Lost in Beirut: A True Story Of Love, Loss and War was the winner in the MEMOIR category of the 2023 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with authors .
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Lost in Beirut: A True Story Of Love, Loss and War
What’s the book’s first line?
“Life teaches me that anything not growing is dead.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Our book Lost in Beirut is an incredible journey that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of duality, self discovery, friendship, love and the fight for survival. Brace yourself for a story that starts with glitz and glamour, but ultimately leads to the chaos of war.
At the heart of our book is Ashe’s captivating adventure. Imagine a young American heading to Beirut with his best friend to organize a star-studded 50 Cent concert. The excitement and allure of the city’s vibrant lifestyle surround him, and he unexpectedly falls head over heels in love with a captivating billionaire.
But hold on tight, because just when everything seems perfect, the unthinkable happens – war breaks out. Suddenly, Ashe’s world is turned upside down, and he finds himself in a gripping struggle for survival. As the city descends into chaos, the true meaning of friendship shines through as Ashe relies on his loyal companion to navigate the treacherous path ahead.
Our book encapsulates the thrilling duality of life – from the glimmering highs of success and love to the stark reality of war and the fight for survival. It’s a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, emotionally invested in every twist and turn.
Throughout the pages, you’ll witness the resilience of the human spirit, the power of friendship, and the unwavering determination to find meaning even in the darkest of times. Lost in Beirut is a story that will leave you breathless, reflecting on the fragility of life and the profound strength that lies within us all.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Writing Lost in Beirut was deeply inspired by our own mortality and the desire to heal the wounds of the past. After many years, we realized the importance of confronting and processing the trauma Ashe has experienced. We wanted to transform his personal journey into a powerful narrative that could resonate with others and offer valuable lessons.
The realization of how fragile life can be and the understanding that his story holds the potential to inspire and uplift others motivated us to put pen to paper. We wanted to share the profound lessons he has learned about resilience, love, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive aspect of Ashe is undoubtedly his open heart and his remarkable ability to learn from the world around him. Throughout his journey, Ashe approaches life with a genuine sense of curiosity and a willingness to embrace new experiences. He embodies a unique combination of vulnerability, resilience, and a deep desire to understand and connect with others.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The main reason someone should truly read Lost in Beirut is the transformative power of its story.
It’s a captivating memoir that will touch your heart, inspire reflection, and leave a lasting impact on your perspective of life.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
The incredible Rami Malek
When did you first decide to become an author?
Becoming authors wasn’t something we consciously decided one day; it’s been a natural part of who we are. We’ve always had a deep love for writing, expressing ourselves through words, and sharing our stories with others. Ashe even dabbled in screenwriting for MGM, while Magdalena, who hails from Poland, published her poetry during her high school years.
The journey to publishing Lost in Beirut unfolded organically. It wasn’t a flip of a coin or a sudden revelation. It was a culmination of our shared experiences, personal growth, and a burning desire to share our stories in a way that felt authentic and true to ourselves.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, but first we’ve published. We also are working currently on two more books.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Magdalena is a full time Urgent Care doctor and Ashe is an artist.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
We believe in honoring the creative process and allowing it to unfold organically. When it comes to our writing process, we actually physically write together, and we don’t adhere to a strict schedule. There’s no set quota or specific daily goal we aim to meet. Instead, we let our writing flow naturally, allowing inspiration and the right mindset to guide us.
Some days, we may write just a single sentence, while on others, we might find ourselves filling up fifteen pages. It truly depends on how inspired we feel and whether we’re in the right space to express what’s in our minds and hearts.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best thing about being an indie author is the creative freedom and total control we have over our projects. We can bring our unique vision to life without compromising our artistic integrity, and we retain all the rights to our work. It’s an empowering and liberating experience that allows us to connect directly with readers like you.
However, being an indie author does come with its challenges. One of the hardest things is overcoming the stigma sometimes associated with self-published books. We work hard to produce professional-level content and engage in effective marketing to prove that indie authors can deliver exceptional work.
Speaking of marketing, it can be time-consuming and demanding. As indie authors, we handle our own promotional efforts, from building our author platform to managing social media and organizing events. It requires dedication and perseverance.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If we were to consider a traditional publishing deal, it would have to be with the right publisher—one that truly understands and respects our creative vision. We’d want to ensure they are aligned with our values and willing to collaborate in a way that allows us to maintain the level of control we hold dear. Our connection to our readers is paramount, and involving a third party would have to be the right fit for us.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Changing lives is what matters most to us. Fame and fortune fade, but words that deeply touch your soul echo in your heart forever.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Ah, choosing just one writer to admire is quite the challenge! There are so many talented writers, both living and deceased, who have left a profound impact on the literary world. However, if we had to choose, for Magdalena it would be Olga Tokarczuk a Polish author who received Nobel in literature and for Ashe it depends. His current mood is Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
If there was one book we wish we could have written, it would be “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking. We hold immense admiration for Hawking’s vast knowledge and intelligence. His ability to convey complex scientific concepts in a way that captivates and engages readers is truly remarkable. We would be honored to have the profound understanding of the universe that Hawking possessed and the ability to share it with the world through his brilliant work.