ninotaziz is a wordsmith and communicator par excellence as well as a successful event organizer. A Malaysian, she was born in Tasmania, Australia and educated in Canada. She is a critically acclaimed writer specializing in Malaysian heritage and legends, with many popular books. She writes diligently to capture the values inherent in the “Nusantara” way of life and present it to the younger generation in an attractive way. Her goal is to popularize ancient Malaysian literature’s timeless appeal in such a way that it finds its place in the literary world. She also wishes young Malaysians to take pride in their nation’s rich, history, culture and traditions, as well as face the modern world with confidence.
Belonging to a family with a long tradition of storytelling, she has kept the legacy alive by immortalizing these ancient stories in her books for posterity. She has worked closely with artist/illustrator Malek Rahim for the last eight years. The well-told stories and their beautiful illustrations have turned each book into a treasure trove that one can own with pride.
Having written From the Written Stone (2006), Srikandi (2011), Hikayat (2012), Xlibris-published book Naga – A Legend of Tasik Chini (2012) and 366 Legends of Asia (forthcoming), ninotaziz can be aptly called the “Hikayat Lady” of modern Malaysia. There is something so sincere about ninotaziz’s efforts and literary style that touch the readers’ hearts. It is no surprise that she is regarded as the growing voice championing Malaysian folklore and legends.
Her book launch for Hikayat – From The Ancient Malay Kingdom was a cultural event by itself, receiving coverage from the Malaysian KOSMO daily. ninotaziz appears regularly on the Malaysian national radio BERNAMA Radio 24 and on TV. She is also a highly sought after speaker and presenter on the issue of reviving and rediscovering Malay culture and folklores. She has been invited to speak at the National University of Malaysia and The University Technology MARA. She recently presented her paper Reviving Hikayat through historical fiction – NAGA, A Novel at the International Congress of Asian Folklore (ICAF III) in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, discussing how to ensure folklores and legends survive the advent of technology and other challenges. In a way, it was this challenge that encouraged her to turn to an internationally well-known publisher Xlibris to publish her first novel NAGA. The speed, the professionalism and gamut of services available made it a good choice for a first novel.
Keep checking the Xlibris Blog for the next sequels of ninotaziz’s blog contribution on these links:
You may also visit her blog featuring her Xlibris-published book.
Check out other Xlibris featured authors on the Xlibris Indie Authors Roundup and get writing, editing, and book marketing tips on the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop.