Enjoy a refreshing read this summer with Sara Hamdan's upbeat debut novel, promising to leave you feeling content and uplifted!
Getting Unfiltered with Sara Hamdan: A Chat About Her Debut Novel, 'What Will People Think'
You know that friend who always manages to crack you up no matter how crappy your day's been? Meet Sara Hamdan, the Dubai-based Palestinian American author who's about to introduce you to her delightful protagonist, Mia, a young Palestinian American woman moonlighting as a comedy queen in the concrete jungle.
Sara's debut novel, 'What Will People Think', is a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming, and unashamedly apolitical exploration of love, identity, and the search for acceptance—all laced with a dose of humor. It's set to hit the shelves next week, and while you might not know Sara yet, trust us, you'll be stoked when you do.
Sara took a break from her quiet life in Dubai (husband, kids, and all) to chat with us about her love for writing, creating the perfect heroine, and navigating the ugly world of publishing.
“I couldn’t find a book featuring strong, Arab female leads that weren’t politically charged or depressing, so I thought, ‘What the hell, I’ll just write one,’” she quips, giving us a glimpse into the creative genius that is 'What Will People Think'.
As a child growing up in Greece, Sara cultivated her passion for writing while dabbling in theater classes during her college years in Berkeley. She reveals that she poured her heart and soul into crafting Mia’s character, someone who embodies the struggle to fit into society while remaining true to oneself.
"Mia’s journey is about pain, love, and identity, but the humor gives it substance and depth. Comedy can be a powerful tool to inspire understanding and empathy—so, I believe it's vital to use it in storytelling," Sara shared, highlighting the importance of laughter in navigating life's challenges.
Navigating the cutthroat world of publishing is a journey fraught with rejection, but Sara's resilience paid off. Starting from two rejected manuscripts to now being a sought-after author with a major two-book deal, Sara's story is a testament to the power of persistence.
"Keep writing, day in and day out. Don't give a damn about the noise around you. The naysayers who didn't make it or don't get your ideas—ignore them. Writing isn't just a hobby; it's a dedication to your craft," Sara advises.
Don't let the self-doubt and rejections bring you down, she warns. Remember why you started writing in the first place, and keep pushing through. There's no shortcut to success; it's about putting one foot in front of the other until you reach your goal.
"It took me eight years of writing, submitting, crying in the shower, and purging my frustrations to finally get here. But it's worth it. I've created a piece of art that speaks to me, and I hope it speaks to you too," Sara shares, leaving us eagerly waiting for the release of her debut novel.
Now, let's get back to our night in with Netflix, a good book, and a cold beer—after all, as Sara would say: "Life's too short to read dull books." Cheers, Sara!
Sara Hamdan's debut novel, 'What Will People Think', is not only a good book for summer reads but also a must-have item on your entertainment list, blending a love story with humor, making it perfect for a cozy night in with Netflix and a cold beer. As she delves deeper into the fashion-and-beauty industry and lifestyle blogging, keep an eye out for Sara's insights on books and more, proving that her love for writing extends beyond the pages of her novel.
