I can't believe it was only a few days ago that the Week Junior announced their shortlist for Children's Audiobook of the Year 2023.
WHAT AN UNEXPECTED DELIGHT AND HONOUR!
If you know someone who might like to listen to a feel-good global adventure for 4-7 year olds, you can listen to a sample and buy my book, Natural Wonders of the World here!
I was told a few weeks ago that I'd be on the shortlist, and that I had to keep it quiet until the official announcement on Friday 26th May, but I didn't expect the flurry and excitement from my peers as they found out the news.
There was congratulations all round and one of my favourites, from a very kind and supportive friend, who's been there from the very start, 'This is huge!'.
And I thought, yes, yes it is. Finally!
MY JOB
Finally? That might seem like a strange reflection coming from an author who has had (some may say) more than her fair share of success over the last few years.
BUT it has been a long time since I began writing and, last month, I decided to go back into the world of teaching again.
This is because I had five years (and I stretched it to six), to PROVE that I could 'make it' as an author. Years that were meant for me to hone my craft, to write, to publish what I could and make it as a writer so that I could work from home. I wasn't asking for much - a modest part-time income would have been brill!
(It's funny that when I went to that Penguin conference in 2018, for my first foray into the publishing world, we were told not to give up the day job! I thought to myself, but surely that's the goal. The beauty of writing is enhanced by sharing, which is enhanced by earning enough money to continue to write!)
But alas! Amid all the excitement of awards and accolades, I still haven't quite got there yet.
However, since the announcement I find myself full of energy, polishing up my children's stories, and sending them out into the ether. Please send me positive vibes (and prayers!). Maybe good news on my new stories is around the corner...
BACK TO THE JOB
I have earned a wonderful amount of money writing, and I continue to do so. I am VERY GRATEFUL for this!! The problem is, the work isn't as regular as I'd like and I found myself looking for paid positions in publishing. Then remembered I was a qualified teacher (!) so I decided to look for part-time work.
So I got a part-time job and, now I'm back in the world of education, I'm reminded how passionate I am about education and about child centric learning. I mean the effect one teacher has on their students can be life-changing! Now, I'm hoping that writing and teaching in the real world, will give me the spark and joy to continue writing and continue sharing my work, with a little less pressure to earn a good regular income.
At the moment, I'm enjoying real life interactions with so many wonderful souls. It helps to have more to do- the busier I am, the more productive I seem to be!- because it's given me the kick I need to make the most of the quiet time I have.
So what have you been up to? Have you had to grapple with any big changes recently?
As always, I love to hear from you!
Peace and Love,
Sidra
P.S As I write this, I feel I'm on the brink of something. A precipice. The edge of uncertainty. The edge of possibility. Because as per my brother's advice, all those years ago, about doing one thing at a time, I focused on my women's fiction novel this year. I invested in myself - I completed The 90 Day Novel Course- and really went for it. Of course, in between, I managed to move house again, although, for those who know me, this isn't a hugely rare occurrence in our lives (we have moved once every two years since I got married!).
So, I did it. I got to the end of my novel. I focused on one thing. And then I was given a bursary to finish the novel on The Big Edit.
And now I'm waiting. Waiting to hear if the team at The Novelry think it's ready to submit. Teaching on the side is helping with all the patience required!!!
P. S.S Getting the part-time teaching job was a really serendipitous moment, so indulge me for a moment because I feel the need to catalogue it here.
I went into my local school for an impromptu Eid Celebration invite. The teachers asked if I could read a story to the children, so I printed off one of my Eid stories (it was published as an audiobook so the print out – and a CD – is the only hard copy I have!). It was fantastic, it was wonderful, it was the first time I'd shared one of my stories to a real-live kiddie audience. And the reaction was awesome. Thankfully, they loved it!
Once the reading was over I jokingly asked if they needed help with the little ones in the Early Years department. They laughed and asked if was interested in teaching a class full-time. I laughed too. But then I quickly realised they were serious- due to an unfortunate series of events with the previous class teacher, the headteacher was frantically looking to fill a position! I was in the right place at the right time. I was called into the office, and had a job offer to consider within ten minutes!
The crazy thing was that I'd been offered something similar a few years ago, but then moved to Leicester shortly after, so couldn't accept it!
(Moving to Leicester turned out to be a huge blessing, where I got to spend lots of time and bond with extended family, including my Abbaji – Grandad –and Chacha – Dad's brother – both of whom sadly passed away shortly after.)
Anyway, here I was, in the same place, nearly eight years later a dream job offer and saying of our beloved Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad, comes to mind:
"What has reached you was never meant to miss you and what has missed you was never meant to reach you."
SubhanaAllah! (Glory be to God!)
I think I'm even setting into the role a little...
The second crazy thing is that my first day was on my fortieth birthday! Yes, I'm forty now – and the difference its made on me and my priorities is a whole other post!- and I'm very grateful to have made it.
So, there we go. A serendipitous story about my new job. I never thought I'd go back to teaching after falling in love with the publishing world, but it just feels like it's meant to be, right?
P.S.S.S Did you hear about the kittens??!
(@sidra_writes) 
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