Iris Dorbian
writer of the new novel, "Next Stop, Boston"
Iris Dorbian's new novel "Next Stop, Boston" (Black Pawn Press, October 2023) is now available in paperback and ebook on Amazon, B&N, and other retailers.
Describe the novel, how you identify with the piece, and your favorite moment.
"Next Stop, Boston" is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a North American rock and roll tour. The story is very loosely inspired by the old Fellini film classic "La Strada." I wrote it for fun during one of the COVID surges. It encapsulates everything I love--all those so-called guilty pleasures (which I don't feel any guilt about loving)--rock music, scandal-ridden rock star bios/memoirs, Hollywood gossip, fanfiction, and soap operas. My favorite moment in the story is at the end when a character achieves a thrilling form of liberation. (To say more would be giving away a huge spoiler).
Where do you go to find inspiration?
Walking helps, not only is it therapeutic but often an idea pops into my head during one of my walks.
In addition to this piece, what else are you working on?
I am toying with an idea for my next novel that will take place in New York City in 1986. The story will draw a little on my crazy youth in New York City and those nutty survival jobs I took to pay the rent and buy food.
At what age did you start your craft? What inspired you to do so? How do you continue to exercise and grow it?
I'm a formally trained journalist--courtesy of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. I've been an arts and business journalist for over 20 years. Creatively, I've written poems, short stories, essays and song lyrics for years.
Who is the audience for this novel, and what would you like them to get out of it?
An adult audience, I'd say from 16 years old and up. I think women who enjoy rock music, Hollywood gossip, soap operas, fan fiction and trashy rock star behavior would enjoy my novel.
Find Iris online on Twitter at @IrisDorbian, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
