Interview With Author Marcio José Ramos Sampaio
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an architect turned writer, with a passion for storytelling, design, and photography. Traveling around the world has given me a wealth of inspiration and material to create across the mediums I love. I published my first book in Portuguese, Rio Para Não Chorar, and have also written two children’s books, which are yet to be published. Coffee, Tea & Khat is my first novel written in English.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Coffee, Tea and Khat was born out of a transformative chapter in my life, spent volunteering with the Ethiopian Education Foundation in Ethiopia. That experience marked a pivotal turning point, and I often say my life can be divided into before and after Ethiopia.
Although English is not my first language, I chose to write this novel in English to reach a wider audience, because I believe this story needs to be heard everywhere. The novel is grounded in the years I spent working and traveling across Ethiopia, shaped by the incredible students I met—young people from diverse and often challenging backgrounds who provided me with a unique window into a culture that is both mysterious and deeply moving.
My primary motivation for writing this book was to give voice to vulnerable young women, not only in Ethiopia but around the world. I hope to inspire empathy, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversations about their right to a safe and empowered future.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t follow a strict writing method, but I’m always observing. I like to jot down details or scenes that catch my eye—whether on paper or in my phone—as I go about my day. Later, when I’m relaxed, I often reflect on those moments, and intuitively a story begins to form, complete with characters and emotions.
Sometimes the creative process feels almost magical. I once struggled to find the right ending for a character, and the answer came to me in a dream—it revealed the path I needed to take.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of the first authors who truly inspired me was John Steinbeck, especially with his powerful novel The Grapes of Wrath. Later, I found deep resonance in the works of Brazilian writers such as Clarice Lispector, Machado de Assis, and Paulo Coelho. I’ve also drawn inspiration from Shakespeare, Simone de Beauvoir, and Khaled Hosseini.
The books written by these authors have shaped my perspective as both a reader and a writer, each leaving a lasting imprint on how I approach storytelling, emotion, and human complexity.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Coffee, Tea & Khat. Although the first book ended on a hopeful note, I felt there was more to uncover—readers often ask what happened to Faizah, Aby, and Nora afterward, and I believe their journeys still hold powerful stories waiting to be told.
In parallel, I’m also developing a new novel about two boys from different regions of Brazil who meet in the wake of a climate catastrophe. Through their story, I aim to explore not only the urgent issue of climate change, but also the rich and complex heritage of Brazil—Indigenous, Black, and European influences that shape the country’s identity in profound ways.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve experimented with several strategies to promote my book, including building an email list, offering free copies, and even hiring influencers. Unfortunately, those efforts didn’t yield the results I hoped for. Right now, I’m exploring alternative platforms—like this one—to help share my work with a broader audience.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be a good writer, you need to write—just start, and keep going. Write, write, and write. The second piece of advice is just as important: read as much as you can, especially within the genre you want to write. Reading sharpens your instincts and expands your understanding of structure, voice, and style.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s the same advice I give to new authors: write, write, and write—and read just as much, especially in the genre you want to explore. But there’s another piece of advice that stayed with me. A friend once told me, “The first thing you need to do is get your financial independence. The rest will come more easily.” I was eighteen at the time and didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now, with more experience, it makes perfect sense. Stability gives you the freedom to create without fear.
What are you reading now?
Although literary fiction is my favourite genre, I love reading just about anything I can get my hands on. My sister once joked that she enjoys reading even the leaflet inside a medicine box—and honestly, I’m the same. Curiosity drives my reading habits. At the moment, I’m diving into The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud, exploring the fascinating connections between the mind and our health.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love for Coffee, Tea & Khat to reach a wide audience and be recognized as a must-read. I truly believe this story can open people’s eyes—especially those who may not fully understand what many women in Africa, and in other parts of the world, endure every day. Through fiction, I hope to create empathy, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversations. Additionally, I would be honoured to further promote organizations like the Ethiopian Education Foundation, which has done immeasurable work for disadvantaged children and continues to make a profound difference in their lives.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow, that’s a trick question! If I had to choose, I’d say Papillon by Henri Charrière. It’s a book I read in my teen years, and it has stayed with me ever since. It’s a story about resilience, determination, and hope—qualities you need in the face of adversity.
Then, I’d pick The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas by Machado de Assis—an insightful and darkly humorous look at life. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood would be another essential, given its powerful exploration of autonomy and oppression. I’d also have to include The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, a novel that delves into the struggles of the working class and the power of human solidarity.
And lastly, I’d beg to include Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens—a timeless story that reveals the depths of human kindness and cruelty, and one that has shaped my understanding of compassion.
Author Websites and Profiles
Marcio José Ramos Sampaio Amazon Profile
Marcio José Ramos Sampaio’s Social Media Links
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