Fida Islaih's Blog, page 44
May 12, 2014
TCWT May Blog Chain
Hello Poetteers,
It's Monday blessings kind of day and a day TCWT blog chain makes a reappearance. I'm blessed for that. And a few other things I won't mention. This month's question is:
What kinds of published books would you like to see more of?
Diversity.
People of color.
Different cultures.
Religions.
Different disabilities.
Physical. Mental. Learning.
Deaf. Blind. Wheelchair bound or not.
I want stories well researched,
not cliched and stereotypical.
My friends. Me.
I want historical fiction that doesn't take place in Europe. I prefer Asia.
I love road-trip stories.
I saw someone say this: "a retelling of Anne of Green Gables. #rbwl" YES PLEASE!
I saw the same person say this: "I want non-absentee parents who demand an explanation when their kids act weird/disappear randomly. #rbwl" and this: "I love books with big families..."
If you see this, I'm working on that.
Btw, those three quotes came from this. I actually love everything she said. check it put if you haven't already. Thanks to John for sharing.
Love, Fida
It's Monday blessings kind of day and a day TCWT blog chain makes a reappearance. I'm blessed for that. And a few other things I won't mention. This month's question is:
What kinds of published books would you like to see more of?
Diversity.
People of color.
Different cultures.
Religions.
Different disabilities.
Physical. Mental. Learning.
Deaf. Blind. Wheelchair bound or not.
I want stories well researched,
not cliched and stereotypical.
My friends. Me.
I want historical fiction that doesn't take place in Europe. I prefer Asia.
I love road-trip stories.
I saw someone say this: "a retelling of Anne of Green Gables. #rbwl" YES PLEASE!
I saw the same person say this: "I want non-absentee parents who demand an explanation when their kids act weird/disappear randomly. #rbwl" and this: "I love books with big families..."
If you see this, I'm working on that.
Btw, those three quotes came from this. I actually love everything she said. check it put if you haven't already. Thanks to John for sharing.
Love, Fida
May 10, 2014
Cover Reveal: Mosaic
Hi Poetteers,
As you may know or not know, I read the Dragonfly series and love it! Now I have the chance to help share the cover of the last book!
Btw, if you haven't read the series yet the first book is free!!
I'm in love with the cover, more than the others. Are you ready to see it?
...Scroll...
Mosaic by Leigh Talbert Moore
(Dragonfly #4)
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis: The future never goes as planned.
People are never what they seem.
Time changes everything.
So you want to know what happened to Anna and Julian? Well, listen up, because I’ve got the whole scoop. I’m Jules, btw, and I am an artist, as you already know if you’ve read Watercolor. What you might not know is I inherited my mother’s cute little newsy nose, thank you very much.
It’s high school reunion time, and everyone’s coming back to Fairview—everyone who’s not already there, mind you. What went wrong, who’s fault it was, and why the heck nobody knew about me… it’s all coming out.
Long-distance relationships rarely last, and a lot of water has passed under that bridge. Big Secrets will be exposed, and in the end we’ll know if that old saying is true: Love is stronger than time. Add to Goodreads
AUTHOR BIO: Leigh Talbert Moore wrote her first graphic novel at the age of nine--about a lady scientist burned by acid. Sadly, the text of "Fury Woman" was lost, and Leigh's novelist aspirations went on hiatus.
Then, after a decade working in journalism, editing, marketing, and public relations, she began writing books again, and in 2009 completed Dragonfly. Today, Leigh is the author of several popular young adult and new adult novels, all with a strong romantic slant.
She lives with her husband and two young children in the middle of the country, where she conjures new worlds, characters, and situations while playing chauffeur, chaperone, group activity leader, and referee. You can find her on her Website | Facebook | Twitter.
Love and thank you, Fida
As you may know or not know, I read the Dragonfly series and love it! Now I have the chance to help share the cover of the last book!
Btw, if you haven't read the series yet the first book is free!!
I'm in love with the cover, more than the others. Are you ready to see it?
...Scroll...
Mosaic by Leigh Talbert Moore
(Dragonfly #4)
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Synopsis: The future never goes as planned.
People are never what they seem.
Time changes everything.
So you want to know what happened to Anna and Julian? Well, listen up, because I’ve got the whole scoop. I’m Jules, btw, and I am an artist, as you already know if you’ve read Watercolor. What you might not know is I inherited my mother’s cute little newsy nose, thank you very much.
It’s high school reunion time, and everyone’s coming back to Fairview—everyone who’s not already there, mind you. What went wrong, who’s fault it was, and why the heck nobody knew about me… it’s all coming out.
Long-distance relationships rarely last, and a lot of water has passed under that bridge. Big Secrets will be exposed, and in the end we’ll know if that old saying is true: Love is stronger than time. Add to Goodreads
AUTHOR BIO: Leigh Talbert Moore wrote her first graphic novel at the age of nine--about a lady scientist burned by acid. Sadly, the text of "Fury Woman" was lost, and Leigh's novelist aspirations went on hiatus.
Then, after a decade working in journalism, editing, marketing, and public relations, she began writing books again, and in 2009 completed Dragonfly. Today, Leigh is the author of several popular young adult and new adult novels, all with a strong romantic slant.
She lives with her husband and two young children in the middle of the country, where she conjures new worlds, characters, and situations while playing chauffeur, chaperone, group activity leader, and referee. You can find her on her Website | Facebook | Twitter.
Love and thank you, Fida
May 9, 2014
What I Learned from the Public Speaking Course
Hello Poetteers,
I've learned I need to be able to communicate when I need help. I need to prioritize and organize the things I need to do and what is most important.
In the couple things I did do I enjoyed sharing my poetry as spoken word. In able to do that I have to conquer my fear of big groups and speaking sooner or later.
What stood out to me and will stay with me is the to keep your nervousness at bay and that that nerves are not necessarily bad, you can use them to help you.
*This post was shared on my class discussion board. I thought it was important enough to share here, too. I may do a one year recap to see if I improved.
Love and thank you, Fida
I've learned I need to be able to communicate when I need help. I need to prioritize and organize the things I need to do and what is most important.
In the couple things I did do I enjoyed sharing my poetry as spoken word. In able to do that I have to conquer my fear of big groups and speaking sooner or later.
What stood out to me and will stay with me is the to keep your nervousness at bay and that that nerves are not necessarily bad, you can use them to help you.
*This post was shared on my class discussion board. I thought it was important enough to share here, too. I may do a one year recap to see if I improved.
Love and thank you, Fida
May 7, 2014
WHAT'S UP WED: Coffee Edition
Hello Poetteers,
If we had coffee I would tell you I quit twitter. I have things to work on in my personal life I don't share.
If we had coffee I would tell you I stopped listening to the mainstream pop music we all know. I had stated slowly and now i'm full on with nasheeds and other islamic/arabic songs.
If we had coffee I would tell you more little things like I would rather have chocolate than coffee. That my charger died, I need a new one.
If we had coffee I would tell you that I'm excited for Ramadan and summer to be here. The ramadan is partly reason of my twitter thing. I would joke that this may be my last cup of coffee or I'm about to get so much more because i'm about to be sleep deprived.
If we had coffee I would tell you it's WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY. Above, I already answered what else i'm up to and what is inspiring me. To answer the question what I've been writing to check out my tumblr page. I share so much more poems there. I would tell you to check out my wattpad page because I share two new short stories. Last but not least, check out my previous posts for reviews on my recent reads.
Love and thank you, Fida
If we had coffee I would tell you I quit twitter. I have things to work on in my personal life I don't share.
If we had coffee I would tell you I stopped listening to the mainstream pop music we all know. I had stated slowly and now i'm full on with nasheeds and other islamic/arabic songs.
If we had coffee I would tell you more little things like I would rather have chocolate than coffee. That my charger died, I need a new one.
If we had coffee I would tell you that I'm excited for Ramadan and summer to be here. The ramadan is partly reason of my twitter thing. I would joke that this may be my last cup of coffee or I'm about to get so much more because i'm about to be sleep deprived.
If we had coffee I would tell you it's WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY. Above, I already answered what else i'm up to and what is inspiring me. To answer the question what I've been writing to check out my tumblr page. I share so much more poems there. I would tell you to check out my wattpad page because I share two new short stories. Last but not least, check out my previous posts for reviews on my recent reads.
Love and thank you, Fida
May 5, 2014
Cover Reveal: BROKEN BRANCH FALLS
Hello Poetteers,
I've known Tara for a little while now. I found her through her blog looking at her poetry page. I followed every post she had. One day I see her talk about her books being published soon. Today I get the honor with some other bloggers to share the cover of her book BROKEN BRANCH FALLS. Enjoy the Tara takeover!!
Welcome to the Forest!
It's time for the highly anticipated, most spectacular cover reveal of the day!
BROKEN BRANCH FALLS (MG Fantasy)
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. Gabe’s closest friends are goblins like him, but Gabe is tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.
When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment – but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults have to step in and ruin things by threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from friends, old and new, Gabe sets out on a quest for the Book of Ages, which holds the laws of all beastkind and hopefully the key to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all that trouble, it better work.
Add it to your GOODREADS list!
Twitter ~~~ Facebook ~~~ Blog
Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series, The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL
Tara Tyler started out as a math teacher. After having a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering and living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beastworld (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have a moral, plus a few laughs!
A BIG SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THOSE HELPING ME WITH THE REVEAL TODAY!! And you can get up to five entries in this fun raffle just for commenting on five of the many cover reveal posts! Today only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Love and thank you, Fida
I've known Tara for a little while now. I found her through her blog looking at her poetry page. I followed every post she had. One day I see her talk about her books being published soon. Today I get the honor with some other bloggers to share the cover of her book BROKEN BRANCH FALLS. Enjoy the Tara takeover!!
Welcome to the Forest!
It's time for the highly anticipated, most spectacular cover reveal of the day!
BROKEN BRANCH FALLS (MG Fantasy)by Tara Tyler
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. Gabe’s closest friends are goblins like him, but Gabe is tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.
When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment – but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults have to step in and ruin things by threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from friends, old and new, Gabe sets out on a quest for the Book of Ages, which holds the laws of all beastkind and hopefully the key to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all that trouble, it better work.
Add it to your GOODREADS list!
Twitter ~~~ Facebook ~~~ Blog
Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series, The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL
Tara Tyler started out as a math teacher. After having a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering and living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beastworld (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have a moral, plus a few laughs!
A BIG SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THOSE HELPING ME WITH THE REVEAL TODAY!! And you can get up to five entries in this fun raffle just for commenting on five of the many cover reveal posts! Today only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Love and thank you, Fida
May 2, 2014
The Writers Voice Entry
Yasmeen is back in school after winter break and is depressed. She's tired of change and having to adjust to a new schedule. There is a bright moment when she takes her favorite class, creative writing.
She then meets a young man. He doesn't make her weary of him but weary in her belief of herself and her faith. Once she finds the balance of love and faith everything will fall rightly in place.
MAYBE LOVING YOU is a novel in verse of light romance. It is complete at 20,600 words.
First 250 Words:
Winter break over
back to routine
it's not so easy
keep having to adjust
Change is hard for me.
Arriving to school
it's all about
rush...
rush...
rush.
try to remember my homeroom
check the master list
go in circles
I soon find mine.
Ten minutes in homeroom
get my schedule
rush
rush
rush again
to my locker
to look for my first class.
In between
Walking to the lockers
I see Daania
I go say hi
stand awkwardly
until her friends come
say hi
I observe
as they all give her and each other big hugs
like they haven't seen each other for months
I tap Daania's shoulder
say bye
she just gives me a nod
She's a friend
but I'm not close to her
as close as I am
to Maryam
where is she?
My first class
My first class is creative writing
I almost jump with joy.
might help me with my days.
I get to do what I love
before anything else.
Walk in
feel awkward
don't know anyone or so I thought
Not the front
choose the back with two young ladies
I don't know.
I'm here because I want to write.
It started when I was younger
with a jumble
of random words wanting to get out of me
it was at the sight of my first gifted poetry book
that those random words came
I put both put aside
until recently
when the short stories came back
and poetry assignments came.
Love and thank you, Fida
She then meets a young man. He doesn't make her weary of him but weary in her belief of herself and her faith. Once she finds the balance of love and faith everything will fall rightly in place.
MAYBE LOVING YOU is a novel in verse of light romance. It is complete at 20,600 words.
First 250 Words:
Winter break over
back to routine
it's not so easy
keep having to adjust
Change is hard for me.
Arriving to school
it's all about
rush...
rush...
rush.
try to remember my homeroom
check the master list
go in circles
I soon find mine.
Ten minutes in homeroom
get my schedule
rush
rush
rush again
to my locker
to look for my first class.
In between
Walking to the lockers
I see Daania
I go say hi
stand awkwardly
until her friends come
say hi
I observe
as they all give her and each other big hugs
like they haven't seen each other for months
I tap Daania's shoulder
say bye
she just gives me a nod
She's a friend
but I'm not close to her
as close as I am
to Maryam
where is she?
My first class
My first class is creative writing
I almost jump with joy.
might help me with my days.
I get to do what I love
before anything else.
Walk in
feel awkward
don't know anyone or so I thought
Not the front
choose the back with two young ladies
I don't know.
I'm here because I want to write.
It started when I was younger
with a jumble
of random words wanting to get out of me
it was at the sight of my first gifted poetry book
that those random words came
I put both put aside
until recently
when the short stories came back
and poetry assignments came.
Love and thank you, Fida
May 1, 2014
Book Review: Islamic Nursery Rhymes
Hello Poetteers,
We all grew up hearing nursery rhymes. Well, we now have the pleasure now of Islamic nursery rhymes! Or maybe not everyone likes the same nursery rhymes. That's why it's great this version was written and published.
It's great reading what you actually know in tune of something else you know. I was smiling the whole time reading them, singing in tune of what I know to what I know.
I'm repeating myself now, but check it out yourself!
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
Love and thank you, Fida
We all grew up hearing nursery rhymes. Well, we now have the pleasure now of Islamic nursery rhymes! Or maybe not everyone likes the same nursery rhymes. That's why it's great this version was written and published.
It's great reading what you actually know in tune of something else you know. I was smiling the whole time reading them, singing in tune of what I know to what I know.
I'm repeating myself now, but check it out yourself!
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
Love and thank you, Fida
April 30, 2014
A to Z and A Book Review
X, Y, Z... Hello Poetteers,
Why should I care? I don't always have to complete something if I don't feel into it. Instead I'll share a review of a book I promoted a few days ago:
Snip, Snip Revenge by Medeia Sharif
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tabby is lucky to go to art school. I'm already loving her. I can relate with her on the big curly hair. I can also relate on once getting a boyish haircut. Even though she isn't close with her stepmom I'm glad they found something to bond over. And same with her dad. They may not have a great relationship but she can still go talk to him. I love that she stood up for what she wanted and got it. For anyone who wants diversity in stories, they need to check this one out!
Twitter-sized bites:
Blogger @FidaIslaih reviews Medeia Sharif's new book, SNIP SNIP REVENGE (click to tweet)
Are you looking for a new diverse read? @FidaIslaih shares one with you (click to tweet)
Love and thank you, Fida
Why should I care? I don't always have to complete something if I don't feel into it. Instead I'll share a review of a book I promoted a few days ago:
Snip, Snip Revenge by Medeia SharifMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tabby is lucky to go to art school. I'm already loving her. I can relate with her on the big curly hair. I can also relate on once getting a boyish haircut. Even though she isn't close with her stepmom I'm glad they found something to bond over. And same with her dad. They may not have a great relationship but she can still go talk to him. I love that she stood up for what she wanted and got it. For anyone who wants diversity in stories, they need to check this one out!
Twitter-sized bites:
Blogger @FidaIslaih reviews Medeia Sharif's new book, SNIP SNIP REVENGE (click to tweet)
Are you looking for a new diverse read? @FidaIslaih shares one with you (click to tweet)
Love and thank you, Fida
April 29, 2014
W is for rant?
Hello Poetteers,
Water
tears
sad I missed
this weekend's faith lecture
happy it gave my friends' a faith high
happy it touched them
bringing tears in a good way
I hope they pass it on to me
I really need it
The only reason I missed it
because of business
you gotta finish your story
if you want to finish it
and with that I got a date with mommy
I hope I get to see my friends soon.
I want to feel Weightless
with the overwhelming
feeling of not worrying about forgetting my faith
that I can talk to my mom about everything
that I can love.
I wonder it all
wandering around my maze like mind.
---
Wednesday
tomorrow is the last day
happy and sad
bittersweet.
---
Wrinkles aren't bad
a sign of age
of wisdom
of laugh lines
embrace them.
Love and thank you, Fida
Water
tears
sad I missed
this weekend's faith lecture
happy it gave my friends' a faith high
happy it touched them
bringing tears in a good way
I hope they pass it on to me
I really need it
The only reason I missed it
because of business
you gotta finish your story
if you want to finish it
and with that I got a date with mommy
I hope I get to see my friends soon.
I want to feel Weightless
with the overwhelming
feeling of not worrying about forgetting my faith
that I can talk to my mom about everything
that I can love.
I wonder it all
wandering around my maze like mind.
---
Wednesday
tomorrow is the last day
happy and sad
bittersweet.
---
Wrinkles aren't bad
a sign of age
of wisdom
of laugh lines
embrace them.
Love and thank you, Fida
April 26, 2014
Belated Birthday: SNIP, SNIP REVENGE
Hello Poetteers,
Having been following Medeia's writing journey for a little while I thought I should help her out to reveal her new book. Its book birthday was yesterday, so happy belated book birthday!
SNIP, SNIP REVENGE by Medeia Sharif
YA Contemporary, Evernight Teen
Release Date April 25, 2014
Beautiful, confident Tabby Karim has plans for the winter: nab a role in her school’s dramatic production, make the new boy Michael hers, and keep bigoted Heather—with her relentless Ay-rab comments—at bay. When a teacher’s lie and her father’s hastiness rob her of her beautiful hair, her dreams are dashed. The fastest barber in Miami Beach has made her look practically bald.
With all her pretty hair gone, Tabby doesn’t believe she fits the feminine role she’s auditioning for. Michael is still interested in her, but he’s playing it cool. Heather has taken to bullying her online, which is easier to do with Tabby’s ugly haircut. Tabby spearheads Operation Revenge, which proves satisfying until all of her problems deepen. After messing up, she sets to make things right.
Author Bio
I’m a Kurdish-American author
who was born in New York City, and I presently call Miami my home. I received
my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming
a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many
genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a MG
and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer,
I'm a middle school English teacher. My memberships include Mensa, ALAN, and
SCBWI.
Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
Join Medeia's giveaway to celebrate the release of her latest novel.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Love and thank you, Fida
Having been following Medeia's writing journey for a little while I thought I should help her out to reveal her new book. Its book birthday was yesterday, so happy belated book birthday!
SNIP, SNIP REVENGE by Medeia Sharif
YA Contemporary, Evernight Teen
Release Date April 25, 2014
Beautiful, confident Tabby Karim has plans for the winter: nab a role in her school’s dramatic production, make the new boy Michael hers, and keep bigoted Heather—with her relentless Ay-rab comments—at bay. When a teacher’s lie and her father’s hastiness rob her of her beautiful hair, her dreams are dashed. The fastest barber in Miami Beach has made her look practically bald.
With all her pretty hair gone, Tabby doesn’t believe she fits the feminine role she’s auditioning for. Michael is still interested in her, but he’s playing it cool. Heather has taken to bullying her online, which is easier to do with Tabby’s ugly haircut. Tabby spearheads Operation Revenge, which proves satisfying until all of her problems deepen. After messing up, she sets to make things right.
Author BioI’m a Kurdish-American author
who was born in New York City, and I presently call Miami my home. I received
my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming
a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many
genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a MG
and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer,
I'm a middle school English teacher. My memberships include Mensa, ALAN, and
SCBWI.
Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
Join Medeia's giveaway to celebrate the release of her latest novel.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Love and thank you, Fida
