This week we’re joined remotely by Nadia Wassef who in 2002 co-founded Cairo’s popular Diwan bookstore with her sister, Hind Wassef and their friend Nihal. Now, with three Masters degrees in her pocket and a separation from Diwan, Nadia is embarking on the arduous journey of writing her first book and shares snippets from her routine and experience thus far; what is the best time of day to write? How does a writer unwind and gather ideas? Hashem and Nadia also discuss the business side of owning a bookstore like Diwan and share parallels to The Lighthouse in Dubai.

Aptly titled ‘Shelf Life: The Chronicles of A Cairo Book Seller,’ Nadia’s memoir is set for publication later this year and we’re already tapping our feet with anticipation!

🎙️
Nadia Wassef joined Hashem Montasser again in 2022 to revisit her experience during lockdown while writing Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller, and how she found her narrative arc. She also shares her views on managing feedback constructively; and why writing should not be used by the author as a form of personal therapy. Listen Now

Share this post