Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well what can I say?? I was born in Baghdad in 1979. At the age of two, I moved with my parents to Vienna, Austria, where I spent most of my childhood and underwent my primary studies. After my father’s diplomatic mission finished at the end of 1989, I returned to Iraq, where I continued my studies and graduated from the University of Dentistry. As a result of the unstable political, military, social, and economic conditions in my home country, I decided to leave Iraq and move to the UAE. After facing difficulties to pursue my career in dentistry, I opted to pursue employment in the business world. Since then, I have held several senior roles within the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries, throughout much of the Middle East. My early childhood in a mixed cultural environment, as well as my world travels, increased my passion for learning about cultures of the world and inspired me to pen The Clout of Gen, my first novel. After eleven years of being away, I returned to Baghdad in January 2013 on a visit that was full of mixed emotions. Inspired by my trip to Iraq, I wrote MY second novel, The Gardener of Baghdad.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Gardener of Baghdad, It was inspired by my visit to my beloved city, Baghdad after eleven years. The changes had taken its toll on this gem. I felt Baghdad spoke to me, so I spoke back by writing this novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to smoke a hookah while writing (shhh, I know it is bad)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
John Grisham, The Firm
Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the dragon Tattoo
Khaled Hosseini , The Kite Runner
And Stephen King
What are you working on now?
Just finshed Part I of my new thriller “MATT”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Targeting many Promos within a short period of time
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on writing, your words live longer than your days on earth!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You only live once! Live life to the max!
What are you reading now?
11/22/63 Stephen King
What’s next for you as a writer?
Part II & III of MATT. Then another story set in Iraq, the least, I could give back to my country.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Alchemist
The BFG (Childhood Memories)
The Firm
Author Websites and Profiles
Ahmad Ardalan Website
Ahmad Ardalan Amazon Profile
Ahmad Ardalan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account