Storyteller at heart

Tag Archives: Author Interviews

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

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THIS WEEK’S QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog

 

Let's enjoy some books together!
“Writing is the most fun you can have by yourself.” – Terry Pratchett

 

Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background.

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!

 

  

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.

 

 
 

THIS WEEK’S QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

 

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

– Ernest Hemingway

 

 

Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background.

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.

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 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.

 

 

 

Questions Answered

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews

This is a very first interview I was asked to give. It was first published in December of 2011.  I was so nervous because the person interviewing me was – and still is – my mentor, Elaine Littau. The reason I’m posting this here today is because, someone sent me a message on Facebook  asking me some personal questions to which they didn’t get answers just by reading Remember Me. They were angry with me for not including “A Note from the Author” at the end of my book. So, I thought I’d share this. Maybe it will answer some of the questions this “friend” was curious about. I, also, talked about myself and all of the people who inspired Remember Me on my website at ww.sanelajurich.tateauthor.com. If, after going through my website,  you have more questions for me, please feel free to message me on Facebook.

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Interview with Author Gregory S. Lamb

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews

By: Sanela Ramic Jurich

Author SnapInterview with:  Gregory S. Lamb

Author of:  The People In Between:  A Cyprus Odyssey, and his soon to be released, A Dangerous Element

http://gslambpdxauthor.webs.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008HTEG6A

I can honestly say that the best thing about me becoming an author is meeting other authors. There is nothing better than having a conversation with someone who has a lot of the same interests as you. I love spending time with people who are filled with stories and are willing to share. Here is a pretty long interview I had with Mr. Gregory S. Lamb. I was supposed to go through it, edit and cut it in half, but I just didn’t have the heart to take anything out.

Mr. Lamb is a very interesting person who has traveled the world. He has seen so many interesting, beautiful things and places and I envy him for it. What I find absolutely fascinating about him is that he is so humble and so down to earth. After speaking with him, I can honestly say that when I grow up, I want to be just like Mr. Lamb, haha!

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Interview with Author Lisa Tortorello

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews, Book recommendation, Books, Lisa Tortorello

Lisa with all three books2Interview with:  Lisa Tortorello

Author of:  Mark the Missing Moose, The Moose at the Manger, and  My Hero, My Ding

Lisa’s Amazon Link

http://markthemoose.tateauthor.com/

 

I am so excited to introduce this wonderful person to you, Author Lisa Tortorello. I’ve read all three of her books and they all left me feeling happy and at awe.

I first fell in love with Lisa’s writing when I read her book My Hero, My Ding, which is a beautifully written, heartwarming story of a special bond between a girl and her grandfather.
I caught myself smiling so many times while reading this wonderful book. Some of it reminded me of the silly things my grandfather and I used to do.
Ms Tortorello did a great job describing all the nice places she and her family had visited. I felt as if she were sitting right next to me, with a cup of tea or coffee in her hand, smiling while reminiscing about all the silly things her grandfather used to do. My favorite one was the icy window scene, ha-ha! Or, the golf ball / microwave incident…

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Lessons from a Headache

Posted on by Posted in Author Interviews, Book recommendation, Lessons from a Headache

Ted GoodwinInterview with: Ted Goodwin

Author of: Lessons from a Headache and a Liebster Award Recipient

http://ignitetruth1.wordpress.com/

 

 

LessonsTalk about inspiring.

I never truly understood the word, inspiring, until I read Lessons from a Headache by Ted Goodwin.
In his short biography, Ted talks about some life lessons he learned from the chronic daily migraine headache; lessons that could be applied in any situation.
For over three years, Mr. Goodwin has been dealing with chronic migraine. He has looked for help from his doctors and after many hospitalizations and painful shots, the migraine is still a daily presence in his life. It would have been so easy for him to give up the fight, to just lay down and say, “I can’t”, but Mr. Goodwin did not want to stop living his life. Instead, he took a different approach. He did what most of us would not do when dealing with such paralyzing pain; he stopped trying to defeat it and he simply moved on with his life. He refused to let this pain stop him from living.
Ted’s faith is so great and unshakable that he looks at everything in such a positive way. He listens to that inner voice that so often goes unheard and ignored and he trusts it without a question, because he knows that that voice is God’s will leading him through the darkness and because of this fact, Ted has accomplished things he never even dreamed of accomplishing, such as publishing a book or running marathons.
The message that I took from this book is this: As long as you have strong faith and people who love and support you in your life, there’s absolutely nothing in this world that could stop you from accomplishing great things.

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