In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Zaheda Ghani, an Afghan refugee and author of 'Pomegranate and Fig'. Zaheda shares her path to publication, starting from her early handwritten novels to her debut book being shortlisted for the Richell Prize and published by Hachette. They discuss the authenticity of her story set in 1970s Afghanistan, the scars of refugee experiences, and Zaheda's meticulous research process. The conversation also covers Zaheda's writing process, balancing advocacy and storytelling, and the emotional journey of getting published. Zaheda provides valuable tips for writers, emphasizing authenticity and the importance of setting intentions.
00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast
00:34 Meet Zaheda Ghani: From Refugee to Author
02:26 The Journey of 'Pomegranate and Fig'
03:55 Writing with Authenticity and Detail
06:27 Navigating the Role of Advocate and Author
10:02 The Evolution of Zaheda's Writing Process
12:25 From Writing Course to Publication
13:59 The Role of Competitions in Zaheda's Success
16:30 Working with Editors and Refining the Manuscript
20:42 Introducing 'Welcome to Miracle' by Shara Curlett
22:26 Submitting to Hachette and the Waiting Game
23:14 The Waiting Game: Patience in Publishing
24:51 The Joy of Acceptance: Getting Published
25:40 Navigating the Publishing Process
26:51 Managing Expectations and Anxiety
28:42 Establishing a Writing Routine
32:01 The Creative Process: Writing for Yourself
37:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

Join our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos
You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here...