Welcome Back, Booklovers! Hena Khan has been specializing in stories about young Pakistani girls who aren't afraid of letting their voices be heard. After reading Drawing Deena and Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun I was able to interview her. So keep reading to learn more about this author as well as read her advice for aspiring authors.
Why did you decide to write for children? And how did you get your start?
I grew up an avid reader and lover of books, and the idea of kids reading stories I write and connecting with my characters is thrilling to me. I also grew up without any representation and wanted my kids to feel seen and included in the literature. Writing has always been a part of my life, but I got my start as a children’s author through Scholastic Book Clubs as a writer-for-hire back in 2001. That’s what made me realize this path was even a possibility!
I noticed in both Zara’s Rules and Drawing Deena you write shorter chapters. Is that intentional for your audience?
Yes! I think we need to do whatever we can to motivate readers of all sorts. And for many kids, the satisfaction of finishing a chapter can be encouraging. Having quick chapters also keeps the action and pace of the story moving along. I also write shorter middle grade books than many authors, which is also by design.
In Drawing Deena, the main character Deena experiences anxiety. Why did you want to write a book exploring anxiety and how it manifests?
As we know, anxiety is something that is affecting children at a very high rate. It can be hard to diagnose in kids since they don’t always express what they are feeling, or understand what is causing them stress. And the physical manifestations of anxiety can be confusing to kids and caregivers alike.
I wanted to write about the journey of discovering anxiety for what it is, and explore different coping mechanisms and resources, including what services might be available through public schools. Hopefully, the more it is understood, the better it can be managed.
What message were you trying to convey about mother/daughter relationships in Drawing Deena?
We often don’t know the people closest to us as well as we think we do. Or, we put them in boxes and don’t appreciate their capacity for change. I wanted to portray Deena’s relationship with her mother as an evolving one, where they both needed to learn how to see each other and support each other better. I really loved exploring that dynamic, particularly in an immigrant family.
You’re written multiple series. Do you start writing a book knowing it’s going to be a part of a series? And what’s your biggest challenge when writing a series vs a standalone?
The series I’ve written, Zara’s Rules, Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, and Super You were all intended to be series from the start. In the Zayd Saleem series, I planned out each book as well as an overarching story arc before writing. For Zara’s Rules, each book stands alone but there are some elements that run through the series. And Super You is a superpower origin story in a pick-your-path format in each book. The biggest challenge for me when writing a series is making sure that each story feels equally fresh and satisfying. But I honestly adore getting to build worlds and then play with the characters. And I find it easier to write the characters the better I get to know them. For those who don’t know, my Zara and Zayd books are connected, and they are siblings, so I’ve written six books about the same family and hope to continue with more.
How do you set the mood to sit down and write?
I don’t! I sit down in various spots in my home, whether it’s my couch, my kitchen table or my desk. And I write at different times of the day, late at night, between appointments, or whenever I get the chance. I wish I had a writing schedule, but I’ve never stuck to one. My ideal writing situation, if I was to set the mood, would be to write on a train that’s rolling through the countryside, in the middle seats that face each other and have little tables, with no wifi, spotty cell signal and some good snacks!
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How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
I usually sleep a lot after turning in a final draft! And I might binge a mindless show while I recharge for my next project. I should create a ritual of celebration just like I should set the mood for writing! But for now, the celebrations revolve around book birthdays which are way better than actual birthdays.
As an established author, what’s the best advice you would give to someone who is interested in traditional publishing?
Don’t give up. If you love writing, keep at your craft, do the research, find the support you need, and write your stories. It’s hard and frustrating in many ways, but everyone’s journey is unique and the rewards are worth it if you can find success. But do write your stories. Nothing will happen if you don’t actually write. It sounds obvious, but many people need to hear that!
Are you able to talk about any upcoming projects?
Yes! I would love for readers to stay tuned about the other books I have coming out later this year, including an anthology I edited called THE DOOR IS OPEN, a picture book called BEHIND MY DOORS, my debut graphic novel called WE ARE BIG TIME and a hilarious coauthored book with Sarah Mylnowski, LIKE A BOSS which is Book 4 of the BEST WISHES series. I’m working on my second graphic novel, along with more picture books, and I hope to write more for my series. Please connect with me to stay up to date on book news!
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