Featured Interview With Roy Youldous-Raiss
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am 40 years old, married to Or for the last 12 years and a proud father to Elya and Liri, twin girls who were born via surrogacy. I live in Israel and like to read, write, travel and family time. Writing has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember myself, but ‘A Day of Pride’ is my debut children’s book.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Ever since I was a young kid, I liked reading – all kinds of genres. From adventure stories to thrillers. I started writing professionally when I was 25 – at the beginning mostly poems in Hebrew. Shortly after I wrote articles and short stories. A Day of Pride is my first chidlren’s book.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Ever since I became a father I really enjoy children’s book. Dr. Seuss, J.K Rowling, Eric Carle. However, I still enjoy fiction for adults and prefer the Classics such as Vladimir Nabokov, Orwell and more.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
A Day of Pride was written from my personal experience. Growing up gay in the closet for many years, I was looking for approval that I was ok; For a sign that I should not be ashamed of who I was. Shortly after I fulfilled the biggest dream of my life and became a father, I started writing A Day of Pride. I wrote it for my girls and for all kids, in order to encourage them to be who they are, and be proud of who they were, be proud of their family and their heritage. I believe educating kids at a young age to accept themselves and others – as they are, is very important in creating a plural and tolerant society.
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