1. What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration came from a growing concern about the direction
of the world, especially the imbalance I see in younger generations. Today’s
youth are highly advanced in technology and artificial intelligence, yet often
have limited exposure to foundational values such as family, respect, patience,
and a clear understanding of cause and effect, how every action inevitably
leads to consequences, both individually and collectively.
I felt a responsibility to create something meaningful that
could help bridge that gap. Not by imposing ideas, but by opening space for
reflection and awareness. I wanted to explore the understanding that what we do
our decisions, intentions, and behaviors does not only affect our personal
lives, but also shapes the world around us.
The goal was to create a story that inspires young people to
think, question, and recognize that they have a role in shaping the future. Not
through fear, but through purpose, responsibility, and awareness.
2. What exactly is it about — and who is it
written for?
The book is a science fiction story that spans from 9000 B.C. to
the year 2040, blending history, philosophy, and futuristic challenges. It
presents a future where “aliens” come to Earth to take what is most valuable,
our water, only to reveal that these aliens are humanity itself, returning
after having already destroyed the planet once before.
Beyond the storyline, the book explores essential themes such as
family values, forgiveness, unity, artificial intelligence, climate change, and
the impact of global transformations on human behavior. It brings together
young people from different religions, cultures, races, and countries, showing
that despite our differences, we are capable of working together toward a
common purpose.
At a deeper level, it reflects on the idea that if there is one
Creator, then humanity is also one, connected beyond all divisions. This
perspective reinforces the importance of responsibility, compassion, and
awareness in the way we live and relate to one another.
At its core, it addresses the gap between technological
advancement and the development of human values, emphasizing the need for
balance between progress and consciousness.
It is written primarily for teenagers and young adults, but its
message resonates with all generations. More than a story, it is a platform for
dialogue, designed to inspire meaningful conversations in schools, literary
groups, families, and society as a whole about the future we are building and
the values we choose to live by.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of
reading your book?
I hope readers gain awareness and a deeper sense of
responsibility. Today, many young people are highly connected to technology,
but less exposed to conversations about values such as family, respect,
patience, and the understanding that every action has a consequence.
Through this book, I want to open space for these conversations,
not only for young readers, but also between parents and children, within
schools, and across society as a whole. It is meant to encourage reflection
about who we are, how we act, and what kind of future we are creating.
If a reader finishes the book thinking differently, questioning
more, and feeling a greater sense of responsibility toward others and the
world, then the book has achieved its purpose.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design?
The title R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens came
from the idea of transforming something commonly seen as negative into
something meaningful. “Rats” are often associated with rejection, but in
reality they represent survival, adaptability, and resilience, qualities that
reflect the strength of young people when they come together with purpose.
The subtitle We Are One expresses the essence
of the message: unity beyond differences. It reflects the idea that, despite
our backgrounds, beliefs, or circumstances, we are all connected and part of
the same reality. The cover was designed to transmit movement, urgency, and
transformation. It is meant to capture attention, but also to reflect the
deeper message of the book, that change is necessary, and that it begins with
awareness and action.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other than run!?
Write with truth and responsibility. Today we live in a world
that is moving fast, full of distractions and superficial noise, but writing
requires depth, patience, and intention. Do not lose yourself trying to follow
trends or please others. Stay connected to your values, to your inner voice,
and to what is meaningful.
At the same time, understand that we are living in a new era.
Technology, including AI, is part of our reality, and it can be used as a tool,
but never as a replacement for your essence. What gives value to a story is not
technology, but the truth behind it.
Be disciplined, be consistent, and most importantly, be
authentic. The world does not need more content, it needs more meaning.
6. What trends in the book world do you see —
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
I believe the book world is entering a new era. Readers are
looking for stories with meaning, not only entertainment, and technology,
especially artificial intelligence, is transforming the way stories can be
created, developed, and imagined.
Today, there are practically no limits to creation and
imagination. AI can expand the author’s mind, refine ideas, and bring new
creative possibilities to life.
At the same time, the most powerful stories will always come
from human experience. Writers with more life experience bring wisdom, depth,
values, and perspective, while younger generations contribute technological
fluency, speed, and a new way of seeing the world.
The future of publishing will be shaped by this union, human
wisdom and technology working together. We are entering a new era of humanity,
where we will see profound changes not only in technology, but also in human
behavior.
The authors who will stand out are those who use these tools
without losing their truth, their identity, and their message.
7. Were there specific experiences in your
personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?
Yes. I began writing this book around 14 years ago, originally
in Portuguese, and over time I saw many of the ideas within the story become
increasingly relevant in the real world. Throughout these years, my journey,
through studies, life experiences, family, friendships, travel, and
professional responsibilities, transformed me deeply.
I am not the same person who began writing this book. As we
grow, new versions of ourselves emerge through the situations we face, and with
that, our values evolve and become more refined. This personal transformation
allowed me to revisit the story with greater clarity, maturity, and
understanding.
I also realized that we are in a constant process of growth and
transformation, much like infinite elements such as love and wisdom, which
continue to expand within us. This awareness shaped not only the narrative, but
also the depth of the message the book carries.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to?
My writing comes from within. I have never based my work on
other authors, nor have I been influenced by contemporary literature. The only
texts I have truly read are spiritual ones, and even then, they served more as
a source of reflection than as a model to follow.
My style is intuitive, shaped by life, by experience, and by
observing people and the world around me. It is not something I tried to
construct, it developed naturally as I wrote and as I evolved as a person. For
this reason, I do not believe my writing can be compared to any specific
author. It reflects my own voice, my own path, and my own way of understanding
life.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book?
The greatest challenge was time and the speed at which the world
was changing while I was writing. I began this book many years ago, and along
the way I witnessed major global transformations, wars, shifting alliances, and
events that directly reflected themes I had already written about. As reality
evolved, I had to revisit and rewrite parts of the story to keep it aligned and
meaningful.
At the time I began writing, artificial intelligence was not
part of the process. This made everything slower and required constant
back-and-forth with those who helped develop, translate, and refine the
manuscript. It demanded patience and persistence, but it also strengthened the
depth and quality of the work.
The COVID-19 pandemic also brought a profound shift. Society
changed, human behavior changed, and especially the younger generation moved
even deeper into a digital world. Even within families, dynamics transformed,
what was once restricted became normalized. All of this influenced the
direction and depth of the book.
At the same time, I was living my own life, raising my three
children, each now in different countries, managing work, travel, and
responsibilities. Balancing all of this with writing required discipline and
consistency.
The book was originally written in Portuguese, and later I
worked with Kevin Anderson & Associates for translation and development.
During the pandemic, I had the privilege of having it edited by Amanda A.
Barnett, an experienced editor who has worked with well-known authors.
After completing the manuscript, I submitted it internationally.
Shortly after, I received a message, unexpectedly, even found in my spam
folder, informing me that, among thousands of submissions, my book had been
selected for publication by Pegasus Publishing in London.
In the end, I understood something important: everything
happened not in my time, but in the right time. The journey, with all its
changes and challenges, prepared the book, and myself, for this moment.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours?
Because it speaks directly to the moment we are living in. We
are surrounded by conflicts, divisions, and uncertainty, often feeling
powerless as we watch the world unfold. This book invites readers to reflect on
an urgent question: how much longer can we continue on this path without
consequence?
If we do not learn to respect one another and unite, regardless
of religion, background, color, or social status, we risk deepening divisions
that could lead to irreversible consequences. The story highlights that what we
do, both individually and collectively, shapes the future we will live in.
At its core, the message is simple but powerful: if God is one,
then we are one. This idea is also expressed through the concept We Are
One, which inspired the song created for the book.
We often look at the world and feel uncertain, but change does
not begin globally, it begins within each of us. Through our actions, our
choices, and how we treat others, we have the power to create a better
environment for all.
This book is not only a story, it is an invitation to awareness,
responsibility, and to take an action. It encourages us to build a world
with more respect, unity, and purpose, so that future generations inherit not
only progress, but also humanity.
About The Author: Claudia Daher is a Brazilian-born author,
entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Aruba. As director of the Aruba
Racquet Club and developer of the island’s first sport and wellness hotel, she
actively builds environments centered on discipline, health, and human
connection. Her work is influenced by ancient wisdom traditions, global
cultural perspectives, and her involvement in interfaith dialogue. Through her
debut novel, R.A.T..S: Revolutionary Army of Teens – We Are One,
she brings these principles into a story designed to inspire unity,
responsibility, and conscious leadership in younger generations. For more
information, see:www.claudiadaherauthor.com and please watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[link-da-musica]
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For
the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He
formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the
head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the
director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many
first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with
best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen,
Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard,
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Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.
His
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The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs
He
hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and
has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers
Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod
Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five
times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and
Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.
His
letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal,
USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester)
and The Washington Post. His first published book was The
Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook. It
was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.
Born
and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids,
and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.
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