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Many writers feel drawn to the craft from a young age, while others find themselves with a sensational story to tell. Mahtob Mahmoody grew up with the world knowing her story; her mother is Betty Mahmoody, author of the international best seller, Not Without My Daughter (St. Martin’s Press; 1987). The book, which was later turned into a movie starring Sally Field, tells the story of Betty and Mahtob’s escape from Iran where they were being held by Mahtob’s abusive father. Now, years later, Mahtob finally feels ready to tell her side of the traumatic events in her new memoir, My Name is Mahtob (Thomas Nelson; December 2015). On this episode of Novel Concept, host Rachel Carter and Mahtob discuss what it’s like to write in the public eye, and the trials and tribulations a spotlight can afford an author.

Betty and Mahtob Mahmoody

Betty and Mahtob Mahmoody

Rachel Carter

Rachel Carter grew up surrounded by trees and snow and mountains. She graduated from the University of Vermont and Columbia University, where she received her MFA in nonfiction writing. She is the author of the So Close to You series with Harperteen. These days you can find her working on her next novel in the woods of Vermont.

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