At Writers N Authors, we had the privilege of interviewing Haleh Shahrzad, the author of the powerful literary fiction book Forever, Now. Haleh’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the challenges of life. In this interview, Haleh opens up about her early life in Tehran, the obstacles she faced due to her cultural background, and how these experiences have shaped her writing journey. Buy Forever, Now on Amazon
Personal Background and Journey
Writers N Authors: Can you share more about your early life in Tehran and the specific challenges you faced regarding higher education and the restrictions imposed on you?
Haleh Shahrzad: I was born during the reign of the Shah of Iran, and my childhood was filled with the freedom and joy that one would expect in any democratic country. I remember staying out late with my family, feeling completely safe. But after the revolution in 1979, everything changed overnight. The sense of security vanished, and life became a constant struggle for survival, especially when the Iraq-Iran war started just a year later. The new radical Islamic regime imposed strict restrictions, and pursuing higher education became a challenge. The system was designed to separate those deemed ‘morally fit’ from others, making it nearly impossible for me to continue my studies in Iran. It was clear that if I wanted to have control over my life, I had to leave.
Writers N Authors: What motivated you to leave Iran, and what were some of the most difficult aspects of making that decision?
Haleh Shahrzad: The decision to leave was driven by the desire to have the freedom to make my own choices, something that was no longer possible in Iran. The hardest part was leaving behind everything familiar—family, friends, and the life I had known. But the need for independence and self-determination outweighed the fear of the unknown.
Writers N Authors: How did your journey from Iran to the United States shape your identity and influence your perspective as a writer?
Haleh Shahrzad: Traveling and living in different parts of the world, especially my journey to the United States, has profoundly influenced my perspective. It opened my eyes to the complexities of life and the diverse ways people navigate their circumstances. This broadened worldview is reflected in my writing, particularly in how I develop my characters and themes.
Integrating Cultural Experiences in Writing
Writers N Authors: How do your Iranian heritage and experiences in the United States influence the themes and characters in your books, particularly in Forever, Now?
Haleh Shahrzad: My heritage gives me a unique lens through which I view the world. The characters in Forever, Now are inspired by people I’ve met from diverse backgrounds, each with their own cultural nuances and life experiences. The themes of resilience, identity, and the struggle for self-discovery are deeply rooted in my own journey, as well as the stories of those around me.
Writers N Authors: What are some cultural nuances you consciously included in Forever, Now to give readers a deeper understanding of Iranian-American experiences?
Haleh Shahrzad: I included several cultural elements that highlight the Iranian-American experience, such as the prejudice many face, the deep bond between mothers and their children, and the tradition of coffee reading, which is a cherished cultural practice. These elements help to paint a fuller picture of the Iranian-American narrative and the challenges of navigating life between two cultures.
Writers N Authors: Can you discuss how you balance presenting Iranian cultural elements in your storytelling while making them accessible and relatable to a broader audience?
Haleh Shahrzad: The protagonist, Darya, is often navigating life away from her Iranian family, which allows the story to resonate with a broader audience. Additionally, themes like racism and bigotry are universal and familiar to readers from all backgrounds. By focusing on these shared human experiences, I aim to make the cultural elements in my story accessible to everyone. Buy Forever, Now on Amazon
Challenges and Growth
Writers N Authors: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your writing career due to your background, and how did you overcome them?
Haleh Shahrzad: The biggest challenge was deciding whether to write about such personal and intense subjects. Forever, Now took a long time to write because it required revisiting painful memories and experiences. However, I knew it was a story that needed to be told, and that determination pushed me to finish it.
Writers N Authors: How has your perception of resilience and determination evolved through your personal experiences, and how are these themes reflected in your protagonist, Darya?
Haleh Shahrzad: Resilience and determination have been constants in my life, and these qualities are reflected in Darya’s character. Like many women, Darya faces tremendous obstacles, but she finds the strength to keep going. Her journey mirrors the resilience I’ve seen in myself and others who have faced similar challenges.
Storytelling and Themes in Forever, Now
Writers N Authors: Forever, Now delves into themes of marriage, betrayal, and self-discovery. How much of Darya’s story is inspired by real-life events, and what message do you want readers to take away from her journey?
Haleh Shahrzad: While Darya’s story is fictional, it is inspired by real-life experiences, both mine and those of people I know. The message I hope readers take away is the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and never losing hope, even in the face of betrayal and adversity.
Writers N Authors: What are the key lessons you hope readers will learn from Darya’s experiences in Forever, Now?
Haleh Shahrzad: Trust yourself and your intuition. It’s important to recognize and act upon the signs of toxic relationships. And most importantly, never lose hope—happiness is always within reach if you stay strong and true to yourself.
Writing Process and Inspiration
Writers N Authors: Can you describe your writing process for Forever, Now? How did you navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of writing such a personal and intense story?
Haleh Shahrzad: My writing process involved taking notes whenever an idea struck and gradually developing those ideas into a full story. Writing Forever, Now was an emotional journey, and at times, I had to step away from the story to maintain my sanity. But ultimately, the desire to share Darya’s story kept me going.
Writers N Authors: What inspires you to write, and how do you stay motivated during the more challenging phases of the writing process?
Haleh Shahrzad: Inspiration comes from many sources, whether it’s a personal experience or something I’ve observed. Staying motivated can be tough, but I find that taking breaks and distancing myself from the work when it becomes overwhelming helps me to come back with a fresh perspective.
Impact and Reader Reception
Writers N Authors: What has been the most surprising feedback you’ve received from readers about Forever, Now?
Haleh Shahrzad: One comment that stood out was from a reader who said the book made them both laugh and cry. Knowing that the story evoked such a range of emotions in someone is incredibly rewarding.
Writers N Authors: What impact do you hope Forever, Now has on readers, particularly those who might be going through similar struggles as Darya?
Haleh Shahrzad: I hope the book offers a sense of hope and the realization that they are not alone. Darya’s story is one of survival and resilience, and I want readers to take comfort in knowing that they, too, can overcome their challenges.
Future Projects and Advice
Writers N Authors: Are there any new projects or books you’re currently working on that you can tell us about?
Haleh Shahrzad: Yes, I’m currently working on a science fiction book for younger teens. It’s a new genre for me, and I’m excited about the possibilities.
Writers N Authors: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who face cultural or personal obstacles similar to those you’ve encountered?
Haleh Shahrzad: Embrace your experiences and use them to fuel your writing. Every life is unique, and your story can help create a more understanding and compassionate world.
Broader Perspectives
Writers N Authors: In your opinion, how can literature help bridge cultural gaps and foster greater understanding between different communities?
Haleh Shahrzad: Literature allows us to experience cultures and perspectives different from our own. It’s a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding, as it shows us that, despite our differences, we all share common desires for love, respect, and happiness.
Writers N Authors: What do you hope your readers remember most about Forever, Now long after they’ve finished reading it?
Haleh Shahrzad: I hope they remember the importance of recognizing toxic behaviors, staying strong in the face of adversity, and being kind to others, no matter their background.
Writers N Authors: How do you see your work contributing to the broader conversation about women’s resilience and empowerment?
Haleh Shahrzad: By discussing narcissistic abuse and its impact on women, I hope to shed light on the often-overlooked forms of psychological manipulation and empower women to take action and protect themselves.
Haleh Shahrzad’s Forever, Now is a poignant exploration of resilience, cultural identity, and the journey to self-discovery. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her book is a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of life and relationships.
This interview provides a deep dive into Haleh Shahrzad’s personal journey and the powerful themes explored in Forever, Now. Her insights offer inspiration and encouragement to readers and writers alike, making this a story worth sharing.
