Interview with Debut Author Razan Abdin

We are thrilled to interview debut picture book author, Razan Abdin, about her upcoming picture book, Splendidly Sawsan, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani. Read the interview below.

Kidlit in Color: What was your inspiration for Splendidly Sawsan? 

Razan Abdin: My inspiration was my own experience navigating neurodivergence and big, "bursty" emotions as a child who didn’t necessarily have the vocabulary to talk about it. Telling this story felt important to me because I knew there were other neurodivergent children who have, over time, internalized the message that they’re bad or somehow deficient. I needed them to know that’s not true, but wanted to deliver that message in a character-driven story that hopefully delights readers of all ages.

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book? 

RA: I’m definitely a plotter as opposed to a panster. I created an outline, or story arc, but let Sawsan surprise me sometimes too.

It took me roughly a year to write and revise this manuscript before sharing it with anyone. A couple of trusted readers offered feedback. Then, my agent and I submitted it to several editors and received rejection after rejection after rejection.

When I finally heard back from an interested editor, it wasn’t an immediate yes. She offered a thoughtful Revise and Resubmit (or R & R). I took the editorial feedback and used it to shape my story into a stronger piece. I ultimately got a book deal after the revision process.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

RA: I know that being in the query trenches can feel wildly discouraging, but please remember it only takes that one singular yes to make your publishing dreams come true. So, keep putting yourself (and your precious work) out there. Your stories deserve to be heard!

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

RA: I want children to feel affirmed by this story. To know that they’re splendid just as they are.

KLiC: What’s next for you? 

RA: I’d love to be able to continue publishing picture books and I know that will be easier to do if Splendidly Sawsan is well-received by the market. Fingers crossed!

I’m actively revising another picture book manuscript–-the story that landed me an agent, but hasn’t sold (yet!). I’m also in the plotting phase of another project. Something I originally wrote as a middle grade novel and am now reimagining into a young adult novel.

Stay tuned!
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Bio: Razan Abdin (she/her) is a Palestinian writer who grew up in the American South and spent many summers in her ancestral homeland. She has been scribbling down stories since elementary school. When Razan isn’t busy arranging words on a page, she can be found exploring places near and far, filling her life with art (in all its forms), or daydreaming about a better world where everyone has what they need to thrive. She currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas―on the traditional land of the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw people―with her wild, wonderful standard poodle, Margot. Splendidly Sawsan is her debut book. 

Website: www.razanabdin.com