Author to talk about his experiences getting his work published (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Author in Croydon to talk of his experiences

2:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Freetime

An author who managed to secure a publishing deal with only a few chapters is hoping to pass on inspiration to the next generation of writers.

Sagheer Afzal packed in the life of a secondary school science teacher to take up writing, and after completing only a few chapters began touting for publishers. A

mazingly such was the promise shown in his tentative efforts a deal was secured, and the result, The Reluctant Mullah, has proven a great success.

Mr Afzal will draw on his experience striking out into the literary world, as well as talking about his book, at a talk at Croydon Central library on September 15.

He says: "To be honest, I was really surprised when one came back and said how much they were looking forward to reading the rest of the book. I hadn’t really known what to expect, but that reply meant I had to sit down and figure out how to write the rest.”

The Reluctant Mullah, based on the trials of young Muslim Musa who must try to find love or end in an arranged marriage, takes a light-hearted approach to life as a Muslim in contemporary Britain.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “Sagheer is a great example of how anyone with a story to tell can potentially have it published – I hope that people will come along and be inspired to sit down and write for themselves.”