The Write Story: In Conversation with Umm Afraz Muhammed

One thing I love about the reading-writing community is discussing their books with their authors. As a writer, I know how important and precious their books are to the authors. So, today we discuss the novel Here With You with the author herself, Umm Afraz Mohammed.

Firstly, I must say I loved your book. Mainly because it felt so close to home! I have seen these things happen to people. So, what inspired you to tell this story?

Jazakillahu khayran for your kind words. And yes, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issue is very common. In fact, it is not specific to a culture or time, rather it is spread throughout different cultures and has been an age-old topic of concern.

Many of my friends and contacts used to talk about their issues as a daughter-in-law. And I used to wonder what would the mother-in-law say, feel, and think about her daughter-in-law. That got me thinking that everyone has a story, a perspective from their side. And I wanted to show that not every daughter-in-law or mother-in-law is a monster. They have their good side and flaws, just like everyone else.

In the present writing scene, romances are often viewed as whirlwind and passion-driven. Many believe this to be a sure shot formula for the book’s success. Were there people/beta readers echoing these thoughts? Or were there doubts about the story? How did you overcome them?

I love this question. There were a couple of beta readers who would have liked slightly more steamy scenes whilst maintaining the halal aspect. But honestly, I couldn’t get myself to write more than what I have already have. I know authors who cater to such audience and they do write well. But I don’t fit the bill. Or the bill doesn’t fit me *laughs*.

Let’s talk characters! What were your inspirations in writing these characters?

I wanted my characters to be real, to be relateable, and be like someone the reader knows. I had a tough time developing the characters, mainly Faisal, but alhamdulillah, with the help of my editor, Umm Marwan Ibrahim, I was able to build up his personality.

One of my most favourite characters was Fatima. Apart from the sweet romance, her character is shown to have the most development and changes throughout the story. But another thing I loved about it was the fact that while she could be painted as an antagonist, she thought herself to be right in her own mind and perspective. How did you find this balance between keeping the character human as well as somewhat of a villain?

You know, I have come to love Fatima the most, because of her transformative character. I wanted to show people/readers that a mother-in-law from the get-go is a human. And just like everyone, she thinks she is right. No parent in their sane mind would intentionally jeopardize their child’s marriage. Whatever she did, she did out of love for her son, believing that she was right in her actions. She isn’t an evil person. She is your everyday common mother-in-law.

Your characters are very real, people we see in everyday life or even reflections of ourselves. How did you keep those characters so real - made them flawed yet lovable?

Credit for character development really goes to my editor. She made me think and really dig deep into their character, personality, their likes, their dislikes, everything really. I knew how I wanted Salma to be, she was fairly easy to build up. She is a highly polished version of who I was/am *laughs*. Fatima was also somewhat easy to build up. She is a mix-and-mash-up of a couple of mothers-in-law I know *covers face and laughs*. Faisal was difficult to bring up. Initially, when I wrote up Faisal, I literally brought up the highly-sensitive Brendan Fraser of Bedazzled (excuse me for the movie reference, I’m not endorsing/advertising the movie in anyway). And then I was like, no way, this is not who Faisal is. So alhamdulillah, Abu Afraz and Umm Marwan helped me to build his character the way he is now *smiles*

If you could say one thing to the newly married girls in a similar setting as Salma, what would it be?

Take things slow. Marriage is a change of status, and along with it comes the change of lifestyle pattern. Moving to an in-law’s place is a step higher than that. It takes time to adjust with each other and one another.

Who is your favourite character in your book? Who did you have the most fun writing about?

Hands-down, Fatima. I loved working with her. I was most emotional when I wrote her. If you are asking about fun, then it is Faisal, I had fun building him up *grins and winks*.

Tell me one scene from your book that moved you while you re-read it?
One of the scenes that moved me was when Fatima reminisces about her past and how she was grateful for her blessing, Faisal. Apart from mother-in-law daughter-in-law issue, Here With You also touches upon the issue of PCOS and the difficulty in conceiving children.

What is your writing process? How do you maintain consistency in writing?

I write a lot during group-accountability sessions, like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). As I’m a mother to three kids, and a current student of Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, I rarely find time to write everyday.

How do you think a Muslim writer should find the balance between rules of shariah, making the characters flawed and finally conveying the correct message of Islam?

It is important to show the reality of the world today. Writing an idealistic story, although maybe good for da’wah purposes, it doesn’t portray the Muslims in real life. And real life, real characters, real stories, these are what will get your writing influencing people. If you have a character who drinks alcohol, let him drink. But make sure you don’t lead the readers to believe that drinking alcohol is permitted.
And alhamdulillah the Shariah is broad in accepting many types of writing. As long as you know you aren’t over-stepping the boundaries of Islam, and you are comfortable with your writing, then, by all means, go ahead.

What will be your advice to aspiring Muslim authors?

Check your intention. Why are you writing? Think about where you want to stand with your writing in front of Allah. Do you want your fingers, your pen, your keyboard, your words to speak for you, or against you, in the Day of Judgement? Think about it and then start writing. And once you start writing, don’t stop to edit. Let the words grow out, and you can weed them out later.

Tell me some of your must-reads by Muslim authors.

There are so many, but I will tell you a couple with a keyword that I think fits best:

• His Other Wife, by Umm Zakiyyah - Spiritual Abuse

• Nothing But Love, by Zeneefa Zaneer - Romance

• The Broken Half, by Sahar Abdulazeez - Domestic Abuse

• Behind Picket Fences, by Hend Hegazi - Family

• A Part of Me Refused to Die, by Nisha Sulthana - Memoir

Jazakillah Khair sister for this wonderful interview, it was really insightful going through your answers and of course, I wouldn't mind new additions to my TBR. 

You can find Here With You here.

For more such posts follow my blog and for enquiries send me an email here.