Fida Islaih's Blog, page 5
January 6, 2020
Her Durian Sneak Peek
Hello Poetteers,
Remember Their Faces
They once gathered around me as I told a story as a toddler it feels like deja vu as they gather around me wanting to read the stories I've written my face is flushed red but I will always remember their faces
Salaam After Prayer
Across the worldwe all show up for God together listening to his words praying to ease our hearts.
Blurb
Her Durian is about Islaih’s travels to Malaysia and her memories with family. These poems will make your mouth water with the different foods and dessert. It covers the topic of growing up in a multicultural home and experiences as a Muslim American.
Smashwords | Amazon
Stay inspired,Fida
Remember Their Faces
They once gathered around me as I told a story as a toddler it feels like deja vu as they gather around me wanting to read the stories I've written my face is flushed red but I will always remember their faces
Salaam After Prayer
Across the worldwe all show up for God together listening to his words praying to ease our hearts.
Blurb
Her Durian is about Islaih’s travels to Malaysia and her memories with family. These poems will make your mouth water with the different foods and dessert. It covers the topic of growing up in a multicultural home and experiences as a Muslim American.
Smashwords | Amazon
Stay inspired,Fida
December 30, 2019
End of Year Stats
Hello Poetteers,
I read a total of 17 books this year.
4 Young Adult.
All of them touched my heart.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali 3 Non-Fiction.They were about self-help. None of them really stood out to me. I would recommend an old favorite, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
10 Poetry Collections.
My top two favorites are:
When You Ask Me Where I'm Going by Jasmin KaurYesterday I Was the Moon by Noor UnnaharPoetry Stats
I wrote a total of 190 poems, which is an average of 16 per month.
I self published two poetry books, Rising Soul and Her Durian.
How did your year turn out?
stay inspired,
Fida
I read a total of 17 books this year.
4 Young Adult.
All of them touched my heart.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali 3 Non-Fiction.They were about self-help. None of them really stood out to me. I would recommend an old favorite, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
10 Poetry Collections.
My top two favorites are:
When You Ask Me Where I'm Going by Jasmin KaurYesterday I Was the Moon by Noor UnnaharPoetry Stats
I wrote a total of 190 poems, which is an average of 16 per month.
I self published two poetry books, Rising Soul and Her Durian.
How did your year turn out?
stay inspired,
Fida
December 18, 2019
Her Durian is Published!
Hello Poetteers,Her Durian is now published! I dedicate the book to my aunts and uncles in Malaysia for teasing me that each experience I had was a poem idea. There is one uncle that deserves special recognition for inspiring the title. He jokingly told me I should title my next book “why I don’t like durian”. I did it in a way that fits my poetry aesthetic. (instagram).
Blurb
Her Durian is about Islaih's travels to Malaysia and her memories with family. These poems will make your mouth water with the different foods and dessert. It covers the topic of growing up in a multicultural home and experiences as a Muslim American. (goodreads).
Poem
The landscape gets smaller a whole new view of a sunset tiny lights twinkle the coming brings excitement the leaving brings sadness a part of me is everywhere.
Available for PurchaseAmazon | Smashwords
Stay inspired,Fida
November 11, 2019
silhouette of a sun-kissed soul
Hello Poetteers,
My reading consists of mostly poetry. One book was silhouette of a sun-kissed soul by Aida Abdykashova
I gave it 3 stars. This is a collection of poetry about love, familial relationships and heartbreak. I liked it. I don’t favor poems on the topic of romantic love. The poems are strung with beautiful metaphors and repetition. I found gems in the identity and self-empowerment pieces. The same goes with pieces about writing and travel. It inspired me and touched my heart. What poetry have you recently read?
Stay inspired,Fida
My reading consists of mostly poetry. One book was silhouette of a sun-kissed soul by Aida Abdykashova
I gave it 3 stars. This is a collection of poetry about love, familial relationships and heartbreak. I liked it. I don’t favor poems on the topic of romantic love. The poems are strung with beautiful metaphors and repetition. I found gems in the identity and self-empowerment pieces. The same goes with pieces about writing and travel. It inspired me and touched my heart. What poetry have you recently read?Stay inspired,Fida
October 16, 2019
Poetry Book Theme Ideas
Hello Poetteers,
There are several ways to find themes for your poetry book. Read your old poems. Pay attention to what books inspire you. Research what’s trending right now. You can look up bestselling book lists on Amazon and other book retailers. Pick what stands out and captures your heart.
Once you have an idea: group the similar themes together, compile all the poems and order them in a way that tells a story. Write any new poems to fill the gaps. Then send it off to editing. Message me if you’re ready to work with me to edit your poetry.
The poetry book theme and topics can be used as categories and keywords when publishing it on distribution sites like Smashwords.
Stay inspired,
Fida
Read more: Section Your Poetry Collection
There are several ways to find themes for your poetry book. Read your old poems. Pay attention to what books inspire you. Research what’s trending right now. You can look up bestselling book lists on Amazon and other book retailers. Pick what stands out and captures your heart.
Once you have an idea: group the similar themes together, compile all the poems and order them in a way that tells a story. Write any new poems to fill the gaps. Then send it off to editing. Message me if you’re ready to work with me to edit your poetry.
The poetry book theme and topics can be used as categories and keywords when publishing it on distribution sites like Smashwords.
Stay inspired,
Fida
Read more: Section Your Poetry Collection
October 8, 2019
How to Write A Poem
Hello Poetteers,
Sometimes we get stuck on an idea or want to experiment with our poetry. Prompts and poetic forms are a great way to get started.
Pick a prompt
word or phraseJot down any thoughtsWord association exercise Answer guided questions Highlight your favorite responses Pick a poetic form
Rearrange your responses to fit into the formula Use a syllable counter Search the dictionary and thesaurus If you don’t like how it sounds or if it feels incomplete, finish the piece in free verseExample
I’m ready to wake upand embrace the day,I’ll prepare myself a teacup,I’m ready to wake up,aware of the sounds of this moment,feeling the sun's rays,I’m ready to wake upand embrace the day.
Stay inspired,Fida
Read more: How to Come Up With Prompts
Sometimes we get stuck on an idea or want to experiment with our poetry. Prompts and poetic forms are a great way to get started.
Pick a prompt
word or phraseJot down any thoughtsWord association exercise Answer guided questions Highlight your favorite responses Pick a poetic form
Rearrange your responses to fit into the formula Use a syllable counter Search the dictionary and thesaurus If you don’t like how it sounds or if it feels incomplete, finish the piece in free verseExample
I’m ready to wake upand embrace the day,I’ll prepare myself a teacup,I’m ready to wake up,aware of the sounds of this moment,feeling the sun's rays,I’m ready to wake upand embrace the day.
Stay inspired,Fida
Read more: How to Come Up With Prompts
October 3, 2019
Her Durian Book Announcement
Hello Poetteers,
In the beginning of the year I announced I would be publishing Her Durian in the fall. The day has come! I’ll be publishing it on November 5th 2019!
The Blurb
Her Durian is about Islaih’s travels to Malaysia. The poems will make your mouth water with the different foods, fruits and dessert. It covers everything from family and growing up in a multicultural home. Add it on Goodreads.
Sneak Peek
It feels like I’m missing something is this what being homesick feels like? it feels like my life back home is on pause despite it, I’m grateful for my experience in Malaysia it’s starting to feel like another home.
More can be found on instagram.
I’m taking preorders for signed copies of my upcoming poetry book, Her Durian, for $15. Message me if you’re interested. Your purchase will help fund the book cover.
Stay inspired,
Fida
In the beginning of the year I announced I would be publishing Her Durian in the fall. The day has come! I’ll be publishing it on November 5th 2019!
The Blurb
Her Durian is about Islaih’s travels to Malaysia. The poems will make your mouth water with the different foods, fruits and dessert. It covers everything from family and growing up in a multicultural home. Add it on Goodreads.
Sneak PeekIt feels like I’m missing something is this what being homesick feels like? it feels like my life back home is on pause despite it, I’m grateful for my experience in Malaysia it’s starting to feel like another home.
More can be found on instagram.
I’m taking preorders for signed copies of my upcoming poetry book, Her Durian, for $15. Message me if you’re interested. Your purchase will help fund the book cover.
Stay inspired,
Fida
September 26, 2019
Budget for Poetry Editing
Hello Poetteers,
I understand having a tight budget. Exactly like you outline your book, plan your finances ahead of time.
Think of the long term return on investment. Readers can be touched by your poetry and spread the word about it. Readers will also notice the mistakes. Their reviews will affect your sales. Mistakes pull the reader out of the book. People won't pick up a badly edited book. Professional editing will lead to better sales.
If you can’t pay in full upfront, you can work with the poetry editor to have a payment plan.
Is your poetry (book) ready to be edited? Message me if you’re interested in working with me.
stay inspired,
Fida
I understand having a tight budget. Exactly like you outline your book, plan your finances ahead of time.
Think of the long term return on investment. Readers can be touched by your poetry and spread the word about it. Readers will also notice the mistakes. Their reviews will affect your sales. Mistakes pull the reader out of the book. People won't pick up a badly edited book. Professional editing will lead to better sales.
If you can’t pay in full upfront, you can work with the poetry editor to have a payment plan.
Is your poetry (book) ready to be edited? Message me if you’re interested in working with me.
stay inspired,
Fida
September 24, 2019
Receiving Poetry Edits
Hello Poetteers,
Feedback can be a hit or miss. I understand that. Sometimes your voice and style is disregarded.
As an editor I will keep in mind your style and voice. The edits are suggestions not requirements. Before we get started request a sample edit to see if we are a good fit. Let me know what you’re looking for. I provide several editing rounds to work with you to get the best results you need for your poetry.
For more information, check out my editing service.
Email me when your poetry (book) is ready to be edited.
Stay inspired,Fida
Feedback can be a hit or miss. I understand that. Sometimes your voice and style is disregarded.
As an editor I will keep in mind your style and voice. The edits are suggestions not requirements. Before we get started request a sample edit to see if we are a good fit. Let me know what you’re looking for. I provide several editing rounds to work with you to get the best results you need for your poetry.
For more information, check out my editing service.
Email me when your poetry (book) is ready to be edited.
Stay inspired,Fida
September 20, 2019
Poem: Nourished
Hello Poetteers,
Nourished
My soul most nourishedwhen I'm awake with myself at the bookstorehanging out with my momhearing from my friendsbetter when I see them
My soul most nourishedwhen I pray and meditate with yogawhen I finally find a momentto write in my journal
When I learn about my faithlearn to love.
Behind the Poem
I wrote this poem back in Dec 2013 for a something called Reverb13. The poem is now published in my book, Blossoming Heart.
Leave a comment:
When do you feel most nourished?
Stay inspired,
Fida
Nourished
My soul most nourishedwhen I'm awake with myself at the bookstorehanging out with my momhearing from my friendsbetter when I see them
My soul most nourishedwhen I pray and meditate with yogawhen I finally find a momentto write in my journal
When I learn about my faithlearn to love.
Behind the Poem
I wrote this poem back in Dec 2013 for a something called Reverb13. The poem is now published in my book, Blossoming Heart.
Leave a comment:
When do you feel most nourished?
Stay inspired,
Fida
