NIYLA: Thank you! I write for many age ranges—Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adult—but when this opportunity came up, I was really interested to write a children’s book because ages 8-12 are so formative for young readers. It’s especially exciting for younger readers to read Rida and Madiya when they’re at that critical age of reading where my book could potentially impact if they’ll pick up another book or not.
NIYLA: Rida and Madiya is the story of two sisters who are like chalk and cheese. One is sensible and the other is silly but they find themselves trying to work together to save the local library. It’s full of humour, diversity, and fun.
NIYLA: I definitely wanted to write something about siblings, because when I was growing up, I loved series like Beezus and Ramona, Charlie and Lola, and Horrid Henry, but they weren’t very diverse so I wanted to change that. Plus, I have a brother and a sister and we’ve certainly had our ups and downs over the years so it’s fun to incorporate some of that in my stories.
I also love how layered the relationship of sisters can be, and really wanted to develop that in a way that allowed them to put their differences aside for a good cause.
NIYLA: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing stories but it wasn’t until I decided that I wanted this to be a career that I sat down and promised myself that all of my published works would have as much authentic diversity as possible. I want people of any age and background to feel seen when they look at my work because the world is so diverse.
I feel like my culture in particular is only spotlighted in art and media in a very limited way, and South Asian characters are seldom the main characters and mainly the villains. That’s the same with Muslim characters – they’re mainly portrayed as the villains. Also, seeing a hijab-wearing character on the cover made me so happy and seen.
I don’t want young readers to feel like they’re anomalies and outcasts just because they don’t see themselves in what they love, just like how I felt.
NIYLA: Rida is sensible, shy, and loyal. Madiya is silly, caring, and misunderstood.
NIYLA: I have so many favourite scenes and I think that’s partly due to me drawing from some of my own experiences in life and as a little sister when writing Rida and Madiya.
My favourite scene is a wholesome moment between Rida and Madiya and Ābu, their father, when the pair of them got nervous before going onstage. He says to them, “The moment a butterfly breaks out of its cocoon, it’s terrified. But once it’s out there, it flies and it looks magnificent. You two are my butterflies.” I remember my editor loving those words too!
NIYLA: I’d like readers to just have fun, first and foremost. Some readers have positively commented on how funny the book is, and I’m excited to hear that! Secondly, I’d like readers of all backgrounds to love these characters and the story of sisterhood. Thirdly, I’d like readers to know that even polar opposite personalities can work together for a good cause.
NIYLA: I work full-time at a pharmacy so I don’t have a fixed routine at this stage in my career. But I do try to plan my writing routine, whether it’s outlining a new book or just writing some chapters before calling it a night. It’s tough but really worth it! I love writing so much.
NIYLA: My love of books from such a young age inspired me to become an author, and to make my books as diverse as authentically possible. I hope I get to keep writing publishable books for a long time.
NIYLA: I became ambidextrous when I broke my right elbow years ago and can still use my left hand for many things.
NIYLA: The food, the music, and the clothes.
