In 1989, following the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran accused the author, Salman Rushdie of blasphemy and issued a fatwa ordering Muslims to kill him. This sparked worldwide protests, threats, violence, and bombings of bookstores. Rushdie issued an apology, to no avail, and ultimately went into hiding. Many years have … More The Offended
I am humbled and honoured by this posting from Catherine Brown in Australia. Just finished reading “Geckos and Guns” by a Canadian author, Sharon Bazant. It is a real page turner and beautifully written. For anyone that has lived in Islamabad, travelled through Pakistan, either as an ex-pat, tourist, missionary, or on a diplomatic posting, … More A Great Review
In my memoir, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years, I have written about the complexities and difficulties of cross-cultural marriages between Pakistani men and western women. These were my observations in the early 1990s. Perhaps things have changed—I hope so. The following is an excerpt from Geckos & Guns on this topic. I would love … More Cross-cultural Marriages in Pakistan
In a recent interview for Authority magazine, I was asked, “What are five things you wish someone had told you before you wrote your first book?” Here are my ‘five things’. It will be hard to find time to write even though you are retired. I wish someone had told me this because I would … More A Learning Curve and a Reward
I need to say a few things about Afghanistan. My heart is broken by what I see going on there right now. I know I am just another voice among thousands, but we did live in Pakistan for five years in the early 1990s. During that time I got to know many Afghan merchants and … More The Rubble of Misplaced Intentions
They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you liked the cover of my book, Geckos & Guns: THE PAKISTAN YEARS (Living as an Expat Series Book 2), please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com! Please take a short … More Cover of the Month Contest
In the past few months, I have been busy marketing and promoting my latest book, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years. I have to admit that this is hard work for me. Writing is my passion and, even on days when my muse is not speaking to me, I always find something to write about. … More My Marketing Journey
I am honored to have a featured guest post on Laura’s Books and Blogs this week—an excerpt from Geckos & Guns, Chapter 7 – A Trip Back in Time. We had only been living in Pakistan for a scant few months when I accompanied Wayne on an official trip to the Swat Valley and Dir … More Guest Post – Laura’s Books and Blogs
Here is the latest review of Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years. If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, now is a good time to get it. If you enjoy reading my memoir please recommend it to your friends. Reviews are always welcome too! Happy reading. 5.0 out of 5 stars Pakistan – A Canadian Expat’s … More Another Great Review
In my latest memoir, Geckos & Guns: The Pakistan Years, I have included stories told to me by some of my expat friends. Day to day life in Pakistan was full of unique, hilarious and, at times shocking experiences. Here is one from my good friend Norma. When we moved to Islamabad, the house the … More Excerpt from Geckos & Guns – Norma’s Cushion Story
The Bazant Blog 