People may think love is elusive, but if you open yourself to the risk, it’s right there waiting.
Love Not Required
Talia Basma’s debut contemporary romance.
Safiyyah's dream of launching her bioengineering career as a biracial Muslim woman is finally within reach, but her parents' move to London threatens to derail her plans. Determined to stay, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Aayan, her childhood friend now immersed in the grueling demands of his medical residency. Aayan, with his own work obstacles and past crush rekindling, agrees.
As they navigate their new arrangement, what begins as a practical solution quickly becomes a rocky emotional journey. Personal and professional pressures test their bond, forcing Safiyyah and Aayan to confront their deepest fears and desires. They must decide whether to cling to what is comfortable or embrace the vulnerability of true love, risking their hearts in the process.
(Her)oics Feature
(Her)oics: Women’s Lived Experiences During the Coronavirus Pandemic draws together the stories of fifty-two women across the U.S. during the Covid-19 pandemic. The collection encompasses the perspectives of women who are: front-line responders and recovering patients; going out to work, staying home to work, and losing their jobs; living with multiple generations and living in isolation; women grieving loved ones and celebrating new love; women preparing to give birth and supporting the dying. Although differing based on location, age, race, and health, they share the unique capacity of women to bring their strength, ingenuity and love—for others and for self—to an uncertain time. The anthology is inspired by both the risks of the pandemic inherent to women and their tremendous role in the country’s response.
Being: A Poetry Collection
Talia Basma releases her first collection of poetry as a chronology of her teen life. "Being" offers readers insight on the life of being a Muslim American teen through poetry about the internal, as well as external, struggle and beauty of life. Featured in this collection is illustrator Ranine Swaid who captures the elegance of Basma's words in sketches of a mixed raced girl ("Rosie the Mulatto") to what it means to be feminine in the modern world ("Unsolicited Advice"). Join Basma's journey of self-discovery as it's only just begun. Great for a fun read or a gift to a person you love!
“This collection means so much to me. It’s a powerful window into coming of age. It's about being true to yourself through highs and lows, withstanding external pressures and feeling good about who you are, regardless of what others might think.”
Why I will not be selling on Amazon
As I navigate the indie publishing world, I have decided to take the risk of standing as firm as possible on my Amazon boycott. You can read more about boycott choices in my journal entry here.
The short explanation is Amazon is just shy of being a full on monopoly. They underprice their books to hurt their (small business) competitors, treat their employees horribly, and their KU system has opened a can of book exclusivity worms I disagree with. I am not perfect, but for now, my books, as much as I am able, will not be available on Amazon.
My Work
Past
Guest Writer for Huffington Post
Writer & Editor at Course Hero
Digital Community Editor at The Tempest
Current
Love Not Required A Contemporary Romance Novel
Love Not Required A Contemporary Romance Novel
Future
More romance novels iA
Movie adaptations of said romance novels iA