Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Prior to North of Hell i have written 7 books that i have never published because i haven’t been convinced of their quality. They were not good enough and did not add anything of value to any potential reader. And since a writers mission is not only to make people think but also offer perspective, i believe that my only published book has the potential to stand up to those standards.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book ” North of Hell” was inspired by a woman. I was in a casual professional meeting, in a coffee house in Casablanca, Morocco. And the character of the book named “K” ,as she wanted to stay anonymous, eavesdropped on our conversation and joined it. We happened to have a mutual friend so we met again and she told me her story. I, then, decided to make it a novel, with her permission of course, and here we are today. Never underestimate the power of DOING things and then figuring out what to do with them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what could be considered unusual, as every artist has his own quirks and habits. I like to write in a very short window, right between starting to feel sleepy and actually sleeping. I would do that every day throughout the writing process, because i believe that sleep is the thing that brings your subconscious on the surface and that that’s a great way to leverage that power. I do the same for painting or for my creative consulting work. So i would write every day for 30-45 minutes and then review and correct first thing in the morning until my work is finished.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski was a big influence for me, i loved his raw style and honest critic of himself and of others. Dostoievsky is a big one for me as well, because of the genius with which he can balance holistic writing and detailed naration. Dr. Jordan.B.Peterson, stands above everyone else, because he not only is an influence as an author but also a role model and father figure, if by some miracle he reads this, i thank you from the bottom of my heart.
What are you working on now?
Letting the idea of writing a second novel roam in my mind until i come up with anything of substance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang is my first experience in promoting any book. I love their process so far, let’s see how that goes ..
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If anybody can convince you to stop writing, just stop writing. Being an author is not only a “Job” or “Activity”, it’s a state of being. Like no one can ever convince you to stop breathing or walking, no one should be able to convince you to stop writing if you’re an Author. Just write …
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Better be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener at war” Dr. Jordan.B. Peterson
What are you reading now?
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know but i can’t wait to know.
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?
Beyond good and evil by Friedrich Nietzche
Women by Charles Bukowski
The brothers Karamazov by Fiodor Dostoievsky
Author Websites and Profiles
Oussama Berrahal Amazon Profile