'Nothing like knowing I encouraged someone to write a book'

Author Rachel Hamilton speaks about the five turning points in her life this year.

1. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, 2015
The Lit Fest has been a part of my world since I arrived in Dubai in 2008. I've been to every festival: first as a visitor, next as a volunteer, and then as a wannabe-writer. So it was overwhelming to be invited as a 'guest author' this year and to look out at over 400 smiling Lit-Festy faces who'd come to hear my stories.
2. Publishing deals and lots of lovely books
After Simon & Schuster published The Case of the Exploding Loo, I worried it would be a one-off event. So it was a wonderful ego boost when they released the second book - not least because people finally stopped calling me The Exploding Toilet lady! Winning the 'Worcestershire Awesomest Book Award' and getting offers from OUP UK and Scholastic US for four books in my new Unicorn in New York series also helped me believe I can write books kids want to read.
3. Emirates Woman of the Year (Artist) Award, 2015
It was a huge honour to be nominated for an Emirates Woman of the Year Award. There were some incredible women in my category so it didn't occur to me I might actually win. When my name was read out, I spilt my drink all over my posh frock and almost fell off my chair. After racing on stage to grab my award, I came back to also grab my friend so we could run round the lawn until it sank in. A perfect evening.
4. Being a Funny Girl at the Dubai Comedy Festival
Throughout October, I was part of the Funny Girls Stand Up Comedy Tour. This was one of the most exciting and terrifying things I've ever done. It was amazing to achieve something important, like raising awareness of breast cancer in the Middle East, while also having ridiculous amounts of fun.
5. Schools, libraries, Writers' Centres and all those who dwell in them
My favourite things about being an author are the invitations to do talks and workshops at schools, festivals, libraries, book stores, cafés, writers' centres, after-school clubs... you name it; if it has kids in it, I've probably talked about books there. There's nothing nicer than being told I've encouraged someone to pick up a pen and write their own story.
Plans for 2016
I want to continue all this wonderfulness! I'm launching my two new Unicorn in New York books in February and August. I'll be appearing at the Lit Fest in March and running a Creativity Camp at the Dubai Writers' Centre in January. Hopefully, I'll also get the chance to do a bit more stand-up. So many opportunities... I can't wait for the New Year.
Rachel is the author of books like The Case of the Exploding Loo, and considered one of Dubai's resident children's fiction champions.
As told to Karen Ann Monsy
THE YEAR OF LIVING gloriously: Starting today and till December 29, Khaleej Times will run a 10-part series on people who define the ethos of the UAE: creative, adventurous, enterprising - everything that tags this place as being a great melting pot of talent and spirit.

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