You’ve had a long career in sales and business development—what inspired you to finally take the leap into authorship?
I’ve always carried stories within me even while performing my full time duties. My career has been rewarding, but I reached a stage where I felt the urge to channel my creativity into something lasting. Writing offered me that outlet, a way to weave together imagination, emotion, and cultural perspective in a form that could resonate with people beyond business.
How did your early experience co-founding DVD rental shops in Beirut shape your passion for cinema and storytelling?
That was really where my love of cinema became tangible. Those shops weren’t just businesses, they were small community hubs where people came to explore stories from all over the world. I spent so much time surrounded by films, absorbing different genres, styles, and cultures. That visual storytelling has stayed with me, and even now, when I write, I imagine scenes unfolding like movies.
Your debut novel, The Good Nights: Dreams Of Destiny, marks your official entry into the literary world. Can you tell us what it’s about and what inspired the story?
The novel follows Sam Cooper, a U.S. ambassador in Singapore who seems to have everything, career success, prestige, and influence, yet is quietly haunted by loneliness. At night, he slips into vivid dreams where he lives alternate lives: a doctor in Los Angeles, a consultant in Paris, an investment banker in Dubai. In each dream, he meets a different woman who feels strikingly real. The story explores love, destiny, and the fragile boundary between reality and imagination.
The inspiration came from my own vivid imagination and the idea of living a double life, the dreams we carry inside us versus the lives we present to the world. Coupled with my lifelong fascination with cinema, I wanted to capture that “what if” feeling, as if each dream were a film unfolding in another reality.
Was there a defining moment when you realized, “Now is the time to write my book”?
Yes, it came during a reflective period in Qatar, when I felt my creative energy pulling me strongly toward storytelling. I realized that if I didn’t start writing now, I might never give these stories the chance to breathe. That urgency was the push I needed.
How has your professional background in the Middle East and Africa influenced your perspective as a storyteller?
Working across so many countries exposed me to cultures, traditions, and personal stories that shaped my worldview. Business development taught me about negotiation, diplomacy, and human connections, the same elements that underpin strong storytelling. It also made me very aware of how environment influences people, which is why setting plays such a big role in my writing.
Cinema clearly played a big role in your creative life. Do you see your stories visually, almost like films, before you write them down?
Absolutely. I see my stories like films in my head, I hear the dialogue, see the framing of a scene, and even sense the atmosphere. When I write, I try to capture that cinematic feeling on the page so readers can almost watch it in their mind.
What challenges did you face while writing your debut, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was discipline, finding the time between business commitments and family life. Another challenge was trusting my instincts: giving myself permission to write honestly without worrying too much about how it would be received. I overcame this by setting aside dedicated writing hours and by constantly reminding myself that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to exist.
Did you draw inspiration from real people or experiences for your debut novel, or is it purely fictional?
It’s a blend. While the characters and stories are fictional, some of the emotions and struggles are inspired by real experiences, both mine and those I’ve observed around me. For example, Sam’s restlessness and search for meaning reflect feelings many ambitious professionals experience when outward success doesn’t answer deeper questions.
How do you balance the analytical, strategic mindset of business with the imaginative, emotional demands of storytelling?
I see them as complementary. Business taught me structure, discipline, and the importance of clear communication. Storytelling taps into imagination, empathy, and emotional depth. When combined, they help me create stories that are both carefully constructed and deeply felt.
Which authors, filmmakers, or storytellers have had the biggest influence on your creative journey?
In literature, I admire for example Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife), who combines emotional storytelling with speculative elements. In film, I’ve been influenced by directors who create intimate, character-driven dramas, storytellers who explore the complexity of relationships and destiny.
What message or emotion do you hope readers take away from your debut novel?
I hope they reflect on the nature of love, choice, and destiny, and how our dreams, both literal and metaphorical, shape the paths we take. Above all, I want readers to feel that sense of longing and hope, the belief that happiness may come from unexpected places.
As a new author, what has been the most surprising part of the publishing or writing journey so far?
The sheer amount of work that comes after the writing! From editing to formatting to marketing, it’s a full process. I was surprised by how much time and energy it takes to bring a book to readers beyond simply finishing the manuscript. At the same time, it has been incredibly rewarding to hold the finished book in my hands and share it with others.
One challenge for indie authors is the lack of consistent support from readers, influencers, and even literary agents. It can sometimes feel unfair, as many independent writers put in the same effort and passion as traditionally published ones. Still, I believe persistence, authenticity, and genuine connection with readers can gradually overcome those barriers.
Do you plan to continue writing in contemporary fiction, or do you see yourself exploring other genres?
Yes, I plan to continue in contemporary fiction, but I also see myself branching into other genres, particularly drama rooted in real-world issues. My next project will explore resilience, survival, and love against the backdrop of war and migration. I want to keep telling stories that are emotionally powerful, but also grounded in the struggles and hopes people face in different parts of the world.
Now that you’ve completed your debut novel, what’s next on your creative horizon?
Right now, I’m focused on giving The Good Nights the attention it deserves, which means a lot of my time and resources are going into marketing and building awareness. It’s a demanding process, but I believe in the story and want it to reach the right readers. At the same time, I’m developing my next major project, alongside several outlines for future novels ranging from romantic fiction to thrillers. My long-term goal is to build a body of work that explores different sides of human experience, while continuing to grow as both a writer and storyteller.
How were you introduced to AllAuthor, and would you say that this website has been helpful?
I first discovered AllAuthor through recommendations from other indie writers. I’ve found it to be a very user-friendly and creative platform, one that makes it easier for authors to showcase their work and connect with readers. My hope is that it continues to grow its engagement and visibility, so authors and their stories can receive the recognition they truly deserve.
