Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rafael Najae. I was born in South Carolina but raised in Virginia Beach, and I’ve also spent a significant amount of time living overseas. My background is humanitarian works, specifically in anti-human trafficking field. I’ve done anti-sex trafficking work in various European countries, but most of my time was spent operating in this field in Romania. I have written a total of three books so far; the first being five years ago.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called ‘American Youth Volume One’, and this is basically the first half of quite a massive book. This book is honestly about the seven most memorable phases of my teen years, set in a fictional setting within several different characters. American Youth was inspired by a few conversations I had overseas about American culture, and how I found that one’s understanding about this country was based around the culture they were the most exposed to; that became their representation of US culture. Being a Black American in Eastern Europe either meant you were from the hood, you acted a certain way, and or you were really good at sports; media portrayal is what gave them such conclusions. It was funny to see some people really struggle with the fact my background and my mannerisms wasn’t the stereotype they expected. It was all innocent, but it got me thinking about my own upbringing. I grew up in military housing, and most of the people on my street we’re Puerto Rican or some other ethnic race. My friends were all races primarily, and It was cool to see how we seemed to have created our own unique culture when we were all together. It wasn’t until later on in life that I realized how starkly different my friend’s family dynamics were from mines, and how that shaped them in life more than anything. On the playground we were all no different, but once the hangout was over and we all went home… it was like we stepped back into the cultures that so defined our races. We understood it, we knew how to navigate in it, and it was second nature to us. However, when we all came together, no culture overtook the other. We functioned in our differences because we understood our common hood as Americans. To me, the multicultural experience is what I understand the best, and so this fictional story recounts memories and friendships that I actually had. I picked five other friendships, a series of relatives to round out the sixth, and myself to share American culture as I understood it. My friends were Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and later white, and together their stories shaped my idea of culture in the US. I want to write a book that shows the intricacies of American culture, the struggles youth still face even til this day, and of course my own story growing up in the Hampton Roads. I lived in good places, I lived in some pretty rough ones as well. I had friendships from all classes, and they all shaped me in their own unique ways. I didn’t grow up sheltered… I’ve seen some things. Some memories just never quite leave you; these are the stories I decided to write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King was the inspiration for me as a kid. These days, I would say George R. R. Martin and A Song of ice and Fire series is where I draw from now. The gritty realism of his novels surprisingly works for me, despite not being much of a fantasy guy.
What are you working on now?
I’m still continuing the ‘American Youth’ series. Volume Two is already out, and now I’m starting to write the next book in the series called, ‘Youthful Reflections.’
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, Facebook. Also partnering with businesses has been a great way to market, specifically coffee shops.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Longevity will eventually pay off.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Rejection makes you hungrier if you’re willing to accept it; that phrase has always stuck with me.
What are you reading now?
‘Fire & Blood’ by George R. R. Martin.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to continue with the current book series I’m working on.
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?
‘The Dead Zone’ by Stephen King, ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ by Katherine Paterson, ‘A Storm of Swords’ by George R. R. Martin, ‘Roots’ by Alex Haley.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rafael Najae Website