Baktash Vafaei’s journey is one of transformation—one that took him from a successful career in aviation to becoming an author dedicated to inspiring young minds. With 15 years in quality management and a key role in security planning for the G20 Summit in Germany, Baktash’s professional path was marked by discipline and achievement. However, his true calling lay elsewhere—in the power of storytelling.
Now based in the USA, Baktash is the author of both children’s books and non-fiction, with his heart deeply invested in the “Stories of Kusha and Nika” series. Inspired by his own children, these books aim to provide valuable life lessons in a playful yet meaningful way. In this interview, Baktash shares his inspirations, creative process, and the challenges of illustrating his own work—all while offering insights for parents and young readers alike.
Join us as we explore the journey of an author who believes that stories can do more than entertain—they can shape values, build resilience, and strengthen the bond between parents and children.
HELLO BAKTASH VAFAEI, WELCOME TO WORLDAUTHORS.ORG CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND?
My name is Baktash Vafaei, and I am an author of children’s books and non-fiction. However, before I found my passion for writing, my journey took me through many different experiences – both professionally and personally.
I originally worked in the aviation industry, where I spent 15 years in quality management. One of the most defining moments of my career was my involvement in security planning for the G20 Summit in Germany – a challenging task for which I was even awarded a medal.
But despite my professional success, I eventually realized that I wanted something different: I wanted to inspire people on a deeper level. Books have always meant a lot to me – they can share knowledge, make people think, and most importantly, tell stories that touch the heart.
Today, I live in the USA and follow my passion for writing books that provide value to both adults and children. My children’s book series, “Stories of Kusha and Nika”, is especially close to my heart. It is inspired by real experiences with my own children and is designed to give parents and children valuable insights into everyday challenges in a playful way.
For me, writing is not just a profession – it is my way of passing on experiences, values, and emotions. And that is what motivates me every single day.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS?
My greatest inspiration comes from my children, Kusha and Nika. As a father, I experience so many special moments every day – beautiful ones, challenging ones, and sometimes even funny ones. I quickly realized that many of these situations are not just unique to our family, but something that other parents and children can relate to as well.
I wanted to write books that do more than just entertain – books that provide real value. Stories that teach children important values in a playful way while helping parents approach certain challenges from a new perspective.
That’s why “Stories of Kusha and Nika” is more than just a collection of fictional tales – it is a reflection of real family life, with all its ups and downs.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS – FROM IDEA TO FINISHED BOOK?
Everything starts with a real-life situation from our daily experiences. Maybe a moment when I notice my children learning something new or overcoming a challenge. These experiences form the foundation of my stories.
I then think about how to turn them into a story that is relatable to other parents and children. It is important to me that the narrative is simple yet meaningful.
Next comes the illustration process. I create all the illustrations myself, which is often the most challenging part because they need to perfectly complement the story. Once everything aligns, the book is ready for publishing.
WHAT THEMES OR MESSAGES DO YOU WANT YOUNG READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOKS?
I want my books to provide valuable lessons for both children and parents. My stories help children navigate everyday challenges while teaching values like respect, resilience, and self-confidence.
But it’s not just about the kids – my books also offer useful insights for parents. Sometimes, seeing a situation from a different perspective can help parents respond with more patience and understanding.
I firmly believe that experiences shape our future, and my goal is to share these experiences in a way that benefits both parents and children.
DO YOU ILLUSTRATE YOUR BOOKS YOURSELF, OR DO YOU WORK WITH ILLUSTRATORS?
I do everything myself – from the first word to the final illustration. Every detail in my books comes from my own hands because I want to ensure that the text and images align perfectly. It’s a lot of work, but I truly enjoy bringing my stories to life visually.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOURNEY AS A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR?
Writing the stories has never been a challenge for me – they come naturally because they are based on real-life experiences. The biggest challenge has definitely been the illustrations.
It’s not just about drawing nice pictures – they need to capture the emotions and messages of the story. I’ve invested a lot of time in developing my own style and finding the perfect balance between text and visuals.
But overcoming these challenges is what makes the creative process so rewarding.
HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR READERS AND RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON YOUR BOOKS?
I receive a lot of positive feedback, especially from parents. Many tell me that they see themselves in the stories and that the books have helped them approach certain situations with their children differently.
This direct interaction with my readers means the world to me. It shows me that my stories are making a real impact – and that’s the greatest reward an author can receive.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BOOK YOU’VE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHY?
Definitely all of “Stories of Kusha and Nika”! These books are incredibly special to me because they are based on our real family life. Every story comes from an experience we’ve actually had – with all the challenges, funny moments, and small but valuable lessons that make parenting such an incredible journey.
These books are a part of our family’s story, and that’s what makes them so meaningful to me.
ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY NEW BOOKS OR PROJECTS?
Yes! “Stories of Kusha and Nika” will continue, and I have many more ideas and surprises planned. Their journey is far from over, and I can’t wait to share new adventures that will inspire both children and parents.
You can check the books on Amazon and get to know more about the on www.stateguides.shop/author and Amazon