In a world where time travel is readily accessible, the rich landscapes that fostered the beginnings of human civilization become the battleground for a silent war that rages through the eons as time travelers each carve their own paths for history to follow. Yet even time travelers are not immune to the ravages of time. For these manipulators of fate, aging is the least of the horrors that await. As their DNA becomes as unstable as the time line they’ve created, man himself becomes the monsters of classic myths and legends. Several isolated groups of strangers and outcasts travel the sweeping deserts and raging seas, connected by their mission to destroy these monsters of man’s own creation. Their harrowing journey takes them through ancient lands to the grotesque monsters that lay within. At stake is the course of the human race and possibly its very existence.
Today Nikola Yanchovichin has taken a few minutes out of his day to discuss his novel ‘Crematory for Phoenixes: Not a word for the dead’ with me. Nikola, thanks for taking on the challenge of the author interview. Can you start us off today by talking us through the circumstances that lead to the initial idea for this novel?
It starts from an image – I am avid book reader and I like to buy used books. When I was shopping – the idea come in.
And how did you take these initial threads and craft it into something greater? Did you try and put in your own personal experiences, or themes into the plot to create more complexity?
Yes, I did.
Did you find that this complexity also needed to be supported by research to keep the novel flowing?
Yes, I did historic research for some parts.
And once the research was complete, how did your interactions with the character develop? Did they come to you in a flash of brilliance?
I came to them.
That works too :). On the chance that one or more of these characters could come to life, who would you like to meet or socialize with?
Maybe the women. Or the rich one.
And when you look back on writing this novel, what is the one thing that you found the most rewarding aspect of writing?
World creating.
Was the process of creating this world and it’s inhabitants long?
It took one year – I was in college.
You mentioned that earlier that you were an avid book reader. Are you also an avid writer?
Yes, I write almost everyday.
Is editing a large part of the writing process for you?
I hired two editors. And some honest beta readers. I am not native English writer so it was very important for me that the book is error-free.
Since design doesn’t have to be translated were you motivated to try and do your own cover design, or did you outsource it?
I used Fiverr for that.
And once you had novel published, online and available you received your first review. How did that review make you feel?
Very good. They told me: “You should write”. And I still believe in that.
Have you taken away any tips from the writing or self-publishing process that you will take onto your next writing project?
Write. Prepare yourself. It will be hard. Maybe not rewarding. But sometimes magic can happen.
And can you tell us a little about the magic that is your next writing project. What is it about?
The next fantasy novel, of course.
Of course :). Before I let you go today, I’d like to spend a little time with my quick fire questions set to try and see if we can figure out another side of the writer that is Nikola Yanchovichin. Firstly, we’ll start with reading. What are you currently reading?
Law textbooks
That will keep you busy. What was your favorite book as a child?
The Count of Monte Cristo
Is there a book that you wish that you had written?
Yes, there are many… But I think the story belongs to everybody; the story is just continued, nothing more
Who is your favorite literary character?
Count du Monte Cristo
Monte Cristo is always a good choice. Do you have a favorite quote and if so, what is it?
“I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else.
What are your favorite authors, and do you believe that they have influenced your writing style?
Yes, there are many authors that I like – the nameless Arab writers, which have created the Arabian nights. They taught me how to dream.
I love that your dreaming has been influenced by the Arabian skies. Now speaking of the skies, what is your zodiac sign?
Pisces
Speaking of animals. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you create?
Falcon and tiger.
Now that sounds like a fantastic new apex predator. I’d love to see it action. Can you stand on your hands unassisted?
No.
If you could steal one thing without consequence what would it be?
Moments with people that I have lost contact with.
That has to be one of the best answers that I’ve received from that question so far. Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Dragons, of course. Part of my family name “Yan” is the Slavic symbolic for dragons.
That makes the choice much easier :). What is your favorite quote from another author?
“I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.”
Do you have any philosophies that you live by?
Be honest and trust to hope.
What is your favorite word?
Hope
And finally, what is your favorite line, quote or statement from your book that you think might create some intrigue to motivate readers to pick up your novel?
“Sometimes the biggest penalty of the divine is not his words, but his silence.
Nikola, thanks for joining me today. I wish you the best of luck for your future writing endeavors and I hope that your promotion of ‘Crematory for Phoenixes: Not a word for the dead’ introduces you to many new English readers.
Want to find out more about Nikola? Connect here!