Don't forget to go to my website and leave me YOUR story of belonging to feature on a future episode! Buy Me a Coffee! In this episode of 'Art Heals All Wounds', I talk with author Kiyash Monsef about his book 'Once There Was', a story that blends mythical creatures and the protagonist Marjan's quest to reconnect with her Iranian heritage solve her father’s mysterious death. Kiyash discusses the importance of mythical creatures in reflecting human traits and the significance of understanding one's cultural heritage. He shares insights into the book’s development and how his Iranian-American identity and the global pandemic influenced its themes of grief, healing, and identity. The episode delves into the nuances of writing for a broad audience, the interplay between personal and cultural narratives, and the timeless appeal of mythical beings across cultures. Additionally, Kiyash touches on the complexities of human nature and the book's exploration of grief and growing up through Marjan’s journey. 00:00 Welcome to Art Heals All Wounds: The Power of Artistic Expression 00:43 Exploring the Realm of Mythical Creatures and Persian Fairy Tales 01:44 Diving into 'Once There Was': A Tale of Heritage and Mythical Beings 03:51 Behind the Scenes with Kiyash Monsef: The Creation of a YA Masterpiece 19:33 The Essence of Mythical Creatures: A Deep Dive into Their Significance 23:39 Navigating the Human Experience: Characters, Grief, and Growth 31:32 The Personal Journey: Reconnecting with Iranian Heritage Through Storytelling 35:32 Where to Find 'Once There Was' and Closing Thoughts Follow Kiyash! Website Follow Me! ● My Instagram ● My LinkedIn ● Art Heals All Wounds Website ● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram ● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook