Writing books, like any art form, involves a constantly changing process from inspiration to revision, submission, editing and production. This presentation is a dynamic look at the book Rukhsana is currently working on, paying special attention to the importance of editing and the steps towards book production.

This presentation focuses on literacy and the immigrant experience, highlighting the importance of overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of all learning opportunities available. This presentation focuses on her new book Coming to Canada.

This presentation features her book The Roses in My Carpet, based on the story of her Afghan refugee foster child. The story illustrates the life of a young boy living with loss and terror-filled memories, where time is measured by the next bucket of water, the next portion of bread and the next call to prayer. Despite overwhelming obstacles, the young boy still longs for freedom, independence and safety. It’s when life is at its most fragile that the strength to endure grows out of need. But the strength to dream comes from within. Rukhsana uses humour to deal with such serious subjects as child sponsorship and poverty. The presentation includes a visual tour of the refugee camp she visited in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Rukhsana relates her experiences of growing up as an immigrant in Canada and how she coped with discrimination. While focusing on peer pressure, she reveals how an incident in her youth became the climatic scene of her award winning novel Dahling, If You Luv Me Would You Please Smile.

As an award-winning author, Rukhsana shares the creative process of story writing, focusing on the universal elements of powerful stories. This workshop includes writing tips and writing exercises.