Author's Interview with Simin Danishyar.

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

I am an entrepreneur by profession with a strong passion for writing. I consider myself a lifelong learner, dedicated to acquiring new knowledge and skills. My name is Simin Danishyar, which means "Simin, the one who loves knowledge and continues learning." Originally from Afghanistan, I have lived in India for over twelve years and currently reside in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Humanities, along with two Master of Business Administration degrees—one with a concentration in Finance and the other in International Business. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship.  In addition to my academic pursuits, I manage two companies involved in international export-import business. I am also a proud parent of three children.

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

I did not initially intend to become an author. Hailing from Afghanistan, a country affected by prolonged conflict, I faced numerous obstacles in my pursuit of education and success. After years of perseverance, I achieved my academic goals and attained a measure of success. Those who know me personally have significantly inspired me to share my experiences and the challenges I encountered. Their genuine curiosity about my life and the conditions in my country, where women are currently barred from education and confined to their homes, motivated me to act. My aim is to inspire individuals facing similar prejudices to maintain hope and continue striving for their aspirations. If I can achieve this, so can they.

3. What is your book about?

The book “Bound by a Promise: The Gift of Love” serves as a memoir detailing my life experiences so far. It encapsulates the struggles and challenges I have encountered in the pursuit of my dreams. Although these experiences are deeply personal, I aspire for them to resonate with the audience on various levels. It would bring me great satisfaction if my journey of struggle and perseverance could inspire even one individual to chase their aspirations and maintain hope. The narrative includes themes of genuine love, animosity, resilience, and tenacity derived from real-life situations. In summary, it tells the story of a woman’s journey from having nothing to achieving everything.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

The book I referenced is a memoir, a genre that I greatly appreciate both as a reader and a writer. My affinity for memoirs stems from their foundation in real-life stories and experiences rather than fictional narratives. This connection to reality allows me to draw valuable lessons from the experiences shared by others, which can be beneficial for my own life. I find that I can resonate with these stories, gaining insights that can enhance my understanding and personal development. Thus, I choose to write these stories in the memoir.

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It is somewhat challenging to articulate my experience, as I did not engage in writing continuously. Effective writing should emanate from the heart. Although there were intervals of one to two months during the process, I had clarity regarding both the content and structure of my writing. Nonetheless, it took me three years from the initial decision to write until the work was published.

6. What makes your book special?

When I made the decision to write my memoir, I dedicated a month to researching the essential elements of effective memoir writing. The foremost requirement for crafting an autobiography or memoir is the need for honesty with oneself throughout the writing process. This work serves as a legacy for my children, necessitating completeness and integrity, free from exaggeration or understatement. This book holds significant importance for me as a part of my heritage. I have come to understand that when a narrative is derived from the heart, it possesses the potential to resonate deeply with others. I have shared stories that I aspire will connect profoundly with a diverse audience, including students, parents, couples, individuals experiencing the fluctuations of their careers, aspiring and established entrepreneurs, refugees and those who have been displaced, as well as individuals drawn to the excitement of the unknown and the adventures that new environments offer. Overall, I hope that this book will resonate with individuals across various levels of experience and existence.

7. When can we expect your next book?

Having embarked on my writing journey, I am eager to produce more stories. I have numerous narratives to develop and two books currently in progress. I aim to publish my next book within the next year. This forthcoming work is one I believe will capture the interest of many readers. I remain hopeful that I can release it as soon as possible.

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

The process of writing this book was profoundly emotional, presenting a significant challenge throughout the duration of the project. I experienced a range of emotions: I smiled, cried, wiped away tears, and felt frustration. Certain memories were so painful that I was unable to write for weeks, and I hesitated to confront them. Conversely, some recollections brought such joy that I found pleasure in documenting them. Writing about one's life is not a straightforward endeavor, particularly when it encompasses many bittersweet experiences. I came to understand that it takes substantial courage to narrate one’s life story and allow others to engage with it on a deeper level. I opted to share my narrative in detail because I firmly believe it is unjust to keep the valuable life lessons I have learned confined within myself. Consequently, I chose to share my story without hesitation.

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

I have a profound passion for learning new things and embracing a variety of experiences. I strongly believe that life is best lived through exploration and hands-on encounters. This belief has driven me to acquire a diverse set of skills: I've delved into the art of cooking, experimenting with flavors and techniques to create delightful dishes. I've also taken up sewing, skillfully transforming fabric into unique pieces. Each of these pursuits enriches my life and broadens my understanding of the world around me.

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?

I greatly appreciated the opportunity to share my experience of writing the book. I would like to extend my gratitude for allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions to my audience through this interview. Once again, thank you very much for this invaluable opportunity.

Book Review | Book Link