Naked in the Wind

* Interview with Mohammad-Ali, Candidate of Pegah’s Literature Mehregan

TEHRAN-The TEHRAN TIMES recently conducted an interview with Mohammad Mohammad-Ali, the winner of the Author of the Year award. The prize was awarded by the Pegah Institute. Following is the interview:

Q: Could you inform us about your works?

A: These books are merely the efforts of an author from the Third World who reveals his worries. I write and the people buy based on their tastes. Most of my works are reviewed by critics and literary figures.

Q: What is your opinion about the Pegah Institute and similar organizations?

A: I approve of all the gov- ernmental and nongovern- mental organizations, either domestic or foreign, which give awards. This is an admirable custom which should be pro- moted in our country. Authors can test themselves, and the youth are encouraged to write better books.

Q:What do you think about readers?

A: Of course, the author does not choose his/her readers. He/she writes so that the world knows what the author is trying to say. When the book is written, the reader is free to choose.

Q: Tell us about your latest book?

A: I had the idea for Naked in the Wind in my mind for years. It is my 10th book. I began writing it in 1997. I chose a satirical detective theme for the first time, and I knew that I had written a good book.