Susan Muaddi Darraj: I Write Slowly But Steadily
Susan Muaddi Darraj is the author of A Curious Land, a novel in stories which earned an American Book Award and was a finalist for a Palestine Book Award. In 2018, she was named a Ford Fellow by USA Artists. A past winner of the Maryland State Art Council’s Independent Artist Award, she is also the author of Farah Rocks, the first children’s book series to feature a Palestinian-American character. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and teaches at Johns Hopkins University. Follow her on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
Susan Muaddi Darraj
In this post, Susan discusses the importance of understanding the lives of immigrants with her new novel, Behind You Is the Sea, her advice for writers, and more!
Name: Susan Muaddi Darraj
Literary agent: Thomas Colchie
Book title: Behind You Is the Sea
Publisher: HarperVia
Release date: January 16, 2024
Genre/category: Fiction/Novel
Previous titles: The Inheritance of Exile, A Curious Land, Farah Rocks (series)
Elevator pitch: An exciting debut novel that gives voice to the diverse residents of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore—from young activists in conflict with their traditional parents to the poor who clean for the rich—lives which intersect across divides of class, generation, and religion.
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What prompted you to write this book?
I wanted to write about the generational struggles of a Palestinian immigrant community, and thus explore the ways in which many immigrants strive to maintain their unity in the face of unfamiliar challenges.
How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?
Six years! I work full-time and am a mother of three children, so I write slowly but steadily.
Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?
I was surprised by how the characters took over the book! Writers always say that, but it’s quite true. The book started with a focus on Marcus Salameh, but then I expanded my scope to other members of his immediate community. I couldn’t help but to become absorbed by their stories, and so the community kept growing and deepening.
What do you hope readers will get out of your book?
I hope they will gain insight into the issues faced by immigrants in America, especially into the way that class plays a role in their experiences. I want people to understand the dignity and beauty of the lives of working-class people in this country.
If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?
Set a schedule for your writing. There’s always something else to be done, so your writing time has to be carved out of an already full day. Create a word-count goal each day, whether it is 200 words or 2,000 words, and do your best to meet it. Single drops of water will eventually fill the well.
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