Introduction
Mahvish Ahmed, widely known for her Instagram account “Safarnamay,” has taken a new step in her career by writing her first novel, On My Way. In a world where digital content creation is often overlooked, Ahmed’s novel stands out as an important addition to South Asian literature, offering a voice that many women can connect with. According to Ahmed, her book tells a story that every woman can relate to.
Relating to Women Across Cultures
On My Way shares Ahmed’s personal journey as a woman who has taken on different roles—daughter, wife, mother—while facing societal issues like body shaming, toxic relationships, and the challenges of moving to a new country. Ahmed describes the story as “very Pakistani, yet extremely universal.” The book provides readers with lessons, relatable experiences, and opportunities to rethink their own views.
From Instagram to Author
Ahmed’s move from Instagram influencer to author was inspired by the positive reactions she received on her Instagram stories, where her honest storytelling touched many people. Her decision to try something new and commit to writing a book was crucial in this journey. Themes like displacement, explored in On My Way, are drawn from her personal experiences of living abroad for seven years.
The Feeling of Displacement
Ahmed talks about the struggle of feeling like you’re living in “two worlds”—missing the comfort of home while also embracing new chances for growth abroad. Displacement is a key theme in her book, but she also highlights the importance of finding new sources of support in unfamiliar places, like making new friends.
Overcoming Challenges in Writing
Writing On My Way came with its own set of challenges, from finding the right team to putting her story on paper and getting a publisher. However, Ahmed’s online presence and connections helped her overcome these hurdles. Her editor, Unaiza Maniar, discovered Ahmed’s story on Instagram and felt inspired to help turn it into a book.
A Bestseller and Relatable Success
On My Way has already become a bestseller on Amazon and has sold out in stores in Pakistan, showing its early success. Ahmed’s first attempt at writing is impressive, especially since she had no formal training in writing. While the beginning of the book may have some rough spots, its insights into relationships, motherhood, and living across different countries make it a valuable read.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for All Women
Mahvish Ahmed’s On My Way is a heartfelt and relatable story that speaks to women from all walks of life. It’s a powerful reminder that life’s challenges come with opportunities, and how we choose to handle them shapes our journey.
