginning of the year and see how well I progressed.
Reading
I read two novels and a non-fiction book. My first read of the month was THE GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT. I was able to pick up THE ROSE AND THE DAGGAR. My non fiction read was THE DESIRE MAP.
Writing
I'm working on a few short stories and poetry collections here and there. That's all I can say. Stay tuned in the coming months for more information. You can get a sneak peak about this in my newsletter.
Personal
I'm in a better place than I was 5 years ago. I am able to have and stick with my exercise routine.
I'll say that I was able to accomplish most of my goals. I won't be sharing next month's goals in this blog post. I have a separate post for that.
stay inspired,
Fida
