Hello Friends and Fans,
Month 3 of the book release and more than 100 libraries across the nation have now acquired Saffron Dreams with more joining every day. This list of friends and fans has expanded considerably in the last few months and requests for review copies keep pouring in.
If you haven't already, please get your copy of Saffron Dreams today. If you read the book and liked it, please drop me a line. I love hearing from readers.
EVENTS
Library Book Reading on May 12
May 12, 2009
Book Reading/Signing at Spicewood Springs Library
8637 Spicewood Springs Road
Austin, TX 78759
7:00 P.M. Book Blog Tour Creates a Buzz
In March, I celebrated Women’s History Month by going on a book blog tour. This was my first time doing it and I have a renewed appreciation of the power of book bloggers. The interviews were in-depth and the coverage detailed. I even got to interview a character of my novel and guest blogged about my post 9/11 experience. Mixed with that, I received some great reviews for Saffron Dreams. Read a few below:
"What really struck me about Saffron Dreams is that the 9/11 attacks aren't the only serious subject addressed in this small novel. Abdullah manages to talk about racism, fundamentalism, widowhood, culture clashes, and the challenges of raising a child with disabilities within its pages. Abdullah's writing is crisp, sharp and clear. She does not mince words; her writing is very precise, each word chosen carefully. I thoroughly enjoyed Saffron Dreams and recommend it to anyone interested in multicultural fiction – it's a great read and you won't be disappointed." Read full review
—Swapna Krishna, S. Krishna's Books
"If ever there was a book more eloquently written than Saffron Dreams, I would like to see it. The words simply fly off the page and float into your consciousness; their power touching you in a way like no other book might ever touch you again. Abdullah's masterful storytelling draws you in from the very first moment and does not release you until you've turned the very last page." Read full review
—Cheryl C. Malandrinos, The Book Connection
"A beautifully written narrative that looks at the aftermath of September 11 with a slightly different perspective, the book unfolds and blossoms with an unexpected tenderness while never denying the myriad effects of tragedy." Read full review
—Jenclair, A Garden Carried in the Pocket
"This book is simply stunning. I don't think I've ever read a book with the depth and eloquency of Saffron Dreams. Shaila Abdullah spins a story so beautifully that each sentence is like the richest of desserts. Her storytelling skills are unsurpassed and I can't wait to see what she writes next." Read full review
—Marta, Marta's Meanderings
View more reviews
Gifts and Giveaways
Spread the Word, Get a Free Book
In the life of a book, strong sales in the first few months are very crucial. If every person on this list told at least two other friends about Saffron Dreams, that is more than a 1,000 people. For this reason, I will enter those who email me and let me know that they have spread the word about my novel in a drawing to win a free autographed copy of Saffron Dreams. Follow the links below:
Tell your friends about Saffron Dreams by sending them this link
Email me to let me know
Goodreads Giveaway
Register to win a free autographed copy of Saffron Dreams on Goodreads. The first giveaway for two copies had 971 registered entrants and the second one for a single copy caught the attention of 681 participants. The current giveaway drawing that opened on April 27 has over 245 interested members already. The drawing will be held on May 27. Register today
A Taste of Saffron is still deliciously free
 A Taste of Saffron is a collection of recipes of dishes mentioned in Saffron Dreams. To get the cookbook, simply send me an email with your favorite quote or scene from Saffron Dreams and I will send you the e-book absolutely free.
Email now
IN THE NEWS
Interview with Dawn, the leading newspaper of Pakistan
I had an interview with Dawn, the leading newspaper of Pakistan in March. Sehba Sarwar and I discussed the inspiration and driving force behind my writing, future works, and the path to publishing. Read the interview.
Cayenne Lit blog gets active
My blog Cayenne Lit is finally active. I post about my work, giveaways, tour, appearances, Pakistani writing, and also interview multicultural authors. Read the interviews of Chitra Divakaruni, Sheba Karim, Minal Hajratwala, Sefi Atta, and Farzana Doctor. In March, Donald Hubbard, a freelance writer guest-blogged about the rising interest in Pakistani writing in a post called Midnight's Stepchildren.
Visit the blog
Hyphenated Spirit blog launched
I rcently launched an art blog by the name of Hyphenated Spirit to features artists of diverse backgrounds and provides them a platform to showcase their work. See the blue dancers of Siona Benjamin, the poetry on canvas of Mirza, the fingernail reliefs of Suhas Tavkar, and the foil on canvas Islamic calligraphy of Mumtaz Hussain. The blog also provides a venue for emerging artists to connect with established artists. Submission guidelines are online.
Visit the blog
Writing Featured in International Museum of Women
"Amulet for Caged Dove," a story from my book Beyond the Cayenne Wall, was selected in the International Museum of Women (I.M.O.W.) exhibit called Exhibiting You. I.M.O.W. is a groundbreaking social change museum that inspires global action and connects people across borders by amplifying the voices of women through global online exhibitions.
View my exhibit
Book Information
Watch the Book Video of Saffron Dreams
Thanks again for your support,
Shaila Abdullah |
