Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories way before I knew how to write. I think we all as children try to make sense of the world around us – to understand ourselves and others, their situations and perspectives – to see the world through their eyes. Life took me in a different direction as I went on to study business. But after I completed my graduate degree, I went back to my passion for writing and decided to make it my life (as it already was anyway). And so I became a writer, making tiny attempts to shape feelings and moments into words. A few months ago I published my first book, a poetry collection.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Moonhold” is the name of my debut poetry collection. The name refers to how the waning is always held by the waxing (even if we can’t see it). The story is about holding space for love and life through all of its changing phases; holding heartbreak with hope. Spirituality is a big part of my life and poetry is in many ways the verse of mysticism because of its introspective, unnamable feeling nature. This inspired my interest in poetry. It’s always been challenging to express myself in shorter sentences as I usually philosophize everything – and so I wanted to experience myself in a new way as poetry; in the moving stillness, in the intimacy of silence, and the mysticism of the poetic art. The book is about life and perspective. Life expands and withdraws in its chest like breathing, like the ebb and flow, like love and like us. I wanted to portray that in the book’s story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually imagine everything as movie scenes. And I always have a pen and paper near the bed because I’ve always had lucid and vivid dreams.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest inspiration and influence have always been folklore and tales. I’ve lived across three continents and have always loved storytelling from around the world – there is so much wisdom we can gain from the ancestors. My influences in school were Shakespeare, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Few years ago I read poems by Ocean Vuong and he was my greatest inspiration and influence for poetry. Nowadays I mainly read spiritual and esoteric texts.
What are you working on now?
I am working on starting my blog and on my second book!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I post poetry and prose on my Instagram account @lubomirakourteva and on my Official Author Website https://lubomirakourteva.com where I will start my blog. I am using various websites for promotion and I am writing articles sporadically for different publications just to get my name out there. Basically I am focused on expanding my reach and network – so that I give people the opportunity to just know my book is out there if they’d want to read it. Promotion is hard because it requires a lot of time and work. It can also feel a bit draining because sometimes I feel like it takes away from my creative process; the focus on the promotion versus me just writing and being inspired – but I do the best that I can. And I trust that my book will reach the hands of those it’s meant to.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and embrace not knowing. It’s hard to trust ourselves and share openly – some people will like it and others will not. Vulnerability requires great depths of courage. But just start – and trust that those who resonate with your voice with offer you kindness and support. Even if it touches the heart of one person – that’s all that matters. We all have stories to tell and all of us have something valuable to contribute. Nothing is ever too small. There is a famous quote, “For the true creative, there is no poverty.” There is beauty in the ordinary – so don’t feel you need to go through something specific to “write”. All in life has meaning and depth if we look closely enough. And sleep! Sleeping is a very important creative aphrodisiac! Daydream, get bored, procrastinate – do it all. It all has its purpose so never be too hard on yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to be too hard on myself. I too am human and make mistakes – so what? As a Buddhist monk told me, “We are all dependent on the same Emptiness.”
What are you reading now?
Actually nothing. I am focused on writing my second book and need to keep my mind clear.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A lot of writing ahead – both my blog, website, freelance and my second book!
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 Great Gatsby
Selected Stories by O’Henry
The Little Prince
Author Websites and Profiles
Lubomira Kourteva Website
Lubomira Kourteva Amazon Profile