Daniel Nour has just turned the leaf on 30, but his wisdom and deep perspective on life, love, and culture in Australia far exceed his years. 

“We all have a specific experience. I was taught through a literacy mentorship for young writers, especially young writers of colour, that we have to make the specific and personal, universal,” Daniel said.

His memoir, How to Dodge Flying Sandals, captures a unique voice and provides valuable insight into his personal journey, bridging his experiences of childhood, adolescence, and love. The book resonates with diverse audiences – whether Australian, Egyptian, young, old, queer, or straight. Through his storytelling, Daniel reclaims his own personal narratives. His parents remain proud and their support speaks volumes.

Daniel uses a tongue-in-cheek title to reflect what he describes as “universal experiences” shared among ethnic and, more broadly, young Australians. particularly during COVID and the common experience of moving back in with their parents. The title carries deeper meaning for Nour, who sees it as a metaphor for the many challenges young Arabs face in Australia.

“Whether it’s Lebanon, Yemen, or Syria, at some point in your life, you’ve had to dodge a sandal from your grandmother, mother, or father,” Nour said.

“Dodging flying sandals isn’t just about discipline,” he explained. “It’s about the numerous things we have to dodge to survive as young Arabs in a different culture.”

For Nour, being both a young queer person and a person of faith (Coptic Catholic) adds layers to this struggle. “It’s a huge taboo,” he noted. “But at the same time, I’m a person of faith, and that intersection of identity shapes my story.”

“I write because that’s the way I explore the diverse experiences I have with faith, family, and culture: I tell them as honestly as I can,” Daniel shared.

“A memoir is a challenge because it presents things in a way that’s not reverential. I share the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, and show what it’s really like growing up as Egyptian-Australian.”

Daniel, who has a background in journalism and was previously awarded the NSW Premier’s Young Journalism Award by Multicultural NSW, says he feels the pressure of presenting his memoir to a broader audience, not only within his own community but also within the wider literary landscape.

“It’s intimidating,” Daniel said, reflecting on the release of his memoir. “People will assess my work and might say, ‘Wow, I didn’t enjoy that,’ and that’s a really daunting prospect.”

“You want to be useful as a writer. You want to be in people’s homes or kindles, not just on a shelf,” Daniel shared.

Daniel Nour’s approach to storytelling extends beyond the written word. In the audiobook version of his memoir, How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life, he offers his own interpretations of the voices of his parents and others—capturing the nuance and personality behind each conversation.

“I published an audiobook where I take the time to share the unique and distinct voices of each person, even my parents,” he said.

Nour is set to appear at the upcoming Sydney Writers’ Festival, where he hopes to connect with broader audiences, including Middle Eastern and young Australian communities. 

A passionate advocate for the written word, Nour blends personal storytelling with a deep appreciation for evolving media.

A talented writer and playwright, Nour originally began telling his story through a screenplay before transitioning to memoir. He continues to explore different formats for his work.

“I wrote a screenplay, then moved onto writing small chapters for the memoir,” he explained. “I also adapted my work into an essay for SBS Voices.”

When speaking to aspiring writers, Nour encourages mastering the fundamentals rather than relying solely on academic pathways.

“You don’t need a degree to have a voice,” he said. “You can borrow books on narrative writing or journalism. Writing is a skill, like any skill, there are rules and principles, and you have to refine that craft.”

Above all, Nour writes for the love of it.

“At the end of the day, I write because I love it,” he said. “I do it every day. It’s not just about success. I do it because it’s what I love to do.”

How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life is available in traditional paperback, audiobook, and digital formats through Simon & Schuster.

Nour will appear on May 23 at the Sydney Writers’ Festival as part of a panel event titled “Fruits of the Loom: Connecting the Arab Diaspora in Fragments, Moments and Memories of Home.” Tickets are available via the Sydney Writers’ Festival website.