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:
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Jim Broadbent as Professor Stransky;
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Jennifer Lawrence or Bella Thorne as Sophia Mortal;
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Logan Lerman or Zac Efron as Daniel De Novo;
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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:
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Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
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Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
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My Sister’s Keeper (Paperback) – Jodi Picoult
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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:
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Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
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Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
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Thief’s Magic by Trudi Canavan
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The Shadow Throne by Django
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The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
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Veil of the Deserters by Jeff Salyards
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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
aubrey joy books 