Interview with Dari Ghaznavi

Published 2014-11-01.
What are you working on next?
At the moment my undivided attention is towards marketing/promoting the book.
I may write a sequel in the near future. But who knows, I live day by day,
I may write short books soon on varying topics.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
A passion for life. I look forward to each day with an adventurous spirit, curiosity for others.
To be a good example to my children, who are not children anymore.
Who are your favorite authors?
Bertrand Russell
Dale Carnegie
Albert Einstein
Dari Ghaznavi
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Amazon/kindle.
Smashwords
Askdave.com
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I am a paraplegic and my fingers/hands don't work very well.
My middle finger,the one with which you flip the bird barely works, trembling. By the evening it stops working too.
I spend my day on the internet, focussed like a laser beam with the task at hand, to put this autobiography in your hands.
I suffer from excruciating nerve pain, due to gunshot injury. I am medicated heavily, all day long.
Mind works fine, in fact the brain is in overdrive.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
This is the first, never before, well at least a serious attempt.
What is your writing process?
I write on macbook air and Ipad 24/7.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I started reading in 'Urdu', the native language but I forgot what was the name of the book. I'm sure it was a lustful novel of some xxx nature.
How do you approach cover design?
Eye catches the book cover. I leave the design work to professionals. My daughter conceived and designed this cover. Next book, I will.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read non-fiction books on kindle/Ipad. News, political issues, magazines, NY times, BBC, LA Times, Dawn, Express Tribune, Yahoo news, CNN.
No TV, All on Apple tablets.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
' How to make friends and influence people' This book has life lessons that became my guide.
'Prince' Machiavelli is notorious worldwide, admired by some and reviled by others. I think man was a genius.
James smith wrote 'As a Man thinketh' has no parallel in self-help books.
'Love' by leo buscaglia. He was a motivational speaker, called 'Dr. Love.'
SEX DRUGS & ISLAM, the page-turning narrative of my life- inspiring, exhilarating, thrilling account of my years gone by.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Ipad Air.
Macbook pro Air.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
none yet.
Personal calls, emails and anywhere I can find. Only free promo so far. Though it looks like marketing would need few precious coins.
Describe your desk
An executive desk, clean, uncluttered and friendly.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Pakistan. I wrote for future generations, mainly leaving a record for my daughters, family, friends and whoever wants to read.
I grew up in a very stormy and dangerous environment. I'm sure my growing up has a lot to do with my writing. I'm not a professional writer, as you will see that I have many errors I left behind. This book is my first attempt at writing, please bear with me as you read.
I wrote one or two page essays, dozens if not hundreds, on everyday matters, like marriage, infidelity, peace, war, hate, race, integrity, honesty, you name it.
Who am I?
A simple, yet complex man with a thirst for knowledge, inquiry after truth and live an exciting life.
I am a Pakistani-American paraplegic, result of a crime in 2006. I interrupted a home-invasion robbery and ended up in a wheelchair. I want to thank you and let you know that I truly appreciate the time you took, to look at my book. I hope you will read the book and enjoy it like all the readers, who have collectively said they couldn't put it down, once started.
Rest assured that you will find my easy-to- read story helpful and would want to share it with your friends and loved ones. I do hope that you will overlook the crude profanities and occasional Snoop Dog lingo and indulge me a little longer. You will discover that here is a method to my madness.

You can take a man out of the ghetto but you cannot take ghetto out of the man. Born and raised in rough neighborhoods, the military prepared me to fly fighter-jets with zero tolerance for a mistake. I have learned to hone on to the issues like a laser beam.

I was drawn to the dark underbelly of the society, where sex, drugs, violence ruled. I rode the 'American dream' to the hilt. I am a keen observer of human condition, their relationship and their faith. Being an Agnostic, I am neither suited for believers nor fit for Atheists. I marvel at human ingenuity, that makes simple matters so complicated. I would think it would be obvious to us that we have NO way of determining few abstract concepts, yet the majority stays oblivious to such self-evident truths.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Writing the story has been very cathartic for me, like soul-cleansing. It's a interna nutrition for the mind, body n spirit. It is a book facts for posterity, so they can take lessons, guidance and be a source of pride. I guarantee it. If you were to find my book not worth it, i shall REFUND your $$.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I truly don't know.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
None yet. I just signed up.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Its unexplainable joy to see my life, my thoughts etc in print.
What do your fans mean to you?
I'm very grateful and humbled.
When did you first start writing?
As a child.
what are you?
A thoughtful man, in search of good to do.
why should I read your book?
I think there is a good chance that by reading my book, you may change your life for the better.

Hopefully you will read this, page-turning book 'SEX DRUGS & ISLAM,' you will realize that it's a narrative written straight from the heart, with integrity, passion but also by somewhat of a complex and mischievous mind. I am reasonably sure that it will leave you with an uplifting relief, a breath of fresh air. It will entertain you, it may restore your belief not just in our own mind but mankind. It may give you tools and skills to spot losers, charlatans and it may allow me to take you on a magical carpet ride, where you feel empowered and emboldened.

I will take you on a hypnotic journey, with a likable, smart caring fellow with whom you feel comfortable, you may allow yourself to, laugh, cry, and most importantly, be less judgmental, be thankful, helpful. I will mend broken hearts, give you solace, hold your hand and become a bridge to your destination. I promise you and I keep my promises.
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