Welcome Ghazi, you have such an amazing story. Your memoir is an important story, not just for you, but also for the thousands that others have struggled in countries with conflict affecting the daily lives of everyone. I am so pleased to have you on Author Interview Friday. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer and was there a particular inspiration to get started?
Very early while in my teens. I had an unusual life. I saw first hand the struggle for Palestine Vs. Israel (1935-1948). Because of this, I felt impelled to record my experiences. I learned to write by doing it. My hopes are that the reader will feel the direct channel to my emotions, feelings, thoughts, etc. I spoke directly to the reader naturally and from the heart.
What was the hardest part of writing your story?
Building the narrative coherently.
Have you done anything special to help promote your book?
So far, through personal appearances, talks to social or book clubs, sending out sale sheets to individuals or groups, organizations, etc. Joined social clubs: Facebook, twitter, Linked-in, associated website.
What has been your primary drive to write?
To believe in the worth of the story to many others; that it is going to do some good to a significant number of people. Also, that the process is beneficial emotionally (cathartic) to me and enjoyable at the same time.
What is the premise of your novel we are promoting today?
Humanity is progressing toward better universal values, which will diminish wars and promotes harmony and peace.
Please the give the readers a peek into your story by giving us a small excerpt.
“I saw the fragmentation of the world along racial, ethnic, religious, or national lines is an outcome of past history, full at times of misconceptions and misunderstandings, that will not stand for long against the accelerating influence of the information and transportation revolutions worldwide; the result of which is that diverse groups of peoples are getting to know each other more quickly and intimately in positive ways, and work better together. I saw human beliefs about nationality, religion, and related identifications are useful practical models for good and righteous living, culturally intertwined, functions of time, history, and place. They are relative, subjective and evolving.”
“It is in the context of celebrating diversity in humanity, combined with the underlying universality of man’s spirituality, manifesting faith, love, and brotherhood, that I have been able to liberate myself from much of past burdensome inner conflicts and traumas. I have done so with considerable effort over a long time, and against great odds. Yet, I feel blessed to have been able to do so.”
Windy City Publishers. Kindle Edition. …..
The website is: www.ghaziqhassounphd.com
Buy Link: Print Edition: Walking Out Into The Sunshine
Kindle Edition: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Amazon+ebooks+Ghazi+Hassoun
Writing Under Fire 