Azra Rahman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Azra, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Reading, long drives and spending time with family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Azra Rahman. I am an Indian Muslim writer who has been in USA since 2013. I live in Utah with my husband and three children.
My debut novel, ‘The Mother of my children’ was released in the year 2023. For us as a family, the major part of 2024 was spent in book signings, promotions and pitches. As far as we could manage with kids and school, we still managed to attend events in four states. Most of my book signings were sold outs. For any debutante author, even one of it is a dream come true. I was blessed to live through many.
By the end of 2024, we decided to take a break and figure out a more economically sustainable method of writing, publishing and distribution.
At the time of writing this article, my publishing house: AMR Publishers LLC., has been registered and is ready to roll!
A little bit about AMR.
In Arabic languages, the word ‘amr’ roughly translates to ‘long living ‘. What makes it more special for me is that the word is made of our family initials. So far, I have one project in pipeline for my first publication through AMR. I am aiming for it to be released by 2026 end.
Apart from the above, I am also a self-taught artist. I have been a part of two exhibitions this year and talks for a third are in the works.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I am a Muslim by birth. Which means I was born in a Muslim family. Growing up, while I did have an exposure to Islam, it took me coming to US to actually get to know myself and my religion.
It was when I started independently exploring the faith I was born in, it gently and firmly transformed me into someone who has peace in their hearts because they are sure of their beliefs.
By fixing my relationship with my Creator, I automatically strengthened my bond with myself.
Peace is what is always within us, like the steadily burning flame in the midst of a thunderstorm. It might flicker, it might fade, but never goes out.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That time is relative. Success and failures are passing seasons: neither stays for long. In times of success, be humble and grateful. During phases of failure, do not stop working hard. It is just that: a phase. And a brilliant teacher of self-regulation and grace.
Good or bad, times pass.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That they’re inclusive of all voices.
An invitation is not the same as inclusion. Someone can have a seat at the table but until and unless they are given a fair chance to tell their story which might or might not confirm the racial/religious/regional biases of the larger group; and they are heard with the same excitement and gusto as other voices of confirmation bias; it is not inclusion.
It is only a colorful photograph to relay the impression of one.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Neither.
I am doing what I want to pursue.
Interestingly, a lot of people who know me, were not on board with me exploring writing/publishing as a career. They were not wrong in suggesting alternatives since there are also other areas I am good at and which could have also been successfully explored for my career.
I told them what I knew about myself: out of all the things I could have been, nothing gives me more joy than storytelling. To weave worlds and characters onto nothing is a remarkable experience. One that I love to experience again and again.
To have people read and be lost in the words that come out of my mind is a passion I find in very few other things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wordsfromazra.home.blog/
- Instagram: @rahmanofmanzer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azra-rahman-4b81a29a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/ManzerRahman?t=ckdrLJ1CSkA1QryO0RkIPw&s=09
- Facebook: Azra Rahman
