Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Fashandi
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an author began at a family reunion when I learned about the hardships my family faced during the early years of my siblings’ lives. My parents struggled to feed my brother and two sisters due to our financial difficulties. This revelation ignited a deep curiosity in me to explore the time before I was born and understand how my siblings lived through those challenging years. Motivated by this newfound knowledge, I decided to delve into our family history and share our story with the world.
My book, Message in a Matchbox, came about as a heartfelt project. I aimed to share stories reflecting diversity, inclusion, and the human experience. The book likely draws inspiration from my personal experiences and observations, capturing moments that highlight the beauty of connection, culture, and humanity. It’s a narrative rooted in authentic storytelling, aiming to resonate with readers and encourage them to cherish the simple yet profound aspects of life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Marketing and Promotion:
Building an Audience: Without the backing of a traditional publisher, I had to build my own audience from scratch. This involves a lot of effort in terms of social media presence, engaging with readers, and building a mailing list.
Visibility: Getting my book noticed among the millions of others available is tough. Effective marketing strategies, book reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial.
Distribution and Sales Channels:
Wide Distribution: While platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) makes it easy to publish, getting my book into other stores, libraries, and international markets is very complex.
Time Management:
Balancing Roles: As a self-published author, I wear many hats—writer, editor, marketer, and business manager. Balancing these roles along with other personal and professional responsibilities can be overwhelming.
Consistency: Maintaining a consistent writing and publishing schedule while managing all the other aspects of self-publishing is a struggle.
Financial Investment:
Upfront Costs: Self-publishing often requires a significant upfront investment for editing, cover design, marketing, and other services.
Return on Investment: There’s no guarantee of financial success, and it can take time to see a return on your investment if at all.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion lies in writing and learning about people’s lives and stories. I specialize in writing biographies and am known for my book, ‘Message in a Matchbox,’ which is a biography of my brother’s childhood growing up in a less privileged family. I am proud of the hard work and dedication I put into publishing this book for the world to read. ‘Message in a Matchbox’ aims to show that you don’t have to be rich to achieve your goals. Persistence and keeping sight of your dreams will get you there someday. Through my brother’s story, I hope to inspire others to persevere, regardless of their circumstances.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to listen intently and ask insightful questions when I hear people’s stories. This approach allows me to capture the depth and nuances of their experiences, bringing their stories to life in a meaningful and relatable way.
Any big plans?
Currently, in addition to working diligently to adapt my book, Message in a Matchbox, into a movie, I am also writing the sequel to my brother’s story. This new book focuses on his journey after arriving in the USA, chronicling his struggles and successes, and how he was able to bring the rest of the family here, five of his siblings, for better opportunities.
Pricing:
- $19.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarafashandi.com
- Instagram: @talesfromiran
