Interview by Sharon Swathi Gaddala
Hala H. Oleish
Born in Sudan, her home country, but raised in the United Arab Emirates. After which she moved to Alexandria(Egypt) to complete bachelors degree. She has always been in love with letters and words. Her American high school diploma helped her enrich her English. Currently, she speaks Arabic, English, Korean, a little Spanish and Hindi/Urdu. She also is learning how to sign. She believes that genuine communication and storytelling can bring life to people.
Sharon - Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - There was a song, I remember, that described an island in the modern-day Sudan. As I listened to it, my mind took me to a scene, where a young lady, like myself, stood by the shore eyeing the Nile, but long long ago.
Sharon - What can you tell us about your book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - Faience is a historical fiction and a drama that will take you to ancient Nubia, particularly in the present-day north and central Sudan. This story is set during the Kingdom of Kerma (also known as Kush or Irem) around the year 1480 BC, that is towards the end of Kerma’s classical phase and the beginning of its final phase. I promise you a journey so stunning and unique to your reading experience. I hope that through this, you are able to walk on the streets where the Iremans walked, and feel the air that they had felt. This is a story of a glowing stone, sky blue in color. It is a story of love, sacrifice and serving... a fabulous drama... a tale unforgettable.
Sharon - What Genre is your book and why did you make that choice?
Author Hala H. Oleish - Historical Fiction/Drama
Sharon - How long did it take for you to complete this book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - 4 months
Sharon - What was the hardest part while writing this book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - The months I spent in research regarding the archeological and cultural elements of the Kerma Kingdom.
Sharon - How did you come up with the Title of this book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - Faience is a glazed ceramic making that was famous in Ancient Egypt, Nubia, and other ancient civilizations. While reading on the Kerma Kingdom, I discovered that huge numbers of faience makings where recovered from the Kerman tombs.
Sharon - Did you design your book cover or hire a professional?
Author Hala H. Oleish - I hired @arabista(Instagram) for the cover. I am thankful that he was able to create something very beautiful for the cover.
Sharon - Did you self-Publish or use a publisher? Who was the publisher and how much time did they take to publish your book.
Author Hala H. Oleish - I self-published
Sharon - How do you deal with negative reviews on your book review?
Author Hala H. Oleish - With understanding and acceptance.
Sharon - When did you start writing?
Author Hala H. Oleish - This is my second book, but the first to get published. I began writing professionally in 2019.
Sharon - What advice would you give to a writer, for their first book?
Author Hala H. Oleish - Finding a professional illustrator for your cover is important.
Sharon - How many books have you written?
Author Hala H. Oleish - 3 books; two novels in English and a novelette in Arabic.
Sharon - Who is your favourite Author and why?
Author Hala H. Oleish - Khalid Hosseini. I have read a couple of his books. His style gets hold of my attention and takes me to other worlds.
BUY FROM AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TQ47DX9/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
To Follow the Author
FACEBOOK Hala Oleish
INSTAGRAM @halaoleish2
We wish Hala O Leish all the success for her book.