Storyteller at heart

Author Archives: Sanela

Eyes of the Void

Posted on by Posted in New blog post, Sanela Ramic Jurich

Short horror fiction, inspired by a nightmare. 

 

Eyes of the Void

© Sanela Ramic Jurich
 
 

One October morning, some years ago, I woke up from a nightmare. As I startled awake, the image of coal-black eyes lingered in my mind. The rest of the dream eluded me, but the image of those demon eyes stayed with me along with my saying, “They’re so black. Why are they so black?” That’s all I remembered.

As the day went on, I tried to shake the dream but couldn’t. My mind kept going back to those eyes. I could still feel the fear I had felt during my nightmare.

Finally, I gave up trying to forget. I sat down at the computer and let my mind weave a story. This is the story I came up with.

Enjoy.

 

 

About Me

Author Sanela Ramic Jurich

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Stories of Survival: From War to Fantasy, and Remembering

Posted on by Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway

 

 

Q: “How did writing your books help you process your experiences of war and displacement?” –Sada Cengic McDaniel

A: Writing my books allowed me to unpack all the emotions and memories I had buried. It helped me make sense of the chaos I lived through and gave me a way to share my story with others who might feel lost or displaced. In many ways, it was a form of healing, turning pain into something meaningful. ~Sanela

 

Hello,

Today’s September 11th, a day that holds a lot of weight for so many people. It’s one of those days where we all pause, even if just for a moment, to remember what was lost and reflect on how the world changed. It got me thinking about my own story and the journey that led me to write the books I’ve published so far. So, I thought I’d share a bit of that with you today.

I was born in former Yugoslavia and moved to the USA when I was 16, just a few days before my 17th birthday. The reason? War. That time of my life was chaotic and scary, leaving home and everything I knew behind. I didn’t fully understand it all back then, but looking back now, I realize how much those experiences shaped who I am—and what I write.

I wrote two books about that part of my life. Remember Me and Haunting from the Past are both deeply personal. They touch on themes like displacement, survival, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar. It was cathartic to write them, to put those memories and feelings into words, and I hope they resonate with people who’ve gone through their own hardships.

Then there’s my fantasy book, Between the Worlds, which I wrote under the pen name Ella Rees. It’s a bit of a departure from my other work, but in a way, it still deals with the same themes—survival, identity, and finding your place in the world, just with a lot more magic and adventure. I’ve always loved fantasy because it lets you escape reality for a while but still sneak in some truth. Even in an imaginary world, we’re still wrestling with who we are and where we belong, right?

So, on a day like today, when we’re all reflecting on survival and loss, I wanted to share a piece of my story and how it’s influenced my writing. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to check out any of my books. Whether it’s the real-world stories or the fantasy ones, I hope they speak to you in some way.

Thanks for letting me share, and take care of yourselves today.

♥ Sanela

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Me

Author Sanela Ramic Jurich

View my complete profile

 

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Camping Chronicles: Iowa Adventures with My Boys

Posted on by Posted in New blog post, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

 

Ah, camping. That glorious time when we trade our comfy beds for sleeping bags and our reliable Wi-Fi for spotty cell service. This summer, I decided to go all in—packing up my two sons, my two cousins, and a questionable amount of bug spray for a camping trip to Iowa.

It was my first time camping ever!

Tents, Tackle, and Tentative Plans

I’d like to say that we went into the wilderness with a plan, but let’s be real—our plan was to wing it. We pitched our tents (after a few “Are you sure that’s right?” moments), and embarked on a mission to catch some fish. Now, when I say “fish,” what I really mean is that we tangled a lot of lines, got some great arm workouts from reeling in nothing, and managed to catch exactly one fish. But hey, it’s the effort that counts, right?

 

 

Off the Grid, But Not Off the Hook

The beauty of camping in Iowa is the scenery. Rolling hills, lush greenery, and skies so blue you almost forget your Netflix queue. We took in the sights, hiked until our feet begged for mercy, and marveled at how anything can taste gourmet when cooked over a campfire. Smores, anyone?

 

 

But the real highlight? It came before we even left civilization.

The Convenience Store Serenade

On our way to the campsite, we made a pit stop at the last convenience store before going off-grid. Picture this: an old-school country store with a weathered sign and a porch straight out of a movie. Inside, the store’s owner, a man who must’ve been around since the dawn of time, noticed it was my son’s birthday. My son, now 17 and far too cool for anything, was clearly trying to fly under the radar. But the store owner had other plans.

Before we knew it, the man was belting out “Happy Birthday” with all the gusto of a Broadway star. My son, mortified but secretly delighted, couldn’t hide his grin. It was one of those moments that makes you grateful for the kindness of strangers—and for having the foresight to document it on video for future blackmail opportunities.

 

Final Thoughts

Camping is always an adventure, but this trip to Iowa was something special. It wasn’t just about the fishing, the hiking, or the smores (though those were all pretty great). It was about spending time with the people I care about, making memories that we’ll laugh about for years to come. And as we packed up our gear, sunburnt and satisfied, I couldn’t help but think: maybe we’ll do it again next year—after I restock on bug spray.

Sanela

 

 

 

Echoes of the Past

Posted on by Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Purchase Books, Uncategorized

 

In another place, in another time, I wonder who I might have been.

The past beats inside me like a second heart.

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM ♥ 

 

Click to Buy!

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you’ve known them forever?

Against all odds, you know deep inside that you know them. They feel familiar and comforting. You are drawn to them, but you only just met them. How can that be? Could it be some kind of a karmic connection? Soulmates? Could it all be just a figment of your imagination, or could there be an actual rational explanation for feeling this way? Is there a scientific explanation or is it fate?

Sarah Wilson’s existence takes an unexpected turn when her ex-husband’s violence leads to her untimely demise. It’s in that moment of passing that Sarah ventures to a place she recognizes as home, where memories of her true self and her soulmate, Jachin—now known as Jack Adams—resurface.

Throughout the tapestry of time and myriad incarnations, one steadfast presence endured—their undying love for each other.

 

Between the Worlds: The Story of Us is free on kindleunlimited. 

Also available in paperback on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBERING 1992 KOZARAC

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, Bosnia, Genocide, New blog post, Prijedor, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“The initial takeover included the attack on the town of Kozarac near Prijedor, on 24 May 1992, which included two days of artillery barrage and an assault by a mechanised brigade of troops. As a result, some 800 civilians out of a population of around 4,000 were killed.” ~Source 

 

 

This time of year always brings up feelings of fear, overwhelming sadness, and a sense of not being wanted in the world or in life in general. 

I witnessed the most horrible things happening to my family, friends, neighbors, and ultimately to me… I survived, but many didn’t.

The year was 1992. It felt like hell on earth. In Europe, in a country called Yugoslavia, in a smaller place called Bosnia, and an even smaller town called Prijedor with its surrounding municipalities, everything was being torn apart. People I loved were consumed by evil: murder, torture, concentration and rape camps… Why?

This year marks thirty-two years since the attack on Kozarac. 

I would like to share  an excerpt from a book called Love Thy Neighbor: A Story of War by Peter Maass (An American Journalist).

I highly recommend this book. It is the first book I have read on the subject that describes Bosnia and Croatia in 1992 and 1993 exactly as they were, exactly how I saw it, but from a foreign person’s perspective.

Peter Maass worked as a foreign correspondent from 1983 to 1995, based in Asia and Europe. His articles have appeared in the Washington Post, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and The New Republic. His wartime dispatches from the Balkans led to his selection as a finalist for the 1993 Livingston Award for International Reporting. He is currently a magazine writer and lives in New York City. 

Nationalist Serbs staged a nighttime coup to take over (my town) Prijedor. There wasn’t much fighting because the Serbs were well armed and there was no resistance to speak of. No one else was prepared for war. The man named Kovacevic organized the takeover. 

In this excerpt, Peter Maass talks about the attack on Kozarac. Continue reading →

Q&A Time

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

Welcome to a rare midweek treat! It’s Wednesday, and I’ve decided to spice things up by answering some of the intriguing questions you lovely folks have sent my way over the past couple of weeks.

 

 

Q: Do you believe in ghosts? This isn’t about writing I just wanna know.

A: Well, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. It depends on whether I’m in a well-lit room or if I’m alone in the dark with a creaky floorboard and a spooky noise. So, I guess you could say my belief in ghosts is as fickle as a cat’s loyalty!

Q: If you had to give up your keyboard and write your stories exclusively by hand, could you do it?

A: Yes, I could definitely write my stories by hand, but deciphering my handwriting would be like trying to read an ancient scroll written by a very caffeinated chicken. So, it might turn into a mystery novel for anyone trying to read it!

Q: Write a short love letter to your readers.

A: Dear Amazing Reader,

Every time you turn a page, my heart skips a beat. Your eyes tracing my words are like a gentle caress, igniting sparks of inspiration in my soul. Together, we create a world where wit and charm dance like no one’s watching.

Stay fabulous, stay curious, and always remember: you’re the plot twist that keeps me writing.

With all my literary love,

Sanela

Continue reading →

READ WITH ME…

Posted on by Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich

Read with me…

In between the known and unknown, I find my soul, forever grown… ~Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

Between the Worlds

 
Click to buy

Description

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you’ve known them forever? Against all odds, you know deep inside that you know them. They feel familiar and comforting. You are drawn to them, but you only just met them. How can that be? Could it be some kind of a karmic connection? Soulmates? Could it all be just a figment of your imagination, or could there be an actual rational explanation for feeling this way? Is there a scientific explanation or is it fate?
 

Sarah Wilson was a woman of extraordinary powers descended from a legendary figure known as Air. Joined by her two sisters in power, Sarah’s existence took an unexpected turn when her ex-husband’s violence led to her untimely demise. It was in that moment of passing that Sarah journeyed to a place she recognized as home, where memories of her true self and her soulmate, Jachin—now known as Jack Adams—resurfaced.

But the sisters in power intervened, bringing Sarah’s spirit back to life, empowering her to confront her assailant. With her rebirth as Sarah Wilson, a flood of memories from her past lives and her connection to home surged within her being.

 

PROLOGUE:

Available now. Click to buy!

 

WONDERFUL, GLORIOUS SPRING!

Posted on by Posted in Ella Rees, Nature, New blog post, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland

 

 

Everything looks so pretty, so ready. Of the scents, the textures, the colors! 

 

“My crow’s-feet look like eyeleshes, haha!” ~Sanela

As I sit here, savoring my morning coffee, I can’t help but revel in the sheer beauty of this day. Spring has finally graced us with its presence, and its arrival is nothing short of spectacular. Blossoms adorn every corner, painting the landscape with hues of pink, white, and delicate pastels. The air is imbued with the unmistakable fragrance of spring, a symphony of floral scents that dance on the breeze.

Today, I’ve taken my coffee ritual outdoors, allowing myself to fully immerse in the wonders of this season. As I take a sip, the warmth of the mug in my hands contrasts with the gentle caress of the spring breeze on my cheeks. It’s a delightful sensation, one that instantly uplifts my spirits and fills me with gratitude.

Here in Chicagoland, the temperature reads a perfect 77 degrees, and it feels like heaven. The sun is shining brightly, casting its golden rays upon everything it touches. In my backyard, nature seems to have come alive. Birds chirp merrily in the trees, their joyful melodies adding to the symphony of sounds that surround me. Squirrels dart playfully across the grass, while butterflies flit from flower to flower, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight.

As I take another sip of my coffee, I marvel at the beauty of this moment. It’s a simple pleasure, yet one that brings me immense joy. 

Before long, I’ll whip up some candied pecans to surprise my two sleeping giants. Later, I’ll relish watching them tackle the grass and tend to our yard. Then, it’s on to dinner prep. Tonight, I’ll treat us to my famous Parmesan Chicken paired with a fresh garden salad. Yet, the highlight of my day awaits in the evening—settling into my favorite cozy chair with a new book. I can’t imagine a better Saturday than this.

So here’s to spring mornings, to the simple pleasures of coffee enjoyed al fresco, and to the beauty of simple pleasures in life.

Cheers to spring! ♥

Sanela 

 

World Book Day

Posted on by Posted in Book recommendation, Books, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

Tue April 23rd, 2024 – World Book Day

“Books are a refuge, a sort of cloistral refuge, from the vulgarities of the actual world.” – Walter Pater

Have you ever felt like you’re discovering a piece of your soul in a book? Picture immersing yourself in its pages, journeying to different realms, and encountering characters who become like cherished companions. Every flip of the page unveils a fresh adventure and insight, influencing how you perceive the world.

World Book and Copyright Day is a special day dedicated to books, authors, and intellectual property protection.

23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books.

 

Use this day as an excuse to celebrate your favorite author and their books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.

Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.

Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.