Born in Iran, which is your most cherished childhood memory?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is sleeping under the stars on our rooftop in Tehran. I’d try to count all the stars, but I could never finish. In that moment I realized how big our universe is and how small we are in comparison to the billions of years of life that have passed before us.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
I constantly tried to learn more about our world. I loved so much reading Nietzsche, Freud, and Ferdowsi among others. Philosophy was one of my favorite subjects.
Do you remember the first book you ever read?
The very first book I read was Sophie’s World by Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder. I think that reading philosophical books from a very young age may not necessarily be a good idea, unless someone can read other books from different subjects to balance those views.
How were you first introduced to writing?
I started writing short stories when I was six or seven because the cartoons on our national TV stations in Iran were selective and boring. I wanted to create my own stories, and so I did.
What challenges did you face while sharing your harrowing experience in your book, A Lullaby in the Desert?
Writing A Lullaby in the Desert wasn’t easy. Although it’s fiction, it’s based on true events. It was difficult for me to relive my own experiences and the experiences of other whom I know. But I had no choice – I had to be strong for the ones who could not speak.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I think publishing in any way is important. I chose traditional publishing because of the publisher’s experience in the publication process, which was important to me as a first-time author.
How do you make sure to draw readers into your stories?
I focus on conflicts to draw the reader in, such as the dichotomy between sweet and sour, white and black, smiling and crying. When we think about it, the world is a collection of opposing forces. We live amid all these every moment. The conflicts are real, whether written on a page or felt in life. These realities draw the reader in.
What is one message that you try to impart through your books?
Never give up. No matter where you come from, what language you speak, how much you have and how lonely you are. Never give up, because our world needs strong people, people who believe in humanity and compassion more than origin or wealth.
What is the one advice you would like to give to young writers in the world?
Your story is important and there are people who want to hear it. Just write and never doubt yourself.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Take a break if your mind is tired. You deserve it because you are on a journey to do something positive for the world. It is important to write daily, because rushing all at once may discourage you from continuing. As a young person or aspiring writer, you have plenty of time to put words on paper – just get started.
Is it better to write a series or a book that ends after one?
I think this depends heavily upon the story’s subject and upon the message the author wants to give to the reader.
What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting Erbil, Iraq?
Erbil is a historical city, parts of which existed for almost 6,000 years. This ancient part of the city, called “The Hewler Citadel,” is in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The people are wonderful too – meet them and have conversation with them! They’re very friendly and helpful. It’s impossible to forget their kindness.
If you get a chance to live the life of any one fictional character, who would you choose?
I would live the life of any Iranian female character struggling in the stories we read because that’s been our life for many years: a struggle full of hope to never give up.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
Getting to know myself and working on myself was the best thing I could ever accomplish. When you don’t know yourself and you don’t love yourself, you can never get to know others and love them. I think we shouldn’t confuse genuine love with a lust for attention. It is too common for people to be kind to others but not to themselves, just seeking approval about their actions rather than investing in themselves at the same time. You can start loving others once you start being yourself and knowing yourself.
How did you come to know about AllAuthor and what are your thoughts on this website?
I found AllAuthor through a Google search. AllAuthor’s services are really useful to writers like me. Their careful attention to the authors is much appreciated, and their promotion strategies have really been a blessing. I’m thankful that AllAuthor gave me the opportunity to introduce myself and my book to readers in a broad audience. I hope you can help spread the message in my story to the world, to help those who cannot help themselves.
