Brit Writer’s Awards (O2 Arena), Filming and Channel 4 Competition.

Well, July has been a busy month for me.... school holidays…visiting London…so many highs…lows…..drama’s…who needs ‘Corrie’ or East Enders’ when you lead such a busy life!! Don’t get me going…Where do I begin?
Firstly, to say how proud I am of Eemaan’s achievements to get nominated for two awards in the space of a few months. She’s only thirteen and the youngest in her category to get nominated!!!She’ll get there …it’s just a matter of time…watch this space!
It was a great evening at the O2 meeting the likes of Terry Pratchet….his words of wisdom… to keep writing no matter what! He asked Eemaan if she had read any of his books. She told him she liked his book `Nation’ which he was very proud of. Some of the other A listers we met were…Honor Blackman, Philip Sheppard, Terry Bamber (2nd unit production team manager on the last five Bond movies) Fergal Sharky CEO music and many more. A great evening and both Eemaan and I really enjoyed ourselves.
During our stay in London we visited the London Dungeons and my youngest Ruqayyah fainted during our tour round the place, which was right bang in the middle of lunch hour… as you can imagine packed with tourists. Ruqayyah turned out to be fine (her dizzy spell was brought on by a combination of not eating breakfast, heat and being tired. Of course It had nothing to do with the blood and gore on display there!!!An hour later Ruqayyah was ready to continue with the tour and enjoy the scary boat ride.
Apart from London I have been filming In Mel’s garden. Part documentary and part nature film…will explain more as I continue to film. Loads to learn in filming and presenting a programme. Early days still not sure… where I’m heading with this project. I’ve sent off my screenplay to two different Channel 4 competitions. Wish me luck!!

Filming/Brits Writer’s Awards and hot weather

‘Now brightly coloured butterflies are all in flight, attracted by full summer blooms their scent a true delight! Is it me or is July HOT, HOT, HOT…. I’m just about coping in this sweltering heat! Lots to tell… I begin filming in the next few days. It’s a little tricky learning all the commands and fiddly bits on my digital camcorder. Filmed Eemaan the other day and hope to film my good friend, Mel’s beautiful garden in the next few days.
Fantastic news!Eemaan has made it to the finals of the Brit writer’s awards. My other two kids and I made it to the semi- finals. I cannot believe Eemaan has got this far- there were over 21,000 submissions for the competition. We will be going to the O2 Arena next week. I hope she wins.

Chris Jones' Master-Class

I attended Chris Jones’ master-class last weekend. What did I make of it? Well, the guy’s impressive! He knows his stuff and there aren’t many who would dare to be as open as he was. His course is intense-his step by step instructions on how to break into the film industry was pretty cool. I would highly recommend it if you’re seriously thinking of going into the film business. After all, this is the guy who set out to make a short film for the Oscars and got nominated.
My only complaint would be that at times I felt lost. Being a writer I have very little experience on the filming aspect. Chris is quite an easy going guy and you can stop and approach him at any point if you don’t understand anything. He will do his best to clear up any confusion /misunderstanding that you may have. In my case, he encouraged me to begin filming straight away to get a better insight on the filming side.
I guess the airless room we sat in didn’t help my concentration much. I think if we had more interactive, group work, workshop style sessions would have kept me on my toes. Having said that Chris unique-fast style lecturing did keep me interested even if I was totally shattered by the end. He’s definitely made me think of going to Cannes next year!

The British Writer’s Awards 2 results

`For springtime’s past its heady height and summer’s on its way, this never fails to cheer us with a colourful display.’ I have fantastic news to tell. I, and all three of my children have made it through to the second round of the British Writer’s competition! We have one more round to get to the finals! I cannot believe we have come this far. There were over 21,000 submissions for the competition. We entered for fun – not really expecting to pass the first round. So, this has come as a pleasant surprise to get this far. Regardless of what the outcome maybe, I’m proud and delighted of what my family has achieved. We will know by June if we have made it to the finals. Watch this space...

Eemaan and The Muslim New Awards for Excellence 2010

We’ve arrived back from London after attending the Muslim New Awards for Excellence 2010 at Grosvenor House. Eemaan is still a winner in my eyes! The only writer out of three to be shortlisted! A hearty congratulation to the winner Abdul-Akbar a black belt champion in Taekwondo! Phew! A gifted little boy! He’s hoping to be the torch bearer for the Olympics! I hope he gets the position! The other special runner up was Hanif Hussain –the David Beckham of the future!
I’m, very proud of what Eemaan has achieved and what is yet to come for her. She was a true sport- excited to attend the event without worrying if she won or not. She's optimistic about her writing career! That’s the spirit we try to maintain in our household!
Look forward to her writing future!

Children’s Film and Literature: A One Day Conference

February has been a hectic month for me. I’ve been busy looking for full time work.... entering competitions...falling ill... trying to keep up with all duties and chores!!! As they say a woman’s chores is never done!!!...So true!!!
March is here....’The yellow drifts of daffodils at the time of the year are just the sign we’ve waited for at last, spring time is here.’ I can’t wait for the weather to warm up, I’ve had enough of this rain...sleet and especially... SNOW.....So, I decided to go on a one day conference ‘Children’s film and Literature held at Demontfort, to help me start working on my children’s fantasy again. I have to say the lecturers are brilliant and I always come away learning something new. I quite enjoyed the midday session on Pirates, Adventure and Adaption given by Richard Butt and James Russell.
The children’s film literature is part of the Cultural Exchange week held at Demontfort. This is my second year attending the event. The lectures are excellent and I highly recommend to try out what’s on offer. I may have paid for the children’s course but most session will be free. Enjoy!

Hopes for the New Year and Eemaan being shortlisted for another Award!

It’s funny how we always make plans for the New Year and then don’t see them through! Raise your hands if you’re guilty of that! I keep telling myself I must get my screenplay and book completed and send it off soon. So, it came as no surprise to find out my thirteen years old daughter, Eemaan, has been nominated yet for another Award.
Well, she does follow after me!!! Eemaan has always enjoyed creating stories long before I encouraged her to write it down. it has always been her choice. It seem my ten years old son Ahmad is following in her footsteps too. He is beginning to show a flare for poems! So, I’m amazed when people question me if I’m jealous of my daughter’s success. I find it absurd... ridiculous to hold such thoughts. I love my daughter and....I’m so...so. ..proud of what she has achieved at such a young age.
Ok!I'm not going to lie to say I would like to be recognised one day. Yes! I've got some of my work published but yeah...I would like more. So, If my children get there before me, I can cope. I’m not in the writing business for a prize but to write and express things that are important to me!