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This month, we were delighted to interview Sana Samad, a 39 year old Canadian Pakistani mother to two young boys, who are 8 and 6 years old respectively, and whom she currently homeschools. When not being a mom, playing sports, reading, or writing, she also runs a small business called Sweet Seconds Cookies, which serves the Oshawa/Durham region in Ontario. You can find her writing on Instagram as @sana.ess and support her business at @sweet.seconds.cookies.
When I was younger, I liked writing rhyming poetry. I wasn’t good at it, but I enjoyed doing it. As an adult, I love reading a good rhyming book or poem, but I find it harder to rhyme now because I don’t want it to feel forced. Creative writing was my way to express my feelings for others and sort my own feelings as well. Writing in journals/diaries, and letters that I never posted, is what got me through the first few years of being in Canada. Who were some of the major influences/supports, real or fictional, in your creative writing journey? Honestly, I don’t know. I loved reading books and stories by Enid Blyton as a kid. My parents always encouraged us to read. I think I got my love of writing from my mother, though. Even though I don’t remember her writing creatively, I do recall her writing in her journal every day for years. Apart from my parents, one of my maternal aunts and a few friends have also been extremely supportive of my writing. What's your ideal writing environment like? Oof, this is a tricky question because I don’t think I have discovered it yet. However, I do find that I write best when it is quiet. I actually prefer writing with a pen/pencil on paper for the first draft and then typing on the computer. This has not served me well though, because I don’t always have my computer with me. Now, if I want to write something, I will just use a notes app on my phone and start. This way I can go back to it when I have time instead of never starting. Oh, I also usually write on my bed. Not the best for my back and neck but—baby steps! What creative writing project or story would you love to devote your time and energy to, if you could? There are two stories in my mind that I would like to turn into picture books. I have been working on them on and off but have not fully dedicated myself to them due to other commitments. Do you mind telling us a little about them? No, I don't mind talking about it. My rizq is with Allah and so is everyone else's. The first ever manuscript I wrote was about a 2nd grader going back to school after summer vacation to find a new kid in his class whom he wants to befriend. But he has challenges. The first draft is all I did. I never went back to it, but it is something I wish to refine and resubmit. The second idea is very close to my heart. It has to do with how certain cultures deal or rather, don't deal, with allergies to nuts. This is one I have actually gotten feedback on from a couple of other writer friends and may go back to it soon inshaAllah. Tawfeeq with both! Now, what is your favourite piece of written work, currently, of your own? And why? My favourite piece of work of my own is a poem I wrote back in 2018. I called it Weeping Willow when I first shared it on Facebook and then changed the name to Life of a Tree. I like it because it reminds me to hang on to hope in times of difficulty. What inspires/motivates you the most when writing? My inspirations usually come from watching other people's lives, but my motivation is the children around me. I want to give them something to read in which they can see themselves. Are you working on anything currently? Yes and no. I have drafts of the aforementioned stories that have been sitting untouched but I reread them every few months because I do want to put that work out. But I am not actively working on them because life has a way of happening and writing is always the first thing that takes a backseat. That's completely relatable. Switching tracks a little: what are some of your favourite reads? I actually enjoy reading middle grade novels! They allow me to feel accomplished because I am actually able to finish reading them. Back to writing; what are some of your favourite elements of writing/to write about? I will be honest, I don't think I know the answer to this. When I am writing, I kind of just write so things flow together. This is probably one of the reasons I also struggle with making my stories better. But it is a skill I do wish to continue working on. Speaking of skills, do you have any goals with your writing, moving forward? Yes, I want to finish at least one of the drafts and have it ready to query. When that will happen, I do not know, but that is my goal. Tawfeeq inshaAllah! Do you have any advice/words of wisdom/things-you-wish-you-knew-earlier that you would tell other writers? I don't really know whose words these are but I learned them from Hajera Khaja, the editor for Ruqayya's Bookshelf: you are a writer because you write. These words really helped me accept that I can be a writer. And yes, I may not be a recognized or published author yet, but that does not mean I will never be. I would advise all new writers, or those who have put it off, to believe in themselves. Write--not for the world, but because you enjoy it. It is a gift from Allah and using it is the best way to show Allah your gratitude. Masha'Allah, an excellent reminder! Can you share with us what else you find helpful/inspiring, as a lover of creative writing? Reading. Recently, I read a couple of books from genres I don't generally read from and really enjoyed them. It made me realize there are many ways to write. Reading the genre that you wish to publish in is also very helpful. I love reading picture books with my kids because it gives me ideas of what children like and dislike. Inspiration is everywhere. We just have to be open to seeing it. Sana, your answers are so motivating! We thank you very much for allowing us to interview and wish you all success with your writing and business!
Drop a comment, dear readers, if you were also moved by Sana's words and relate to her current relationship with writing; together, we can inspire and support each other. Interested in being interviewed? The only requirements are:
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