Author Q&A -- Shahab Mogharabin

If you could cook dinner for any author, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you make?

I would love to cook dinner for Cervantes, the creator of Don Quixote. I would love to cook him my favorite Iranian dish, Ghormeh Sabzi.


What scares you the most about the writing process? How do you combat your fears?

Not achieving the utmost goal I have in mind is my main fear when writing poetry. The only way to combat it is usually editing again and again after a poem is born and still remaining unsure of taking it to perfection.

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Who is your biggest literary crush, author or character?

I love two famous Iranian poets, Hafez and Rumi, and never get tired of reading their poetry.


What books are on your nightstand?

Works by Hafez, Rumi, Nima Yushij, and the Persian classical literature.


Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you?

I get my ideas from everyday life. Every location be it sea, city or road can be a source of inspiration to me.


Favorite punctuation mark? Why?

I love full stop because it signifies accomplishment.


What book were you supposed to read in high school, but never did?

Unfortunately, I cannot recall any particular book.


What inanimate object would you thank in your acknowledgements?

I would thank roads which have often inspired me in my poetry.


Why do you write? The first 5 words that come to mind. Go.

Beauty, love, humanity, nature, self.


If you could write an inspirational quote on the mirrors of aspiring writers, what would you write?

I would write: “Look yourself in the mirrors of others!”