Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello, my name is Zeyad Kareem, though most of my friends and family call me Zee. I’m originally from Iraq and moved to the United States in 2009. Over the years, I’ve worn a few different hats, I’ve worked as a translator, I’m currently a flight attendant, and I’m also a student. But at the core of it all, I’m a writer. Storytelling has always been my passion, and I write in both English and Arabic. Traveling and working between cultures has shaped how I see the world, and those experiences often find their way into my writing.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Fur-Ever”?
A2. One of the biggest challenges I faced while writing Fur-Ever was balancing my time. Between working as a flight attendant, studying, and daily responsibilities, finding quiet hours to write wasn’t always easy. Another challenge was staying consistent with my characters’ emotions and personalities throughout the story. Because I write in both English and Arabic, I also found myself thinking carefully about word choice and how to make the story resonate across cultures. Despite these challenges, the process taught me discipline, patience, and how important it is to trust the story even when the writing feels tough.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I’ve been influenced by a mix of authors in both English and Arabic literature. In English, I admire writers like J.K. Rowling for her world-building and the way she makes readers truly care about her characters. I’ve also been inspired by Paulo Coelho, especially The Alchemist, which taught me how a simple story can hold powerful, universal truths. In Arabic literature, I look up to Naguib Mahfouz and Ihsan Abdel Quddous. Mahfouz for the way he captures everyday life with depth and detail, and Abdel Quddous for his boldness in exploring emotions and social issues. Each of these authors showed me that writing can connect people across cultures and languages, which is something I always try to bring into my own stories.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite spot to visit in my country is Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad. It’s a place that has always been famous for bookselling, and to me, it feels like the heart of literature in Iraq. Walking down that street, surrounded by bookshops and stalls filled with stories, ideas, and history, always reminds me why I fell in love with writing in the first place. It’s not just about the books, it’s about the atmosphere, the conversations, and the sense of connection that comes from being among people who value words and knowledge.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Truth Half Naked’?
A5. The inspiration came from my own life and the realities I’ve witnessed growing up in the Middle East as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I wanted to tell a story that reflects the struggles, fears, and resilience of people who are often silenced or forced to hide their truth. Writing The Truth Half Naked was both a personal release and a way to give a voice to those who can’t always speak for themselves. My hope is that readers not only connect with the raw honesty in the book but also see the universal themes of love, courage, and the search for freedom.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Truth Half Naked’?
A6. The Truth Half Naked took me about six months to write. The process wasn’t just about putting words on the page, it also involved rewriting, refining, and making sure the story stayed true to what I wanted to express. Some parts came to me quickly, while others needed more patience and adjustment. Those six months taught me a lot about discipline and persistence, and by the end, I felt I had grown as both a writer and a storyteller.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Readers can find my books on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. They’re also available through Barnes & Noble’s online store and a few other online retailers. I always recommend Amazon as the easiest option since it’s accessible worldwide, but I’m happy my books are available on multiple platforms so readers can choose what works best for them.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Fur-Ever’?
A8. Coming up with the title Fur-Ever was one of the most meaningful parts of the process. The book is based on my late cat, Figaro, who was my first pet and who I lost in 2023. He brought a big change to my life, and I wanted to honor his memory in a way that would last. The play on words with “forever” felt perfect, it captured both the love and loyalty pets bring into our lives, and it allowed me to keep his memory alive through the story.
For the cover, I wanted something that reflected that same warmth and bond. It needed to be simple yet powerful, something that would catch a reader’s eye but also hold a piece of the story’s heart. Seeing the final design come together felt very personal, because it wasn’t just about a book, it was also about celebrating Figaro’s place in my life.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. For me, keeping things fresh starts with curiosity. I try to approach each story as if I’m discovering it for the first time, even if I’ve been living with the idea for months. I like to challenge myself by exploring different themes, experimenting with new styles, or adding unexpected twists to the plot.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from real life, people I meet while traveling, places I’ve visited, or even small everyday moments. Bringing those real touches into my stories helps me stay engaged and, I hope, keeps the reading experience exciting and relatable. Most of all, I try to stay honest with my writing. If I’m emotionally invested in the story, then I know readers will feel that same freshness when they read it.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. The most valuable piece of advice I’ve been given about writing is simple: just keep writing. It’s easy to get caught up in perfection, waiting for the “right” words or the “right” time, but writing is really about persistence. The more you write, the more your voice grows and your style develops. I was also told not to be afraid of rewriting, because the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to exist. That advice has stayed with me and given me the courage to finish projects instead of leaving them unfinished out of fear.
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