Article by Luke Teigue & Photography by Stephen McFillin | Owl Staff
Professor Susan Muaddi Darraj stands next to a flyer advertising her newest novel, “Behind You is The Sea.”
Personal experiences and real-world events can often inspire authors to create a story that deeply resonates with readers. With a background in writing and literature reaching back as far as the fourth grade, Professor Susan Muaddi Darraj has crafted a complex and touching new novel.
Since 2004, Darraj has worked full time at Harford Community College teaching both literature and creative writing. She is now a published author, USA Artists Ford Fellow, winner of an American Book Award, two Arab American Book Awards, and a Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artists Award.
Her most recent novel, titled “Behind You Is the Sea,” tells the story of a Palestinian-American immigrant community in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Darraj spent six years writing the book, mainly writing bit by bit on early mornings and during the summer when schools are closed.
“I started with the character of Marcus, and I fleshed out his background and his backstory,” says Darraj. “And then I started building a community around him—I dove into the lives of people with whom he interacted. The book grew from there.”
For the title, Darraj references the quote from Muslim general Tariq ibn Ziyad, who led the invasion of southern Spain. After his troops landed on the coast, Ziyad burned their ships and told them, “Behind you is the sea, before you is the enemy.” They had to continue forward, as there was no going back. Darraj believes many immigrants feel the same way, having to survive in America because their homelands are torn by war.
“And then I started building a community around him—I dove into the lives of people with whom he interacted. The book grew from there.”
“I was trying to demonstrate the urgency that these immigrants feel to adapt to life,” Darraj continues, “while also shining a light on the grief they feel at leaving their homes and their way of life.”
Some of the biggest challenges Darraj faced when writing were the themes of domestic violence, military occupation, disability, sexism, and racism. She describes herself as a perfectionist and a ruthless editor, which contributed to the already hefty task of creating a novel.
Darraj is inspired by everyone from William Shakespeare, to Toni Morrison, to Colm Toibin, June Jordan, and Etaf Rum. After reading, Darraj hopes people will learn a little bit about others who may be different than they are, and that they will see many similarities that surprise them.
Darraj’s advice to up-and coming writers is to write and read consistently in order to understand craft, plot, and character development. The average book is around 75,000 words, and writing for an hour a day can add up fast.
“Write every day,” says Darraj. “You have more time than you assume you do. Even one hour a day can get you to write 200 or 300 words… Every little bit counts.”
Readers can find “Behind You Is the Sea” at their local bookstore or online.
Susan Muaddi Darraj’s new novel “Behind You Is the Sea” tells the story of three Palestinian immigrant families living in America.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece. I think the advice she gave to aspiring writers was truthful and touching.