Achievements
Here are some of my recent writing achievements.
Anthology from York Literary Review, 2023
I was one of thirty-five writers from around the world chosen to have an essay in this anthology, which was themed around the subject of "voice". I examined my childhood stammer, focusing on how it formed my experiences at the time and how it shaped my life to com
Megaphone Writer Development Scheme, 2021-22
I was one of seven writers chosen for this mentoring scheme for writers of colour working on children's books. During the year, I worked on my novel The Djinns of Djollywood, a Middle Grade fantasy set in a colourful, noisy, Bollywoodesque world peopled by djinns.
Develop Your Creative Practice funding from the Arts Council, 2021
I received funding to write my memoir, Lost for Words. This deals with the stammer I had as a child amid the backdrop of simmering racial tensions in the town. I was mentored by Jason Donald, author of Choke Chain, which was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year.
MAINSTREAM, by Inkandescent, 2020
I was one of 15 emerging writers to be included in this anthology of "stories from the edge". My story, "The Reluctant Bride", is a ghostly tale set in rural Pakistan. The book also featured contributions from established writers, including Kerry Hudson (Lowborn) and Kit de Waal (My Name is Leon).
Creative Future Writers Awards, 2019
I won Gold for my short story “A Home from Home”, which is based on material from my novel Northern Boy. The story was published in an anthology, called Home.
London Writers Awards, 2018
I am an alumnus of the inaugural London Writers' Awards, a year-long mentoring programme run by the London writing agency Spread the Word.