Author Interview: Nadia Khan & Zoey Wonders Why and the Great Catastrophe

Nadia Khan is a dedicated mother of four adventurous boys who cherish their hugs from her. Since the age of eight, she has made reading and writing integral parts of her life. Residing in Northern New Jersey with her family, she favors the color blue, enjoys experimenting with new recipes alongside her kids, and engaged in insightful historical discussions with them. A fan of historical fiction and dystopian novels, she is currently exploring the thrilling world of Doctor Who with her children, navigating time and confronting Daleks.

Q: Is this your first published book? What made you decide to write this book?

A: This is my 3rd book. I have published two award-winning children's books. The idea for Zoey Wonders Why and the Great Catastrophe came from noticing a real gap in children’s literature. There are so many fun and adventurous stories for preteens, but very few that explore the tougher realities many kids face quietly—like a parent losing a job or dealing with unhealthy friendships. These experiences can deeply shape a child’s emotions, yet they’re often overlooked or softened in books. I wanted to change that.

My goal in writing this story was to create a space where kids could see themselves and their feelings reflected. Through Zoey’s curiosity and her search for answers, readers are encouraged to think about their own experiences, build empathy, and understand that it’s okay to ask questions when life feels uncertain.

I also wanted this book to serve as a bridge for parents, teachers, and caregivers—to help start meaningful conversations. When children see a character going through something familiar, it becomes easier for them to talk about what’s happening in their own lives. Stories connect us, and my hope is that this one sparks connection both at home and in the classroom.

At its heart, Zoey Wonders Why and the Great Catastrophe is more than just a story—it’s an invitation for preteens to embrace their emotions, strengthen their resilience, and approach life’s challenges with empathy and courage.

Q: What particular challenges did you face in your writing? Do you have any tips for other writers who might face similar challenges?

A: There were many challenges I faced when writing, many of which go beyond the words on the page. One of the biggest, I believe, I had was overcoming self-doubt — that quiet voice that questions whether the story is good enough or worth telling. Writing requires vulnerability, and putting your ideas into the world can feel daunting.

Another challenge I faced was maintaining discipline and consistency. I have 4 boys, and they would take a huge chunk of my time. Inspiration can spark a story, but it’s persistence that finishes it. Making time on your schedule to start writing, even if it means leaving your home and going to a comfortable place like a coffee shop, can lead to creative manuscripts. Balancing writing with everyday responsibilities while staying motivated through revisions and setbacks requires real dedication.

My advice for authors in a similar predicament would be the following:

1. Embrace the process, even the messy parts.

2. Writing (and publishing) can feel overwhelming at times, but each challenge teaches you something valuable — about your voice, your resilience, and your purpose.

3. Find your community.... Connect with other writers, mentors, or groups who understand the ups and downs. Sharing experiences makes the journey less lonely and far more rewarding.

4. 
   

Q: Are you a self or traditionally published author? Why did you decide this was the publishing path for you?

A: I’m a self-published author because I wanted to be part of every step of bringing my stories to life. From the illustrations and storyline to the marketing and editing, I love having the freedom to shape how my books connect with readers.

Q: Can you describe your publishing experience for writers who hope to publish one day?

A: I joined a publishing program called SPS, where I worked with a mentor who guided me through every stage of creating a book. The program also offered genre-specific meetings with fellow authors, which became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Through these virtual sessions, I learned what to look for when having a manuscript edited and gained practical insight into publishing through platforms like KDP and IngramSpark.

Q: What is one piece of advice that someone gave you that you'd like to pass on to other authors?

A: The best advice I received was to remember why you started. When doubt creeps in, reconnect with the heart of your story and the readers you want to reach.

In this heartwarming and courageous second installment of the Zoey Wonders Why series, Zoey is now a fifth grader juggling shifting friendships, a surprise family crisis, and feelings too big to ignore. With her party plans unraveling and her once-loyal friends turning mean, Zoey must figure out who she can count on—and who she truly wants to be. Can she find joy in the unexpected and strength in the storm?