Meet Young, (Bernard Foong), Author of The Harem Boy’s Saga

Your memoir, A Harem Boy’s Saga – book I – Initiation; a memoir by Young, is published with Solstice. How did you discover Solstice Publishing?

Through my literary agent, Emerantia Antonia Parnall-Gilbert (Gilbert Literary Agency).

Where did your inspiration come from for this book?

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.

Was there a character that just had to be heard?

Me and my chaperone/Valet, Andy.

Was there a series of events that inspired you to start writing?

I believe my early experiences shaped my adult life to who I am today.

Does your background (in terms of job, family, geographic location, etc.) play into your 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.

What kind of research went into your story?

Bernard Foong will be speaking at Maui’s Writing From the Heart Event.

Historical accuracy.

Describe the genres in which you write (paranormal, contemporary, westerns, etc.) If write in more than one genre or area (poetry, non-fiction), do you have a different process when you’re writing different kinds of fiction or non-fiction?

Because I’m documenting my life’s experiences – I am currently writing non-fiction. Although, I have changed the names of the people and some of the places to protect their identities, my experiences are real and authentic.

What is your mind set or process as you sit down to write? Do you have a playlist going? Do you need complete silence? Are you a 6 am writer or an 11 pm writer?

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.

How do you balance writing with work and/or personal life?

Since I’m semi-retired and my life-partner takes care of almost everything in our household. I’m blessed to have the privilege to write full-time without any disturbance.

Do you have any other projects you’re working on?