We recently connected with Assaf Raz and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Assaf thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

2020 changed my life. Shortly before the year started, we were pushing along a years-long plan to move up to Oregon and live in nature. We found a town, bought a house, and dreamed about our would-be farm. When the pandemic hit, we faced the option of financial ruin, which shuffled all our cards. Gone was the plan to move out, and instead, we focused on keeping all that we built.

I discovered my calling, to become a writer, as the virus and riots swapped throughout the country. The associated risk was two-fold. On one hand, it required a sacrifice of countless hours toward a non-paying gig but that wasn’t the worse. The real danger was always the subject matter and what could happen to my family due to that.

Three-plus years later, the first books are about ready. I don’t know what would happen next, but I grew to understand that the greatest risk of all, is not doing anything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Assaf Raz; many labels can fit me. Yet, here are the most important in order: Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend, and Partner.

I have my hands in various industries and professions. Yet, the most important thing is my Writing. Through it, I strive to understand myself better and bring value to those around me.

Discovering my Writer path took a long time. I spent two decades building businesses and not bothering with any other questions. It wasn’t until 2020 that the realization dawned on me–it was up to me to make sure that my kids grow into a better world.

I began writing my current project in June 2020 while grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the riots. The project became my way to understand the world better while offering help. The first book will be released in the coming months.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The decision to begin writing was challenging as my available time was non-existent. The COVID pandemic threatened to destroy all that we built, and we had to become full-time employees in our businesses. Furthermore, we decided to home-school our kids, which further daunted our schedule.

Faced with the above challenges, I committed to waking up every morning at 4 a.m. to have time to write. Once my wife released me from the kids, the daily grind continued as I fought to find any available minute to keep pushing forward.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

This is very simple–honor the 1st Amendment. Freedom of Speech is sacred for any creativity, even if you find it offensive.

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