Trick or Treat with Nadia Ahmed!

Hi, readers, writers, and ghosties of all sorts! We have a totally ghoul treat for you today. Nadia Ahmed, artist and illustrator known for her detailed line work, is here with us sharing her debut picture book, The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything. Finn, a spooky little ghostie, is too afraid to leave the comfort of his attic to enjoy trick-or-treating with his family. He's afraid of everything--the color orange, trees, people, and even flying! But then he realizes that if he wants his favorite Halloween candy, he'll need to overcome his fears. Will he be able to? Want to know more about Nadia, her debut picture book featuring Finn, PLUS want to see if she's offering a Trick or a Treat? Read on if you dare...

Q: Hi, Nadia! Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit’s annual #TrickOrTreat event. We’re thrilled to have you and hear all about you and the new book you authored/illustrated, The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything. 

Can you share a little bit about your background and how you got started writing and illustrating for kids? 

A: So the funny thing is – I never intended to write a book! I don’t consider myself a good writer. But I always loved reading, and I love drawing. I've always loved the slightly creepy illustrations of children's books done by Shel Silverstein, Edward Gorey, and Willam Blake. One of my life goals was to illustrate a children's book someday. (I never expected to write one of my own!) Then one day, on twitter, I came across a call from Dan (my now agent) searching for Illustrators to represent. I was originally only signed as an illustrator, but one day, I suddenly had this idea for a children's book about a ghost with anxiety. I sent a very hasty email to Dan, and he absolutely loved the idea.

What an exciting turn of events. Thanks for sharing!

Q: Your book is SO much fun. It’s dark, eerie, like most ghost books we know and love, but it has a neat SEL element intertwined about overcoming your fears. 

Can you share more about the story and inspiration behind it? What made you decide to write about a ghost who’s afraid of trick-or-treating?

A: I have struggled with anxiety my entire life. It's something that has been very isolating, especially when I was a child. I wanted to create something that made kids like me feel a little less alone. Halloween was always my favorite holiday growing up, and what better way to talk about anxiety than a ghost who’s afraid of trick or treating?

Q: Your illustrations for this book are AMAZING! I love your line work and detail put into each spread and I especially love the watercolor painting that pairs with it. Since a lot of your work is black and white linework that evokes eerie nostalgia, what made you decide to add color to the illustrations? What is your favorite spread and why?

A: I think color is so powerful, and I wanted the use of it to represent the world opening up to Finn as he tackles his fears. I think that life becomes much richer when you’re able to face down your anxieties.

It’s hard to pick a favorite spread! I love them all in different ways.

The kite scene was the most difficult for me to execute on a technical level, but I think if I absolutely had to choose, it would be the spread where Finn is preparing to try flying again. Something about the golden leaves on the trees against the dark blue background makes it feel extra magical. 

Q:  What tips do you have for anyone looking to write and illustrate their own #kidlit book? 

A: For illustrators I would say, lean into your style. Don’t try to mimic anyone else, or try to make it into something you think will be picked up by publishers. Your quirks and flaws and technique will make you stand out in the crowd. Plus, it's gonna be a lot harder to work in a style that you don’t like/doesn't come naturally to you.

For writers, don’t be too attached to your writing. While its important to keep the integrity of your story, the editor’s entire job is to make your work better. Don't be afraid to take suggestions and adjust. Of course, if you feel extremely strongly about something, stand your ground.  But 99% of the time, editors, authors, and publishers should be working in collaboration, not in opposition.

Q: What’s one question you wish we would have asked you about yourself, writing kidlit, illustrating kidlit, the publishing process, etc?

A: I think you’ve done a great job asking these questions! I guess one thing I’d like to add is that the publishing process is waayyy slower than I expected. Between signing the contract and the book actually being released, its been 2 years. 

Bonus question: What’s your favorite Halloween Candy? 

A: I continue to LOVE Reese's peanut butter cups! I had two younger brothers with nut allergies, so I would always get to have theirs when we got home and traded candy. I gave them my tootsie rolls and lollipops, which I thought was an excellent bargain. 

Thanks again for joining us! It was such a pleasure having you with us today and getting a closer look at Finn!

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: A Treat - Rate Your Story is offering a free speedpass critique to two winners who share this post.

Wow, thanks to Rate Your Story for such a boo-tacular treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win this sweet treat 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank Nadia for stopping by and Rate Your Story for the treat. Please share the ghost GIFs, too!

Winners for the Trick-or-Treat event will be drawn on or about 10/22!

*Books will be shipped in the US only.*

Note: Those who leave a comment on all posts will be eligible to win one (1) of ten (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Agent Mentee Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht.

About Nadia Ahmed:

Nadia Ahmed is an artist and author from Naperville, Illinois. She graduated from DePaul University with a BFA in graphic design. Nadia often uses only a black pen to create complex worlds that evoke an eerie nostalgia. The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything is her debut picture book.

For more about Nadia, check out the below links:

Instagram: Nadia 👽 (@nadiatheartist) • Instagram photos and videos

Tiktok: @ nadia_theartist

Website: www.nadiatheartist.com

To purchase Nadia's book on Amazon or to leave a review for it, click here.

To browse/purchase some of Nadia's AMAZING artwork, click here.

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A special thanks to David Rodriguez Lorenzo for the amazing custom-signatures!