Today we’d like to introduce you to Naseeha Sabree.
Naseeha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been writing fiction since I was around seven years old. Thankfully, my content has grown drastically since then (at 23 years old, it’s no longer acceptable to write Jonas Brothers x vampire fanfiction).
Though my material has changed, my love of writing has remained constant over the years. Storytelling has always been a source of escapism for me.
I think that there’s something very beautiful about putting together in your mind a world completely separate from your own and watching it come to life on paper.
I write to tell stories that mean something to me, in hopes that they mean something to other people, too. While I primarily write novels and poetry, short fiction is something that I’ve grown to love a lot and have found equally satisfying. My latest release, “Of Pride and Prosperity”, is a novella that I’ve held near to me for quite a long time.
It tells a story of a young Muslim man who, after experiencing a hate crime, relocates to California with his wife. There, he finds himself under the wings of an elusive millionaire– and at the center of a heinous crime. As a black, Muslim woman, telling stories like “Of Pride and Prosperity” with diverse characters is something that is very, very important to me.
I had my first daughter just before I turned 22. She is my everything, and she is also the person that inspired me to publish my first book. “Noori and Friends: On Being Welcoming” was written as a love letter to her. It is a children’s book, which is an area that I never thought I’d find myself exploring.
However, I loved it. Through the “Noori and Friends” series, I hope to tell fun stories that teach my little one subtle life lessons that have a big impact. If the stories can also have a big impact on other children, I would love that, too.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
These days, I am juggling being a toddler mom, a law student, and a writer. I am always cognizant that each of those three things is a blessing that I remain grateful for every day that I wake up.
That’s not to say that it’s always easy. There are times when I feel that I’m lacking in some areas, as we often do as people. There are times when I compare myself to other moms, other law students, and other writers. However, I’ve grown to realize that those comparisons are an illusion.
As long as I’m giving my all as a mother, as a law student, and as a writer, I know I’m on the right track. Maintaining a balance is not easy, but the fact that I have these three exciting roles makes doing so very worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write mystery fiction and children’s books– no, they don’t go together. I receive different satisfaction from each genre. In the world of mystery and fiction, I’m able to tell stories from my heart that excite me, and that makes people wonder and think.
That, to me, is one of the greatest sources of escapism that one can have. In the world of children’s books, I’m able to tell stories that bring a smile to the faces of parents and children. I’m able to tell fun stories that children will hopefully use as lessons, with reminders that they can carry with them as they grow older.
What remains constant in each of the genres that I write, however, is my storytelling of diverse characters. Growing up, I didn’t read many books about characters like me. The literary world is not yet overflowing with black, Muslim, or female characters. We’re seeing a growth toward inclusiveness, and that’s something that I love.
However, we have a ways to go. The movement toward a more inclusive literary world is one that I want to be a part of. It’s so important for both children and adults to see themselves in the stories that we tell. It’s so important to use our craft to make everyone on this earth feel as though they belong and matter.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the people at Columbia.
Growing up in the south, you wouldn’t at first expect for people to be so friendly towards people from different backgrounds. However, Columbia, SC is home to some of the most welcoming people.
Of course, there is room for growth, as there is in any city. But right now, I think Columbia is in a great spot and moving towards better. We’ve also got really great food!
Pricing:
- Of Pride and Prosperity- Paperback $5.50
- Of Pide and Prosperity- Kindle $2.99
- Noori and Friends: On Being Welcoming- Paperback $9.99
- Noori and Friends: On Being Welcoming- Kindle $7.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Naseeha-Sabree/e/B09DGPCP11/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornaseeha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornaseeha
