Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Maha Hijazi about her book.
What has been the biggest highlight in this journey so far?
Having my message closer to reach as many young hearts and souls as possible.
How much research did you do on this book?
Not much actually, it was something that was always on my mind, and then suddenly I got the inspiration and it just wrote itself.
How many hours a day or week did you write?
Since my book is a children’s book, I had an idea about the content, but once I started typing on my computer at 2 am in the morning, I couldn’t stop until I was finished. It took me about 4 hours, without stopping, for my first draft to be ready. But then it definitely took more time to revise it, edit it and have it ready to be sent out.
Did you edit anything out of this book?
When I first wrote it, I didn’t think of anything else but putting my idea and message down. And since it is a children’s book, I had to make some adjustments in the choosing of some words and in making the sentences shorter. I wanted it to be an easy read especially that the message in the book is strong. My aim was to have a clear and straightforward writing where the message could reach the young’s heart and soul lovingly.
What was the first reaction you had when you held your book for the first time?
I was a bit overwhelmed; I have been working on it for a long time so it was very exciting and surreal to finally have it in front of me ready to be stacked on the book shelves and to see children enjoying it.
What was the hardest part of the book to write?
The part about the snow globe was the hardest. Having the analogy of the snow globe was very important especially that I knew that kids love snow globes. Hence I was careful in not making it a focal point in the story yet for children to connect with it and understand its message.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Never feel discouraged when you can’t seem to start writing. When the idea is there it will just flow. Give it time and you can always practice with some free writing, you can even time yourself. I learned this method in college and I still find it very motivational and practical. I always use it even when I just want to put down some feelings. The best part is when sometimes, without noticing, I forget about the buzzer and keep writing and get something great to add to my writing blog.
What is next for you, as an author?
I never stop writing, its very therapeutic for me. I still have many ideas for children’s books, a lot of them I have started and some they are just drafts. And I am also writing an adult book about my experience as a woman in this life.
What was your experience like with Olympia publishers?
I don’t believe in random things happening to us, I believe that everything has its own purpose and each experience will teach us something. Thus my first experience in publishing my first book with Olympia was very educational and successful. I had no idea about how the process works but Olympia’s team was patient and always attentive to my requests and questions. They filled me in with the steps that needed to be taken so that I prepare myself and enjoy every step as I wanted this experience to be as rewarding as it can be.
Thank you for the whole team.
