Ready to see the beautiful cover of my upcoming debut novel?!

Now available for preorder on Amazon!!

I always talk about how it’s taken me 10 solid years to get to this point.

Ten years of stopping and starting due to difficult pregnancies, changing jobs, a pandemic, agent rejections, raising kids… but writing just brought me joy and it became less about getting published and more about a necessary creative outlet.

This novel made it against all the odds, officially coming out May 20, 2025 with Henry Holt & Co, the elite publisher of the likes of Toni Morrison and Hilary Mantel. (And Mariah Carey’s memoir :)

I hope my book brings you as much positivity and happiness reading it as it brought me to write it. Especially after the year we’ve all had.

—> Pre-order here!!

A local English and Arabic version will be available in the UAE soon if you would like to wait instead of clicking the US preorder link (which is a tad pricier and will take longer to arrive after publication date May 20, 2025).

A sincere thank you for being on this journey with me. Words can change lives and you’re part of that 🩷

Read: My Novel!!

For those who are newly joining us, let me tell you a little about What Will People Think? 

We are making history with a heartwarming, funny story about a Palestinian American named Mia in NYC who moonlights as a standup comedian. Mia discovers her grandmother's diary dating back to Jaffa in 1947 - and a secret affair that could affect the whole family.

I am proud of this work because it is simply a love story, apolitical and warm, which is key to owning our own narratives and showcasing the beauty and humanity of an Arab culture.

What do you think of the stunning cover? (Kids put it on a cake and t-shirt for me this weekend :)

Write: A First Chapter

Writing a novel is a daunting task. It is surreal for me to look at my polished novel that is finally ready for publication.

But it all started with a first sentence.

A first chapter.

Please, please, consider applying to the First Chapter writer’s fellowship.

You will have a coach to help you get your manuscript into shape and connect you with agents.

Your creative success starts with a few words… just do it!

Inspire: New York City

This year’s fellowship cohort attended a writing workshop in NYC, and I tagged along for a chance to touch base with my publishing team in person.

New York always brings me alive; I feel like I’ve been plugged into an electric socket when I’m in this energetic city.

A friendly PR invitation led to lunch at the Mandarin Oriental overlooking Central Park (thanks Vanessa and Gail!)… how beautiful is this:

We ate at the hotel’s main restaurant, with highlights including mushroom ravioli and the most tender chicken cooked in scallion and broth. Epic!

Is there a place that inspires you as much as NYC inspires me?

My novel is as much an exploration of the beauty of Palestinian culture as it is an ode to Manhattan 🏙️

Browse: These Links

Random stuff from the WWW to make you smile:

• My novel is available for preorder on Amazon!! 🤯

• Five UK towns with hidden histories

• Real Athens beyond the Acropolis

• Her boyfriend was too good to be true, turned out to be an armed robber

Countdown to My Novel’s Publication Day:

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

With kindness,

Sara