Bernard, thank you for sharing the exciting news of your seven volume memoir! We’re sharing the cover of the first volume. Readers are cautioned that these books contain some adult material.
• Where can readers find your books?
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=a%20harem%20boy%27s%20saga&sprefix=a+harem%2Cstripbooks%2C283
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=a+harem+boy%27s+saga&sprefix=a+harem%2Cstripbooks%2C429
• Do you write in a particular genre or genres? What grabs you about this genre/these genres?
I’m writing my seven books memoirs/biography: A Harem Boy’s Saga; a memoir by Young.
I’ve finished the first 3 volumes;
A Harem Boy’s Saga – I – Initiation; a memoir by Young
A Harem Boy’s Saga – II – Unbridled; a memoir by Young
A Harem Boy’s Saga – III– Debauchery; a memoir by Young.
I’m currently working on A Harem Boy’s Saga – IV – Metanoia; a memoir by Young.
• What do you think are the biggest challenges for the type of writing you do?
Remembrance of things past. Luckily I’ve an abundance of photographs, diaries, journals to spur me to remember what transpired during those early years of my Middle Eastern harem experiences.
Although, I’ve taken creative liberties when it comes to the individual dialogues spoken by the various characters in my autobiography. I remember the gist of what transpired.
I’ve also changed the names and places to protect the identities of those involve in the secret society and the unique school and Arab Households I was in service at.
• What inspires you?
This provocative story is about a young man (me) who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society. He was spirited to the Middle East, from his UK boarding school. He attended the Bahriji School (Oasis,) in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for serving in Harems for the wealthy and elite.
It is also a love story between the young man and his ‘Valet’ who served as his chaperone and mentor during the boy’s Harem service.
Author’s note:
I had a privileged and unique upbringing in Malaysia. Following in my brothers’ footsteps, I was sent to an exclusive boarding school in England. It is there that I was inducted into a clandestine organization, E.R.O.S. The Enlightened Royal Oracle Society. For four years, unbeknownst to my family, I was willingly and happily part of a Harem.
My story has been kept under wraps for close to 45 years. The correct moment has arrived for me to make known my unique education.
These are some of the goals I hope to achieve through
A Harem Boy Saga:
• Provide Tolerance to Sissy Boys by understanding parents/peers and the community.
Anderson Cooper 360 documentary on the devastating treatment of effeminate boys influence me to tell my story.
• Bullying can be Avoided through Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer programs in school or outside school system. Older students acting as mentors to younger students.
• Gay Adolescent Tolerance – parents/child/siblings relationship issues.
Support/mentorship program to all parties involved to foster understanding and acceptance of Gay kids.
• Provide an Alternative Educational System;
Understanding Big Brother/adolescent mentorship programs in schools, BB as protector to keep younger kids from being bullied.
• Human Relationship Building Program;
Between parents/teachers and young students on sexual topics/issues, especially when adolescent are just discovering their sexuality. They can be guided on a healthy and honest sexual journey instead of “don’t ask, don’t tell” hide it behind the closet policy.
• What do you think is the hardest thing about being published? Are there things you know now that you wish you’d known about earlier in this journey?
The first two books in A Harem Boy’s Saga series were self-published. The easy part is the writing but when it comes to marketing books, it’s an entirely different ball game.
I’m lucky to my literary agent, Emerantia Antonia Parnall-Gilbert (Gilbert Literary Agency) after almost 6 months of non-stop searching for a publisher and agent.
I’m lucky to have Solstice Publishing interested in my autobiography to publish the entire 7 book series. It was Emerantia who hooked me with Solstice Publishing.
• What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Stay focus. My modus operandi: the 3Ps: Perseverance, Persistence & Patience.
Be diligent about setting a time frame/goal to finish your manuscript. I need complete silence when I write – which is 8 – 10 hours daily.
• How did you get started writing?
I believe my geographical location (being in spiritual and beautiful Maui, Hawaii) inspired me to pen my seven book series.
Now that I’m semi-retired from my once very active fashion lifestyle, it is time for me to reflect upon my unique early experiences and to inform the world what my positive experiences in the Middle Eastern harems were like.
I believe my early experiences shaped my adult life to who I am today.
• Anything else you’ll like to tell our readers?
Historical accuracy is an important factor to consider when writing memoirs/autobiographies and biographies.
Help promote other writers whenever you can because they in turn will assist to promote you. By helping others, you help yourself and learn more about yourself and others.
• How can readers contact you? (blog, social media, author-only e-mail?)
Website: http://www.aharemboysaga.com
Amazon Author Central: amazon.com/author/amemoirbyyoung
Blog: http://bernardfoong.typepad.com/in_the_harem
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bfoong1
Twitter @aharemboysaga
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/haremboysaga/a-harem-boys-saga/ (contains adult materials).
Cowbird: http://cowbird.com/bernard/stories/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/trisf2013 (contains adult materials).
YouTube:
http:http///youtu.be/F0Lv80yhhq0
We wish you all success, both as a writer and in increasing awareness of these issues!
authorcjl 