Debut Author Series - Farrah Riaz
We at SAIL Fest UK want to amplify the voices of all South Asian writers and illustrators working in kids books. In particular, we are very proud of our 2024 debut cohort who have struggled against odds to be published, and to be discovered by readers all over the UK and the rest of the world.
In this series, we invite debut South Asian authors and illustrators to reflect on their journey so far.
Over to Farrah Riaz, the author of Twiggly Wiggly Dance illustrated by Navya Raju.
When I was asked if I wanted to write a blog post, I was happy to do so, as I had been so inspired by Sail Fest and being in a room filled with such immense talent. I thought I would talk about what a joy everything is and how I am now a published author.
But as 2024 ends, I can’t help feeling reflective.
At my launch, I said I had never felt proud of anything I had ever done until now. It took me a long time to admit that I wanted to write. And THE FEAR did hold me back. Fear of having to do something about it once I put it out there, fear of not being taken seriously, or of it not being the right time. But thankfully, in 2019, I had my it’s now or never moment and stopped dithering.
I have always been a storyteller. I devoured books, played with dolls, and devised outrageous plotlines with my cousin. My childhood was joyful and filled with imagination.
And the fact that the name of the main character in my first picture book is Intisar, which, in Urdu, means be patient, feels very apt for a writer's journey.
I had a lot of time to dream about being published and hope for what I would love to happen. A big splashy announcement, a cover reveal, an animated trailer, a launch, a book tour, promos. I got all that and more. Oxford University Press has been a dream debut publishing house. My book is in bookshops, libraries, schools, and homes and is being read.
In addition to the already wondrous delights, I get to attend the launches of my writer friends and immerse myself in a writing community of brilliantly creative people.
Little Intisar has a BIG job at her Auntie Mahira’s wedding: she’s going to dance in the group performance! Can Intisar’s family of movers and groovers show her that being herself is far more fun than being perfect?
The Twirly Wiggly Dance is a relatable story about finding your own groove, with the celebratory backdrop of a South Asian wedding. This story is loosely based on author Farrah Riaz's own childhood experiences and beautifully illustrated by Navya Raju.
But it is also no surprise that publishing has its ups and downs. It’s a business that is sometimes hard to reconcile as a writer. When you are brimming with stories to share but told they aren’t quite right for the list, or they already have one of those, and you’re like, but do you have one of those with characters like mine? There are many more "no's" than "yeses," and it's natural to feel professional envy. I’ve experienced career highs and career lows at the same time. I’ve had moments of doubt, frustration, and fear of being a one-hit wonder.
So, as I close this debut year, I am thankful for all I have achieved. I have a gorgeous book where illustrated versions of my family fill the pages, thanks to the amazing artwork of Navya Raju.
I am grateful for my writer friends and look forward to all the wonderful people I still have yet to meet and the opportunities that await me. I love creating stories with a burning passion and am determined to stay focused on what I want despite being hit by the occasional wall. When that happens, I need to carve myself a door and creak it open to walk a new path.
Because publishing is nothing if not unpredictable. A bit like life, hey?
Parting words, ahem, if your mind is filled with characters and plot lines, WRITE THEM! But also, buckle up for one heck of a roller coaster.
Farrah Riaz
Farrah is a London-based author from a Hindustani background. She has always been a storyteller, first as a child playing with Barbies, then as an adult with The Sims. Creating characters in all sorts of narratives brings her a lot of joy. When she isn’t living in fantastical worlds or spending time with her loved ones, she works in Higher Education.
Find her on Instagram @farr.ahriaz
Are you a South Asian author or illustrator with a debut book out in 2024 / 2025? Get in touch with us to write about your debut journey.
