Fida Islaih's Blog, page 24
March 24, 2016
Poetry Spotlight: Sarah Kay
Hello Poetteers,
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets.
Sarah Kay is a poet and teacher of spoken word. She has her well known poem, B, published in an illustrated book. She has a new book coming out of her poem, The Type, with the same title. You can check out a full collection of poems in her book, No Matter The Wreckage. She is also the founder of Project VOICE.
My Favorite Poems From Her:
If I Were To Have A Daughter - it's like a letter to me. I love it!
Mrs. Ribeiro - a poem of a wonderful person.
Montauk - a poem that transports me. My favorite part is how it ends.
Toothbrush to a Bicycle Tire - a poem between two inanimate objects. It's funny yet touching.
Hands - a beautiful poem to appreciate something we take for granted.
Forest Fires - a touching poem I can relate to.
Bonus:
When Love Arrives - by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
An Origin Story - by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
Where You Can Find Her:
• Watch her TedTalk.
• Website | Twitter
Stay inspired, Fida
(Follow my blog with Bloglovin)
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets.
Sarah Kay is a poet and teacher of spoken word. She has her well known poem, B, published in an illustrated book. She has a new book coming out of her poem, The Type, with the same title. You can check out a full collection of poems in her book, No Matter The Wreckage. She is also the founder of Project VOICE.
My Favorite Poems From Her:
If I Were To Have A Daughter - it's like a letter to me. I love it!
Mrs. Ribeiro - a poem of a wonderful person.
Montauk - a poem that transports me. My favorite part is how it ends.
Toothbrush to a Bicycle Tire - a poem between two inanimate objects. It's funny yet touching.
Hands - a beautiful poem to appreciate something we take for granted.
Forest Fires - a touching poem I can relate to.
Bonus:
When Love Arrives - by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
An Origin Story - by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
Where You Can Find Her:
• Watch her TedTalk.
• Website | Twitter
Stay inspired, Fida
(Follow my blog with Bloglovin)
March 22, 2016
Poetry Tuesday: Five Reasons I Love Poetry
Hello Poetteers,
1. It's like the poet knows your soul. You can relate to what the poem says.
1a. The poet writes what you can't say. You feel a certain way but don't know how to explain it when a friend asks how you feel. You read and see that it's exactly what's on your mind put into words.
1b. As I writer it warms my heart when a reader says it touched them.
2. It's a message to yourself. You may be feeling low and it gives you hope.
3. You see what you didn't see before. The little things are brought to light. Or ordinary things are brought to a new light.
4. You're let into the poet's heart. The poet is telling you their experiences in an intimate way.
Why do you love poetry? Let me know in the comments. If this gives you a reason to check out poetry, buy my books here.
Stay inspired, Fida
1. It's like the poet knows your soul. You can relate to what the poem says.
1a. The poet writes what you can't say. You feel a certain way but don't know how to explain it when a friend asks how you feel. You read and see that it's exactly what's on your mind put into words.
1b. As I writer it warms my heart when a reader says it touched them.
2. It's a message to yourself. You may be feeling low and it gives you hope.
3. You see what you didn't see before. The little things are brought to light. Or ordinary things are brought to a new light.
4. You're let into the poet's heart. The poet is telling you their experiences in an intimate way.
Why do you love poetry? Let me know in the comments. If this gives you a reason to check out poetry, buy my books here.
Stay inspired, Fida
March 17, 2016
Announcement: Poetry Chain Challenge Sign Up
Hello Poetteers,
April is National Poetry Month and it is coming up soon. To celebrate National Poetry Month on Apr 4th I will be hosting a poetry chain challenge. This poetry chain challenge consists of me starting the challenge with writing the first stanza of a poem. I send it to the second person and so on until we reach the end of the list. Details will be given when you sign up. You must have a blog and a date available to share your part of the chain. Attached below is the sign up form. I hope you join in!
Stay inspired,
Fida
April is National Poetry Month and it is coming up soon. To celebrate National Poetry Month on Apr 4th I will be hosting a poetry chain challenge. This poetry chain challenge consists of me starting the challenge with writing the first stanza of a poem. I send it to the second person and so on until we reach the end of the list. Details will be given when you sign up. You must have a blog and a date available to share your part of the chain. Attached below is the sign up form. I hope you join in!
Stay inspired,
Fida
March 15, 2016
Poetry Tuesday - What Is (Blank)?
Hello Poetteers,
I'll let you in on a little secret. I'll be sharing a poetry style on the format of my color poems. It doesn't have to be color. It can be a place or object.
Title it what is (blank), then write (blank) is. Repeat the phrase until you've written all you can then have a powerful ending.
How does it feel in the mind? Write three lines. End the poem with three lines on what the world will be like without that thing. You may leave the "without that thing" stanza where it is, leave it out
or move it to before the stanza about its power on the mind. Choose whatever that suits your creativity. Be as creative as you want. There you have it.
For more examples, take a listen to the Colors Collection.
Share with me in the comments what you came up with.
Stay inspired,
Fida
I'll let you in on a little secret. I'll be sharing a poetry style on the format of my color poems. It doesn't have to be color. It can be a place or object.
Title it what is (blank), then write (blank) is. Repeat the phrase until you've written all you can then have a powerful ending.
How does it feel in the mind? Write three lines. End the poem with three lines on what the world will be like without that thing. You may leave the "without that thing" stanza where it is, leave it out
or move it to before the stanza about its power on the mind. Choose whatever that suits your creativity. Be as creative as you want. There you have it.
For more examples, take a listen to the Colors Collection.
Share with me in the comments what you came up with.
Stay inspired,
Fida
March 8, 2016
Top Ten Muslim Lit
Hello Poetteers,
Books I've Read
Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
One of the first YA novels I read that has a Muslim main character. It is about a girl's journey once she decides to wear the headscarf. Add to Goodreads.
Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah
It is about a girl's struggle of living two lives. Add to Goodreads.
Bestest Ramadan Ever by Medeia Sharif
We are taken on the journey of love, friendship and redemption. Add to Goodreads.
Snip Snip Revenge by Medeia Sharif
Tabby goes to art school. You will fall in love with her. While reading her story I was able to relate with her. She stands up for what she wants. Add to Goodreads.
On my TBR List
Where The Streets Had A Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah
It sounds like a story where we will be taking a trip around a city in Palestine as the main character wants to help her grandmother.
Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Janmohamed
It sounds like we will be taken on a journey of finding love. Add to Goodreads.
She Wore Red Trainers by Na'ima B. Robert
The main character looks for a happily ever after. Add to Goodreads.
Soul of a Butterfly by Safaa Baig
The main character's father makes a decision that changes her life. Add to Goodreads.
Jasmine Falling by Shereen Malherbe
"Jasmine must piece together her history in the broken land, before it destroys her future." Add to Goodreads.
I want to give a special shoutout to my Twitter friend, Karuna Riazi, who announced that her book titled The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand is going to be published! Add to Goodreads.
Talking about Muslim lit and authors, I have published poetry. Buy my book now.
Happy International Women's Day! Stay inspired,
Fida
Books I've Read
Does My Head Look Big In This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
One of the first YA novels I read that has a Muslim main character. It is about a girl's journey once she decides to wear the headscarf. Add to Goodreads.
Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah
It is about a girl's struggle of living two lives. Add to Goodreads.
Bestest Ramadan Ever by Medeia Sharif
We are taken on the journey of love, friendship and redemption. Add to Goodreads.
Snip Snip Revenge by Medeia Sharif
Tabby goes to art school. You will fall in love with her. While reading her story I was able to relate with her. She stands up for what she wants. Add to Goodreads.
On my TBR List
Where The Streets Had A Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah
It sounds like a story where we will be taking a trip around a city in Palestine as the main character wants to help her grandmother.
Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Janmohamed
It sounds like we will be taken on a journey of finding love. Add to Goodreads.
She Wore Red Trainers by Na'ima B. Robert
The main character looks for a happily ever after. Add to Goodreads.
Soul of a Butterfly by Safaa Baig
The main character's father makes a decision that changes her life. Add to Goodreads.
Jasmine Falling by Shereen Malherbe
"Jasmine must piece together her history in the broken land, before it destroys her future." Add to Goodreads.
I want to give a special shoutout to my Twitter friend, Karuna Riazi, who announced that her book titled The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand is going to be published! Add to Goodreads.
Talking about Muslim lit and authors, I have published poetry. Buy my book now.
Happy International Women's Day! Stay inspired,
Fida
March 3, 2016
Poetry Spotlight: Sierra DeMulder
Hello Poetteers,
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets. Sierra DeMulder is a performance poet and published author. She is one of the founders of Button Poetry.
My favorite poems from her latest book, Today Means Amen:
Without
Small Poem
For My Niece
Teeth
Ode To My Bottom Lip
After Googling Affirmations
Mantra To Overcome Depression
Today Means Amen
Release It
Tonight In Yoga
Where To Find Her:
Watch a performance of Today Means Amen.
Watch a performance of Paper Dolls.
Twitter | Instagram | Website
Love, Fida
In this series I'd like to highlight my favorite poets. Sierra DeMulder is a performance poet and published author. She is one of the founders of Button Poetry.
My favorite poems from her latest book, Today Means Amen:
Without
Small Poem
For My Niece
Teeth
Ode To My Bottom Lip
After Googling Affirmations
Mantra To Overcome Depression
Today Means Amen
Release It
Tonight In Yoga
Where To Find Her:
Watch a performance of Today Means Amen.
Watch a performance of Paper Dolls.
Twitter | Instagram | Website
Love, Fida
March 2, 2016
Monthly Recap on Goals #2
Hello Poetteers,
It's time for my monthly recap! Look back at last month's: January's Recap | Resolutions.
Reading
I read 2 poetry books, an anthology, a novel and a self help book. It is close to last month. It not as heavy of a read I'm still happy because I really love what I read.
Writing
I finished editing Louder Alone!! I finally came up with ideas for the four new manuscripts I want to write this year. I started outlining one of my ideas.
Poetry
One of my goals was to work on spoken word. I didn't exactly do that but it is close and similar. I am now on SoundCloud! I have two pieces up already for you to listen to. I'm still keeping up with my color series on Instagram. Talking about IG, i think I finally got a theme for it.
Personal
Last month I was able to set in an evening routine. This month I tried to set a morning routine. The morning routine is called Miracle Morning that I read on the blog BohoBerry. If you haven't already you need to check out Alex Beadon's Monday Mantra series.
Next Time in Goals
- read 4 books
- beta read Louder Alone
- outline my new manuscript
- start writing new story
- practice my mandalas and calligraphy
- practice spoken word poetry
- work on my morning and evening routine
Thank you,
Fida
P.S. Miss Cole is doing a bloghop of the same idea called Previously.
It's time for my monthly recap! Look back at last month's: January's Recap | Resolutions.
ReadingI read 2 poetry books, an anthology, a novel and a self help book. It is close to last month. It not as heavy of a read I'm still happy because I really love what I read.
Writing
I finished editing Louder Alone!! I finally came up with ideas for the four new manuscripts I want to write this year. I started outlining one of my ideas.
Poetry
One of my goals was to work on spoken word. I didn't exactly do that but it is close and similar. I am now on SoundCloud! I have two pieces up already for you to listen to. I'm still keeping up with my color series on Instagram. Talking about IG, i think I finally got a theme for it.
Personal
Last month I was able to set in an evening routine. This month I tried to set a morning routine. The morning routine is called Miracle Morning that I read on the blog BohoBerry. If you haven't already you need to check out Alex Beadon's Monday Mantra series.
Next Time in Goals
- read 4 books
- beta read Louder Alone
- outline my new manuscript
- start writing new story
- practice my mandalas and calligraphy
- practice spoken word poetry
- work on my morning and evening routine
Thank you,
Fida
P.S. Miss Cole is doing a bloghop of the same idea called Previously.
March 1, 2016
Top Ten Tues - Songs I Want As Books
Hello Poetteers,
This week's topic for Top Ten Tuesday is different from want I'm going to share today. We are going to rewind to a couple weeks ago and share my top ten songs that should be books or songs that have a story I want to write:
Fight Song by Rachel Platten - A girl coming out of her struggles stronger and with tighter friendships.
Lights by Ellie Goulding - Maybe a dancer's journey.
Wake Me Up by Avicii - Someone who is going after a dream no one thinks they can accomplish.
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson - Maybe someone moving out of their childhood home and away from friends.
Realize by Colbie Caillat - Two friends that are trying to keep their friendship going but it keeps falling apart. They try to meet but something always comes up or they are in the same room but miss seeing each other.
Begin Again by Taylor Swift - Struggling with a so called friend and a start of a new friendship.
Need You Now - A friend who is always there when her friend is having a bad day but one day she has a bad day and her friend isn't there.
Red - Friends who has different colors symbolize the different parts of their friendship.
What are some songs you would like as stories? Some songs come from poems. Buy my poetry book now.
This week's topic for Top Ten Tuesday is different from want I'm going to share today. We are going to rewind to a couple weeks ago and share my top ten songs that should be books or songs that have a story I want to write:
Fight Song by Rachel Platten - A girl coming out of her struggles stronger and with tighter friendships.
Lights by Ellie Goulding - Maybe a dancer's journey.
Wake Me Up by Avicii - Someone who is going after a dream no one thinks they can accomplish.
Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson - Maybe someone moving out of their childhood home and away from friends.
Realize by Colbie Caillat - Two friends that are trying to keep their friendship going but it keeps falling apart. They try to meet but something always comes up or they are in the same room but miss seeing each other.
Begin Again by Taylor Swift - Struggling with a so called friend and a start of a new friendship.
Need You Now - A friend who is always there when her friend is having a bad day but one day she has a bad day and her friend isn't there.
Red - Friends who has different colors symbolize the different parts of their friendship.
What are some songs you would like as stories? Some songs come from poems. Buy my poetry book now.
February 23, 2016
Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Enjoyed Outside My Comfort Zone
Hello Poetteers,
When I first got into reading I enjoyed the MG mysteries. As I got to YA novels I mostly stuck with contemporary and historical. It shows that in my bookshelf. Here are top ten five books I enjoyed that weren’t my type of book.
1. The Lunar Chronicles It was my first sci fi series I read and loved!
2. Ms. MarvelThe first comic book series I read and enjoyed.
3. Throne of Glass seriesThe first high fantasy series I read and fell in love with.
4. Unwind My first dystopian read. It was interesting and I liked it. I still need to continue the series but I haven't be pulled to finish it.
5. My Name is Memory This is the first novel I read with time travel.
Thank you,Fida
When I first got into reading I enjoyed the MG mysteries. As I got to YA novels I mostly stuck with contemporary and historical. It shows that in my bookshelf. Here are top ten five books I enjoyed that weren’t my type of book.
1. The Lunar Chronicles It was my first sci fi series I read and loved!
2. Ms. MarvelThe first comic book series I read and enjoyed.
3. Throne of Glass seriesThe first high fantasy series I read and fell in love with.
4. Unwind My first dystopian read. It was interesting and I liked it. I still need to continue the series but I haven't be pulled to finish it.
5. My Name is Memory This is the first novel I read with time travel.
Thank you,Fida
February 22, 2016
Love-a-Thon: The Bookshelf Colors Challenge
Hello Poetteers,
While participating in Love-A-Thon I found one of the challenges I didn't do. It is originally made for booktube since they are trying to expand to different platforms. I know it's late since Love-A-Thon is now over yet I still wanted to share my answers.
Thank you to the lovely hosts Alexa (Alexa Loves Books), Cee (The Novel Hermit), Hazel (Stay Bookish) & Mel (The Daily Prophecy) for another great weekend of Love-A-Thon.
You’ll need to pick books based on the color of their spines as listed below, and then follow the prompts:
RED: Flip to page 119, and find the first line of the third paragraph. This line is the first sentence of a book about you.
"Clearly filming was still going on, but of a scene that didn't need the huddle of locals in their Regency outfits."
ORANGE: Flip to page 3. The first name you see when you crack open the book is your book BFF.
Grace is my book BFF. YELLOW: Flip to page 185. The first body part mentioned is where your superpower is.
My superpower comes from my head.
GREEN: Flip to page 238. The first place mentioned is where your book is set.
My book will be set at Marlowe's Bookstore (perfect!)
BLUE: Flip to page 45. The first name you see when you crack open the book is your book boyfriend/girlfriend.
Cassidy is my book girlfriend.
PURPLE: Flip to page 77. The first adjective used describes your book boyfriend.
My book girlfriend is intelligent.
PINK: Flip to page 94. The first name you see is your fictional nemesis.
My fictional nemesis is Tami (that hurts!)
BROWN: Flip to page 216. The first object you see is your weapon of choice.
A phone is my weapon.
BLACK: Flip to pages 198, 228 & 146, and find one name on each page. These people will be your apocalypse squad.
My squad consists of Muna, Majid and Elizabeth.
WHITE: Flip to page 28, and find the second sentence of the fifth paragraph. This is the last thing you will ever say in your book. (Or is it?)
Apparently the last thing I will say is, "See, you will wear this for a short while."
This was fun to do and that's a wrap! Until next year,
Fida
