Quote

Quote of the Day
"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be."
– Grandma Moses

"The Years of Silence" Available Soon!

Marwa Ayad's debut English-language novel The Years of Silence (published by Malamih Publishing House) is going to be available in April 2009 at bookstores in Egypt, and later on Amazon.

Narrated by Maya (the heroine), this is a story of great love lost and found, and the risks two people in love are willing to take to be together when their love is the greatest risk of all.

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Excerpt of "The Years of Silence"

Until the novel is released, I'll leave you with the prologue which I hope you enjoy reading. Feel free to give me your feedback if you like. And as usual, spread the word about my debut novel! :)

--Marwa Ayad


The Years of Silence: A Novel by Marwa Ayad

Prologue

In a far corner of my mind, the words echoed more clearly this time.
She’s already lost it!
There's no way this poor fetus would have survived.
Have you seen the husband?
Almost done, Doctor.
Poor thing.
And I thought my husband was bad.
When I opened my eyes, the pain was excruciating, invading every cell of my body. I was numb, unable to move. I heard murmurs, whispers and unfamiliar voices inside my head. I was half-conscious in a strange room that smelled of antiseptic and medicine.
Then I remembered...
Dinner at my grandparents’, the humiliation, the stabbing pain... Darkness had turned to silence, the unmistakable cruelty that would never change.
"We couldn't save it. I'm sorry," I heard someone whisper in my ear.
“What happened?” I asked, a thousand questions racing through my head.
A doctor in a white overall approached and smiled at me. “You’ll feel better soon, Mrs. Maya.”
I heard someone break into tears. It sounded like my mother.
“I’m afraid you’ve had an unfortunate miscarriage, but you’ll be alright.” The doctor’s voice was kind.
For seconds, I lay still, unable to breathe.
I looked at the young doctor’s face, unable to focus. “What baby?”
“You were pregnant, Mrs. Maya. I’m very sorry for your loss,” he said.
Would anyone be sorrier than me?
Oh, you very piece of my heart and mind, that your father could have been that cruel to you. What should I finally say to you when we meet in the next life?
My dearest, I'll never let you go. Will you forgive your own mother who would have rather lost her life, her very soul, but never you?
Or is it my fault that I didn't choose the right father for you? Why, for God’s sake, didn't I marry Yusuf?
He would have made a better husband and father, I heard myself say, agonizing thoughts piercing my consciousness.
Why did I remember Yusuf now? Of all the times I thought of him, why now?
“The worst is over,” the doctor said again.
Oh, was it? It was far from over. Not anywhere near it.

My latest article on Ezine Articles

The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn
By Marwa Ayad

I wonder how many single people out there are willing to be with their soul mates. Of course, many will argue with me over the idea of the "soul mate concept" itself. Yes, I believe in soul mates, but it's not often like in the movies: Hero lays eyes on heroine, something happens (and sparks fly), and he realizes right there and then they're soul mates, and that they have to be together.

I don't think it works like that. Soul mates are highly compatible, and they bring out the best in each other; and that's why it would take time to recognize a soul mate. Infatuation and love at first sight aren't often strong indications (but no one said anything against being very attracted to your soul mate when you first meet them...it would be amazing, in fact).

And soul mate relationships require work, too. Don't assume once you find your soul mate life will be all peachy. I mean yes, life will be much richer and brighter; but it doesn't mean life will no longer be difficult sometimes. The concept of sharing your life with someone who understands, loves, respects, cares for, and grows with you unconditionally is probably one of the best gifts in life. The opposite of that of course is a relationship that's either abusive/dull/meaningless/miserable...etc. And that can be a lifetime torture for many (even after it ends...the effects of negativity can last for years later with some people).

There are also many signs of a soul mate relationship. The relationship itself seems well-balanced, familiar, supportive, and positive. There's no abuse or fear of any kind. You two have an amazing connection.

Another misconception is that our soul mate is our identical twin (when it comes to thoughts, character, behavior, emotions, goals..etc.) and that's NOT often true. A soul mate is very highly compatible with us, yes, but he doesn't often have to be identical to us; he complements us.

Also, another misconception is the fact that our soul mate is just perfect for us. Again, your soul mate is human, and he has his flaws, and can make mistakes.

What often strikes me is how many people complain about not finding or being with their soul mates, and they ask why. From what I've experienced, read, and learned, there's usually a very good reason (or a few) why you're not together yet. Most of the time no one even wants to find that reason within; let alone declare it. Fear of intimacy or fear of being rejected/hurt would be on top of that list.

With all that said, don't settle for less than your soul mate. Know, and understand yourself; so you can know and understand what YOU want, esp. when it comes to your soul mate. You attract what you want and believe in. Become the person you want to attract; and be happy on your own. Don't believe your soul mate is the one who will make you happy because you're unhappy now. You have to start with yourself, and be happy; your soul mate will share and amplify that feeling of happiness with you.

Relationships are supposed to enrich our lives, not bring us down. Don't sacrifice too much of yourself to make another happy, or to make a relationship work. You'll only have yourself to blame in the end. You have a choice!

There's a sense of destiny about soul mate relationships, and knowing or feeling you're meant to be. This has also been the main theme of my soon-to-be released novel The Years of Silence which takes place in Egypt and New York. Narrated by the heroine, this is a story of great love lost and found; and the risks two people in love are willing to take to be together when their love is the greatest risk of all. The novel also tackles several issues including the thorny issue of divorce in the Egyptian society, first love, soul mates, long-distance relationships, and abusive partners.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marwa_Ayad

Another Update

Quote of the Day
"Don't let other people tell you what you want."
– Pat Riley

Several friends who are close to me know that I've been suffering from writer's block after reaching 18k in my current novel-in-progress. I think I'm familiar with the process because this is not my first manuscript. I usually take a break for a few days, or a week, then I try to write again. If my characters are still silent, or uncooperative (yes, really), I persist and try and have a talk with my main character. If that fails, too, then something immediate needs to be done. Ninety-percent of the time it means there's something you're overlooking, missing, or that your story is going a way it shouldn't.

So yesterday I realized that the heroine's best friend has a lot to say, and I haven't been listening to her. She has a very interesting story which is going to take a big part of the novel.

That means, hopefully, I should be back to writing again soon. I haven't been in the best of moods, and it's been windy and dusty which is such a weird weather in winter! I also have a cold which is hopefully going to leave me alone soon.

No date of release from the publishing house yet which is actually really upsetting because the book was supposed to be released last month after all.

My uncle (on my mother's side) got back from Germany a couple of days ago. He had a very complex surgery there in his arm which had to do with tendons and nerves. And I called him, of course, when he got back and it was one of those calls that I don't think I'd forget for a very long time to come. It's actually important to know how others view you, especially wise, older relations. And it's even more amazing when you realize that you're viewed as a 'hero' for what you've done, and who you are today. I was touched beyond words.

Thank you, Uncle Mohamed, for your words, insight, and encouragement.

Quote of the Day:

"When I do things without any explanation, but just with spontaneity…I can be sure that I am right."
– Federico Fellini

Article

I'm writing another article which I hope to publish online soon. I've written a few articles before, by the way, and I published them online.

As soon I'm done, I'll post the link.