Ready for a heartwarming read this summer? Look no further than Sara Hamdan's new novel! This buoyant debut promises to lift your spirits and leave you feeling great. Don't miss out on Sara Hamdan's brilliant summer release!
A Fearless Leap into Fiction: Sara Hamdan's Journey
In the bustling world of literature, one tenacious voice is about to make a big splash. That voice belongs to Sara Hamdan, a former Merrill Lynch banker turned journalist turned fiction writer. In 2015, while nesting for her first child, she decided it was high time to pen her debut novel. With crunching numbers at Merrill Lynch, stints at Google, and bylines across top-tier publications under her belt, Hamdan found her true calling in the realm of fiction.
Hamdan's heart pounded with a desire to create stories that showcased strong, Arab female leads, devoid of politics and despair. This longing birthed her debut novel, "What Will People Think." Ready to take the literary world by storm, Hamdan's novel introduces Mia, a spirited Palestinian-American woman who moonlights as a stand-up comedian in the concrete jungle of New York.
The story of "What Will People Think" offers a refreshing blend of laughter and poignancy, revolving around Mia's quest for love and cultural identity. As the author herself explains, "The narrative is a comedic exploration of searching for one's identity and love, aiming to uplift hearts and bring a chuckle or two."
Hamdan was raised in Greece as a Palestinian-American, but currently resides in Dubai with her husband and two children. Her passion for crafting characters was sparked during her college years in Berkeley, where she immersed herself in theatre classes. Fast forward to now, Hamdan pours her heart and soul into breathing life into Mia, a character grappling with the complexities of finding herself while fitting in.
With a dash of humor and a pinch of heartache, Hamdan beautifully captures the essence of Mia's journey. "Mia's character embodies the struggle between wanting to be herself and fitting in. Ultimately, I believe that embracing and loving oneself is the key to acceptance by others. Comedy, in my view, has the power to bring people together, and Mia's comedic antics serve as a beacon of hope in her journey towards self-discovery," Hamdan states.
Building a career in the publishing industry is no walk in the park. The competition is fierce, and the rejections can be soul-crushing. Yet, Hamdan persevered, armed with an unyielding passion for storytelling. "I had penned two manuscripts, only to have them collect dust in a drawer alongside rejection letters from agents. But I never gave up. I continued to hone my craft, and eventually, my hard work paid off," she says, beaming with resilience.
Hamdan's resolve eventually earned her a prestigious spot in the coveted Netflix UK awards and the Emirates Literature Foundation fellowship for a year-long program. This marked her transformation from an unknown writer craving recognition to a sought-after author.
When asked about her top tips for aspiring writers, Hamdan keeps it simple. "Write, write, write. Every single day. The journey to becoming a better writer is a continuous one – it's essential to remember why you chose this path in the first place. And don't be swayed by the noise around you. Focus on your writing, and let your passion guide you."
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Sara Hamdan's debut novel, "What Will People Think," has become a must-read for summer entertainment, finding a place among fashion and beauty, lifestyle, and books. As a Burgeoning author in the bustling publishing world, Hamdan's work offers an inspirational story for aspiring writers, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of rejection.
