A PASSION and talent for writing has lead Hillcrest Dental Implant Specialist, Dr Mohamed Ismail, to publish his first novel, The Cure, under the pseudonym of Morad Zaffron.
Known as Mo by his friends, Mohamed came from humble beginnings in Kenville, Durban living in a one room shanty with his parents and six siblings.
At the age of 17 he left home to study at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. After graduating, he worked in private practice for several years before going to the USA for two years to do his postgraduate degree. He then qualified as an Implant Specialist in Germany. He now works and lives in Hillcrest.
Despite being a successful businessman, Mohamed continued with his love for writing and had some of his short stories and poetry published in international magazines. He even went so far as to take off time from work to get his master’s degree in creative writing at UCT, a four year course that he achieved in an incredible seven months!
He began writing his first book, The Cure and what began as a passionate hobby soon became a realised dream.
“I wrote the book thinking it wouldn’t be published but secretly harboured dreams that a publisher would come along. A friend of mine sent out the manuscript and when I received an email from Real African Publishers with the subject line saying “brilliant, brilliant book” I knew I hadn’t been rejected!”
The book took about seven months to get it from manuscript to launch with Mohamed working closely with the publishers.
“The Publishers have been excellent to work with. They worked closely with me and I got a lot of input and say into how the final book would look.”
The Cure was launched in Cape Town and Durban North before being launched at CNA in Hillcrest Corner on 26 October. The launch in Hillcrest was the biggest out of the four launches with about 250 people coming out in support of him.
“”I was just blown away by the support of the Hillcrest community. I was almost in tears,” said an elated Mohamed.
The book is a fast pace, racy medical thriller and romance which deals with helping people less fortunate and the role of woman in society. With the release of his first novel, Mohamed has become the first medical thriller writer in SA.
” Set in the USA, the book is about a woman who has lost everything – her family, well being as she is drug dependent but even with all these demons she takes on a global corporation to save her patients and the world. I was inspired by what I had seen in hospitals in the USA but the book is a work of fiction. I also deal with the issue of Aids but get the message across in a story rather than preaching to people,” explains Mohamed.
Mohamed was very close to his mother who he says single – handly brought up seven children. Despite being illiterate his mother was very supportive of his writing and he would read his writings to his mother who would give her feedback and help him understand a woman’s point of view.
“She was my inspiration and taught me how to understand women and she helped me a lot in my life. I am very grateful to her. I always wanted to write about a strong woman in honour of my mother who passed away 18 years ago. I feel women often get a raw deal in society.”
Now that he has published his first novel, the writing bug has taken hold and he is already working on his next two novels. At the end of The Cure are two chapters from his second book, The Valley which is due for launch in 2014. The Valley is a fantasy, thriller set in the Kruger Park and deals with rhino poaching. His third novel, The Night Wind and Moon is set for release in 2015 and is a historical romance.
All proceeds from The Cure are going to help Aids orphans and children suffering from childhood diabetes.
“I had set up a small foundation in my parent’s name as as poor as they were they always did stuff for the community. I pledged to myself and my maker that if this book was a success I would give back to those that were suffering.”
Childhood Diabetes is an issue close to Mohamed’s heart as a nephew died at a young age due to Diabetes complications and a close friend, Racheal Pillay dedicates her free time to raise funds for children suffering from Diabetes through the Sugarbabe Foundation which helps children with Diabetes cope with their condition.
“I was inspired by her selflessness to help. I am lucky to be fortunate and so wanted to give back. I would love people to buy the book and support a good cause.”
“If nothing else happens in my life, I am just proud of what I have achieved. It is so much more than I ever expected.”
The Cure is available at retail stores for between R199 and R224.
