Author Interview: Meglena Ivanova

Meglena Ivanova wrote The Legend of the Moonstone: A Series for Kids and Young Adults *review* and asked me if I would read and review her books, and of course I said yes. I asked her some questions about herself and wanted to know if she would answer them. She said she would so here is the interview we have put together!

Tell us about yourself…

Hi everybody, my name is Meglena Ivanova and I’m the author of the very new YA fiction book – The Legend of The Moonstone. I’m from Bulgaria, but now I live in NYC with my husband, bearded dragon and abnormally strange cat. One of my favorite things to do is to cook. I love taking the time to plan and prepare meals. I try to use all organic ingredients and make everything from scratch. I’m also into dancing, movies, and Apple products. Occasionally I like to write short (usually about mystical, mythological creatures and old but sacred objects that are described in ancient legends) fiction stories.

When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I always intended to be a writer from the moment I could read, really. I started out writing as a child of about ten. I was following two voices. First was a voice from outside, my mother’s voice, which told me I was good with words and very creative. But you also have to follow your own voice; about what feels right and what doesn’t. And when I sat down to write an assay or story, I felt more at home with myself than at any other time. So the two voices together helped me decide. I still enjoy writing essays, but now I’m more focused on writing books.

What went through your mind when you realized your book was being published?

It’s funny you mention this. It was a pretty intense experience; I wrote between classes. I understood in some way how hard it would be once I got out into the non-college world to find time to write and I wanted to give myself a head start. When I moved to New York in 2011 I didn’t know that I would be published author one day, but when I saw my book at Amazon my heart started beating so fast. I can’t explain the feeling I got, my book cover looking at me. My heart swelled up as did my eyes. I said yes thank you, thank you and since then I’m so happy about it.

If your novel was made into a movie, who could you see playing the main characters?

Sometimes it’s fun to think about which actors could best portray the characters in your book.  Sometimes, I think it even helps get a better picture of what these characters could look like and how they could carry themselves.

For my Moonstone story, if it was made into a movie, I’d love to see the following cast:

• Jim Broadbent as Professor Stransky;

• Jennifer Lawrence or Bella Thorne as Sophia Mortal;

• Logan Lerman or Zac Efron as Daniel De Novo;

• Jamie Dornan as Christoph Collins;

What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t reading or writing?

When I’m not writing, reading or blogging, I enjoy gaining insights into the psychologies of other cultures and times, cooking or hanging out with my bearded dragon and my friends, my family.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I love sitting on the deck to read. I love reading by the fire as well…With hot cocoa or tea. :)  But my favorite places to read are at the Subway and at any Coffee shop.

What book are you reading now?

My friend Tony gave me an idea though. She recently posted about the books she wants to re-read. I really like crossing things off the list.

Therefore I present to you the books I must and shall re-read this month:

• Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

• Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte

• My Sister’s Keeper (Paperback) – Jodi Picoult

• The Book Thief (Hardcover) – Markus Zusak

I have many beloved non-fiction books but instead of re-reading them cover to cover, I tend to page through specific chapters and sections, as needed. But I needed to keep this list short if I’m really going to follow through. Otherwise, I’d have added Harry Potter and a few other worthy tomes. All in good time.

Most anticipated read of 2014?

I plan on making a decided effort to catch up on a few authors that I’ve just discovered or have found my neglecting for newer shinier releases. Some of the books I would like to read are:

• Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

• Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

• Thief’s Magic by Trudi Canavan

• The Shadow Throne by Django

• The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

• Veil of the Deserters by Jeff Salyards

• Sworn in Steel by Douglas Hulick

….. and many more.

Are there any authors who have caught your interest?

My favorite authors include Aleko Konstantinov, Ivan Vazov, Dimitar Dimov, Atanas Dalchev, David and Leigh Eddings, Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren, Anne Rice, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Lynn Flewelling, Paulo Coelho, Dan Brown, C. S. Lewis, L. J. Smith, J. K. Rowling, Stephanie Mayer, Nick Cassavetes and more. I read a lot of non-fiction and fiction, mostly science fiction & fantasy, also and religion & spirituality.

Favorite book/books of all time?

Some of my favorite books are The Belgariad and The Malloreon; The Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and the Six Bullerby Children, The Monsters and the Critics; The Hobbit; The Lord of the Rings; Interview with the Vampire; Man in Black; The Notebook, The Da Vinci Code and the Sixth Seal; The Alchemist; Eleven Minutes; Twilight; Harry Potter’s books and more.

Are you writing anything right now?

I’m currently writing my second book from the sacred stones trilogy – The Bloodstone. I am not even done with the book and I have generated so much buzz over the project that I have had several people tell me that they want autographed copied of the work. I am still getting used to these requests.. It feels good though… to have people reacting so strongly just to even the concept of my book, I just can’t wait to finish it and move into the next phase of promoting it. When it’s ready I promise I will send it to you for an honest review. You are great Aubrey!!!

Thank you so much for all of your help and for the great review you wrote for my book – The Legend of The Moonstone.

Anyone who sends me an email and mentions reading my interview on your blog can get a FREE COPY, just enter “Meglena Ivanova” in the subject line.  :)

Warm wishes,

Meglena Ivanova

(w) http://meglenaivanova.com – The Lights in the Sky

(b) http://meglenaivanova.wordpress.com

(e) meglena.ivanovany@gmail.com

(t) https://twitter.com/Meglena_Ivanova

(f) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meglena-Ivanova/505904209458076

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7216923.Meglena_Ivanova

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/The-Legend-Moonstone-Series-Adults/dp/1491802286

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/377347

Thank you so much Meglena for the interview and the chance to read your book! It’s been amazing getting to know you!

 

Author Interview: Shannon A. Thompson

Shannon A. Thompson wrote Minutes Before Sunset (The Timely Death Trilogy #1) *my review* and asked me if I would review it, and naturally I said of course. She asked if I would want to have an author interview and I thought it would be fun, so we continued corresponding and came up with questions. Enjoy the interview!

Twitter

Goodreads

Website

1. Tell us about yourself…

I’m a 22-year-old author with a lot of passion to share with the world. I was first published at 16, and I write in many genres. My next novel is expected to release this March, but my ultimate goal is to inspire others to follow their dreams. I also love coffee and cats.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

When I was very young, I suffered from night terrors and nightmares. I – quite frankly – could not separate my dreams from reality. That was when my mother taught me to turn them into stories in order to cope. Unfortunately, she passed away very suddenly when I was eleven, and I knew I wanted to spend my life doing what I love. I immediately pursued my goal of becoming a published author, and I haven’t stopped writing since.

3. What went through your mind when you realized your book was being published?

Honestly, excitement followed by dread. The hardest part for me as a writer happens when I finish a novel and/or get the published product in my hands – it’s the ending of an exciting journey that I have spent years on – but those emotions are quickly replaced with enthusiasm when I return to my desk and begin a new novel. 

4. If your novel was made into a movie, who could you see playing the main characters?

 

If any of my novels were turned into movies, I would hope the director would consider an open-casting call. I want to be able to give opportunities to new actors and actresses pursuing their dreams, while also finding new people to fit into the roles. 

5. What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t reading or writing?

I drink a lot of coffee, and I spend too much time playing (cuddling) with my cat, Bogart. Correction: I don’t think someone can spend too much time with their family (and, yes, pets are family.) Other than that, I love traveling whenever I can, and I also like movies and murder mysteries.

6. Are the experiences in the book some you’ve had yourself?

The Timely Death Trilogy is actually based off of a series of dreams that I had when I was in high school. A boy visited me in my sleep, and you can read more about it (as well as an actual journal excerpt) here: http://shannonathompson.com/2013/11/15/my-dream-goodreads-extras/ 

7. What book are you reading now?

My current read is “the impossible knife of memory” by Laurie Halse Anderson. It’s amazing, but I’m also a huge fan of Anderson’s.   Goodreads for The Impossible Knife of Memory

8. How did you come up with the title?

The Timely Death Trilogy came down to two things: time and subject. Each novel has a level of explanation within the world light vs. dark (dark being the good guys, light being the bad.) 

For instance, Minutes Before Sunset (book 1) is focused on being in the Dark, and the shades turn at night, so the title is about the moment before entering the Dark, the minute of contemplation. Seconds Before Sunrise (book 1) is focused on being human. Since the shades are human during the day, this title happened because sunrise is the last moment before they turn. Death Before Daylight will be the ending, and it is focused on the Light, but that’s a mystery for now :] 

9. Are there any authors who have caught your interest?

Many! I love reading, so my calendar is filled with upcoming releases, although City of Heavenly Fire is probably my number one. 

*Aubrey Joy fangirling because of the love of City of Heavenly Fire*

10. Sneak peek of what you’re writing now?

Well, I’m technically done writing it, but Seconds Before Sunrise releases March 27, 2014. I am working on the edits of Death Before Daylight, and I’m also sneaking in new projects along the way. There just might be a new, science-fiction novel lingering in the near future. 

Thank you so much for letting me review your novel Minutes before Sunset (The Timely Death Trilogy #1) it was an amazing read and I cannot wait for March 27 to get the next in the series! Thanks for the interview as well!