Official Interview: Thymournia

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Thymournia author of Fall of the Raven.

To view the official review, click here.

To view the book on Amazon, click here.

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1. Can you tell us more about your background?

My name is Ali Sheikh Al Eslami, born and raised in Iran and almost never heard the scent of life in it, only to create a lost soul. No happy childhood to go back and to talk about. It was literally like a military school, messed up family, poor beyond repair, no support of any kind (I am actually taking care of them in a way), illnesses I still have and have been dealing with for years, imprisoned, saw and felt death and literally died, woke up, yet still I’m here for some reason, no destination, just a dark curtain to see and to paint on. Let's call it NoGround.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer? If you haven't, when would you consider yourself a writer?

Never considered myself one and never will.

3. In your life, who or what has been the biggest inspiration in your writing?

I started writing years after taking pictures so I would say no one really. My inspiration is life itself, but I simply love Albert Camus for his endless burning sun in his writings and adore Edgar Allan Poe for his unique dark heart. Sadness is all.

4. Let's discuss your book Fall of the Raven. This is a book of photographs and poetry. Why did you choose the Raven as the subject of your pictures?

I chose the raven as a symbol of a hated creature just because he lives through everything and actually somehow captures the sceneries as they are, without embellishments, and documents their story... a forgotten beauty of those who always wander upon the skies... On a personal note, I have loved them since my childhood: the first sound that I heard when my father died in front of me was the sound of crows flying off… It was a
relief... At least I wasn’t alone… They never leave me.

5. The reviewer states that the poetry is focused on despair and loss. Where did your inspiration come from?

The inspiration for this book comes from my own life and the lives of all those around me, as I was raised to see and live through such things. The rest of the universe except those mentioned, and some more, never actually existed in my life. So I think that someone has to document the other side of the lives that everyone else is trying to avoid.


6. What did you find to be the most challenging part of writing this book?

To be honest, translating it to Farsi. The rest was like a lullaby.

7. On a similar note, what has been the best part of writing the book?

This book is "a part" of me.

8. Is there a place where your readers can connect with you?

Yes, wherever Real or Virtual. On Instagram @thymournia

9. Are there more books on the horizon? What's next for you?

Yes there are: a second short story is being done and I'm currently writing a story, more to be a novel. No more details at this point.

I like to end on a few fun questions.

10. What was your favorite book as a child?

I never had any.

11. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

"A lifeless lived."

12. Other than reading and writing, what do you do for fun?

I have been taking photographs on film for more than 20 years, and for fun I paint everything black with a spray

[UzmaKhan]

Is it just me or do readers just feel more connected to the book when they learn about an author's background?

[Pendrick reckon]

This book sounds perfect and so interested. I think all living things has it own ways of living and they can do all their best to get what they want. I really enjoyed myself when reading this book. Congratulations to author and BOTD.

[Srilakshmi Arkoti]

I think I am learning a lot from this intresting book. Readers will enjoy reading and connect themselves more into the story.Author is felt through this book.

[Vidisha Alwani]

From the review of the book and the interview by the author, I understand that the author lives a dark and dismal life where there's no hope and reading his interview, I was struck by the same hopelessness that he has conveyed both in his book and his interview.

[Ayomikun Babalola]

After reading the review, I came to understand that the author lived a dark and hopeless life and the words of this interview carry that.

[Etini Willie]

I can just imagine the tragic childhood this writer experienced and its effects on him till today. I would love the read the book and I hope he gets redemption soon

[NdegwaSalome]

The author conveyes some level of hopelessness in his interview, which somewhat scares me. Hope he find redemption soon. I'd love to try his book though.

[Mehak_mattoo6]

I really sympathize with the writer's tragic childhood.

[Ramon Scott]

In this interview, I learnt about the darkness in the author's personal life which makes me understand his writing better. Great interview!

[Eleni Antonopoulou]

Ravens are very interesting creatures. I have read another duology based on this animal and have loved every second of it! Looking forward to reading this book as well.

[Lakshyaaj J]

Your interview was insightful and engaging, providing a deep dive into your creative process and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom with us.