Hello, fellow book lovers and aspiring writers!

I’m excited to share with you the story of my writing journey, a path filled with dreams, challenges, growth, and triumphs. Whether you’re just starting out or are well on your way, I hope my experiences can inspire and guide you on your own literary adventure.

The Spark of Inspiration

Ever since I was a child, stories have been my refuge and my playground. I vividly remember the nights spent under the covers with a torch, devouring books long after bedtime. The magic of transporting to different worlds and living countless lives through the pages ignited a desire in me to create my own stories.

Early Days: The Struggle and the Learning Curve

My writing journey began not in the solitary quiet of a writer’s room, but in the lively, energetic atmosphere of a classroom filled with children. As a teacher, I spent countless hours surrounded by young minds brimming with creativity and curiosity. It was here that I first discovered the magic of storytelling—crafting narratives that not only captivated my students but also sparked their imaginations and encouraged them to create their own stories. The process of writing with children, helping them shape their ideas into coherent stories, ignited a passion in me to delve deeper into the world of writing.

While guiding my students through their writing journeys, I began creating my own texts. Initially, these stories were simple, designed to engage young readers and complement the lessons I was teaching. But as I continued, I found myself increasingly drawn to the craft of writing. I wanted to improve, refine my stories and make them truly meaningful. This desire led me to pursue an MA in Children’s Literature at Roehampton University.

The MA program at Roehampton was transformative. It provided me with the tools to hone my craft, offering deep insights into the complexities of writing for children. The program’s focus on both the academic and creative aspects of children’s literature challenged me to think critically about the stories I wanted to tell and how I could tell them. I was able to explore different genres, experiment with narrative techniques, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow writers and scholars who shared my passion.

Through this academic journey, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to write for children—how to balance imagination with authenticity, how to create characters that resonate, and how to craft stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. The experience not only improved my writing but also solidified my commitment to creating literature that can inspire and empower young readers.

Today, as I continue to write, I carry with me the lessons learned in the classroom and at Roehampton. My writing has evolved from simple classroom stories to carefully crafted narratives that I hope will connect with children on a deeper level. The journey has been one of growth, not just as a writer, but as a storyteller with a purpose: to inspire, to engage, and to create a world of possibilities for young readers everywhere.

Finding My Voice

One of the most significant milestones in my journey was discovering my unique voice. It didn’t happen overnight; it was a gradual process of trial and error. I experimented with different genres, writing styles, and narrative techniques until I found the one that resonated most with me.

For me, it was about writing stories that felt genuine and true to my experiences and imagination. Once I embraced my authentic voice, my stories began to flow more naturally, and I started to connect more deeply with my readers.

Lessons Learned

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned several key lessons that I believe are crucial for any aspiring writer:

1. Perseverance is Key: The road to self-publishing is often long and filled with obstacles. Keep writing, keep learning, and don’t give up.
2. Embrace Criticism: Constructive criticism is a writer’s best friend. Learn from it and use it to improve your work.
3. Stay True to Your Voice: Write stories that resonate with you. Authenticity is what will connect you with your readers.
4. Never Stop Learning: The writing world is constantly evolving. Attend workshops, read extensively, and keep honing your craft.

Looking Ahead

As I continue on this journey, I am filled with excitement for the stories yet to be told and the worlds yet to be explored. I am currently working on my next novel, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. Writing has become an integral part of who I am, and I am grateful for every moment of this incredible journey.

Thank you for being a part of my writing adventure. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. I look forward to sharing more stories, tips, and insights with you in the future.

Happy writing!

Ali x