A conversation with Hussin Alkheder, the author of the book "Daughter of Damascus"

Описание: Hussin Alkheder is an author of six books - five novels and one non-fiction. In our conversation, we talk about his first book, “Daughter of Damascus”, a detective novel. It explores topics of justice, morality, faith, gender roles, family secrets, domestic abuse, and loneliness.

What's the process of writing and self-publishing a book? What is Hussin trying to convey through his novels? How are Syrian and Armenian cultures similar? How to have a sense of belonging regardless of where you live? I ask - Hussin answers.

I’ve met Hussin through the Inkwell writing group he runs in person in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can share your written pieces there and get feedback, or simply connect with others who write poems, fiction, philosophical essays etc. Great vibes, I love it!
https://www.meetup.com/kuala-lumpur-w...

Chapters:
WRITING PROCESS AS A NON-NATIVE WRITER
00:00 - Trailer
00:56 - The background of writing and publishing the “Daughter of Damascus”
04:25 - Writing in Arabic & English as a non-native
08:28 - Finding the right editor is crucial
10:19 - Stubbornness vs. learning humility as a writer
11:15 - It takes a team to publish a professional book
12:00 - Learning English and translating his book from Arabic
14:06 - Rejection hurts; the competitive publishing industry
15:12 - Growth mindset: “Teach me what to do”
16:00 - Grateful for working with agents
16:54 - Oriental vs Western writing styles
20:01 - Advice for new writers

ABOUT THE BOOK
20:38 - What is the book about?
21:15 - Favourite quotes
23:30 - Autobiographical elements in the book
24:56 - The most important message from his books
25:47 - Human’s psychology & quote on loneliness
27:29 - Can someone be too kind? What about boundaries and anger?

WOMEN IN SYRIA
31:49 - Why the book about women? Women in the Syrian community
38:30 - Gender roles
38:44 - Culture & tradition vs. religion - differences
45:22 - Shame around domestic violence
50:39 - Book “Four Ladies”, short story
51:58 - More quotes from the book

PERSONAL QUESTIONS
59:29 - Discovering his passion for writing
01:01:00 - Self-publishing, marketing & reader’s reviews
01:02:17 - Travelling and living in 4 countries
1:04:50 - Belonging vs. loneliness & friendships
01:07:10 - Follow Hussin

For those unfamiliar with the world of self-publishing, it's important to know that many writers don't make a profit unless they're selling thousands of books a month. That's why your support as a reader is so crucial. The best ways to help a writer like Hussin are simple: read his books, write a review, and tell your friends and family about them.
https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Damas...
  / daughter-of-damascus  

Hussin is also passionate about helping fellow writers. He created a LinkedIn group Brainstorming For Writers, which has grown to include over 8,000 writers from around the world who support each other.
  / 7041382  

Follow Hussin:
  / hussin_alkheder  
  / hussein.yuhia  
  / hussein-educator  

Follow Ani:
Website: https://animelikyan.com/
Blog: https://liberalrebel.com/
  / ani-melikyan