Some moments stay with us forever. This was mine. Thank you for connecting with Remember Me. 💔
~Sanela
A New Year, a New Chapter: 2025 Begins with Promise
As the calendar turns to a fresh page, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful duality of new beginnings: the excitement of what lies ahead and the quiet gratitude for the journey that brought me here. Each New Year feels like a blank canvas, waiting for us to paint it with our dreams, our efforts, and even our stumbles. This year, 2025, feels especially significant. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that I’ve been quietly anticipating for a while now.
While I can’t share all the details just yet, I can say this—there are incredible things on the horizon. It’s a strange and wonderful feeling to hold a piece of good news close, knowing it will soon unfold into something even more meaningful. For now, let’s just say that 2025 has already surprised me in the best way, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes me.
One of the greatest joys of stepping into a new chapter is looking back at the love and support I’ve been fortunate to receive. Recently, a few reviews for my books reminded me why I embarked on this writing journey in the first place. One reader wrote: “Listening to Remember Me by Sanela Jurich was an emotional rollercoaster that left me feeling shaken, heartbroken, and deeply moved.” Another said, “Sanela Ramic Jurich has a gift for sharing the very real feelings of her characters with the reader.”
Knowing my stories resonate with readers, especially those who have shared their own reflections with me, fills my heart with gratitude. Writing can be such a solitary endeavor, but moments like these remind me of the incredible connection stories can foster.
As I look ahead, I’m filled with hope. Hope for the stories I’ve yet to tell, the journeys I’ve yet to take, and the opportunities waiting just around the corner. This year, I’ll continue to write, to dream, and to embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with any new chapter.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Whether you’ve read one of my books, left a kind review, or simply cheered me on from afar, your support means more than words can express. I hope 2025 is a year of new beginnings for all of us—a year filled with growth, love, and the kind of magic that makes life so extraordinary.
With all my love,
Sanela ♥
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
PURCHASE MY BOOKS.
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
“My heart belongs to summer and my soul to fall… but still come my dear winter. I’ll experience you like I’ve never did before.” ― Mystqx Skye
Ah, winter – the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… the winter blues? If the chilly weather has got you feeling a bit down this Valentine’s Day, fear not, fellow bookworms! I’ve curated a list of tips to help you turn those winter blues into a celebration of self-love, complete with the magic of books.
Snuggle up with a Book: What better way to escape the winter chill than by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book? Grab your favorite novel, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the power of storytelling transport you to different worlds.
Create a Literary Feast: Channel your inner chef and cook up a storm inspired by your favorite book. Whether it’s the iconic butterbeer from Harry Potter or a feast fit for hobbits, let literature be your guide to a culinary adventure.
Bookish Decorations: Spruce up your space with literary-themed decorations. Create heart-shaped bookmarks, arrange your bookshelves by color, or set the mood with fairy lights and literary quotes. Your space will feel like a cozy book nook in no time.
Host a Virtual Book Club: Connect with fellow book lovers virtually and host a Valentine’s Day book club. Choose a book that celebrates self-love or features a heartwarming story. Discussing literature with like-minded individuals can be a delightful way to spend the day.
Write Your Own Love Story: If you’re feeling inspired, why not channel your creativity into writing? Pen down your thoughts, start a short story, or even work on that novel you’ve been dreaming of. Your words have the power to create worlds and inspire others.
Bookish Movie Marathon: Sometimes, the best stories come to life on the screen. Curate a list of movie adaptations of your favorite books and indulge in a cozy movie marathon. It’s a perfect blend of literary love and cinematic charm.
Bookstore Adventure: Venture out to your favorite bookstore or library. Treat yourself to a new book or explore a genre you haven’t delved into before. The scent of new books and the promise of undiscovered stories will lift your spirits.
This Valentine’s Day, let the magic of books be your guide to self-love and literary joy. By incorporating these bookish delights into your celebration, you’ll find that escaping the winter blues is as simple as turning the page of a beloved novel. Happy reading, and may your heart be warmed by the love of literature!
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.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog
Let's enjoy some books together!
Q: What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
A: Hmm, great question. You know, I’ve always found myself creating these idealized versions of people I like. It could be a crush, a friend, or someone whose personality I admire. I tend to daydream about them, putting them on a pedestal until they become this perfect, almost God-like figure.
Take my first book-boyfriend, Johnny. In my mind, he was absolutely perfect—looks, personality, the whole package. I wanted my readers to fall in love with him just as much as I did, to feel the pain of loss when he met his demise in the story. The real Johnny, the inspiration behind the character, didn’t survive the convoy I wrote about in “Remember Me.” So, he remains forever “that” Johnny, the one I idealized and perfected in my mind. He’ll never reveal his true, human self because he never got the chance to live into his true adulthood.
In my latest book, “Between the Worlds,” I found myself idolizing a friend who, in the end, betrayed me. It was a tough reality check, discovering how mundane he truly was. It shattered the perfect image I’d created in my mind. I wished he could have stayed the way he was in my imagination. So, halfway through writing this fantastic book, he showed me his true colors, and it was challenging to finish it the way I initially planned, with him being as amazing as I made him out to be. But, you know, that’s the beauty of fiction—it’s a fantasy. In real life, I don’t think men that perfect exist because, well, they’re only human.
Q: What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
A: Oh, that’s a scenario I’m quite familiar with. My creative process is a bit unconventional, to be honest. When a new idea hits me, it’s like an image pops into my head, and it nags at me until I acknowledge it. If I start daydreaming about it, the idea tends to evolve into a full-fledged story. If I really like it and believe I can translate it from my mind to paper, I’ll sit down at the computer and start writing, describing that initial image.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t sound as good on paper as it did in my head. In those cases, I let go of the idea. But if I find myself smiling and naturally expanding on it, if my mind keeps weaving through the narrative, then I know it’s worth pursuing. Most of the time, if a story feels book-worthy, I can seamlessly transition to it after completing my current project.
So, to answer your question, I do prioritize finishing my current project first before diving into the next one. However, I like to sprinkle little teasers throughout the writing process of my first project to keep the new idea fresh in my mind. Does that make sense? It’s a bit of a quirky process, I admit.
Q: What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
A: Oh, I could talk about books all day! One author I absolutely adore is Anne Rice. Her vampire series, especially with Lestat, is my all-time favorite. Her writing has this magical way of transporting you to different places and times. The vivid pictures she paints in a reader’s mind just make me get completely lost in her stories. I remember Merick was the first book of hers I read, and from then on, I was hooked.
Dean Koontz is another author I’ve enjoyed, especially his book “Odd Thomas”. It’s one of those books I go back to every once in a while.
Now, I have a guilty pleasure for the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. And anything about witches? Count me in! “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is a particular favorite, although the next book in the series didn’t quite meet my expectations. Maybe the anticipation got the best of me.
Oh, and if you’ve got time, I could go on and on with recommendations. Once I start talking about books, it’s hard to stop. I could keep you entertained for hours!
C.B: Well, it sounds like you have a passion for books that’s truly infectious! I appreciate your recommendations and insights. We could chat about literature for hours, but I’ll let you get back to your own writing endeavors. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recommendations today!
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.
Q: “How do you solve a writer’s block?”
A: I wish I had some magical and quick answer to give you, but I don’t. I only experienced writer’s block once, but it lasted for a few years. I was going through some really tough times in my married life, and I simply lost my ability to create. I was depressed and mentally absent. I couldn’t concentrate on anything except what was happening in reality. It was tough because my ability to escape into my writing had always been my savior.
Then, unexpectedly, during a playful banter with a friend, a whimsical idea struck me. I joked, “I bet we knew each other forever. For eons. I bet we were best friends in all of our previous lives. Before we were born into this one, we decided to be born together. But because we are such opposites and always bicker, halfway to our birth, we argued. And because you’re so stubborn, you let go of my hand, and I got sucked in first. You panicked and waited a few minutes, not knowing that five minutes there meant 19 years here. That’s why there’s such a huge age difference between us, and that’s why I was born across the seas and you were born here…”
That playful moment unblocked my writer’s block. It hit me hard, and I sat down to write a short, four-page story. But I couldn’t stop there; the story kept haunting me until it grew into a whole book. That’s how my latest book, Between the Worlds, was born. This particular story is dear to my heart because it helped me find my way back to creating new and amazing worlds for myself.
So, in summary, when your writer’s block cure involves interdimensional disputes and playful paradoxes with pals… well, that’s the secret recipe to solving writer’s block!
Q: “Did you ever join a writer’s group?”
A: Never been one for writer’s groups. If I did, I’d probably be that enigmatic figure in the corner, talking to the characters in my head.
Q: “Where and when do you write?”
A: I’m a mood writer—whenever inspiration taps me on the shoulder, I’m at its mercy. My go-to spot? You’ll find me orchestrating literary masterpieces from the comfort of my couch, laptop propped up on a pillow.
Let’s take a look at the world of my new novel BETWEEN THE WORLDS.
You can read the first chapter here: Between the Worlds excerpt.
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.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela Ramic Jurich, was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions. Going forward, Ella Rees, Sanela’s alter ego, has limitless potential to unleash her boundless imagination onto the world of romance and fantasy writing. While her writing may seem purely fictional, readers will discover that bits and pieces of Sanela’s life experiences are sprinkled throughout her stories, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to her work. With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
by Sanela Ramic Jurich
Narrated by: Lindsay Carrillo
Although Selma has faced her demons in the first book, she is forced to deal with those that still haunt her. Although she has become successful, married the love of her life, has a wonderful son, and earned the respect of her colleagues she is still hated by some for revealing the truth of the Bosnian war. She is safe, loved, and enjoying her life until someone reaches out to her asking her to tell his story. Now she must relive it all to confront all her demons finally.
The author, Sanela Ramic Jurich, is a gifted writer. She takes her pain and puts it in words that are eloquent, sensitive, and picturesque so that the listener has no choice but to feel and experience her journey. The dialogue is authentic sounding and moves the story along at a good pace. Jurich tells the story using a first-person point of view which further captivates and draws the listener in. It is more than just the pain that Jurich communicates – it clearly addresses the inequity, evilness, and passion that occurred then and continues today.
The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo has a powerful voice that further enhances the message of Jurich’s story as she clearly communicates the raw emotions experienced by the main character, Selma. Her delivery and pauses are deliberate and effectively used to communicate emotions and feelings accurately. Her intentional pauses and cadence, and her energy and passion further enhance the story and haunt the listener well after the end of this story.
This is a book that will elicit an emotional response from the listener. It is not one that you will likely forget for a very long time. You will continue to think about it as well as the stories being told about this event and others – how much truth is there actually being told by the media and governments in power? Where does one begin to trust? A riveting book!
Read it on Audiobookreviewer.com
Purchase on Audible
HAUNTING FROM THE PAST Sequel to REMEMBER ME is Available in AUDIO! (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)
IN CELEBRATION, I’m giving away a FREE audiobook to anyone promising to leave a review after they listen. Simply email sanela@sanelajurich.com and let me know you’ll do it. I will send you a code (US and UK only) to one FREE copy of Haunting from the Past to listen and review.
A Voice for the Voiceless – Deep and Honest; a Five Star Book Review by Author Gregory S. Lamb
“In spite of the dark tales contained within the pages, Jurich manages to leave readers with the hope that deep wounds can still heal. Ms. Jurich’s writing craft is superb and is well matched to her riveting debut novel, Remember Me. Jurich doesn’t hold back anything.”
—Gregory S. Lamb
Author of The People in Between
“Sanela Jurich continues to captivate book lovers in this sequel to Remember Me. She shows readers that having the courage to confront a painful past can bring hope to an uncertain future.”
—Lisa Tortorello
Author of My Hero, My Ding
As Selma tries to move on and recover from the horrible experience she had went through while living in Bosnia in 1992, where she and her parents had found themselves targets of the Bosnian war and where Selma had lost nearly all those she loved, was abused by those whom she once trusted, and had witnessed prejudice at its ugliest-the hell from which, she thought, she had finally escaped, found her in America and started haunting her again, reminding her that there was unfinished business someplace else.
Selma is a respected business woman, living in Chicago with the love of her life and their son. From the outside, it looks as if she finally has it all; career and family many people could only wish for. She thinks she is the luckiest person on the planet who had survived and escaped hell. One day she receives a phone call that forces her to go back to the place she had left behind almost two decades before. She had promised never to go back there, but now, she finds herself in a desperate situation from which there is no way out. She goes back to face her demons once again.
Will this trip finally push Selma over the edge and be the end of her? Who knows, it might even help her get some kind of conclusion. Follow Selma’s journey back to the past through despair, hatred, love, hope, and peace in this sequel to Remember Me by author Sanela Jurich.
Narrated by Lindsay Carrillo
Sample
Available on Audible.
“Sanela has a gift for sharing the very real feelings of her characters with the reader. I felt I really knew what Selma and the other characters created by Sanela were feeling. My emotions rose and fell with the feelings of her characters.”
When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…
I truly believe that I survived for one reason and one reason only: to tell our story, to give a voice to those who don’t have it anymore. I was there as a witness. As a survivor, I have an obligation. I have to talk about what happened in Bosnia in the early nineties, no matter the cost.