Rekha Waheed is a British writer and novelist, who is best known as the author of "The A-Z Guide To Arranged Marriage."

Background and education

Waheed was born in West London, United Kingdom to parents of Bangladeshi origin. She completed her MSc in Economic Development at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and during her time there held the position of treasurer of the Islamic Society. Whilst pursuing her passion for writing she travelled the world as a Corporate Consultant. However, she soon caught the attention of a literary agent delivering public readings at the Harrow Writers’ club.^[1]

Career

In October 2005, she released her debut novel, "The A-Z Guide to Arranged Marriage."^[2] She released her second novel "Saris and the City" in April 2010,^[3][4] followed by her third novel "Master of Poverty" in June 2010,^[5] and then her fourth novel "My Bollywood Wedding" in December 2010.^[6] Her distinct style has been described as bridging the gap between old world traditions with new world savvy.^[1]

In June 2005, she co-founded Monsoon Press Publisher with Rabina Khan.^[7] Through Monsoon Press, she is also working with the Arts Council and Penguin to raise the profile of British Ethnic and Muslim literature.^[1] She has previously worked as a columnist for Bangla Mirror^[8] and sat on the board of Women in Publishing. In addition, she has worked voluntarily as a treasurer for a Bengali community organisation. She is currently represented by MBA Literary Agency.^[1]

Waheed read at the London 2006 and Spitalfields 2007 Literacy Event. In 2006, she was cited by Asian Woman magazine as one of the "Faces to Watch" and one of the fastest rising British Asians in media. She is regular guest on the BBC Asian Network,^[8] women’s programmes,^[9] and literary and social events to debate social issues affecting British Asians in the west.^[7]

Novels