We found out that Carol Waites had written a personal memoir and insights from a long career at the United Nations in Geneva. She is offering up a copy of her new book to one lucky knowitall reader! We asked her a few questions.
Carol: what has been the inspiration behind your book?
I wrote Behind the Flags as I realized that little is known about what goes on inside the United Nations externally and often internally. In my classes, students would join saying they wanted to be mobile between sections, but that they had no knowledge of what went on in other sections. That way they would meet other staff members, improve their writing skills and English for their job interviews. I also realized that it was difficult for people new to Geneva to decide where to live and where to educate their children, so I also decided to share my experience in those areas.
Have you been working on this idea forever?
I had decided before taking my retirement and already collected all my anecdotes. So I made notes in the last few years of my working life and started writing it as soon as I retired. Who has time while they are working?
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Deciding how to make the book informative and not libellous! My intention was always to inform and to illustrate cross cultural issues evident in such a multinational organization, and never to discuss gossip or to criticize. I made sure that I wasn’t making unsubstantiated claims. This is delicate as I am telling stories of those in my classes, so I discuss this aspect in the book. Then another obstacle was how to publish it. I realized that I couldn’t use traditional publishing houses as they would direct the content towards their readers, while my readers are global. My newsletter has people from my previous online writing courses and they are located globally.
What are your plans for the future?
I am writing a set of writing manuals as I had to design my own. They are rather niche as they are for writers in international organizations, but fascinate people from outside as well. I am also attempting to write a fictional novel about life inside international organizations. I greatly admired Grand Days by Frank Moorhouse, who successfully wrote a novel about a young Australian diplomat joining the League of Nations in the 1920s. He inspired me so I am attempting that as well, but mine will be set in today’s world.
What is your favorite part of the book and why?
I love the beginning showing my discovery of the United Nations in the Villa le Bocage, where we were located in my first visits. The drawings by Christine Lefeaux are spectacular and she really caught the atmosphere.
I also write weekly writing tips, which I include in my website and can send out in a newsletter if they sign up.
Carol has kindly offered one of our readers the chance to win a copy of Behind the Flags (value €19.-).
Just fill out this form and answer this multiple choice question: What is Behind the Flags about?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 11 September 2025. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random by Friday, 12 September 2025. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email. Can be sent to addresses either in Switzerland or France.
Lulu print-on-demand products: link to order book
Behind the Flags, by Carol Waites
Publication Date: 13 August 2025
Language: English
ISBN: 9783952632727
Category: Biographies & Memoirs
Copyright: All Rights Reserved - Standard Copyright License
Pages: 262
Binding Type: Paperback Perfect Bound
Dimensions: 152 x 229 mm
Suggested retail price: €19.-
