Inspirational Authors

Q&A with Bestselling Author Zoë Ferraris

elliebleu

Finding Nouf Q and AAs I continue to pursue my passion for writing, I’ve been wondering: who are some of my favorite authors’ role models? What influenced their work? Do they have a go-to recipe that connects them back to the country they wrote about?

Hopefully, by featuring Inspirational Authors, you’ll have more books to add to your reading list. Perhaps they will also inspire you.

The first author that came to my mind was award-winning novelist Zoë Ferraris. I’m incredibly grateful that she would take the time to share a little bit of her story with us. Her bestselling mystery, Finding Nouf, dives into the complexity of searching for a missing sixteen-year-old girl in the veiled society of Saudi Arabia.

Nayir, a respected desert guide, leads the investigation and quickly suspects that Nouf’s family is hiding the key to her disappearance. Determined to get to the truth, Nayir partners with Katya Hijazi, an independent lab technician who will push Nayir’s beliefs when it comes to his religious principles.

The result is a spellbinding maze of love and disenchantment set in one of the most sacred destinations in the world. In a time where gender discrimination is a normality, Nayir and Katya must work as equals to find justice for Nouf.

Not only is Finding Nouf beautifully written, but it also opens the door to a country and culture I knew little about. So, how did Zoë Ferraris unlock the mysteries of a closed society in Saudi Arabia? I couldn’t wait to find out.

Finding Nouf Q and A authorWhere did your inspiration come from when writing Finding Nouf?

From Saudi Arabia, mostly, and my experiences there. I went there thinking that women were so oppressed and I came away with a more nuanced understanding of gender segregation. It is in many ways absolutely terrible for women, but I was surprised by how much men are frustrated by it as well – I’m thinking of you, young men who are looking for love.

Who influences your style of writing?

I’ve been a huge fan of mysteries since I was a teenager. I’d say in the past that the writing of Elizabeth George, Margaret Atwood and Amy Tan played a role in shaping my style. These days I enjoy Kate Atkinson, Tana French and Donna Tartt.

What is your favorite sweet from Saudi Arabia?

This is interesting – no one has ever asked me that, but there are hundreds of things to choose from. I love Umm Ali. For those who don’t know, it’s like ultra-rich bread pudding with nuts and coconut. I also add in dates and cinnamon and cream. One million calories to feed an over-taxed writer’s brain.

Do you have a future novel in the works?

I do. I am working on a fourth novel in my Saudi mystery series, featuring Katya and Nayir. It’s a bit darker than the first three, and that’s all I should say.

You can discover more about Zoë Ferraris and her novels at http://zoeferraris.com/.

Published by elliebleu

I'm the writer, recipe developer, creative director and food photographer for elliebleu.com.

18 thoughts on “Q&A with Bestselling Author Zoë Ferraris”

  2. Awe, thanks Eartha. I’m still pitching the novel to agents. Fingers crossed. For now, it’s all about promoting authors that celebrate diversity and cultures around the world. They help pave the way for writers like me.

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  3. Lovely post. I would really like to read this book. Ellie, I didn’t realise you were also an aspiring writer! How exciting. I’ll definitely be in line also to buy your book. I’ve self-published two novels but plan to pitch the one I’m working on now. I’ll cross my fingers and toes for you!

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    1. Hi Tracey. I bet you’ll love Zoe’s book. I couldn’t put it down. Where can I find your self-published novels? What an accomplishment. Hopefully through these Q&A’s we can all form a support system for when we pitch our manuscripts. I find it’s so important, for women especially, to support each other’s work and reach out to our favorite authors for inspiration. I wish you continued success. 🙂

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      1. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Zoe’s book. I have a page on my website (My Books) with links to preview my books on Amazon. Thanks so much for the lovely words and support, Ellie. I couldn’t agree more – and I feel so fortunate to be a part of our fantastic blogging community.

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  5. Wow Ellie, you are a woman of many talents 🙂 I can’t wait to read your novel, and truly wish you loads of success. Please keep us informed on how it all goes.
    Thank you too, for this post on Zoe Ferraris’, her book sounds amazing and I am going to pop over and check out her link. 🙂 Have a great weekend 🙂

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    1. Hi Sophie. Thank you for your kind words. Zoe’s book was an amazing read and motivated me to up my game when it came to writing. 🙂 Hope you have a lovely day.

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