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IR APPROVED AUTHOR YASMINE MAHDAVI ON HER MOTIVATION: “EDUCATING AND INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SEE T



Roots in Iran: Stories of Visionary Women received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.


Following find an interview with author Yasmine Mahdavi.


What is the name of the book and when was it published?

Stories of Visionary Women, published in September 2021.


What’s the book’s first line?

The Prologue’s first sentence is “I grew up in Iran until I was twelve.”


What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.

My book introduces readers to fifteen incredible women with Roots in Iran. In their biographies, readers will find athletes and artists, scientists and activists, astronauts and authors whose struggles are universal. Yet they persevered. Roots in Iran celebrates the achievements of transformative pioneers whose vision of who they wanted to become will surprise and inspire readers of all ages.


What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?

In Summer 2017, my children listened to me tell them about the recently deceased Maryam Mirzakhani, a woman, born and raised in Iran who became a world-famous mathematician. In fact, she is the first and only female to date to win the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics. Telling Maryam’s story to my children, set me off on a marvelous adventure of curiosity. Who are the other women with roots in Iran who overcame significant obstacles, and how did they achieve success? Four years after I told Maryam’s story around the kitchen table, I am delighted to share Roots in Iran with readers.


What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?

This book celebrates the achievements of immigrant women, from a place we know little about, and offers us a mirror to reflect how much we have in common with those who do exceptional things.


When did you first decide to become an author?

When I realized that I had something to say!


Is this the first book you’ve written?

Yes.


What do you do for work when you’re not writing?

I work as a Director of Analysis and Impact at a youth-focused non-profit organization.


How much time do you generally spend on your writing?

Whenever I can get any free time. I also include any reading and thinking as part of the writing process.


What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?

As an indie, we can be more experimental, less conventional and much more creative. For a variety of reasons, it’s harder to reach a wider audience.


Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?

I am not sure. It will depend on how or if they would like me to make changes to the work.


Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)

Telling good stories, making people aware and to think more deeply, educating and inspiring young people to see the possibilities before them.

 

This article was originally posted on IndieReader.

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