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Nadia Ali - Freelance Writer and Children's Author

  • Writer: litkidsmagazine
    litkidsmagazine
  • Apr 10
  • 3 min read

Nadia Ali is a London-born freelance writer and children’s picture book author. She writes fact and fiction, creating works that connect with readers of all ages. Her work includes Pirates in the Library, The Animal Societies Series, Raisah and the Boat Trip and Humphrey the Egg-splorer. When she is not writing, she can be found in the kitchen whipping up a super sweet dessert.


1. Out of all your projects, what was the hardest piece to create?

The Animal Societies Series was the hardest to write. As a collection of 4 books about animal traits, it was difficult to choose which animals should be featured. Fortunately, together with my editor, we came up with a list for each book.


2. How do you celebrate when you finish a project?

There’s only one answer to that question…chocolate!


3. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?

I enjoy listening to the radio when I’m writing. It gives me a variety of music to listen to, providing unfamiliar lyrics and storylines which can inspire and motivate stories. It also keeps a pulse on the outside world and is a great timekeeper through hourly news feeds.

 

4. Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

That’s an easy question. I prefer printed books. As a picture book writer, I tend to mostly read in this genre. When I received my debut picture book, Pirates in the Library, it was amazing. The visually stunning illustrations that accompanied my words and presented as a two-page spread were far more satisfying as a book in my hands than on a screen. And the best reason for having a printed book, in my opinion, is to read aloud to others and share the story.


5. Do you write more than one thing at a time? Absolutely! I tend to have several works-in-progress at one given time. When I wrote Humphrey the Egg-splorer, I had other stories on the go too. It helps me with the creative process, especially when the going gets tough on one story. I can simply change direction and head over to a completely different story.


6. Do you only write for one genre? At the moment, I do only write picture books in the publishing industry. However, I have been published in academic circles as a contributor to reference work and encyclopaedia’s with Bloomsbury Academic, ABC-CLIO, and Oxford University Press. I am also a regular contributor for a popular pet magazine.

 

7. Do you carry around a journal to note inspiration?

I do. It reminds me of a quote by Henry David Thoreau: “I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep, I wrote in the dark.” I keep a journal by my bedside for those nighttime sparks and one by my laptop for jotting stuff down. Also, when I go on holiday, a journal becomes essential as my laptop doesn’t always accompany me.


8. How often do you write? 

I write almost every day. However, that does not mean I churn out completed stories daily. I may create a story title, a draft or a revision. Part of being a writer also means taking care of marketing and engaging social media content, so it’s not only about writing stories.


Nadia, thank you for sharing your excellent writing advice with our readers! Please follow Nadia on social media and check out her picture book, Humphrey the Egg-splorer, in our Bookshop. Keep shining!



Bluesky:


 
 
 
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