Interview with Iraj Sarfeh

Author of Beyond the Third Garden

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born in Tehran, Iran. Spent my formative years in England. Migrated to the U.S., now living in Southern California

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My father had many British friends. One of them, noting my bratty behavior, recommend I be sent to an English boarding for some “good-old British discipline.” I was there from the age of 9 until 18, after which my family emigrated to America, and I joined them.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

After a highly successful career as a university surgeon, I retired. Then, with plenty of time and little stress, I decided to pursue my original passion, which was writing – it was my first major in college before changing to medicine.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Eclectic genres of medical, historic, and literary fiction – much of them based on my background.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Depends on the book. Women particularly are drawn to my novel, “Beyond the Third Garden.” History buffs love my novel, “The Phoenix Incursion.” Medically oriented folks love my novel, “The Final Victim.”

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How difficult it was to link with an established publisher.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Try, try, try again.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Establishing myself as a top-rated author.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a} My multicultural background. b} I have no skills in publishing. c) I am not sure how well I would do in boosting my own work.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) Sometimes I omit details that others would find interesting. b) No talent. c) Haven’t tried.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Within a year, I hope.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I published with lesser-known publishers, some of which have sunk.