Welcome, Roxana! How would you describe Of Mud & Honey?

Based on a true story, Of Mud and Honey captures the ugliness of a country torn apart by the fight for independence while exemplifying the beauty of good deeds and the bounty that hope can bestow. 

What sparked the idea for this book?

Growing up my mother would recount the story to us. My siblings and I, awed, would say how she should write a book, or how this story should be made into a movie. In 2017 when my mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimers I decided to at least try and document what had happened. Initially, I was just doing it so that our family would have a record of it. However, I truly believe that this story wanted to be written and once I opened that door there was no stopping it.  

How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?

I started writing the book in July of 2018 and typed “The End” on February 17th, 2021. There was a tremendous amount of research that went into writing this book. The history of Aden at this time is not widely documented and so I had to find historians and academics familiar with the time period. This led me to Noel Brehony, quite by chance. Dr. Brehony is the Chairman of The British Yemeni Society. He was in Aden at the time of the British evacuation and as it turned out, he knew my parents and had even socialized with them. Dr. Brehony became a key contributor to my process. He vetted all the historical content and beta read the book. One of the best gifts from writing this book, and there are several, was meeting Noel and developing a strong friendship with him. He was there during this time and remembered it so well. This story gave him a opportunity to share as well. 

What drew you to writing historical fiction?

This is a true story and for the longest time I struggled with what genre it should sit in. I eventually settled on Historical Fiction because the genre allowed me to tell the story accurately but to also add my own creativity into the writing. 

What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?

My favorite part is the days that I sit down to write and it all just flows. It is almost as if I am witnessing the book being written rather than writing it myself. The writing process is cathartic and, I find it to be a spiritual experience for me. 

If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Of Mud and Honey?

There is a line in the book that I think best answers this question. History, he knew all too well, was infinitely wise and tried her best to warn us of the consequences of our actions. Why do we continuously  struggle with those lessons? he thought. Why do we always think that it will somehow be different this time around? Why is it that we never learn?

This book gives insight to what happens to the people left behind. It is important to pay attention to the stories of those effected by war and occupation, and swift exits. We all need to have an understanding of what really happens.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

My hope is that in reading Of Mud and Honey the reader will think about the greater effect of our actions but will ultimately be left with a belief in the power of faith, love and hope. 

Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?

Learn to be patient, nothing in this industry happens quickly! If you really believe strongly in an angle or concept in your book, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Ultimately this is your art, your expression. Your writing is an extension of you, trust your instincts. 

Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.

I am working on a new book, also historical fiction but with a very different feel to it. More on that soon. 

Where can readers find you?

I can be found on my website at www.roxanatrabulsi.com Facebook: Roxana Trabulsi Author Instagram: RoxanaTrabulsiWrites 

I am traveling to Pittsburgh for some speaking engagements mid October and I will be the guest speaker at the Warner Lecture series in Harvard MA on October 27th. 

Thank you, Roxana! Of Mud & Honey is out now.