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12 x 12 February Featured Author – Fatma Anwer Al-Lawati

Fatma Anwer Al-LawtiIt may seem strange for some to know that until the early 70s, children in Oman knew no such thing as children books. Most of us from that generation did not grow up reading children’s picture books at an early age. As such, some may wonder how, with the lack of children’s book for kids in my generation, did some develop the imagination to write children’s books later on?

One key factor I wish to highlight is what we call in Arabic “Al-hakwati”, or the storyteller. The first “Al-hakwati” I knew was my late father who would sit with me and narrate stories from history, traditional folklore, and popular culture. He was a reader with a library which consisted only of books for adults.

The oral interaction between children and an adult, “Hakwati”, helped children exchange ideas and shape skills such as imaginative thinking. As Muslims, many stories were centered
around Islamic history and Quranic stories. They are told in a way that is suitable to the age group of the children. Children joined by some adults all huddled around listening to the Hakwati’s engaging narration.

My first experience with the “Hakawati’, besides my father, was at 6 years old on a family trip to India. At the hotel, there were several families from my country, and after dinner we would all gather around an old woman to listen to her tales for hours without feeling the time pass. Such interactions I believe enriched my imagination and shaped my storytelling, helping me embark in children’s literature in the late 80s.

Maryam's Journal by Fatma Anwer Al-LawatiIn 1988, I took a short course on children’s literature and wrote my first story titled, “Zahraa is Afraid of the Night”, but was not published until a few years later. A short while after, I wrote several other stories, including a series called “My Country”. My first book, “Maryam in the Well”, was published in 1989 by the Ministry of Heritage. By 1996, I had published 4 children picture books and two plays, before leaving for the United States to pursue a graduate degree in Education.

During my stay in the United States, I read hundreds of children books which were easily accessible from public libraries and my children’s schools. But as a PhD student with five children and working as a research assistant, my writing career was on hold until I resettled back in Oman for good in 2014 after obtaining my degree and performing a series of fellowships. At that time, I noticed there was a demand from parents for good children’s books.

By 2015, amid the wars in the Arab world that resulted in an increasing number of children who were affected by war, the idea of “Project Peace” came to mind. The mission of this project is to provide free books to children with the hopes to plant ideas of peace in their minds in creative, imaginative, and fun ways—ways that bring smiles to their faces.

Hence, my husband and I decided to start our own publishing company- Mayaseen Publishing LLC, dedicated to publishing children’s books and supporting “Project Peace”. The company was established in Michigan, USA and over 15 books were printed in two versions — one distributed freely under “Project Peace” and the other for sale.

My large book output in the last few years was motivated mainly by this project and helped me write a continuous stream of what I believe is my most creative work for children in my career.

This is a brief summary of my journey in the field of children’s literature. I continue to learn and develop in an effort to publish books that make children enjoy reading. I have also conducted several workshops to teach those interested in writing for children. I really enjoy being a part of 12 x 12 and learning new ideas and techniques, and I wish a forum such as this would exist in Arabic one day.

 

Dr. Fatma Al-Lawati is an author and educator from Oman. She graduated with a PhD in Gifted Education from Utah State University. She is the founder of Mayaseen Publishing and the “Project Peace” initiative which has the vision to provide free books to children who have been affected by war and kids from a very low-income level raised in a poor environment.

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342 Responses

    1. WOW! A beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your writing journey. I have enjoyed many Storytellers from a variety of cultures throughout my life and have enjoyed telling stories on stages and for small groups. The oral tradition really does help develop ones imagination.

      Project Peace sounds like a fantastic way to support children.

      Peace to you.

  1. Your story is fascinating! I was very interested to read about the storyteller, “Al-hakwati.” I loved reading how you pursued learning, reading, and writing picture books. I admire your focus and your Project Peace. Thank you for all you do to share books with young readers. Thanks for sharing with us so we can learn about your journey and be inspired in our own writing. I’m glad to be a part of 12×12 with you. 🙂

      1. Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey in the field of children’s literature. 12×12 is a wonderful encouraging community where we can learn together.

    1. This was an interesting post. It is always good to learn about reading and access to books in other cultures.

  2. Thank you for sharing this with us. Project Peace sounds like it has an incredible mission. What a wonderful, giving organization to create!

  3. I’m honored to be a 12×12 member with you. Thank you for sharing your story. Your tradition of oral storytelling is wonderful, and I love your memory of the old woman in India. There’s nothing like listening to a good storyteller. The time really does fly by.

    1. WOW! A beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your writing journey. I have enjoyed many Storytellers from a variety of cultures throughout my life and have enjoyed telling stories on stages and for small groups. The oral tradition really does help develop ones imagination.

      Project Peace sounds like a fantastic way to support children.

      Peace to you.

  4. Thank you for sharing your writer’s journey! So many of us take it for granted that children have access to books; unfortunately, so many across the world do not.

  5. My husband lived and worked in Oman for a year. I was able to visit for a few weeks. It is a beautiful country. I was saddened to here of the Sultan’s death. Thank goodness it has been a peaceful transfer of power.

  6. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story to writing and publication. Like you, I didn’t grow up with picture books written by people from my culture. Most picture books I read and borrowed were Eurocentric. So right now, I’m writing my #ownvoices stories.

    I can relate so well with the tradition of oral storytelling. In ancient China and all of Southeast Asia, stories were passed down orally. It’s the same in Italy too, where my husband’s from. In the old days, shepherds and goatherds would spin yarns to entertain each other.

  7. Amazing to hear your story behind being an author, so deep and waiting to be heard. Thank you for sharing here, Fatma, your gifted insight is a gift to MANY.

  8. Thank you for sharing your story. I believe in supporting authors, so I will add your books to my library as well as to the books I donate to our local schools. Best wishes!

  9. Thank you for sharing your incredible story and mission, Fatma. I’m thrilled to think we were neighbors for a while during your stay in Logan and USU to get your PhD. Like you, I grew up with stories that depended on the imagination of the listener to fill in the pictures. We didn’t have much picture books in our home; instead we had a big bound book of traditional classics. All text…unabridged it seemed. But my brother and I loved curling up on my mother’s lap and listening to the sound of her voice as she read them. Nurturing a love of stories likely kindles that flame for storytelling. Best wishes for your most wonderful project. I’d love to learn more about how you gather donations for your book-giving goals.

  10. Interesting life journey to writing and providing stories for children in areas where life
    Is unsettled by war and few children’s books. Good luck with your mission.

  11. Kudos for not only surviving but thriving on your remarkable journey, Dr. Fatma. And all the best with your peace project.

  12. It’s hard to imagine not growing up with access to books. My favorite place in town was the library and my own children spent countless hours at the library growing up. Thank you for sharing your interesting story.

  13. What a journey! I got both oral and stories read to me. I believe both of them helped me develop a deep creative ability.

  14. Your culture sounds similar to Native American storytellers. It’s amazing you were able to have a job, go to college and raise five children, and then start a publishing company. Good luck with your peace project.

  15. Dr. Fatma, wow, wow. Ya rait w inshallah there will be a forum like this in Arabic to spur on creatives in the Arab world to reach and bless children with more literacy, fun affordable books, open minds for new ideas and a hope for their future. I live in a poor corner of the Middle East where most of my neighbor kids only own their school books- if that, no extra books in the house. Many children have trouble with MSA (Modern Standard Arabic) as its not the language they speak at home. I hope, along with you, that there will be more children’s lit in MSA and in other Arabic dialects like Levantine and Egyptian. Let it be! Thank you for sharing your story.

    1. Please email me, we can work together to make some books accessible to the children. Where are you from? Thank you

  16. Your post, like so many featured in the 12 x 12, broaden my horizons. Thank you for your inspirational work.

  17. Thank you so much for sharing your story! Loved hearing about your tradition of storyteller and how you brought it to the page. You have inspired me to create today.

  18. Wow! Such a powerful testimony of love and devotion to children! I remember all the oral stories I told my children and how they loved it! Now I’m trying to capture that in my writing. I pray for continued success in project peace!

  19. Thank you for sharing your story. Project Peace looks like an incredible organization. I enjoyed reading about your journey.

  20. It sounds like you are doing wonderful things to help children. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

  21. Thank you for sharing your story and for your work to bring picture books to children who would otherwise not have them.

  22. What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing it with us. What a great gift you have given the children in your country.

  23. Your story is so inspiring. What incredible memories you have, and what a wonderful mission. Thank you for your post and for being part of 12×12.

  24. Inspiring post Fatma. Your work is admirable and needed. Thank you for sharing your journey into children’s literature.

  25. Storytelling is so important. I’ve noticed that children who have trouble sitting still for a story read to them will often be entranced by someone “just” telling a story. As someone who has a Masters Degree in Oral Traditions, this just emphasizes how important it is for people to share stories.

  26. Thank you, Fatma! Your story is fascinating and reminds us of how much good there is in the world. Good luck on your continued journey.

    1. Sure, it is similar to the storyteller in the west. Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions, please!

  27. I loved learning about “Al-hakwati” and about your journey from listening to your father tell stories all the way to creating your own publishing company. It is inspiring. Thank you, Fatma!

  28. Fatma,
    Your Project Peace sounds wonderful. Congratulations on your published children’s books. You are starting a new tradition of children’s printed literature in Oman.

  29. Oral storytelling, what a lovely tradition that needs to be saved for future generations! The university here in Puerto Rico has done a great job working to save it, but some gets lost on the way. Thanks for sharing and much success to you.

  30. Thank you Fatma for your inspiring post. My father was the storyteller in our family. One of six boys brought up in Little Italy, he would regale us with stories of the trouble the boys got themselves into. There was no shortage of laughs and shock – but always a lesson to be learned.
    Congratulations on taking the step to fill a gap and a need in publishing.

  31. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. It evokes so many images on its own—”Al-hakwati” with children gathered round and the Project Peace— I can just imagine how beautiful your book are. I think many children have benefitted from your efforts.

  32. Thank you for this post. It really shows the importance of sharing stories, from the stories you heard as a child from storytellers, to the stories you’re sharing through Project Peace, to the story you’ve just told us in this blog post, and everything in between. Very inspiring!

  33. Thank you for showing how a life of story telling and listening have helped you to become the writer and person your are today. It is always fascinating to see another’s life evolve in a totally different way than mine.

  34. I cannot imagine a world without children’s literature! Thank you for your post and opening our eyes to other lands and their histories. Congratulations on your children’s picture book success. I wish your publishing company good fortune as you further children’s literature.

  35. Fatma, You write a beautiful post about the inspiration behind your storytelling journey. I admire your tenacity and passion for printing GOOD children’s books that offer hope, joy, and stories where children can recognize their feelings when children so often feel alone. Last fall while traveling through Egypt, our personal tour guide became our personal friend. When Doaa visits her brother in the United States this summer, my husband and I will reconnect with her. Sharing our two faiths created a bond of hope, joy, and common ground. We are friends for life. Picture books can do that too. I keep my dearest books from childhood nearby because they are my “friends.” Thank you for your words and your mission. “SALAM ALYAKOM”

  36. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that children everywhere need to see themselves and their lives reflected in story.

  37. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story, Fatma. And thank you for sharing stories of peace, joy, and hope through Project Peace and your publishing company. Best wishes to you!

  38. What a great write-up! Your story is very inspiring and I admire what you have done with Project Peace!

  39. What a great write-up! Your story is very inspiring and I admire what you have done with Project Peace!!

  40. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. In this day and age of fear and hatred, children everywhere need to hear the voice of reason. Thank you for giving them yours.

  41. I love hearing all about your backstory and they way you are bringing books to children.
    I grew up with a grandma who was a fantastic oral storyteller and I miss her every day. Thank you for sharing your story!

  42. Thank you for sharing this. It broadened my views about oral storytelling traditions. Wishing you continued success with Project Peace.

  43. I enjoyed your life story. It reminded me of the ‘visiting’ librarian who would come to our school in Florida every few months to tell us stories. I always thought how amazing she was. She never read to us, but sat alone on the stage, sharing her wonderful stories with our class. She was mesmerizing. Thank you for sparking that memory. Good luck with your Peace Project. It’s sorely needed through out the world.

  44. I really enjoyed hearing the story of your writing and publishing journey. Thank you for sharing, and for the work you are doing with Project Peace.

  45. Hello Fatma,
    Your Project Peace sounds wonderful.
    Do you write your stories in Omani dialect or another Arabic dialect/form?
    Thank you so much for all your study and efforts for children!

    Janet

    1. Hi Janet,
      The Arabic written is same no different among all who read and write in Arabic, I write the stories in Arabic not Omani dialect. Thanks for your question,

      Fatma

  46. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us Fatma. Your dedication to Project Peace is evident and I wish you continued success as you move forward. I’ve read your books and loved them. Keep up your good works!

  47. Such an inspiring story. I will be checking out your books and project peace website. Thank you for sharing!

  48. The image of multiple generations sitting around listening to a storyteller is so powerful. Thank you for sharing your story, and the service you’re providing to children through your projects and publications.

  49. Congratulations on following your dream and putting those stories that resonated with you into written form.

  50. Fatma, what a poignant story you tell, so beautifully expressed. May your books and Project Peace continue to change children’s lives. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I found it moving.

    Your friend in Michigan,
    Isabel O’Hagin

  51. Your first sentence grabbed me! What we can take for granted others may never have heard of! Children’s books have opened many doors for children and I’m glad it opened a door for you. Thanks for your post.

  52. I loved reading about your life and work. What a wonderful thing you are doing for children! Proud to be in 12 x 12 with you. Thanks for sharing with us.

  53. I was surprised when you first mentioned that children’s books were uncommon growing up in Oman, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder how much this is the case in many parts of the world? On the one hand, I’m sure it is good to translate books that have broad appeal. In addition, though, it would be wonderful if the big publishing houses would do more to support local imprints such as yours so that children can have books written in the wonderful style of their local culture.

    1. Thank you for your valuable comment. There are unfortunately many children who only have access to their school books or a few more. There are others who lack the understanding of reading and the importance of surrounding their kids with books. In recent years however, there has been a growth in this area. And yes, more support from big publishing houses would be of tremendous help.

  54. Hi Fatma,
    Thank you for sharing you writer story that honors your country and appreciates the opportunities the US brings. It is admirable how you formed a company that publishes books for all children!
    Sincerely, Nicole

  55. Thank you very much for you comments, I am glad that you liked my post. I tried to highlight on some of the children’s struggle in this world. Kelli added the link to the book, if you would like to check it. Thank you to all your support!

  56. You are doing great work through your publishing company and establishing the “Project Peace” initiative. Thank you for sharing your writing journey. Wishing you well as you continue the amazing work you are doing!

  57. Your inspirational journey reminds me that we can always do more, both in our writing and to make the world a better place. Thanks for sharing your story and for spreading the lesson of peace through your books.

  58. Thank you for sharing your story and journey to get here. I wish you much continued success and I hope children around the world will have the opportunity to know children’s books as they grow.

  59. Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t know what I would have done without books during my childhood. They were my safe space in a scary world. Thank you for providing this refuge to children now, who may not otherwise have it.

  60. Fatma, Thank you for sharing. I could see that storytelling would be similar to reading aloud to a child in terms of building their imagination, especially if not using a picture book. What a wonderful practice.

  61. I’m always amazed by women who raise 5 children and pursue their own education and careers. My mother did this decades ago and after I had my own children (only 2), I admired her determination and energy even more. She eventually obtained a PhD in English literature and taught that and ESL in countries all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Hungary. From these countries she sent back children’s picture books in Arabic and Chinese, very simple ones, alphabet & counting books. This was over 30 years ago. If my mother were still alive and visited your country, I’m sure she’d have scooped them up to send to me. I look forward to finding them in a bookstore when I visit the States.

  62. It always interests me to hear what inspires people, which in turn inspires me in a whole new way. Thank you for sharing your story, how wonderful that listening at the feet of “Al-hakwati” spurred your imagination with such passion to bring you to this point… a lovely legacy from your Father.

  63. Fatma, I loved hearing your story and seeing the beautiful faces of children around the world receiving picture books through Project Peace. You are truly an inspiration.

  64. A fascinating story. Thank you for sharing! I admire your perseverance in doing so much good. I wonder if your mission with your books is help children heal from war time trauma in addition to providing comfort and hope. Maybe you’ll be the one to initiate a 12×12 challenge in Arabic!

    Mary Ann

  65. As a PhD mother of six, with my two eldest half Moroccan half Argentinian, I can relate to your post on so many levels lol. I am excited about Project Peace and wish you that best, will be reading your stories 😊

  66. Fatman –

    I just love stories from other cultures! I love to travel to different places to for this reason….thank you for sharing your story! Shelly

  67. Such a cool journey! Thank you for your work towards peace in the world– Kids are definitely the place to start!!

  68. Thank you for sharing your story. Storytelling such that no one feels the passage of time – my ultimate goal. Congratulations on your beautiful books.

  69. What an interesting journey in writing you’ve had. Thank you for sharing it and for sharing your talent and love of writing to bring stories to children both in Oman and the US.

  70. Thank you so very much, Fatma…what an eye-opening post. I love that you explained how young children gain literacy and love of reading by listening to storytellers. Not having a physical book doesn’t have to be an impediment – rich language and vocabulary is learned through interaction with adults who speak with children. And I love your mission. Thank you for sharing your love with us and with the world.

  71. Thank you for this post! Clearly, beloved family storytellers ignited this passion in you–and you’re passing on to other children. Your post is a beautiful tribute to those who engaged your childhood mind and inspired a love of creativity.

  72. Wow, Fatma! Thank you for sharing your experience with oral storytelling and how it helped shape you into the writer you are today. Very interesting. Project Peace has an amazing mission and your connection with it is awe inspiring!

  73. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story! It gives me the strength to believe I can reach my goal of being more children’s literature to Armenia and more Armenia to children’s literature.

  74. Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey! It really resonated with me.
    I grew up in India reading books from England. I still remember
    the stories both my grandmothers told me.
    Love the idea of Project Peace!

  75. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, Fatma, and your offering of Project Peace – bringing joy to children, and proliferating the psychology of peace.

  76. It’s so interesting to hear about customs in your country. What a wonderful program you have started. I’m so glad you found picture books! Peace be with you.

  77. What an interesting post. I love the idea of the storyteller. Thanks so much for sharing this!

  78. Thank you for sharing your journey and starting Project Peace. Storytellers are so important, my heart sank when you said there were no books for children in the early 70’s in Oman, then you wrote about the oral interaction between children and an adult, “Hakwati”. Although I grew up on the other side of the world, you made me think of my Grandpa and how he told me stories! Thank you again!

  79. As has been said, we take way too much for granted sometimes. This has been enlightening and inspiring. Good on you.

  80. Thank you for sharing your story! And congratulations on your publishing company and successful books!

  81. Fatma,
    Thank you for sharing your story and all the good you are doing for children in your area. I visited Muscat in April 2018. I was blown away by its beauty and how lovely the people were. I hope to go back to see more of your country.

  82. Fatma, thank you for sharing your story. You are doing a wonderful thing for children affected by so much negativity. “Project Peace” sounds like it could really help make a difference.

  83. Thank you for being such an advocate for children living in difficult and dangerous conditions. Project Peace sounds truly wonderful and empowering to families. I admire your generous heart and your willingness to share it with so many.

  84. What an inspirational story :-). I hope oral storytelling is still happening in Oman? It sounds fantastic!

  85. Thank you for sharing! It’s easy to take advantage of our accessibility to children’s books here in the states and I really appreciate learning about your journey. Your work is inspiring!

  86. It warms my heart to imagine the children and families gathered around the storyteller. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story.

  87. Thank you for this post. I loved learning about the “Hakwati” and what an impression that made on you as a child. And “Project Peace” sounds like such an amazing gift to so many children.

  88. Such an inspiring and interesting background story! Love the oral stories, and Project Peace. Plus, the fact that you have lots of children. I so love children. Thank you for the words of wisdom.

  89. Your story was inspiring, Fatma. I liked imagining you listening to the storyteller at the hotel. From a childhood with no children’s books (but an oral story tradition), to providing books for others who might need them through Project Peace… Thank you for sharing your journey so far.

  90. Your author’s journey story has all the makings of a children’s story. Thanks for sharing and being such an inspiration.

  91. Thank you for sharing your journey and your stories with us and with children! I’ll be looking into your project further too. It seems like a very worthwhile and rewarding program. I wish you continued successes!

  92. Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. Even more, thank you for your efforts to bring stories into the lives of children affected by war. They are the ones who need quality literature the most, to help them make sense of an unkind world. What wonderful work you have done.

  93. This is an amazing story! Thank you for sharing and thank you for doing what you do- you are an inspiration!

  94. What a wonderful and inspiring life. Your story would have in itself the potential of becoming a NF children’s book (or I am sure you’d have enough interesting material for an autobiography!) to inspire kids to follow their passions and to never give up on their ideas—even if they don’t bare fruit immediately. Thank you!

  95. You are an inspiration! Thank you for all that you do to help spread peace through children’s literature.

  96. What an amazing journey Fatma for an author and philanthropist! Very inspiring story..thanks for sharing.

  97. From Grand Rapids, Michigan ~ Thanks for sharing your journey with us and for looking out for children!

  98. Great story and mission! Peace, we need more of it. I love that some books are given away to kids in wartorn locations while others are for sale. Thanks for sharing your amazing journey.

  99. Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey. The world needs more peace. Thank you for focusing on the importance of children reading and learning how to help bring about peace.

  100. Thank you, Fatma, for making a difference in the lives of children. You may not have had children’s
    books as a child but you had a wonderful supportive community that told stories. I hope you write
    some of them one day!

  101. What an amazing, inspiring experience you have had. And now you are providing inspiration for many through Project Peace!

  102. Thank you for your inspiring post and your amazing Project Peace mission! Best wishes for your continued success!

  103. Thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes I feel like my kids missed out on that oral storytelling piece that has all but vanished in American culture. I can’t imagine a childhood without books though. They are a gift. All the best!

  104. Thank you for sharing your experience. How inspiring to hear that you created this amazing project out of such a difficult situation; Enriching and expanding the lives and minds of countless children. Wishing you many blessings on your continued journey.

  105. Thank you for such a beautiful and inspiring post! I think the oral storytelling tradition is something many cultures have in common! Thank you for sharing your experiences!

  106. What an inspiring post about your wonderful mission! I’m sure you are helping get books into the hands of so many children 😁💜

  107. This is wonderful, and what a reminder of the things we take for granted in the US. We are so lucky to have libraries full of books. And so lucky to have yours in them.

  108. Fatma, your vision and strength to push beyond expected limitations is wonderfully admirable. The story behind the story is quite remarkable. Wishing you continued creative successes.

  109. This was a very interesting post. It is always good to hear about exposure to books or lack there of in other cultures. Thanks for sharing.

  110. Thank you for this post! I was interested to learn about your Project Peace. I was also interested to hear how recent it is to have published children’s storybooks in Oman. What a warm tradition the one on one storytelling is though – it sounds like children fortunate to have someone in their lives like you with your father did not miss out on the warmth of the experience of sharing about culture and story.

  111. This was such a wonderful and inspirational post. Thank you for sharing with us. I wish you the best of success with Project Peace.

  112. Thank you, Fatima, for working so hard to bring peace into the minds of children. Congratulations on your publishing success. This is such an inspiring post!

  113. I cannot imagine not having PB’s as a child. However, those story telling moments must bring back some wonderful memories of community. Thanks for sharing your journey.

  114. Wow, so cool to hear your journey! I feel relatable to a little of your story per my timely visit to the Middle East in January, and I can appreciate your pursuit of providing literature to children that promotes peace!

  115. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Projects Peace sounds amazing and I was very inspired through reading how it was born and how it has inspired your journey. I was grateful for your comment about not growing up with picture books! I didn’t either. In South America, where I grew up, books were expensive and not super easy to find. Not all school as had a library either. But I did grow up with stories! I have always felt that my lack of experience was a negative thing, but your post has helped me see things in a different way. Thank you so much!!

  116. Wow! I can’t imagine not having children’s books but I love how the oral tradition of storytelling developed your imagination. Your story is an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

  117. Thank you for your interesting column. It’s always exciting to hear about the beginning of new projects that can do so much for children, and to hear how successful the project is. Thank you.

  118. I remember touching my mother’s “supervised visits only” Beatrix Potter collection as a child. She couldn’t keep me from them. It shaped my dreams of somehow being a part of these books. I’m glad you had a similar dream.

  119. Thank you for this wonderful project. I love how you dedicate yourself to creating books that promote peace. It is a powerful and important way to use words. Thank you for sharing your journey.

  120. Had the pleasure of meeting Fatma at an SCBWI Shop Talk! Got to look through her beautiful books! Glad to see her featured here on 12×12!

  121. Thank you for your post. I was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and have long enjoyed going back to visit my mother and to enjoy the diversity (and food) of that city. Thank you.

  122. An inspiring story. You are truly a role model for many women. Good luck with all your future projects.

  123. Thank you for sharing your story! At first I was saddened by the thought of the lack of children’s books during your childhood, but then I grew saddened that I didn’t get to grow up with a Hakwati – what a beautiful tradition!

  124. Thank you for sharing your stories. We share stories with our children in ways that are similar, and sometimes, our now adult children tell a story too. It sounds a lot like what they heard as children. We smile and have a good laugh, because we know from where it came.

  125. Hi Fatma,
    I really enjoyed reading your story and I think your project is wonderful. We all know books open up new worlds for children and can take them anywhere while encouraging more exploration into the things that interest them. Your project will be so beneficial to children who may have never had that opportunity before. Thank you!

  126. Thank you for sharing your literary journey. Clearly, you knew the tug of story on one’s heart, even before it reaches the printed page. I love that you continue to help others experience this too. Beautiful!

  127. Fatma,

    Wow! What an incredible journey you have had living in multiple countries and cultures. I agree that it is strange that physical books for children were not around when you grew up, but that the oral storytelling tradition lived on and inspired you and I hope many others. I look forward to hearing more about your inspiring mission with Project Peace. Best of luck to you!

    Kelly

  128. What a writing journey you’ve had Fatma. I’m inspired by your tenacity and commitment to creating literature for children that will help them develop and will encourage them to create a more peaceful world.

  129. Thank you very much for reading my post; your support means a lot. I have read all the comments and really appreciate your kindness. I love to see how people from different places and backgrounds are connected to each other, and share various things such as interests, ideas, places they’ve visited and enjoyed. Thank you Julie and Kelli for giving me this opportunity to connect with such wonderful people.

  130. I loved hearing your journey and your exciting Project Peace! I look forward to reading your books. Thank you for sharing.

  131. Thanks for this beautiful post, Fatma. I look forward to sharing your books and the story of Project Peace with students at my local school.

  132. This post and your story are inspirational. Thank you for using the power of picture books to sow seeds of peace.

  133. Thank you, Fatma, for sharing this, your own story, with all of us! The Mayaseen catalog looks so rich and beautiful and you’re an inspiring reminder of how important storytellers and storytelling in all its forms is.

  134. What an interesting post and interesting titles for books. I will be looking for them to read.
    Thank you.

  135. I am just joining 12×12 and exploring all that it has to offer. Encountering your story and your mission is both empowering and humbling. Thank you, Fatma, for this inspiration, not to mention all the ways you are giving back through the industry of children’s literature!

  136. Dr. Fatma, Congratulations on your many admirable accomplishments. You lead with your example to pursue advanced education for yourself and to enable children. We are happy you are part of our 12×12 family. Best wishes for the success of Peace Project.

  137. Loved hearing about the oral storytelling tradition You grew up w in your country. I love pb’s of course but the idea of the sit down storytelling tradition holds such a wonderful sense of community.

  138. I loved reading your story. To think of all that you have done for literacy and peace is amazing! I appreciate the focus of your publishing company, it is so important to all children!

  139. You have done so much to plant ideas of peace in the minds of children with your books and publishing company. Thank you for sharing your writing journey.

  140. Fatma, I love your “Project Peace” project….it would be so wonderful to see in this lifetime. Sounds like you’re doing wonderful things. I look forward to reading your books.

  141. Your story is inspirational and you are a wonderful role model for all women. Keep up the good work, it is never as easy as it sounds. You have obviously worked very hard. It is nice to see your work is being recognised, congratulations.

  142. What an amazing life story! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We’re very fortunate to have access to so many books. I admire your determination and the wonderful things you’ve achieved. I wish you continued success on your writing, publishing and Project Peace adventure.

  143. Thank you for sharing your work. Indeed storytelling is done in so many ways across cultures, through one-on-one stories told from parent to child, and through books. How wonderful that you started your own publishing company, which is great inspiration —in thinking about how to get stories out, and in how to get important voices heard. Thank you.

  144. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. We take so much for granted here in the US.

  145. For some reason my February 29th post did not show up so I’m re-posting it.

    What an terrific post, Fatma! Thank you for giving us a peek at your publishing journey and for sharing your amazing story. Congratulations on starting Mayaseen Publishing and I love your “Project Peace” initiative!

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Interested in Joining the 12x12 Challenge?

Financial Need Scholarship Guidelines

All applications will be accepted via email only between November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 at kelli@juliehedlund.com.

Subject line of the email:

  1. 12 x 12 Financial Need Scholarship
 

Please include the following in the body of the email:

  1. An autobiographical statement and career summary in 250 words or fewer.
  2. A short statement describing the nature of the financial need/circumstances in 250 words or fewer.
  3. A sample query letter for the manuscript you are submitting with your application.
  4. Pitches for two additional completed picture books.
 

 Attached to the email:

  1.  The full text of one picture book manuscript, attached as a Word document named as FIN_YourFirstName_YourLastName_Title_of_Manuscript.doc (or docx).