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. I’ve always been a writer but didn’t believe in myself to explore it as a career. After I completed my graduate degree, I began my humanitarian work leading education development programs in marginalized regions worldwide. It was during one of the programs that I created when I remembered just how much writing meant to me and gathered my courage and self-trust to delve into it completely. In June 2019, I published my debut poetry collection “Moonhold” and also launched my blog “Art of Love, Mirror of The Soul” where I write on connection, empowerment, holistic wellbeing, mysticism and folklore.
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?
To be honest, my biggest inspiration and influence have always been folklore and fairytales. 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. Nowadays I mainly read spiritual and esoteric texts.
What are you working on now?
I am working on expanding “Art of Love, Mirror of The Soul” which you can read on my website. I am also working on a second book, freelance writing projects and my humanitarian work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I post mainly on my website https://lubomirakourteva.com and on my Instagram @lubomirakourteva . 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. I use various websites for promotion and also SEO for my website, but I find it a bit draining since it takes away from my creative focus. 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. My book made it to number #1 on The Best Seller’s List in Love Poetry one day and then went to the hundreds’ rank – it is still the same book. What I mean is – don’t get discouraged and stay true to your voice and the intention behind why you wrote it in the first place.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to be too hard on myself. As a Buddhist monk told me, “We are all dependent on the same Emptiness.”
What are you reading now?
I recently re-read “The Green Door” by O. Henry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A lot of writing ahead – working on freelance projects and collaborations, in addition to my blog and my second book!
Author Websites and Profiles
Lubomira Kourteva Website
Lubomira Kourteva Amazon Profile