There’s an assumption that every author loves to write. That’s not always the case. Some authors love to write. Others have to write. Author Mojan Azar is both. She’s never without her laptop because she has a lot to say and a constant desire to put it down in print. As a result, she’s published her women’s fiction novel, A Lullaby in the Desert. Below is my interview with Azar where she discusses her writing process, inspirations, and the messages she conveys to the world with her writing.
About Mojgan Azar and A Lullaby in the Desert
Author links
Book title: A Lullaby in the Desert
Genres: Modern fiction, women’s fiction
A Lullaby in the Desert book summary
In 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham swept through the Middle East, threatening the lives of women, children, and millions of people already clinging to life after decades of conflict. This is the incredible story of Susan, an Iranian woman caught in the middle of that war, trapped not only by the terrorists at her doorstep but also by her nationality, her gender, and her innocence. This is a haunting account of war and desperation, taking the reader on a journey through one woman’s fight for freedom.
Book excerpt
Excerpt: A Lullaby in the Desert by Mojgan Azar:
“What way? You’re not from this place, from this life. You have no idea where you are. Where do you plan to go in this desert once you jump out with no food and no water? The only living things out there are things that want you dead.”
Susan knew she was right and she tried to think carefully about her choices.
Malika looked Susan in the eye. “Worse than death, this area has people who are thirsty for a woman like you.”
Susan looked over at Heja, who was staring out the slit in the fabric and watching the hills roll by. “Hey, Heja. Come look here.” She motioned with her hand. “Can you see outside? Can you tell where we are?” Susan noticed Rima straining herself trying to hear what Susan was saying but it was clear she couldn’t make out the words.
“Uh, yeah. It’s the desert.”
“I know.” Susan rolled her eyes. “I mean, do you think we’re in Iraq still, or Syria?”
“Well we’ve been on the way for hours.” He looked at his watch. “Yea, we’ve got to be in Syria by now.” He shifted uncomfortably; his leg having fallen asleep. “We’re heading straight for the heart of evil, straight to Da’esh. I don’t know if you can see from where you are but we aren’t on the road anymore. Haven’t been for a while. We’re driving across the open desert. Looks like we’re heading straight west.”
Susan stared intently at Heja. She wasn’t sure if she should share her idea with him. “Do you want to escape together?” She blurted it out without thinking.
“Escape?” Heja breathed deeply as though the utterance itself was a crime. “That word has the same definition as capture right now.”
Talking Shop
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
I want readers pay more attention to what’s going on in our world. People’s lives and deaths won’t just be numbers ticking across news stories. There are some really tragic things happening in certain areas of the world. The only way we can know about them, and about the people who experience them, is through writing, speaking, and sharing our stories. My book, A Lullaby in the Desert, aims to do just that.
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
Susan, the protagonist in my book, comes across as a mild-mannered, innocent Iranian girl living in Iraq throughout the book. However, readers might be surprised to know that Susan was actually a target of certain organizations for years. They’ve been observing her, taking note of where she goes and what she does. The reader will see a little bit of this later on in the story, but it’s not immediately apparent. I wanted to keep this subtle because I have more plans for Susan.
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
The first review I got on Amazon was from an American Marine who was serving in Iraq during the time of the events I describe in my book. I was also there too, so for me it meant a lot to have someone support my writing with a background such as theirs. It gives me hope that I can reach a wide and understanding audience for this very personal story of mine.
What famous books can you compare to your own?
Khalid Hosseini’s The Kite Runner follows some similar themes to mine, although his story is set in Afghanistan while mine is set in Iraq and Syria. Some similar concepts of youth, innocence, and growth amid conflict ring true in both stories.
What is the most fun part about writing? The most difficult?
The most fun part is telling myself that I won’t write another word, but then after a 10-day hiatus, I am sitting there again in front of my laptop typing away. I quickly start missing the process and challenges of writing a new story. The most difficult part is definitely writer’s block, which sometimes really enters my mind heavily. However, a watched pot never boils, and a novel won’t write itself. So I walk away for a little bit and focus on something else, but always come back to write again.
“What If” Scenarios
If your book ever becomes a movie and you get final say over the cast, which actors would you hire to play your characters?
I would choose Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani to play the role of Susan, the main character of my book. Despite all the talent she had, she was forced to leave Iran and enter the life of an émigré who could never return to her country. She’s an amazing actress and she would really make a powerful mark playing Susan.
A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?
The most important recipients fall into two categories. First, everyday people like you and me need to read this book to understand the conflicts engulfing millions of people, especially women, in the Middle East today. Second, the leaders of the countries I mention in my book need to read it so they understand the effects of their decisions on the everyday lives of women, children, refugees, and the oppressed, eking out a living under their regimes. The everyday people and world leaders alike have the power to change the world for the better. It starts with understanding.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
I would make a short movie of Susan’s story and submit it to film festivals to reach a broader audience in a different medium.
Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?
I would write another book! I’ve already got some ideas.
Your story gets picked up by a streaming service to make into a series. What service would you want it to be, and would you want them to follow your story closely, or would you rather see what directions they take it in?
I would like to see where another author or screenwriter might lead the story. Collaborating and working together sends a positive message of teamwork to the public.
Just for Fun
Your trademark feature.
My laptop – I have it with me everywhere because I’m always either writing something new or polishing up something I’ve already been working on. I’ve had it with me in lots of places. I don’t know what I’d do without it.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to inspire people to treat one another more equitably.
Food you’d like to win a lifetime supply of.
I would love to win a lifetime supply of fresh seafood, especially salmon.
A book that you recommend everyone reads.
My book! Just kidding. I recommend The Blind Owl by Iranian author Sadeq Hedayat. It’s a classic novella set somewhere between reality and a dream, and it’s one of the most important works of modern Persian fiction.
Celebrity you’d want to be friends with.
I’d love to be friends Michelle Obama because I really look up to her and respect her. She leads by example and is the archetype of a strong, independent woman in society.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of A Lullaby in the Desert here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
Pin it!
