Brian Francis (author of Natural Order and a renowned Caker Cooker—yes, look that up) recently asked me to participate in the Author Blog Hop. I said yes because I adored …
Novel in a nutshell
YouTube and Google have a very cool and fun app that helps you create a 35 second video using 7 search terms. Here’s my 35 second rendition of Stealing Nasreen. …
Crafting an Income
First published Mar 30, 2010 by The Mark Today’s best Facebook status update was from a friend who is an author: “Royalty cheque finally arrived. Time to get that root …
The City as a Character
I love to write about Toronto. I’m not alone; Dionne Brand, David Chariandy, MG Vassanji, Margaret Atwood, Barbara Gowdy, and many others have situated their fiction in this city, often …
Embracing Change
I attended a very useful symposium put on by the The Writers Union of Canada this past Friday called “Secure Footing in a Changing Literary Landscape”. Well, the literary landscape has …
Six Metres of Pavement
Novel #2 has a title! After a short process of elimination, Dundurn and I have decided on “Six Metres of Pavement” as the title of my book. And we have …
A New Year, A New Book!
When I returned home from vacation, a fat envelope awaited me. Inside was a publisher’s contract which I’ve since signed and mailed today. Wahooo! So, what I anticipate for this …
Montreal Serai review
Here’s another Stealing Nasreen review, this one by Montreal Serai‘s Niranjana Iyer. I was reflecting on how a number of reviewers have specifically noticed and commented on the scene between …
Support Canadian Writers This Holiday Season
I’ve been pleased to hear that most people I know are challenging the rampant consumerism of the upcoming holiday season. Lots of us participate in gift swaps, only shop for …
Brockton Writers Series
For some time, I’ve been a proud resident of Brockton Village, in Toronto’s West End. I have a great sense of community here and I love knowing and getting to …
Asian Arts Freedom School
I’m facilitating a writing workshop tonight at the AAFS and wanted to spread the news about them. Have a look at this great video:
Self-Promotion From the Inside Out: Emotional and Practical Strategies to Promote Your Own Business
Just beginning to plan a project, or looking to develop an already established one? Promoting your novel, an artistic endeavour, or a small business? I’m facilitating a workshop at Wine, …
Interview covered by Muslimah Media Watch
Hey there, check out an interview I did that was covered by Muslimah Media Watch. If you’re not already familiar with MMW, check them out. Smart, cutting edge stuff…
Central Neighbourhood House’s Book Sale and Auction
I’m pleased to be involved in Central Neighbourhood’s upcoming Book Sale and Auction on Saturday, August 22nd. All proceeds will go to support CNH’s programs. There will be a whack …
Masala!Mehndi!Masti!’s People’s Choice Award
I’ve been nominated for the MMM People’s Choice Award! Please go vote, and consider voting for me in the Favourite Author category: http://masalamehndimasti.com/2009/index.php?option=com_pollxt&Itemid=47
Summer news
Summer is officially here and I look forward to my paid work slowing down and the expansion of my writing life. I’ll be spending much of my summer vacation doing …
Proud Summer
It’s June (almost!) and with the Inside/Out festival being done and the weather getting warmer I start to think about Pride festivities. I’ve been attending Toronto Pride since 1994. I’ve walked …
falling in love again
I grew up without pets, with the exception of a guard dog named Rover when we lived in Zambia (and I was too young to remember him). I didn’t miss …
on becoming a Facebooker
Some time ago, shortly before Stealing Nasreen was due to be released, a friend suggested I get on Facebook so that I could better promote the novel. She’s younger and …
CBC’s Featured Reader
Cool! I’m CBC’s Featured Reader today! http://www.cbc.ca/canadareads/bookclub/readers.html Hope you’ll check out some of my favourites…
Travelling, creative resistance and retreating
Hey it’s been a busy March! I panelled and performed in New York at the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective’s Annual Literary Festival, lectured and read at Ottawa’s Carleton University (my …
IWD at Carleton University
I’m heading to my alma mater Carleton University, to take part in a few events on March 18th, in celebration of International Women’s Day/Month: 12:30-2:30pm, I’ll be giving a talk …
New York
I’m excited to be heading to New York City this Saturday March 7th for the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective’s 6th Annual Literary Festival. The theme is “Stranger Love” and …