Title: Divine Comedy
Author: Sabri Bebawi
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1545299487
Pages: 174
Genre: Fiction
Interviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Author Interview Questions – Sabri Bebawi
Today we are talking with Sabri Bebawi author of “Divine Comedy.”
PBR: What prompted you to write this book?
Having had several ailments for so many years, many of my physicians and friends asked that I write about these strange occurrences because of how unreal they appear to be. Now, at my age, I thought perhaps I could help others who suffer, who cry, who say “why me?” to overcome such despair and think of it as a comical affair that living beings go through.
PBR: What was the most challenging thing when writing this book?
Being as truthful to the reader as I could be. Also, because English is my third language, though I have a PhD in English, I feel that I am still foreign to this culture. My writing style is influenced by Arabic, French, and Russian literature. My English education is far too academic to any reader who is not used to reading foreign literature.
PBR: If you could give any advice to the character in the book about life, what would it be?
Stay as you are; do what you have always done; do not be afraid or shaken by life’s trials and tribulations; laugh at yourself and remember that the number one reason of death is birth.
PBR: What author’s work inspires you?
Without a doubt, many writers influence me: Naguib Mahfouz of Egypt, Fyodor Dostoyevsky of Russia, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, of France and many British and American writers: Alexandre Thomas, Charles Dickens; Virginia Woolf; Hemingway; Arthur Miller and many more.
PBR: How long did it take you to write this book?
It has been brewing in my thoughts for more than three years. It started to come to life about a year ago, and the tale was just flawing. That is why I think novels have a life and a mind of their own.
PBR: Describe your writing process.
First comes the idea – the thought. Second, studying the possibilities and the various approaches. Third, do the needed research. Once this is done and an outline is created with the setting, the characters, and the plot, you begin the process of writing.
PBR: What lessons did you learn while writing this book?
This is a very good question. Each time I write something, I learn new things; it is as though you are communicating with a muse or something. I learned a lot about life and myself writing this fiction of non-fiction novel.
PBR: The theme of Divine Comedy played a huge role in this book. How does that affect your life on a daily basis?
This is a great question, also. I have never believed in a divine power, yet I learned that the uncanny is somewhat divine – not meaning holy or religious – just amazing and powerful such as nature and life. Comedy, is a mere play on the word; while in fact it is tragic, yet, one must laugh at it to be able to swallow the event and deal with it.
Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to share my thoughts with your readers and viewers.
