Sarvenaz Tash was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up on Long Island, NY. She received her BFA in Film and Television from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. This means she got to spend most of college running around and making movies (it was a lot of fun). She has dabbled in all sorts of writing including screenwriting, copywriting, and professional tweeting. Sarvenaz currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
From Sarvenaz on what inspired her debut: The Mapmaker and the Ghost was inspired by The Goonies and my love of Roald Dahl books. It’s a mix of adventure, humor, mystery and just a touch of fantasy (note from Deb Joanne – this book is SO FUN and perfect for anyone, young or old, who relishes adventure).
And now, Sarvenaz takes the Deb Interview:
Talk about one book that made an impact on you.
There are so, so many. But for the sake of this post, I’ll go with The Westing Game. I love everything about that book. The mystery, the humor, the quirky characters. I remember reading it as a kid and never wanting it to end. I’ve since reread it quite a few times as an adult and it so holds up in every way. Including the totally unpredictable solution to its fantastic mystery.
Talk about one thing that’s making you happy right now.
Honestly…wedding planning. I have an affinity for throwing yearly theme parties and this just seems like the biggest theme party of them all! I also, oddly, have found it to be a good stress reliever from launching/writing a book. Whenever I feel stuck or frustrated by those, I find myself looking at shoes, or veils, or music selections. I think it’s because this is one event I have control over and I can focus those neurotic energies on that rather than try to fathom the unpredictable world of book sales and marketing.
Share something that’s always guaranteed to make you laugh. 
My fiancé imitates a variety of Muppets. It doesn’t matter what kind of day I’m having, that I’ve heard the imitation a thousand times, or, even, what he says. It’s guaranteed to crack me up every time.
Have you ever met someone you idolized? What was it like?
I very, very, very briefly met J.K. Rowling. (In fact, I’m not even sure “met” is the right word in this situation.) But, when Deathly Hallows came out, my fiancé won 2 tickets in a Scholastic raffle to go to an event and signing. At the signing part, all 2,000 of us shuffled past as she smiled at each of us and signed our books. I worked up the nerve to tell her how inspirational she’s been to me as a writer. And she smiled and thanked me.
It was about 2 seconds of my life I’ll likely never forget. I lurve her so.
Do you have a regular ‘first reader’? If so, who is it and why that person?
My first reader has been my first reader since high school. She’s been one of my best friends since then too. At this point, she’s read practically everything I’ve ever written – good or bad (and some of it is very, very bad). I go to her because she’s honest and she also knows my sensibilities so well that she can usually tell what I was going for – and she can also tell me if it’s not working!
Thanks for being with us, Sarvenaz! If you want more info about Sarvenaz or her super-fun middle grade adventure, THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST, you can find her at:
But before you go, you MUST watch the awesome book trailer:
And, for one of our lucky commenters, Sarvenaz is offering up a copy of THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST (US only, please). Just tell us about something that’s guaranteed to make YOU laugh.
Hi Sarvenaz! Thanks so much for being with us today. You KNOW I love this book and your trailer is amazing – total gushfest, here! I’m so pleased your book is finally out in the world so everyone can read it. Wishing you great things and a glitch-free wedding!
p.s. Can’t wait until we can get together to have a BOOk signing and give out BOOkmarks. 😉
Joanne, it looks like you’re going to be in great company! 🙂
Thank you, Joanne! I can’t wait either. In fact, I was putting together BOOmarks for your launch party just last night. 🙂
Heh. Awesome!
Thanks so much for joining us at the Ball today, Sarvenaz! THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST sounds like an absolutely wonderful book. Love the trailer!
I wish you much success with you writing career, and a wedding that lives up to your dreams. 🙂
Thanks, Linda! After launching a book, planning a wedding seems like a piece of (delicious, beautifully decorated) cake!
Oh Sarvenaz! You had me at GOONIES!!
It’s so great to meet you and have you here and learn about THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST! Laughter is everything in life, isn’t it?–I’m so thrilled to hear you’ve found your perfect mate–a man who can imitate the Muppets is a true keeper!! (And we all know you definitely need a good sense of humor when planning a wedding (even the most calm ones, in my experience!;) )
Wishing you all the best! And thank you again for visiting with us today!
He’s definitely a keeper! 🙂
Hiya, Sarv!
My husband makes me laugh. He doesn’t even need to be anywhere nearby. I can remember something he said or did years ago and still crack up, all on my own.
I love the Westing Game, too. I’m due for a re-read. So excited for you and Matchmaker!
Thanks, Caroline! 🙂
Yes, he does sound like a keeper for sure, Sarvenaz!
And I love THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST! Great book for anyone looking for fun mystery for themselves or their kids.
It’s a perfect adventure book for kids! And p.s. we’re looking forward to dancing with you in just a few days, Lynne!
Yay, thanks, Joanne!
ooh, I loved Sean Griswold’s Head, Haunting Violet, and Between and really liked After Obsession! Just finsehid Small Town Sinners and started Between the Sea and the Sky, too 🙂 You have a fantastic box of books there!!I think I’ll have to add a few of the others to/up my TBR list
Thank you, Lynne! Looking forward to your interview.
You had me at “The Westing Game.” I LOVED that book growing up. It was so unique, so addictive. Good luck with your book’s release! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Lauren!
Thank you, Lauren!
Loved Sean Griswold’s Head. Cannot wait to read Small Town Sinners (Melissa’s books are so good), Between the Sea and the Sky (should be starting this soon), and The Probability of Miracles (just looks like an aswoeme book).Enjoy!! 🙂
Great goals! I searched for your name on Barnes and Nobles while shnppiog, so much fun to see it pop up. I’m so proud of you. Maybe your abandoned book will resurace again in the future. One never knows .I will soon have a post out about my resoultions/goals. I find inspiration in past journals.Have a great week!
Silvana – Colleen, I cant thank you enough for capnirutg my whole family at its best, your pictures reflect the love and passion you have for photography. You are amazing. A true inspiration.Lots of love Silvana & Family
Great interview! I loved the book! Looking forward to reading it again!
Hi Billy – isn’t the book great?! Thanks for popping by.
Thank you, Billy!
Congratulations and best of luck to you! One thing that always cracks me up is listening to “Who’s on First” by Abbott and Costello. 🙂
Excellent choice! 🙂
oh my gosh i loved westing game. i had to read it for school in 7th grade and i think i’ve read it at least 5 more times since then and now you reminding me about it made me want to read it again! something that is guaranteed to make me laugh has to be most anything that the kids i sit for do/say. somehow they seem to always find some way to make whatever is in no way funny, funny when they do or say it. and the giggles. oh my gosh i definitely lose it when they start giggling : )
Such an amazing book: Turtle Wexler for life!
I envy your wedding plannin skills. Planning my wedding last year kind of drove me a little insane! I can’t wait to read The Mapmaker and the Ghost :]
Thanks, Jasmine. I have a thing for theme parties and I kinda view this as the biggest theme party of them all. 😉
Heidi-Those sound like great goals. I didn’t realize you had a blog, I’m going to fildde around and try to find it but if you think to, can you post it here?
that the show i saw with her last week was at the same standard as it was with Idina and Kristen!Rachel, Louise and Lee pleyad their characters phenomenally each song was sung so well, it was like i was just listening to the soundtrack but with their own twists on it!I would happily see this musical again and again!!
Watching an old 1940’s screwball comedy, especially Bringing Up Baby. Cannot wait to read Mapmaker and the Ghost!
I agree! Those make me laugh AND make me want to play dress-up.
I cannot wait to read this book, everything about it looks so fun. Thank you for this interview I think it is great that you “met” JK Rowling 🙂
Thank you, Stephanie! “Meeting” JKR was a pretty profound experience, no matter how brief!
I’ve been seeing MAPMAKER on so many awesome lists this month, I’m so glad it’s doing so well! You also get extra points for the muppet-talking husband. Good luck with the wedding plans! 😀
Thank you, Jess!!
Wicked is so fantastic, I saw it on saudrtay and I’m still buzzing from it, it was just so amazing. especially Rachel Tucker, her voice is unbelievable. We went to see Lee mainly (he sort of stole our pen again. he did that at Arthur Saville’s Crime too but at least he brought it back both times) but even if he wasn’t in it the show it would still be the one to see.