This memoir was written to honor my youngest brother’s influence over my life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, of living with a Down Syndrome sibling. It tells the story of the children of my family, despite our parents’ frailties, remaining committed to each other through life’s many changes and separations. Who I am today is directly related to who I needed to become.
I enjoyed reading this short memoir, which is a little under 100 pages. ‘Listen to Me’ is a heart-wrenching story of a sister who faught for her younger brother’s rights who had Down Syndrome to be able to stay home with the family, rather be sent to an state run insistution. I personally feel that the love the author has for her younger brother named Bruce led her in finding her life partner by the same name. It is amazing both the gentlemen got along very well until the last days of Bruce who had cancer later in life. It is an emotional read, especially if you have a younger brother. It makes you walk down the memory lane, recollecting memories of your childhood.
Hasina Knox has always been passionate about writing and storytelling. She would describe herself as a curious Author and she receives inspiration from her real life experiences. As a part of her writing process, she loves immersing herself in her projects; diving headfirst into the research, production, and fine-tuning of the stories that she feels her audiences can relate to.
Hasina was born in Bangladesh but was orphaned as a baby and raised in an orphanage. She was later adopted and came to Canada when she was 3 years old. Ever since she read the Grimm Brother’s “Fairy Tales” book, she had a love of writing. She started off with writing short stories when she was only 8 years old, then found an interest in writing poetry when she was a teenager and then became interested in writing children’s books as an adult. She had two of her poems published in a literary book when she was a teenager and received an Honorary Mention certificate.
She has been happily married for 25 years and raised their 4 wonderful children as a stay-at-home mom in their home in Toronto. She has been told throughout her lifetime that she should write her autobiography but she never considered it until recently. However, her husband always said she should write a children’s book so with his support and encouragement she finally decided to do so this year. Her children and her experiences as a family are what inspires her to write these books. She hopes they bring you a sense of adventure and instill a love of reading for all your young ones!
Hasina’s future endeavours include writing more beloved children stories and going on many more adventures with her family. However, in the past few months her focus has also been on searching for her biological parents and any of her family members. While she is a writer at heart, we also look forward to the outcome of the search for her family. We may even be privileged with an autobiography from her in the near future!
***Now organize your life more easily with her newly published notebooks and planners for your daily, weekly and monthly schedules. Each planner has a nature photo on its cover that comes from her private iPhone photography collection. Order your notebook planner today! Also available are children’s sketch books, graph papers, journals, recipe lists, family meal planning, chores list, drinks list and so much more from her!***
COMING SOON…her third children’s book in this series called “A Discovery of Smells”. Her books are available in paperback, hardcover, eBook forms and as a series.
In the meantime, Hasina would LOVE it if you would read her first, second and third published children’s book called “A Journey of Tastes”, “A Sightseeing Adventure” and “A Journey of Flavours” (which is the follow-up to her first children’s book and includes 17 diverse, flavourful recipes from the world’s 7 largest countries!) and please leave positive reviews for her on Amazon.
Please click on any of her books that you would be interested in reading and do not forget to follow her on her Instagram account @a_journey_of_flavours
Please introduce yourself and where are you from? Hello, my name is Hasina Knox and I was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I was orphaned as a baby but was later adopted at 3 years old and came to Canada. As an adult, I have been a stay-at-home mother to my 4 wonderful children for 19 years now.
What are your hobbies apart from writing? My hobbies have expanded over the past few years. As much as I like to read a good book, I prefer to be more of a movie junkie. I’ve also enjoyed taking Latin dance classes with my husband, learning astronomy, playing chess, taking iPhone photography classes, and hosting Zoom cooking classes and blanket finger-knitting classes online with friends and family.
Whydo you write? When I was a young child I read the Grimm Brother’s “Fairy Tales” book, and ever since then I had a love of reading and writing. I’ve always liked writing short stories since I was 8 years old. I had a wild imagination and it became like a getaway and an escape from my personal life. Eventually, I started writing poetry and longer stories.
What do you write about? I write about life experiences. Aren’t those the best kind of writings, lol? My children’s books are based on my family and our adventures.
My first children’s book is called “A Journey of Flavours” (includes AJourney of Tastes – a book I wrote from the beginning but decided to add 17 recipes), the second is called “A Sightseeing Adventure” and the third is called “A Discoveryof Smells”, which will be available soon. All my books sell on Amazon in eBook and print form.
My books are about each of our 5 senses and come in a 5 part series – one is for tastes, second is for sight, third is for smells, fourth is for touch and fifth is for hearing. Each book is an adventure while learning about different places and food in the world.
Do you have a specific writing style? At the moment I’m writing books for children and they rhyme and the theme is repetitive to help young children to remember what they have learned. My books are meant for children 3-13 years old and they are an exciting way for children to learn to read.
My books teach young children the days of the week, the 7 continents, the 7 largest countries in the world, the months of the year, how to tell time all while travelling around the world which will also intrigue the older children.
There are beautiful realistic pictures and illustrations to keep the child engaged while reading and each story also comes with activities at the end of the book to help the child to remember what they have learned. My first book includes 17 flavourful and diverse recipes from around the world that both child and parent will enjoy cooking together.
Whatare obstacles that come in the way of writing? How to start writing the story but once I get past that part then the rest just flows.
What’sthe most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work? A 10 year old reviewer thanked me for writing such an amazing book. It was so nice to read a personal compliment from my reader.
Howlong have you been writing? I started writing stories since I was 8 years old, then as a teenager I started writing poetry and now I write children’s books as an adult.
Whendid you first realize you wanted to become a writer? I never knew I wanted to become a writer; it was just something I did as a hobby, when I had the time for it.
Whatisyour work schedule like when you are writing? I write daily from home whenever I have the time for it since my children are home and did virtual school once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This has afforded me more time to focus on my writing, believe it or not, lol! Sometimes I stay up late past midnight writing and perfecting my children’s stories. I’m a perfectionist so I thoroughly go through my book constantly looking for small mistakes.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I like to use my laptop while I sit on my bed. I first write the story ideas down in my notes app on my mobile then transfer it to Microsoft Word onto my laptop. The most important thing to me when writing anything is the title of my story and the last line in my poetry or short stories.
The full meaning of the poem or story is summed up in that one last line. As for my children’s stories, it is a different kind of writing but my title is very important when choosing it, as my theme of the story must match my title first.
Howlong does it take to write a book? I haven’t written a novel but since my children’s books are for children from 3 years old and up, they include pictures and illustrations and activities to help the child to read and learn. They are about 37 pages or more. One day I sat down and thought of ideas for my children’s book. I came up with 10 ideas quickly and jotted them all down. I realized I had could break them up into 2 series of 5 books each. I decided to focus on my first series and started writing my first children’s story.
I wrote down all the ideas for the first book within an hour or less and then started working on turning it into a story. It took some time to write it as I didn’t focus on writing it right away. When I did start to focus on the actual writing of the story the ideas all flowed and I wrote it in a few days. To ask how long it took for me to “perfect” it and be satisfied with the final outcome is another story! LOL.
I did get it published about 2 months after writing my first children’s book. I am now on my third children’s book in this first series and it’s about to be published next month.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Practice and write from the heart.
Whatdo you think makes a good story? One that is relatable, brings about emotions or helps others to learn from it.
What does your family think of your writing? My husband was the one who supported me in writing a children’s book. It was actually his idea for me to write one since he knew I loved to write. I hadn’t written in years since having children so I thought maybe I should try again. So once COVID-19 hit I decided to actually focus on writing a children’s story. I never knew I would come up with 10 book ideas!
My children thought it was cool that their mother published a book when I showed them my first physical book! Since my children’s books are based on my children and our family experiences and adventures, I use 4 children who explore their world because I also have 4 children. But none of my kids wanted to be on my book covers with their picture or as an illustrated character!
Doyou see writing as a career? For me, no, as I am first and foremost a stay-at-home mother who focuses on her family. Writing is just a hobby for me when I have the time.
Doyou have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers? I’d like to first thank them all for their time and support! Thank you also for being an involved parent who wants their child to learn to read. I know teaching children to read can be difficult so this is why I decided to make this exciting and adventurous series.
Once a parent reads consistently to their child and everyday then the child will read back the story on their own in their own words and then eventually with the printed words on the pages.
Spending time with their children is the most important and rewarding activity one can do for them. May my books bring a sense of adventure and instill a love of reading for all your young ones!
Catalina brought us along to walk down the memory lane, as she struggled with her toddler who is gluten intolerant and how she found ways that worked for her in replacing gluten products in the home and family meals, and how they had to avoid restaurants that are not catering to the needs of Erik’s diet. I do believe that this book provides an overview of what parents should be aware of when they have kids needing special diet, not just in terms of the dietary needs but also the mental preparation that parents can expect along the way.
Yes, ever since I was 12 years old. It’s always been my escape from the world. Whenever my parents were fighting or life was too tough, I turned to writing.
-What writings are you most proud of?
My new novel: In The Back Of My Head. Which I published at 18 years old.
How do you write?
People are going to be surprised by this but most of my book was written on my iPhones notes app. I find I’m most creative there, but if I ever get writers block, I pull out good old fashioned pen and paper.
-What else do you do besides write?
I happily assist developmentally disabled adults in their day to day tasks.
-How much sleep do you need to be your best?
Depends, without coffee 10 hours. With coffee 6.
-What’s the most memorable thing said by a reader about your work?
Honestly, everything a reader tells me is memorable, but the single most memorable thing was a reader genuinely telling me my work could rival Stephen King’s.
Jennifer’s passion is writing and she has been writing as a freelance writer and copywriter for 2 years. She is proud to publish her first debut novel. She has finished her 2nd and 3rd novels and is halfway through her 4th and will be publishing them over the next two months. She loves to write about things she can relate to and social issues and stories that need to be told. When she isn’t writing (which isn’t often) she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and she loves to read and to go for long walks in her rural community. She is a mom to five grown children and grandma to a boy and a girl. She lives in upstate, New York with her husband, son, a dog, and two cats.
Where are you from?
I live in upstate, New York in the United States in a quiet rural community. It is about 5 hours from New York City. I grew up down near the city on Long Island and moved upstate when I was 18.
Why do you write?
I am a creative person and writing releases that creativity. I am always thinking about stories whether it is the one I am writing or it is one I want to write or sometimes it is a completely new idea. I also write because it bolsters my self-esteem. Theirs nothing like seeing your name on a book to feel great inside at that accomplishment.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, I have been writing something or another since I was a child. I would write short stories even as a small child. I excelled in English and got great grades whenever there was a writing assignment. That love for writing continued to grow as I became an adult. It kind of got put on hold as I had my children. I had 5 children in 5 years so I was quite busy but once they were grown, and I had the time, that love came flowing back.
What motivates you to write?
I am motivated by the final product. I envision what the end will be like and envision it as a book, and that keeps me going to get to that goal. I am also motivated by my love for doing it. I am never happier than when I am writing. I try to find time whenever I can to write.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
Well, while I always loved to write it wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that I came up with a story idea for my first book. The story kept coming to me and finally, I got a notebook and started to write it down. Finally, I realized I had enough for a novel so I began writing it. And that became my debut novel, No Other Choice which was released January 31st.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Well, my first book took the longest and that was a year. But since then I have written 2 more books I have to publish and I have started on my 4th book. So it’s been only taking me about 5-7 weeks to write a book and this 4th book will only take me 4-5 weeks. When the story comes, it comes quickly and the words just flow onto the screen.
What do you think makes a good story?
I think it depends on your audience because everybody is different but the main thing is having a character or two that people can relate to and can cheer for when they are in trouble. If they can connect with the characters then they will connect with the story and the story will be a good one. It’s also good to have a villain that people can hate and can root for the good guy to win against. The villain should also have some redeeming characteristics to be made human and be relatable too.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are mostly supportive. Some think it’s a hobby, some realize it’s a dream of mine, and they are my cheerleaders. There are one or two who sneer and think it’s a bit silly but I plan on proving them wrong just by keeping writing and going forward.
What’s the most memorable thing a writer said about your work?
I got an astounding review that was almost as long as a book. She wrote that my book was stupendous and remarkable and that everyone should read it. She said that my characterization and storyline were as real as they can get and my writing was superb and flawless. She felt I hit the nail on the head with the subject matter of my book and that I really knew my stuff. She gave me 5 stars and a thumbs up.
Do you see writing as a career?
I would love to be a full-time writer but I am not there yet. I have a ways to go. My book sales would need to increase and I would need to publish more books. But I do see it as a possibility if I put my mind to it and make the effort. It can’t hurt to strive for it.
Do you have any links you would like to share with the readers?
Nothing is harder than writing about myself. I’ve been working as an editor since university. I also ” tested out” as a teacher for a very short time, alongside being a journalist, only to realise that although I love working with children, I love writing more and more.
In my 10+ years in journalism and a few years in public relations, I’ve had the idea several times to create a blog, where I could put my thoughts, but this only came to life after I had my second child. That was when I was writing the last pages of the memory book I had started when I delivered my first son. And as more and more people asked me how we were doing in the formula of 4, I thought maybe it would be helpful to leave my notes out for others to see. And that way I’d have access to our memories, too, when I wanted to. That’ s how http://www.tagarta.ro was started, a soul project that is just beginning.
Author Catalina Tagarta:
“If I manage to help even one person with my book, then all my work has not been in vain”
1. Describe yourself in five words!
Five words to describe me? Well: dreamy, generous, sensitive, faithful, diplomatic or conciliatory.
2. What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
For a while I had very low self-esteem, because of some events I went through. It took me a long time to understand that it wasn’t my fault. Not even my child’s illness is, although we mothers tend to blame ourselves when we find out something is wrong with our children. It was necessary to work hard on myself to get rid of the limiting beliefs I had, I invested a lot of time and money in personal development, training and coaching programs, because in turn I want to help mothers who are going through the same challenges that I had to deal with.
3. How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I thought that’s what you were going to ask. Self-doubts can manifest in many forms. It may have to do with the fact that you haven’t prepared yourself well enough for what you want to do, or that you have had similar experiences in the past that didn’t work out well for you, or that you think about how you might be perceived by others. It helped me to make a list of 100 of the values I hold, and to read it daily, and when I discover something new, to add to it. In addition, my mentor at the time challenged me to write down the limiting beliefs I have in my diary, and next to each one to write down the action that benefits me. For example, under the limiting belief:
“I fear failure – others have succeeded, but I will not”, I write down: “I am human, just like others, so I can succeed just like them. If I don’t try I will never know if I would have succeeded or not”. Mistakes are constructive. The important thing is to act every day in the direction of our dream. Am I afraid? It’s normal to feel that way. But I want to live a constructive fear, which does not panic me, but leads me to act rationally, towards my main goal.
4. What scares you the most?
That there will be no peace in the world. I have kids… and I want to know they are safe.
5. What makes you happiest?
The gratitude of the people I help in one form or another. And the happiness that I see on my children’s faces when I play with them.
6. Why do you write?
I write out of a desire to help those around me, to add value through the messages and experiences I share that may prove life-saving for a few.
7. Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, for all my life. When I was little I loved literature class, I used to write stories on any topic. And later I worked as a journalist. I love doing interviews, but I like more to write from the heart, about my experiences.
8. What motivates you to write?
If I manage to help even one person with my words, or my book, then all my work has not been in vain.
9. What writing are you most proud of?
I am proud of the book “Mom of Two. Parenting tips for raising healthy and confident children – Study case: Erik and gluten-free life at 3”, inspired by our life. I put my heart and soul into the book and I’m sure there are many moms who will relate to the story.
10. What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I am proud of my children. I feel fulfilled, because I waited for them for a long time. I’ll probably write a memoir about that, soon.
11. What books did you love growing up?
Among my favourites were The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, after all, I’m a dreamer, I like to keep my wings spread, to fly. Of course, I also liked the stories about fairies and fairy-tales. At this time I’m studying John C. Maxwell’s books a lot. I’m proud to be a member of the John Maxwell Group for a while.
12. What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
What a good question! I want people to perceive me as a warm person, who adds value to those around him through his words and actions. After all, we don’t take anything with us into the afterlife. But we will have the satisfaction of having done, or not, a lot of good throughout our lives.
Link to the author’s book on Amazon
13. Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in a small town and spent my school holidays with my grandmother, being originally from Eastern Europe. What a beautiful childhood I had there! I like to travel a lot, so now I can say I am a little bit of every place I go.
14. How did you develop your writing?
I have simply written, always.
15. What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
I think the hardest part is what you don’t quite master, that part where you don’t have enough experience. In my case it’s marketing. I started studying marketing strategies a while ago, but I don’t want to spend too much time on that, because I want to stay focused on writing. I have a few more titles in mind.
16. Do you find it hard to share your work?
Very hard. And I’m still excited. I’m curious what feedback I’ll get, but, like I said… if my message helps at least one person, I declare myself satisfied. As the John Maxwell Team mentors always suggest: “If someone is out there waiting for your message, go help them! You don’t have the RIGHT to stand by and do nothing to help!”
17. Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Yes. And that’s very helpful.
18. What else do you do, other than write?
I love cooking, travelling and I’m passionate about photography. As my husband likes to joke: “I turn into a paparazzi when I grab the camera”.
19. What other jobs have you had in your life?
Editor/ journalist and public relations specialist.
20. If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
I have finished my university studies and have a Master’s degree in Ethnology and Anthropology, currently studying personal development materials. If I had to go to another university, I would probably choose Psychology. It would help me to address people better.
21. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Wherever my family is. But preferably in a warm country.
22. Tell us about your family?
I’m a committed family person. Married for… a little over 10 years, I have two young boys, spoiled by grandparents, uncle and maternal aunt. My husband is an amazing man, who supports me in everything I do and is a wonderful father.
23. How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I usually write on my computer/laptop, but there are days when I also jot down my ideas on my phone or on a piece of paper when I’m on the go, then when I get to the computer I create the story around that idea.
24. How much sleep do you need to be your best?
I need at least 6 hours of sleep. I know the ideal would be 8, but with two young kids and lots of projects… it’s hard to get everything done just during daylight hours. I do my most writing late at night, when it’s completely quiet in the house.
25. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
There are several people, but I wouldn’t want to list and omit anyone. Most of all I am grateful to God… and I thank him daily for all that I have and all that I am.
26. Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
A successful career as a writer, for me, means having my audience resonate with me and my ideas, waiting each time for a new release with the hope that this time too they will have something to learn, or simply relax reading my work.
27. It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
As a beginning book writer, I don’t have a great marketing strategy in place yet. I’m still working on it. My targets are mothers who feel overwhelmed, mothers with sick children and mothers who want to become a better version of themselves. I resonate with people who are constantly in the process of growing, developing.
28. Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
The book started as a game. When my almost 3 year old boy was diagnosed with celiac disease, I was constantly struggling to explain to him WHY he was no longer allowed to eat gluten. So I started making up stories. Every night, I used to tell him about a little boy, Eric, who doesn’t eat gluten. And how he manages to overcome all the challenges. When appropriate, I also introduced his little brother, giving him examples of how Eric managed to handle conflicts with him in a way that no one got hurt and everyone had the most to gain. I started writing the stories, and then I got the idea to put them all together in a book. A book in which I also added valuable medical information, provided by a specialist doctor who is also a patient, so she knows very well what it means to keep such a strict diet. You can find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JSVSfE The title is: “Mom of Two: Parenting tips for raising healthy and confident children – Study case: Erik and gluten-free life at 3 years old”.
29. When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
I like to meditate.
30. What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I remember when I had no children and I used to search the forums for any question about fertility, for example. Then, after I had my second baby, I desperately searched through books and the internet for solutions on how to divide myself between my two children, how to meet their needs and connect equally well with both of them… There will always be people looking for such things. It’s inevitable. And through my stories, I hope to shed some light into the lives of these readers. If after reading my book they’re left with at least 2-3 ideas, I declare myself satisfied.
International Book Promotion 