Storyteller at heart

Category Archives: New blog post

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

View my complete profile

 

 

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

 

PURCHASE MY BOOKS.

 

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

 

 

 

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 →

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 

 

Introducing Remember Me (Again)

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

In the pages of my heart, I write stories of love for those who will never read them.

© Sanela Ramic Jurich

I carry your memory with me always, cherishing the impact you’ve had on my life.

As long as my books are out there–and books are forever–what happened to you will not be forgotten; You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

 

~Sanela

 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.

 

 

 

 
 
 

A Literary Escape from Winter Blues this Valentine’s Day

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

“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.

Between the Worlds: The Story of Us is a journey of self-discovery, love, and the exploration of the unknown, taking readers on an unforgettable ride through the power of storytelling.

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.

“Remember Me”, Johnny’s last words to Selma, is a novel that should be widely read and remembered. Unforgettable! –Readers Favorite

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!

 

 

 
 

 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.

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.

 

Finding Beauty in the Chaos: My Rollercoaster Start to 2024

Posted on by Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Holidays, New blog post, New Year, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich

It’s time to make old mistakes in different ways. Hurray! Happy New Year!

Well, well, well, 2024, you playful little rascal, you’re not exactly off to a flying start for me.

Picture this: New Year’s Day, 2024. I wake up feeling a bit wonky. Sore throat, chills, fever – the whole shebang. Is it the flu? Covid? Just a run-of-the-mill cold? I’m playing medical detective with my own symptoms. Fast forward to the third day of this saga, and I’m blessed with waking up to my left eye looking like it tried to arm-wrestle a bee and lost. Swollen shut and crusty – the glamorous life, I tell you.

Off to the doctor I go, who, after a dramatic drumroll, declares it’s strep throat causing the pink eye extravaganza. Absolutely fabulous. A week of antibiotics later, the fever is gone, but I’m still clinging onto “under the weather” like it’s a security blanket.

But hey, let’s not let that cramp our style. Writing took a backseat, but fear not, my literary endeavors shall rise like a phoenix from the ashes!

And then today happened. I wake up to a winter wonderland – 7 inches of snow painting my world in frozen magic. Picture me, sipping coffee by the patio door, witnessing the snowfall turn my backyard into a Narnia-level masterpiece. It’s the kind of serene and wonderful that makes you forget strep throat ever existed.

 

© Sanela Ramic Jurich

 

So here’s to kicking 2024 where it hurts and embracing the unexpected beauty it throws our way. Bring it on, 2024 – I’m ready for the rollercoaster! 🎢✨

May this year be a kaleidoscope of health, prosperity, serenity, love, laughter, and kindness. 

~Sanela

Short excerpt from Between the Worlds: Sarah describes a nightmare caused by memories

 

Between the Worlds

The backhanded slap sent me sprawling. The shock of pain blinded me. When I tried to roll into a protective ball, he dragged me across the marble floor by the hair.

I denied and wept. He accused. Until he got tired, leaving me to crawl away and sob in a corner.
But this time, in this dream, I crawled off into my forest, where the air was warm and the ground welcoming.
And there, where the stream gurgled over its smooth rocks, I slept.
Then awoke to the cannon-blast of thunder and the jagged rip of lightning. Awoke to terror. Confusing the blasts of thunder with the blasts of the grenades destroying my grandfather’s town. His house. My parents, my grandpa…
When I fell asleep again, I was back in my forest. Running. Instead of fighting, I was running. Too afraid to turn around and face what pursued me. Finally, I reached the lake. The vast glorious Lake Michigan and decided to plunge into the water. And the trees of my forest all tumbled in after me.
Between the Worlds is available on Amazon. Click to buy!
 

 

  

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.

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.