updates/ events
May 17, 2016
PRINTS OF FOR MY MOTHER ARE READY TO BE ORDEREED AND SHIPPED!! I am currently in the proof editing phase for the second book titled Confessions of a Struggling Muslim. The poems in these books have been what kept me human. Despite the sadness, the raw truth of them, they exist as a reminder for me to learn and grow from my experiences. Please enjoy the writings I have published for my supporters to read. And your feedback would be greatly appreciated!
February 18, 2016
i know i've been overwhelming folks about my whole book process, but words cease to exist to truly explain this feeling of nostalgia. writing grew to be a passion of mine in 8th grade after i lost a childhood friend of mine to Leukemia. Angelina was only 13. When she passed away, my parents thought I was too young to attend her funeral, and they were afraid I couldn't truly process her death. But I was able to, through writing. It was poetry week in Mr. Espinosa's class, he had each of us write poems. I wrote about her passing, and how I wanted to remember her. Fifteen and afraid, I stood behind that podium in tears, weeping away my poem for her. I knew right then and there this was what I loved. Writing gives me a purpose, it makes it be much more of an honest person. Vulnerable yes, but this is an emotion we must all feel as human beings. After my first publication, I already had ideas planned for my next book- Confessions of a struggling Muslim. Even after that final edit, I possibly might want to write a book about my experience in education, coming from low income districts, not being the model minority. The list goes on. And I cannot feel any more proud of myself to know that I did this on my own. Every ounce of this- this very webpage, my poems, editing it, the layout of the book, printing, assembling- all done completed with my own two hands. I did not sell myself short. Mostly, I refrained due to my fear of rejection. I hate to admit it, but that is actually one of my biggest fears. Rejection of employment, potential partners, friends, family. I guess you can say, my self publication work is how I decided to deal with it, and take matters into my own hands. It shows my passion to bring to life what I always envisioned for myself. Now, I don't want to make a career out of writing, but a purpose. My main purpose is to help others- whether they are seeking that inspiration, needing someone to relate to, or even seeking an enjoyable read. I want to be here for that audience. With the time being, I will continue to make more reprints of both books. And I thank my supporters for their patience. I am grateful to even have supporters stand with me. Through writing, may we never feel alone.
February 17. 2016
You've been waiting, and its fresh off the printer and hand stitched ready for your to read. I've went ahead and done a reprint/ restock of FOR MY MOTHER. This book has mean so much to me. It help me cope with the passing of my mother. By honoring her life through my passion of writing- in hopes that my readers can visualize the passion my mother carried in this life. She loved as hard as she could, just like the last breath I watch her take. For months I became depressed, waking up crying, having to pull over while driving because my mothers death seemed surreal, skipping class because all I wanted to do was be in bed in hopes that my mother with magically appear to hold me and tell me everything will be okay. However, I learned that through my writing, her memory channels through, through my poetry, my mother reminds me that everything will in fact be okay. Because everything is in moderation. Although I was faced with a tragedy and loss, I managed to create something beautiful for myself, my mother, and my supporters. This very chapbook would cease to exist without every ounce of that. I want my readers to understand my purpose to have my writing in print, to make my words tangible. And I want to my readers to understand that I give my all in the things I am passionate about. Which is the reason why I decided to not go with a mass printing company. This is to show how much I care.
Aside from being able to now order your fresh print of For My Mother, you can also pre-order a copy of my upcoming book. I PRAY THAT I AM MUSLIM ENOUGH: Confessions of a Struggling Muslim. In this book, i will highlight my religious inspiration (my parents), my sins (struggles to accept what is halal and to restrain myself from the forbidden), and my journey to progress as a practicing Muslim. If you are one, who often feel trapped and alone in your journey to love your religious, this is the book for you- to remind you, there is a whole community that understands and empathizes with you. Especially growing up first generation and post 9/11, being muslim meant either not making family members proud while still living in fear. I've poured many confessions in these poems and writings. I want to give a piece of my vulnerability to my readers- to remind them, it is okay. It is absolutely normal to struggling with ones practice- it is what we call trials & tribulations. How we overcome, and heal from these obstacles is the beauty that comes with life on this Earth. In the Quran, it is often stated to remind Muslims, that this world is nothing but a test, indeed that is true, however, Allah cannot just place us here on Earth to not learn from these tests- to grow from these tests. I hope in someways, my poetry helps you grow, may it be as a writer, a reader, a supporter, as a lover, an advocate, a spiritualist, an overall human being that understands what it means to simply feel. Because often, we allow many days to pass us by, without ever acknowledging the feelings that come our way. Embrace it. It is what makes you, you.
Always,
Hati.
February 12, 2016
Welcome readers, writers, and supporters. I am happy to announce the relaunch of my website. It is here where I will post upcoming performances, personal reflections, and updates of my current work in progress I Pray That I am Muslim Enough: Confessions of a Struggling Muslim. My goal is to have physical copies of the book by mid March. So please I express my gratitude for your patience. I want to thank those who purchased a copy of For My Mother, my first self publication. I hope it has inspired you all in someway to find your drive and passion. Ultimately, that is my main purpose, is to help and inspire others, because all of our stories are valid- no matter where we come from. The first release of For My Mother was definitely a learning process in all aspects of design, postage, and emotionally overwhelming. I felt so stuck between work and school that I neglected my passion for writing and inspiring others. Now that I am back from that pause, I am very excited for the journey that is to come. Perhaps maybe I will actually consider submitting my work to publishing companies. Until then, self driven, and hand crafted is what I be.
Always,
Hati.
Ps: Don't forget to use discount code LOCALSONLY for Orange County pick up
Performances: TBA