Enjoy a Summer Reading Warmth with Sara Hamdan's Fresh Debut Novel, Promising Feel-Good Vibes!
Reborn as a Writer: Sara Hamdan's Journey to Literary Success
In 2015, with a baby on the way, former Merrill Lynch banker and journalist Sara Hamdan knew it was time to pen her first novel. From number crunching to working at Google, and bylines in top-tier publications, Hamdan discovered her real passion lay in fiction writing.
"Couldn't find a book full of strong, Arab female leads that weren't political or bumming me out? So, I wrote one," she proclaims about her upcoming debut, What Will People Think. Arriving on bookshelves next week, this delightful novel centers around Mia, a young Palestinian-American stand-up comedian navigating the big city jungle of New York.
"It's a search for love and cultural identity through a comical lens - aiming to be apolitical, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud funny," Hamdan explains of her book.
Born in Palestine, raised in Greece, and currently residing in Dubai with her family, Hamdan credits her dramatic arts classes at Berkeley for kindling her love for writing captivating characters.
"Mia is trying to be herself, yet still fit in, and reminds us that when we accept and love ourselves, others will too," she shares about her dynamic protagonist. "The humor in Mia's story allows us to connect, laugh, and see the depth of her emotional struggles."
The world of publishing isn't for the faint-hearted. Competition is fierce, and rejection can be tough to swallow. But Hamdan refused to quit.
"Got two manuscripts gathering dust in a drawer after numerous agent rejections when things finally started to turn around. Started winning prestigious awards for my shorter pieces, sparking agent interest. Just kept writing. Finally, something clicked," she recounts.
She's gone from an unknown writer craving attention to being in-demand, thanks to winning a coveted Netflix UK award and a prestigious Emirates Literature Foundation fellowship for a year-long mentorship program.
"Write, write, write. Every day. That's the only way to improve your craft and remember why you began writing in the first place," Hamdan advises. "Ignore the noise around you. Focus solely on your work. Let your internal dedication guide your journey."
With What Will People Think set to make waves, it's an exciting time for Sara Hamdan and her eager readers. Comedy, love, and self-discovery await! Don't miss the chance to meet the author herself at the Harvard Book Store for an engaging conversation about her journey and the literary world.
- Sara Hamdan's debut novel, 'What Will People Think', falls under the genre of entertainment, focusing on a love story and cultural identity, making it a compelling addition to summer reads in the fiction category.
- Apart from her successful career in journalism and banking, Sara Hamdan's passion for writing captured characters extended into education and self-development books as well as lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty titles, showcasing her versatility as an author.
- Despite experiencing rejection and facing competition in the demanding publishing industry, Sara Hamdan persevered, inspired by winning awards and fellowships that further boosted her literary career, ultimately landing her a Netflix UK award and Emirates Literature Foundation fellowship.
