Member Spotlight: Sara Fashandi

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is therapeutic for me. It gives me an outlet to process and reflect on the experiences that have shaped my life, especially the challenges and struggles I’ve faced. Writing helps me make sense of those experiences and find meaning in them. I also believe writing is an important medium because stories have the power to connect people. If sharing my experiences can help someone feel less alone, gain a new perspective, or find hope during a difficult time, then the effort is worthwhile. Knowing that my journey and what I’ve learned from it might positively impact others is one of the most rewarding aspects of writing.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? When I experience writer’s block, I usually step away from my desk for a while. Going for a walk, listening to music, or simply giving my mind a break often helps clear my thoughts. Sometimes I jot down random ideas, memories, or phrases without worrying about structure or perfection. More often than not, those small notes help get the words flowing again.

What is your favorite time to write? My favorite time to write is after I’ve gone for a hike and finished my chores. Once everything is done, I can sit comfortably without worrying about what still needs to get done. That’s when I can fully focus, let my thoughts flow, and enjoy the writing process.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? One technique that helps me create vivid descriptions is to show, not tell. Instead of telling readers how I felt or what happened, I try to place them in the scene through sensory details, dialogue, and small observations. I think about what I saw, heard, smelled, and experienced in that moment and bring those details to life on the page. My goal is to make readers feel as though they are right there beside me, experiencing the journey firsthand rather than simply reading about it.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? What excites me most about being a writer today is the opportunity to share my stories, struggles, and life experiences with people around the world. Writing allows me to connect with readers on a personal level and show them how I navigated difficult situations and found a way forward. If something I’ve experienced or learned can help someone facing a similar challenge, then I feel that my writing has served a meaningful purpose. Knowing that my stories might inspire hope, provide comfort, or offer a new perspective is what makes writing so exciting for me.

Sara Fashandi’s From Tehran to Tomorrow is out now with Nicasio Press.