Honeymoon Aljabri

One cherished aspect of my childhood that I often find myself reminiscing about is the sheer joy of playing outdoors under the enchanting glow of the moonlight.

The inspiration behind my inaugural children's book, titled "Amani Wanders in Serengeti," stemmed from my personal encounter with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Serengeti. As I ventured through this remarkable land, I was profoundly moved by its unique allure and the sense of connection it evoked within me. I yearned to capture this extraordinary experience and share it with young readers across the globe, igniting their imaginations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our natural world. Thus, "Amani Wanders in Serengeti" was born, a heartfelt endeavor to transport children on an enchanting journey through the eyes of Amani, allowing them to explore the Serengeti's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, while nurturing a sense of curiosity and respect for our planet's treasures.

The path of an indie filmmaker and author has been an arduous one for me, marked by numerous challenges and hardships. Despite these trials, I persist in my pursuits, even taking on additional tasks such as table cleaning to make ends meet. My unwavering conviction remains rooted in the belief that someday, my enduring determination will be met with the radiance of success. The essence of storytelling runs deep within me, an intrinsic part of my being that I was destined to embrace. It's a calling that compels me to press forward, fueled by an unshakable need to share narratives that touch hearts and captivate minds.

Having earned my degree in Radio, Television, and Film from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, my journey has undoubtedly been a challenging one. Despite the obstacles, I find myself unwavering in my commitment to the world of art. If granted the opportunity to revisit my choices, I would unhesitatingly select the path of creativity time and time again. This resolute dedication to artistic expression has led me to a profound sense of contentment with the person I have grown into.

The Amani book series serves as my personal conduit to unveil the Africa that resides within my heart and soul to the world. Through the adventures of this inquisitive young girl, traversing the expanse of the motherland, I endeavor to unlock and share the profound beauty that graces Africa. It's my aspiration that these books provide children with an authentic glimpse into the splendor that Africa embodies, dispelling the misguided stereotypes that have been perpetuated by the media. I am resolute in my mission to convey the truth – that Africa is a tapestry of wonder, a place that extends far beyond the negative portrayals. Amani's journeys act as a beacon, illuminating the genuine magnificence that my homeland, Africa, bestows upon the world.

The essence of my writing emanates from the depths of my identity – a fusion of my background, culture, and history. This amalgamation has sculpted the writer I've become, a vessel through which I channel my unique experiences. Beyond the profound connection to Africa that resides within me, there exists a second home I've wholeheartedly embraced and proudly refer to as my "born again Texan" identity. A significant portion of my life has unfolded within the Lone Star state, which has inevitably infused my writing with a captivating blend of African allure and Texan spirit. It is through this harmonious marriage of influences that my narratives come to life, bridging two distinct worlds and weaving a tapestry that captures the richness of both my origins and my chosen haven.

The overarching theme of the Amani book series is a steadfast invitation for children to embark on virtual journeys to Africa through the power of storytelling. I firmly hold the belief that traversing the pages of books can serve as a transformative gateway, enabling young minds to comprehend the world that extends far beyond their immediate surroundings. By immersing themselves in these tales, children can cultivate a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures, fostering a sense of connection to places they may have never physically visited.

I maintain an unwavering conviction that cultivating a habit of reading lays the foundation for the future leaders of our world. Nurturing this habit empowers children to embrace their innate curiosity, nurturing a thirst for knowledge that ultimately positions them to take on pivotal roles in shaping our shared global narrative. The Amani series is but a stepping stone, guiding young readers towards a future where their understanding, empathy, and insight will indeed lead the way.

My inaugural book emerged as a collection of poignant poems, conceived during a period of profound heartache and raw emotion. The genesis of this work was rooted in a pain that coursed through my being when circumstances took a somber turn – a pregnancy that held promise but never came to fruition. Amidst this tumultuous time, I found solace in the act of pouring my emotions onto the canvas of my writing. Each poem served as a testament to the complex journey I was traversing, a path that demanded both catharsis and closure.

The same approach guided me as I embarked on crafting the "Grin and Grief" poem book. Through every stanza, I sought to encapsulate the spectrum of human experience, encapsulating moments of joy and sorrow, love and detachment. The composition process unveiled an intimate narrative of my life, capturing instances of "I love you but I am not in love with you," and the conviction that brighter horizons awaited for both myself and others.

Ultimately, these compositions converged into a cohesive body of work, culminating in the publication of a book that encapsulates the depths of human emotion. Each poem stands as a testament to the power of turning pain into art, forging a connection between the intimate chapters of my life and the hearts of those who engage with my words.

Crafting "Amani's First Day of School" was a journey marked by intricate challenges and moments of introspection. The narrative, seemingly simple on the surface, held a profound intention – to weave a tale of reassurance and comfort, reminiscent of the words I often shared with the children I taught during my time as a kindergarten teacher.

The composition process itself was a delicate dance of writing and revision, a constant cycle of creation and deletion as I sought to strike the perfect chord of simplicity and warmth. Each attempt aimed to encapsulate the essence of a child's first day at school – the nervous anticipation, the tender longing for parental presence, and the promise that they would be reunited with their loved ones. This sentiment was reminiscent of the words I used to soothe my young students, "It's okay, don't cry, mama and papa will come to pick you soon."

By drawing from my own experiences and infusing them into Amani's story, I aspired to create a timeless narrative that would resonate with children and parents alike. The result is a tale of comfort, love, and the universal bond between caregivers and their little ones, encapsulating the precious moments of a child's early steps into the world of education.

The profound impact I aspire to leave behind is a legacy of nurturing a fervent love for leisure reading in the hearts of young minds. Through my stories, I aim to offer a gateway to understanding my homeland, my identity, and the beauty of Africa. I firmly believe that our experiences and aspirations shape the narratives we weave, and I am resolute in my intention to craft tales that reflect this roadmap of knowledge and dreams.

My vision extends beyond the pages of my books. I yearn to create mini libraries in underprivileged areas and refugee camps, enriching the lives of those who may have limited access to resources. By bringing the world of storytelling to them, I seek to broaden horizons, inspire dreams, and ignite the spark of imagination that storytelling uniquely possesses.

Storytelling holds transformative power, capable of reshaping perspectives and fostering positive change. My aspiration is to be a force for good, to contribute to the betterment of society through the narratives I share. I envision taking children on captivating literary journeys, starting with reading "Amani" in places like Rwanda, Kenya, or Morocco, and then bringing them the opportunity to experience these lands in person. It is my fervent hope that my stories become a vessel for exploration, empathy, and understanding, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Currently, I am deeply engrossed in the creation of my debut novel, "Leila." This marks my first foray into the world of novel writing, a challenging yet immensely rewarding endeavor. My dedication to this project has led me to maintain a demanding schedule, often working 16-hour days from Monday to Thursday, and dedicating at least two hours each night to furthering the narrative.

"Leila" follows the journey of a Sudanese girl, tracing her path from studying in Morocco to embarking on her initial journalism role in South Africa, driven by her connection to a romantic partner. The narrative takes a poignant turn as she navigates heartbreak, leading her back to Sudan before embarking on a professional journey that carries her to Egypt and Tanzania. Throughout the story, I've chosen to portray Africa as a united entity, allowing the narrative to fluidly traverse its diverse countries and unveil the captivating tapestry of the continent.

In addition to "Leila," I am excitedly looking forward to the next spring, as it brings the promise of completing my inaugural cooking book. This project is an opportunity to explore another avenue of creativity, and I am eager to share my culinary insights with others.

Moreover, my newfound passion for novel writing has sparked a fresh perspective on my existing scripts. Recognizing the challenges inherent in filmmaking, I have embarked on a journey to convert these scripts into novels. This transition not only enables me to embrace the joy of storytelling through the written word but also opens doors to a wider audience, expanding the reach of my narratives.

In essence, my path is one of continuous growth and exploration, driven by an unwavering commitment to storytelling in all its forms. As I journey through each project, I find myself immersed in a world of imagination and possibility, excited to see where my creativity will lead me next.

During my search for effective ways to promote my books, I stumbled upon the AllAuthor website, and it's been an absolute game-changer for me. I've come to greatly appreciate their invaluable support and resources. As an indie author, the journey can often be a solitary one, filled with challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. However, the discovery of the AllAuthor platform has reminded me that I'm not alone on this path; I have a dedicated team to walk alongside me.What resonates deeply with me is the sense of camaraderie and the helping hand that AllAuthor extends to indie authors like myself. Their assistance has been instrumental in navigating the world of book promotion and reaching a wider audience. With their guidance, been able to connect with readers and fellow authors, forging meaningful connections that have enriched my writing journey.

As I reflect on my experience, I can't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the support and encouragement I've received from AllAuthor. Their platform has become an integral part of my writing endeavors, reminding me that I'm part of a vibrant community that shares a passion for storytelling. With AllAuthor by my side, I am empowered to confidently embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with being an indie author, knowing that I have a dependable ally on this exhilarating ride.