nooreen

Nooreen,

I am writing to tell you about my plans and projects as a writer. I’m sure that you will find them interesting and worthy of carrying out.

Today, I would like to write several things. Foremost, is a non-fiction collection of stories about Islam in America today. Preferably I’d like to be one of mnany first-author contributions.

I also want to write a book with my sister Laura about the neurobiology of stress and social environment. Another project Laura is talking about is a collection of stories about our mother.

My ultimate goal as a writer is to explore the commonalities of the human endeavor, what do I share with everyone on the planet? and what can I bring to the global experience?

My most most extravagant dream is to write about the most difficult human interactions. True stories of two people on the opposite side of a barbed wire fence, who fall in love, who use their love to change the world. The events unraveling everyday in front of our eyes but that we hardy stop to notice.

I’ll need all the help you can give!
—Nooreen

Dear friend,

You dream of becoming a writer but are burdened by your fears.
You are worried that you have no talent and nothing to say. That you’re taking precious time away to pursue your selfish desire to write.

I am writing to give you hope.

You are worried that you have no talent. That is simply not true. You could do a much better job of writing a reassuring letter than I am doing!!! But seriously, you have a manner of speech that makes people interested in what you have to say. Your stories engaging and interesting to people from different walks of life, and everyone will be lucky if you decide to share them.

You are worried that you have nothing to say. That is not the case either. You often make very interesting connections between present and past experiences, and you really frame your thoughts about what people say by considering their background and behavior.

You are worried about taking time away to write. You have a great deal of free-time if you know how to find it!

Best of luck,
—Nooreen

You are worried that you’re taking precious time away to pursue your selfish desire to write.

I’m going to go to bed by 10 on schoolnights/2 on Friday/Sat!
No phone! No talking to roommates! No! No! No reading! No thinking!

mini-goal: 40 days of high-quality sleep hygenine!