You probably recognize her name from pages in issues past, and you’re not wrong to. Emma Abdullah has been an awesome addition to our contributors list at bazaar – because naturally, we have remarkable people writing for us! As a regular, Emma is our youngest writer yet! She’s been one of our freelancers since she was fourteen. So, she’s been published regionally by the age of fourteen, and internationally at seventeen. Impressive, no? Writing for the last three years, Emma has done what most people need a lifetime to achieve – find a niche.

A people-enthusiast, Emma explores the world around her and the “little things we look past” as she writes about people and how they lead their lives. It all started with a short story and ended with a book. Self-published yes, but still a book, The Blue Box has gathered USD 50,000 in support of Syria! When asked about the title, she explained that it was a metaphor and that “The Blue Box represents the thoughts and the power we have and how sometimes it builds up inside for a while before we let it out.”

She added about the cover, “I happened to come across some drawings by Syrian children in refugee camps and was able to meet some who had been lucky enough to be able to move to the USA,” she said. Emma then asked if they could draw Syria for her. “I asked one of them ‘anything you remember; draw whatever reminds you of home.’ I hadn’t planned on using a drawing for the cover initially.” Something about the artwork intrigued her – the story behind the drawing embodied the book perfectly.

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Determined.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Wonderful.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

(Last summer, in the States) “Would you say you’re more of a Dominican or a Republican?”

(The summer before) “Do you know if these stairs go downstairs?”

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Call Oprah (It didn’t work out quite the way I had hoped it would)

What is your theme song?

‘All Star.’

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Serendipity.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

I haven’t really thought of retirement just yet!

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

“A ship in harbor is safe – but that’s not what ships are built for.”

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

Dolphin.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Thinking I could negotiate with the tooth fairy.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I wouldn’t change it – I love my name!

Describe your handshake in one word?

Am I being too cliché if I say ‘firm’?

What is the toughest part of your character?

I think I can be quite stubborn.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Theodore Roosevelt.

What in the world do you least desire?

To stop learning.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Empathy.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

Because I take them as they are, hoping they’ll take me as I am too.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is (a thing called)…”

Being true to yourself.

You can buy Emma’s book The Blue Box through www.amazon.com or you can email her at theblueboxstories@gmail.com for more information.