Earlier this month, on March 1st, I completed my third half marathon. This fact is a betrayal to my former self, who stated with conviction that she would never, ever, under any circumstance run a distance longer than a 5K.
I’m still hesitant to call myself a “runner” in earnest. After all, I’m new to the sport. I’m not particularly speedy. And I have a strong preference for running when the weather is nice and mild, which makes consistency a challenge.
As a book-lover myself, I was thrilled to see the theme of this year’s Little Rock Marathon was “Once Upon a Time.” It centered stories, books, and the ability to transport yourself to other worlds with the swipe of your library card or the turn of a page. The race expo was decked out with book-themed decorations. Between that and the tagline “Every Mile Tells a Story,” it felt like an invitation to dress up for the race as a book character I’m particularly familiar with–the protagonist of my forthcoming children’s book, Splendidly Sawsan, which is available for preorder now!
Like Sawsan, I have a difficult time sitting still. “My feet would rather be running or dancing! Skipping or hopping!” It was a perfect opportunity to channel my very own main character energy and snap a few shots for future book promotion. In a succinct summary from my publisher, Abrams, Splendidly Sawsan is: “A story of affirming others and learning to love yourself. This picture book follows a vivacious, neurodivergent child who sees the world a little differently—and maybe that’s a pretty splendid thing.”
This was the first half marathon in which I had no goal beyond completion. Coincidentally, it was also my most enjoyable one to date. A group of us stuck together as we supported a friend through his first ever 13.1 miles! A friend who couldn’t run one singular mile less than a year ago, I might add. We embraced the Walk-Run-Walk method (RIP Jeff Galloway, a true legend) and crossed the finish line side by side, as a team.
I reconnected with what I love about running–moving my body in a joyous manner. Cultivating camaraderie and community. Cheering on fellow runners and walkers at a race feels like a somehow sacred experience. We pet all the puppies. We stopped by my favorite local coffee shop, Fidel & Co, which had a booth set up along the route (and offered to take one of my makeshift posters to hang up in the shop!). Several people scanned the QR code on my poster and struck up conversations about the premise of my book. Overall, the experience was magical.
On September 1st, 2026, exactly six months after the Little Rock Marathon took place, Splendidly Sawsan is set to be on shelves. This is a moment I’ve dreamt about for years. Decades, actually. After securing a literary agent in my mid-thirties, I was on submission for years–receiving rejection after rejection after rejection from editors. My first project never sold. Luckily, it’s true when they say all that’s needed is that one yes. I’m honored beyond measure to see this lifelong dream come to fruition, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also a little anxiety-inducing. What if I only sell six copies? What if out of those six, five were purchased by my mom? What if the reviewers despise my writing and proceed to publish pieces about it? Eek!
Despite the nerves, I’m so excited for you all to meet Sawsan–in all her splendid glory! Please consider preordering a copy for the little ones in your life (or the child that still lives in you!), requesting your local library carry a copy, or just spreading the word for those who might be interested! Preorders are immensely important for debut authors for many reasons.
Representation in children’s literature is an issue that’s near and dear to my heart. I hope that all children see themselves and their respective experiences reflected in the books that are available to them. This book is one tiny contribution to that effort.
If you’re still here, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. If you’re local to Little Rock, I’ll be signing all copies preordered through a local bookstore (eg- Paper Hearts or WordWorth), but it’s available wherever books are sold! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Warmly,
Razan
PS–Stay tuned for updates/upcoming events here on my website or through instagram at @razanwrites.