1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
It sounds trivial, but I have been writing since my childhood. At school and universities, I always had assignments to write essays, both fiction and non-fiction. That’s how writing came into my life and stayed there.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Writing is my favorite way to construct my thoughts and express myself. A book is a great way to do so in a complete reconciled manner.
I used to suffer from chronic depression and was always dead set on finding a way out. I had many thoughts, approaches, and trials to make it happen. But because thoughts were floating in my head in a chaotic manner, I could never act upon them. I understood that if I cleared my head, I could make sense of what my common sense suggested me to do. I needed a systematic approach. I needed to keep my ideas noted. I needed to remind myself when I felt down that there were still light and happiness in the world. Writing was what helped me to do so.
I also observed other people who could easily fall in a state of despondency. Simple encouragements wouldn’t give consistent results. I believed that a book – a short straight to the point writing – would be a daily assistant they needed to keep them going and change their behavioral pattern from finding pain to having joys in everyday life.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The everyday life we are having is not boring because of routine and banality. It’s our attitude towards them that makes them unpleasant and meaningless.
But if we are aware, if we care about what we are doing and why, we can add colorful touches to that seem grey painting of everyday life. Words, music, pictures, people, and nature are irreplaceable sources of inspiration. In my book, Loving Ordinary Life, I explain how to use them to brighten up your life with very simple straightforward examples.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
It came naturally. I was trying to help myself, so it degenerated into a self-help book. Literally.
5) If you could sit down with any other author in your genre and pick their brain, what would you ask them and why?
I would ask them, if what they wrote about they implemented in their lives and if it actually worked for them. How often do they practice what they say? How much do they believe themselves? Why do they think they are experts on the chosen subject? Why do they believe their books should exist? I would ask them to be honest with themselves answering these questions to bring clarity into the significance of their works.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I am not an active social media user, and that’s where I miss out many opportunities, I know. But to work properly with social media, I should dedicate much time to learn how to do it. I haven’t done it yet.
I believe Facebook is the place where I got some results by communicating with my network and groups dedicated to writing and publishing.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
I would say – write. Put your fingers on a keyboard and start writing. Don’t wait for epiphany and inspiration. With writing will come practice to articulate your thoughts in a cohesive manner. Mastering this essential skill, you will be in your best shape when great ideas come to your mind.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have many ideas for books, both fiction and non-fiction. I already started writing short stories, consolidated by one problematic theme – relationship between man and woman. I also built a few universes in my head that I want to share with people, but I need clarity on where I would take a reader and what utility it would give him besides entertainment.
For non-fiction, I will go deeper into a philosophy of human existence.