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Jameela Alter is a Montessori school teacher who lives in Bowie, Maryland. She is wife to Steven Alter, an Information Systems Manager at FDIC. She is mom to two daughters who are both nurses.

Recently, she added another wonderful label to her name: First-time author. She has written her first successful book, “On Clipped Wings.” She plans to write a sequel, and to publish her finished short stories and poems.

An overview of Ms. Alter’s background and a review is also available at amazon.com, which notes that Jameela, born in Calcutta, India, was raised a staunch Muslim, but was sent to a strict Roman Catholic school run by Loreto nuns from Ireland. At 26, she left India to live in the United Kingdom, Libya and in Saudi Arabia. She has a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola College, Baltimore.

Ms. Alter said she knew she had an inclination for writing, because while at Bowie State University, she received awards for best fiction and for Excellence in Writing.

Her debut novel has received rave reviews. Washington Post and nationally syndicated columnist Michelle Singletary wrote: “This story will draw you into a world about which most Americans know little. Rarely have I read a book with so much heart.”

“‘On Clipped Wings’ is about the metamorphosis of a rootless beggar girl whose personality is molded by Hindus, Muslims, and Christians spanning four continents. It is a compelling, insightful story about clashing religions, castes, and cultures, making it a novel that is both timely and marked with unique cultural richness and breadth.

“The beggar girl’s conflicts, unorthodox opinions and relationships make for thought-provoking, enlightening, poignant, yet humorous reading that keeps one thoroughly engaged.

“Having lived extensively on all four continents herself, Alter’s characters are both believable and unforgettable. It is a work of lyrical beauty that will become a soul-duster for all times.

“In a world where priests and politicians use religions to incite hatred and wars, Alter’s book, refreshingly, has the complete opposite effect.”

Book Events

Ms. Alter is available to talk at private or public gatherings. Email her at Jameelaalter@att.net. Currently, she’s booking signing events and speaking engagements at book clubs, women’s organizations, cultural arts institutions and universities. She said she welcomes invitations from Asian American organizations.

Recently, she talked about her book at a holiday event of the Empowered Women International (EWI) and at several area multi-media events. EWI President and International Art Marketing Consultant Marga C. Fripp said, “Her book is beautifully written and once you pick it up you cannot put it down.”

She added: “So many women have been going through her experience, yet they never have the courage to talk about their journeys. Jameela’s book will open doors to dialogue in both understanding our complex global society and our very own life journeys and experiences shaped by traditions, believes and religion.”

Q & A

You’ve led an interesting, challenging life. What would you say have you learned from life so far? That I’m very blessed. Many people are worse off. I’m more appreciative of so much that I have today–good friends, loving family, and respect from students and co-workers at the school where I work. I teach first, second and third grade students at a Montessori school.

Please elaborate on how your background informs your debut novel. The characters and the different countries I have been together inform my book. The beggar girls are a figment of my imagination, but the horrors beggars suffer are depicted factually. I used to walk the streets of Calcutta and see them all the time–as described in the book.

What other titles did you consider? Why did you choose “On Clipped Wings?” “Spaghetti Junction,” and “Circumcision” were two other titles I considered. The former because of the jumbled state of free-spirited Komli’s mind, and the latter because Komli realizes all human beings are circumcised/brainwashed by parents, priests, teachers, preachers, etc.

How long did it take you to write your first novel? At least a year, full-time, plus a lot of notes for a few years prior to that.

Are you a morning, or evening person? And what type of computer did you use? Could you describe your desk? I’m a morning person when it comes to writing. I used an IBM desktop personal computer to write the book. I share a desk with my husband– it’s a little cluttered.

When you finished the book, did you experience catharsis? I was thrilled when I finished the book because I had poured my heart and soul into it. I felt great satisfaction; no sense of relief, just joy that I had accomplished what I had dreamed of doing for years.

Must have been tough being educated in a strict Catholic school. Did you have an identity crisis? I don’t think so. I was confused; but with hindsight I can say for sure that I am so happy I had a glimpse into different worlds through religion as well as travel.

Who was your mentor? How did he/she influence you? No mentor that I can think of. Life influenced me: joy, sorrow, ups and downs.

What are your plans for the future? Retire next year and write a sequel. Also publish my existing short stories and poems.

What are your hobbies? Reading, attending arts and crafts classes about once every two to three months.

Please tell us about your family. Name at least two plays that your father wrote for your community. I can’t remember the names of the plays my father wrote. They were usually household, comic situations written especially for our annual community gathering. My father had a good sense of humor and was extremely humble–two qualities I really admire in human beings. My father died in 1996. He knew I wanted to write, but he never saw the dream come true. My family is very proud of me. My mother lives in Mumbai, India with my younger sister.