Michael Isaac Shokrian is an Iranian-Jewish writer born in Hamburg, Germany and raised in Los Angeles by way of Tehran. With little knowledge of the English language or American culture, Michael became a self-taught American via terrestrial radio and TV. He began writing at UCLA and as he honed his poetic flair in his adopted language, a theme emerged: the voice, perspective and humor of the Outsider and the struggle of marginalized characters to find authenticity and identity. Michael’s work introduces readers to the multi-layered world of Iranians in America and their effort to find their place in America through hard compromises, small triumphs and poignant defeats.

 

Always a dedicated and self-reliant writer, Michael kept his literary aspirations alive by working in newsrooms, restaurants and warehouses. He has been a private investigator, rug merchant, delivery driver, P.R. executive, news editor, line cook, waiter and more. In his 30s, he entered law school and eventually set up a solo practice in the Los Angeles suburb of Studio City.

 

Despite commitments as a husband, father, lawyer and aspiring writer, Michael launched a non-profit online literary quarterly, the Thieving Magpie, in 2017 his effort to create a literary community and platform for established, emerging and underrepresented voices.

 

Literary history confirms the Artist’s product is a function of the Artist’s life. When the Artist is their own patron, they need to pack powerful punches with economy and precision. Until now,  Michael’s work has been in short fiction, poetry and essays. His short story, “Asphalt Like Moderns,” won the Best Fiction prize in the 20th Anniversary Issue of American Literary Review.

 

Now comes American Playground, Michael’s debut novel, which will touch readers and launch the next phase in Michael’s writing and publishing career.