Mem Ferda is a celebrated British actor, award-winning film producer, and now poet whose profound life journey resonates through every facet of his creativity. Born in South West London to a Turkish Diplomat Father and a polyglot Mother, he developed a passion for acting from a very young age.
On the 28th November 2024, HAPPYAGONY – A collection of poems by MEM FERDA was released, and can be found in all good book stores and online.
We asked Mem’s a few questions about his latest best seller release.
What’s the book about?
HAPPYAGONY is a collection of poems based on my personal experiences, forming an autobiographical anthology. It features fifty poems, each beautifully matched with a corresponding illustration. The poems are split into five sections: Youth, The Fallacy of Luxury, Society, Love, and Grief. Each poem is a snapshot of a specific event, capturing moments from my childhood to the present day.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Writing poetry has always been a source of comfort and joy for me ever since I was a child. It has allowed me to express myself creatively and let go of my emotions. The creation of this collection involved carefully reviewing the poems I had written since childhood and selecting fifty pieces that encapsulate important moments in my life. This collection serves as an autobiographical account of my journey in the realm of poetry.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection?
I needed to present a range of ideas that others could connect with.Themes that are universal and part of everyone’s life journey. These themes – childhood, community life, aspirations, relationships, and grief are common to all.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I strive to create a sense of shared humanity in my poetry by offering personal anecdotes that resonate with readers and evoke their own memories and experiences.
My goal is to emphasize the significance of savouring small delights, like the warmth of the sun on your skin or the laughter of loved ones, and discovering serenity in the embrace of nature, the closeness of family, and the connections within our communities. I hope my readers will glimpse my inner self and realize there’s more to me than just my career in the film industry.
When did you first decide to become an author?
Becoming an author isn’t something I meticulously planned in advance. The act of writing has always been a source of immense joy for me, a way to express my creativity and imagination. Whether its crafting film scripts, plays, short stories, or poetry, this unexpected opportunity to become an author presented itself, I couldn’t resist the allure, so I seized the chance to embark on a new chapter in my literary journey.
What topic or subject have you found it most challenging to write about?
The most challenging poems to write were about personal grief, including the loss of my sister at a young age and later losing both of my parents within nine months of each other. Expressing these emotions through poetry was heart-wrenching. Poems about the COVID-19 pandemic were also difficult due to personal losses.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, this is my debut book that I have had published. However, I have also written my memoirs, but I believe they require a few additional chapters to be truly complete. I hope to have it available for a late 2025 release, and then follow it up with HAPPYAGONY 2.
What would you like to achieve with the publication of your book?
Huge sales, rave reviews and world domination (Joking). Through my poetry, I aim to provide a glimpse into my personal life, allowing others to connect with both my hardships and moments of happiness. Let’s appreciate the simple things and seek comfort together in nature, family, and community. I hope my readers find pieces that reflect their own experiences.
This is also a chance for those familiar with my film work and on-screen persona to get to understand me on a deeper level.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a classically trained Actor and have achieved recognition for my work in acting as well as in Film Production worldwide. I’m also the CEO of my production company Filmcore UK Ltd, and this is my primary profession, the one that I do day to day.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
This really varies on my mood and my surroundings. Generally, I require complete silence when I write, which is always in my study during the early hours of the morning or very late at night. I try to write a couple of hours each day, but this isn’t always possible.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love being able to openly share my thoughts and explore my imagination through writing. It brings back memories and immerses me in its subtleties.
Writing challenge me to express myself, and I eagerly anticipate seeing my words in print, bound in a book. The sound of pages turning and the feel of the book in my hands fill me with a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
What do you think makes a good story?
An engaging story that captivates the reader, immersing them in a world of vivid imagery, sounds and smells. One that challenges their beliefs, provoking deep thought and stirring emotions all the while entertaining. A story that resonates for years after reading it.
What’s next in the writing pipeline for you?
I’m working on my memoirs, with twenty-two chapters already written and more to go. I also have many more poems ready, so HAPPYAGONY 2 is a real possibility.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow authors?
In order to write convincingly, it is important for your heart to be fully invested and for you to have a genuine love for writing. While it is crucial to make room for life’s inevitable distractions, it is equally important to remain focused and avoid falling into the trap of procrastination.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?).
Naturally, I am very self-motivated. I set challenges for myself and test my resilience in achieving them, which is what motivates me the most. Fame and fortune is not my driving force.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
William Shakespeare
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Visit www.happyagony.com today to find out where you can order your copy.
