PUBLISHED WRITING DEBUT IN SOULFUL STORIES
It has been my childhood dream to be a published author. Having won several writing competitions and featured write ups in Berita Harian (Singapore Malay Newspaper) back in my days as a student, my passion for writing drove me towards the study of Mass Communications in my adult years.
Needless to say, what I acquired from my Mass Communications modules from Oklahoma City University, enhanced my writing skills further, to which I had no regrets of undertaking this field of study.
Not too long ago, sometime early this year, I chanced upon the opportunity presented by noted author and publisher, my good friend, Maria Mahat, who was on the look out for contributing authors for one of her latest book projects.
Ungu Pen, Maria’s flagship publishing house was putting together a compilation of stories to inspire Muslims and non-Muslims to be better versions of themselves. Stories aimed towards inspiring readers with hope, love and warmth.
Instinctively I jumped at the opportunity and spent 2 days writing my first draft which was anchored from a bitter-sweet memory. An experience that made me the man I am today.
By July 2017, the book was ready for sale. Little did I know that my story was to appear amongst several other notable and established authors, some of whom are my respected friends. Truly a humbling experience to have my short story selected and published alongside experienced writers.
I wrote my story from a third person narrative. No doubt the names have been made up, the characters and events are borne from my experience. Titled “The ReSurrected”, a cautionary tale of what could have been a tragic end had intercession not been granted.
A passage from my short story – The Resurrected”
I will not spoil your reading pleasure by revealing too much about the stories in this compilation. I encourage your to grab your copy today from any of these fine establishments:
- Ungu Pen
- Wardah Books
Or you could also contact me personally if you would like to get a copy from me. Email me at enquiry@thekeriscollector.com
Do support local publishers and writers.
My Personal Commemorative Copy. Signed By Maria Mahat.
From The Desk of Maria Mahat:
Soulful Stories: of Hope, Love and Light
ISBN: 978-981-11-3521-7
No of Pages: 216
Publisher: Ungu Pen, Singapore
Contributing Authors: 23 authors: Ameera Begum, Azallea Crafts-Smith, Djohan Abdul Rahman, Erni M Kassim, Fazil Musa, Haizah Bakar, Hannah Sofia, Hidayah Amin, Humairah Jamil, Juzaila Jumari, Jasima Syed Sulaiman, Jumaini Ariff, Khairi Johari (Pak JoFe), Khalid Ajmain, Lily Awallyah, Nur Fatiin, Rabiatul P., Raisa Malik, Safa E. Kirani, Shalina Mohamed Ismail, Siti Hamidah Bahashwan, Suad Kamardeen, Tayeba Abdur Rahman
Compilation Editor: Maria Mahat
Co-editor: Faizah Abdul Malik
Foreword: Mizi Wahid
Poems by: Hafez, Maryam Amelie
Cover Designer: Zaiba M Noor
Blurb: A compilation of 23 Soulful Stories from Muslim individuals from all walks of life, depths of beliefs and strength of characters. Stories of faith and hope; healing and gratitude; of seeking God’s love and seeing His light. Stories to uplift your soul.
Testimonial: This amazing compilation of stories by Maria Mahat and her publishing house, UnguPen, helps us to recognise the variety, the uniqueness, and the reality of challenges faced by the people around us. This book teaches us that behind every smile, there may be fragility, vulnerability, and at the same time, immense strength.
—Mizi Wahid, Author, The Art of Letting God