I’m an avid reader and when I go to bookstores all I see on the cover of young adult novels are white faces. 

My name is Leah V. and I'm a plus-size style blogger, freelance writer, and young adult author from Detroit, MI. Have you ever believed in something so bad, but no one around you supported or believed in your dream? Well, right now, that's me. People think I'm crazy for wanting to start a 'diverse' publishing company. They tell me that it will never happen, no one will ever read my books, and to just leave it alone.

And that's why I need YOUR support to make this book the best book on the market! I believe in this and you should, too!

I’ve been rejected hundreds of times and today, I'm saying YES!

There was a point in my life that I stopped writing. I thought that I'd never make it in the writing industry because I wasn't a white male. I was black. I was Muslim. I was poor. And no one would ever want to read anything I wrote because I wasn't good enough. That was the worst time of my life. Years later, I gained enough courage to start writing again and sharing my work. It didn't matter how I looked. I was a writer and I believed that I could make a difference with words.

The publishing industry is extremely colorless. There are only a handful of Muslim authors on the market today in mainstream publishing and even less in the young adult sector. I’ve been told NO and NO some more by New York and LA agents who don’t believe that my novel will ever see the light of day.You guys help me prove them wrong!

My book WILL be published with the help of YOU. Supporters who understand the importance of creativity, the art of storytelling, and expression. 

I’m starting my own company to give a chance for teens and young adults to dive into a story with characters who look like they do, who genuinely represent who they are and how they feel about the world they live in.

Synopsis of IMPURE:

Under the rule of a tyrant, Americans were divided by race and class. Hate and inequality reigned. Hispanics and Blacks had no choice but to overthrow the government and exterminate the Caucasian “Europe” race. The few Europes who managed to survive are now classified as Lower Residents and are used as slaves to rebuild the New America—The Southern Region.

Sixteen-year-old Saige, whose parents broke the “purity clause”, pays for their mistake far after their publicized executions. As an Impure, she now must escape the tyranny and sneak over the Border to freedom. Avi, who is destined to succeed her father as General, is conflicted by her loyalty to her authoritarian Elite family and her love for a Europe rebel. Leo, a Lower Resident worker who rebels believe God has sent, will lead them to salvation against the Union. These three teenage adversaries from different castes are forced to rely on one another to thwart a dictator’s plans for mass genocide.

And they're about to start a revolution.

Project Breakdown:

All funds raised here will cover illustration, book design, printing, marketing, ISBN/Barcode, copyright, and e-book fees.

About ME:

I'm a proud African-American Muslim from Metro-Detroit. I have a B.S. in business from Wayne State University, an M.A. in creative writing, and an MFA in publishing from Wilkes University. I'm a freelance writer for Muslimgirl.com, Door Is A Jar Magazine, and my own personal beauty blog, Beauty and the Muse.  

How You Can Help:

By DONATING! 

By SHARING the link if you know others who’d like to support a Muslimah author!