Interview With Author BURAK KORKMAZ
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a primary school teacher who believes that stories are the best way to reach a child’s heart. To date, I have written 11 books. My main focus has been the “Land of Virtue” series, which consists of 10 books. Each book in this series is designed to take children on a magical adventure while exploring a different essential virtue, combining my educational background with my passion for storytelling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is “The Stone of Family,” which serves as the grand finale to the 10-book “Land of Virtue” series. After guiding the characters through adventures of kindness, courage, and friendship, I felt it was essential to conclude their journey with the most foundational value of all: Family. I wanted to show my students that while adventures take us far, the bonds of family are what truly sustain us. This book completes the saga and brings the children’s long journey to a heartwarming close.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I am a teacher, my “unusual” habit is essentially live-testing my stories in the classroom. Before I type a single word, I often narrate the rough ideas to my students during free time. I watch their faces closely—if they get bored, I change the plot; if they laugh or ask questions, I know I’m on the right track. So, my students are actually my very first editors.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am deeply influenced by the immersive world-building of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. You can see traces of their magical influence in the fantasy elements of my series. Additionally, the renowned Turkish children’s author Yalvaç Ural is a major inspiration for me. His ability to blend humor with a genuine love for nature and animals taught me that a good story must always have a warm heart.
What are you working on now?
I am currently shifting gears from fantasy to science fiction! My new project is a children’s sci-fi book titled “B-Robo.” It tells the story of a unique robot and explores themes of technology, friendship, and emotion in a futuristic setting. I’m very excited to introduce my young readers to this new world soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely heavily on visual storytelling through Instagram and TikTok to reach a global audience. However, my most effective method has honestly been my immediate social circle. Word-of-mouth among fellow teachers, parents, and my local community has created a strong foundation for my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice is: Respect your audience. Children are the most honest critics in the world. If you are writing for them, don’t just guess what they might like—observe them. Listen to their questions and their jokes. Also, don’t be afraid of imperfections in your first draft. Just keep writing; you can always polish a page, but you can’t fix a blank one.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote guides every story I write. As a children’s author, my goal isn’t just to tell a plot, but to make my readers feel safe, brave, and valued.
What are you reading now?
I am currently revisiting “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Even though it is a children’s book, I find new depth in it every time I read it as an adult. I am also reading various articles on child psychology and modern education methods to better understand the inner worlds of the new generation of students I teach.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am preparing to step out of the fantasy genre and into science fiction. My next project is a book titled “B-Robo.” It centers on a robot discovering emotions and friendship. My goal is to introduce children to concepts like technology and AI, but wrapped in a warm, emotional story that emphasizes the human connection.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Little Prince” – To remind me of what truly matters in life.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – To keep my imagination alive and magical.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – To remember that every journey teaches us something.
A blank notebook – Because even on a desert island, a writer needs to write!
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