Joining me today, is the talented author Young, a brother in Arms at Solstice Publishing, a man gracious enough to take the time and answer a whole range of questions. I hope you all enjoy:
The Rocky Rochford Author Interview Questionnaire:
Author: Young.
Your latest/current work: A Harem Boy’s Saga – III – Debauchery; a memoir by Young.
Date: This book was released in Sept 2014
Publisher: Solstice Publishing.
1.Tell us about your Latest Book/Book about to be released? Release Date? And can you give us a teaser?
The latest book that is already released is part of a seven book series: A Harem Boy’s Saga; a memoir by Young.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Lao Tzu
Debauchery is the triquel to A Harem Boy’s Saga, a provocative story about a young man who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society through his UK boarding school. From there, he was spirited to the Middle East to attend the Bahriji (Oasis) School in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for Harem services for the wealthy elite.
It is also a love story between the young man, his ‘Big Brother,’ and his ‘Valet,’ who served as his chaperones and mentors.
This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their third Arabian Household Harem, the Quwah. There, they became confidants to a prince, assistants in an international dance club venture, “Carousel,” and apprentices and models in a controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places.”
This story is an account of the author’s experiences. Through these truths, often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnation and negativity related to sexuality, love, and personal freedom.
My soon to be released book is titled: No Distance Between Us.
Release date: Novemebr 5th 2014
This is a short Yuletide short story. It is a true coming-of-age romantic gay love story (my coming-of-age experience) set in an exclusive private United Kingdom boarding school.
2. What other books/short stories have you written?
A Harem Boy’s Saga – I – Initiation; a memoir by Young
Synopsis: A Harem Boy’s Saga – I – Initiation; a memoir by Young.
This provocative story is about a young man 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.
A Harem Boy’s Saga – II – Unbridled; a memoir by Young
Synopsis: A Harem Boy’s Saga – II – Unbridled; a memoir by Young
Unbridled is the sequel to Initiation – A provocative story about a young man 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, his ‘Big Brother’ and his ‘Valet’ who served as his chaperones and mentors during the boy’s Harem services.
This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their 2nd Arab Household Harem, the Sekham. They were apprentices and models, for the household patriarch’s controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places”.
The author’s experiences present facts that are truthful. Through these truths, which are often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnations and negativity which relate to his experiences.
3. Do you publish in e-book, print, or both?
Both in ebooks and print books. Soon it they will be available in audio books.
4. Where can readers find your books?
The books are also available at amazon worldwide.
5. What do you think are the biggest challenges for the type of writing that 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.
6. How did you get started in 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.
7. Where and How can readers get in touch with you?
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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_BP0OxcR42ZUKWiGBMDvoA/feed
8. So with your latest work released/or being released, what comes next? What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m currently writing A Harem Boy’s Saga – IV – Metanoia; a memoir by Young.
It’ll take me a year to 18 months to finish this volume. That’s usually the length of time I take to finish each volume as each volume consist of approximate 6oo print pages.
9. How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
All of it since I’m writing my memoir of my adolescent life. I am writing these series as I experience it when I was between the ages of 13 to about 20 years old.
I like my writing to convey my emotions, thoughts and experiences when I was at the age when I was groomed to enter and when I was in the various harems. Therefore, the answer is Yes. I do write in a particular style that reflects my youthfulness at that period in time and era. I hope my innocence and inquisitiveness comes through in my writing.
10. Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I let my thoughts flow naturally out of me as I remember the events. Although I cannot remember the actual dialogues spoken – I remember the gist of what was being said.
I also have an abundance of old photographs taken during those early years, documenting my life then. I use these to trigger my memories to document the events in the books.
Yes, I do need complete silence when I write – which is 8 – 10 hours daily.
I’m very discipline when it comes to setting time for my daily writing schedule.
11. What is your routine once you start writing a book?
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.
12. What about you in general? What is it that makes you tick? Makes you you? Things you like to do and what prompted you into writing?
Historical accuracy is an important factor to consider when I’m writing memoirs/autobiographies and biographies. I like spending time doing research and learning/discovering new techniques in photo-shop/enhancements.
Traveling broadens my mind. My life partner and I are planning an up-coming road trip to the S. of France.
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.
13. Among your own books, have you a favourite book? Favourite Hero or Heroine?
Below are a list of books/authors I like reading:
The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice
Cassandra Clare – mortal instruments series
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel by Susanna Clarke
The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke
The Gift of Rain: A Nove lby Tan Twan Eng
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
Fields of Plenty: A Guide to Your Inner Wisdom – L.D. Thompson
Penelope Syn – I find her books fascinating. Very much in the Anne Rice “Sleeping Beauty Trilogy” genre.
Angels & Demons: A Novel (Robert Langdon) by Dan Brown
14. Where do you see yourself in five years?
As an international speaker in harem related topics and conducting writing workshops. Starting in Hawaii and then nationwide before doing international speaking engagements and writing workshops all over the world.
Retire in the S. of France and continue writing.
15. What kind of research do you when writing one of your works?
Historical accuracy is an important factor to consider when I’m writing memoirs/autobiographies and biographies.
16. What does your significant other think of your writing?
He loves the way I document my harem experiences and would like to lead the kind of jet setting lifestyle I led during my young years.
He also like to have a “triplet” relationship with my ex-Valet/chaperone/mentor/guardian because I paint a wonderful picture of his personality.
17. Do you ever ask them for advice or ideas to go into your works?
Yes. When it comes to proof-reading. We read-out-loud to each other to make sure the typo/grammar mistakes are spotted instantly.
18. Have you ever experienced Writer’s Block? If so how did you work through it?
No.
19. Who are some of your favourite authors to read?
I answered this question above in question #15.
20. Anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
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.
21. Lastly do you have any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Stay focus. My modus operandi: the 3Ps: Perseverance, Persistence & Patience.
Be diligent about setting a time frame/goal to finish your manuscript.
Not to worry about what you are planning to write. Once you begin with the 1st word, you’ll know what the next word is going to be. When I write, it’s like channeling a separate spirit/entity within my person. Thoughts flows automatically through me and I write what comes naturally out of my hand.
And with the Interview out of the way, let’s look at some Cover Art
& Blurbs:
Synopsis: A Harem Boy Saga; A Memoir. Book 1 – INITIATION.
This provocative story is about a young man 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, where I was known as a “sissy boy.” 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.
Unbridled is the sequel to Initiation – A provocative story about a young man 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, his ‘Big Brother’ and his ‘Valet’ who served as his chaperones and mentors during the boy’s Harem services.
This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their 2nd Arab Household Harem, the Sekham. They were apprentices and models, for the household patriarch’s controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places”.
The author’s experiences present facts that are truthful. Through these truths, which are often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnations and negativity which relate to his experiences.
There are 5 – 7 volumes in A Harem Boy’s Saga series.
Synopsis
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Lao Tzu
Debauchery is the triquel to A Harem Boy’s Saga, a provocative story about a young man who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society through his UK boarding school. From there, he was spirited to the Middle East to attend the Bahriji (Oasis) School in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for Harem services for the wealthy elite.
It is also a love story between the young man, his ‘Big Brother,’ and his ‘Valet,’ who served as his chaperones and mentors.
This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their third Arabian Household Harem, the Quwah. There, they became confidants to a prince, assistants in an international dance club venture, “Carousel,” and apprentices and models in a controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places.”
This story is an account of the author’s experiences. Through these truths, often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnation and negativity related to sexuality, love, and personal freedom.
A Harem Boy’s Saga is a series of seven volumes.
For further information please visit or contact:
Bernard Foong (a.k.a. Young)
Emerantia Antonia Parnall-Gilbert: Gilbert Literary Agency)
hawkspurrproductions@gmail.com
Melissa Miller: Solstice Publishing
Bernard, it was a great Pleasure having you here with us today, best of luck with your series. To finish us off, links to where Young’s works can be found:
A Harem Boy’s saga – I – Initiation: book retail links:
Print book:
E-book:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KOEXWQQ
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon IN: http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon FR: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon ES: http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon IT: http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon JP: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00KOEXWQQ
Amazon MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B00KOEXWQQ
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KOEXWQQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KOEXWQQ
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/443362
A Harem Boy’s Saga – II – Unbridled:
Print book:
E-book:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L8F1RYO
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon IN: http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon FR: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon ES: http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon IT: http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon JP: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00L8F1RYO
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00L8F1RYO?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B00L8F1RYO
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00L8F1RYO
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/451244
A Harem Boy’s Saga – III – Debauchery: will be published in a published as of mid- Aug.
The Life of Rochford 