Q. how did you come to write Beneath My Mother's Feet?

A. By now, so many people have asked me this question. Generally, I say, well, I travelled to Pakistan, lived there for many years, and I enjoy writing. But in reality, it goes beyond that.



There was a point during my stay in Karachi where I'd seen so many families facing misfortune that I almost turned away. There was one time I was sitting in a car waiting and a little boy came up to my car window and begged me for money to buy food. I had already given so much too so many like him, but I did it again.



It was hot, I was tired, pregnant, and desperately wanted to get home and have an ice cold diet Pepsi. The little boy asked for more. And more kids came. I rolled up my window. I turned away. They tapped and tapped. I wished them away. They didn't tap harder or raise their voices. They just prayed for my unborn child and asked me to pray for them. That just broke my heart.



My soon to be born child would have everything, including their prayers. What would they be left with? I gave again. And wondered how long would it be before I forgot about them. Who would remember these kids on the street?



I think that was when the seed was first planted in my mind. The seed of a story about children who struggled for everything, but still had heart. They were good people caught up in bad times. It was not their fault. Someone had to share their stories.



There were so many stories. Nazia, the main character in Beneath My Mother's Feet, came to be when I started wondering about the backstory of these kids and their families. Hopefully, I did them justice.