Sara Hamdan's Introduced Summer Read: An Uplifting Novel That'll Brighten Your Day This Summer Season
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's chat about Sara Hamdan, a former Merrill Lynch banker, journalist, and now an up-and-coming author. In 2015, during her pregnant days, she knew she had a book brewing inside of her. Throughout her career, Hamdan dabbled in a variety of sectors - from crunching numbers at Merrill Lynch, stints at Google, to earning bylines in top-tier publications, she discovered her true passion lay in spinning yarns.
"I yearned for a book starring resilient, Arab female leads that didn't drag me down into a pit of politics or despair, so I penned one," she explains, referring to her debut novel, What Will People Think.
Her first novel is set to hit the bookstores in a couple of days. The story revolves around Mia, a young Palestinian American woman who juggles a double life as a stand-up comedian in New York City.
"This story explores the quest for love and cultural identity through a comedic lens," Hamdan elucidates. "It aims to stay apolitical, heartfelt, and chuckle-worthy."
Born in Palestine and raised in Greece, Hamdan currently lives in Dubai with her hubby and their two children. She credits her passion for crafting strong, unforgettable characters to drama classes she took during her college years at Berkeley.
"I poured my soul into creating Mia's character - a girl who's trying to be herself, yet fit in. Ultimately, my message is, if we love ourselves, others will too," she states. "Mia's dichotomous nature really comes to life through humor. I believe comedy is the ultimate uniter. Mia's pain and emotional depth add substance to the jokes."
Navigating the cutthroat publishing world ain't a walk in the park. Besides heavy competition, the rejections can leave a deep wound. But Hamdan didn't let it daunt her.
"I wrote multiple manuscripts, stored in a drawer alongside agent rejections, before things started looking up," she admits. "I landed some prestigious awards for shorter pieces, which piqued the agents' interest. I just kept writing. Eventually, something clicked. The insecurities and rejections are all part of the game. But if they make you throw in the towel, then writing isn't for you - that's an undeniable truth. I must admit, I've had my share of breaking down in the shower after a crushing rejection email."
After winning the coveted Netflix UK award and bagging a prestigious Emirates Literature Foundation fellowship for a year-long mentorship program, Hamdan went from being a relatively unknown writer seeking agent attention to a sought-after talent.
"Write, write, write. Every single day. That's the only way to grow as a writer, and remember the joy of writing in the process," Hamdan advises. "But remember to turn a blind eye to the din around you...critics, dream-crushers, those who don't get your vision - they simply don't matter. The drive comes from within."
['Forbes', 'LinkedIn', 'website', 'Editorial Standards', 'Forbes Accolades']
To understand the intricacies of Hamdan's publishing journey and her evolution from a former banker to an author, we need to delve into the broader context of her career trajectory. Although specific details about her early career and the specific steps she took to become an author aren't readily available, we can infer patterns from her journey that are commonly seen in career transitions.
Career Transition:
- From Banking to Journalism: Many professionals transition from finance to other fields by leveraging transferable skills, such as analytical thinking and communication. Journalism requires strong research and writing skills, often honed in banking roles.
- Journalism to Writing Fiction: Journalists have a solid foundation in storytelling and writing. Transitioning to fiction writing entails developing creative skills and mastering the art of weaving compelling narratives.
- Publishing Debut Novel: Securing a publishing deal for a debut novel involves crafting an engaging manuscript and sometimes securing a literary agent. The novel's success can result in recognition and accolades.
- Sara Hamdan's career evolution from a former Merrill Lynch banker to an author is an inspiring journey, demonstrated by her winning the Netflix UK award and a prestigious Emirates Literature Foundation fellowship.
- Forbes, LinkedIn, or Hamdan's personal website may offer insights into the specific steps Samara Hamdan took before transitioning from journalism to writing fiction and publishing her debut novel, "What Will People Think."
