Page Turning Books: Author Interview

Author Interview – Tomica Scavina

Any unusual coincidences while you were writing? Actually, there are two very unusual things that happened.

What inspired you to write this book? As a psychologist, I have an invaluable opportunity to explore the hidden dimensions of people’s minds. In my early twenties, I was impressed by edgy phenomena such as lucid dreaming and out-of-body experiences. Now, at 37, it is reality that impresses me, while the edgy perspective has moved into the realm of fiction. I wanted to connect all those perspectives and experiences into one engaging story.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? Supernatural psychological thriller. I know, I know… it’s not a “real” genre. But, that’s how I would call it.

How you would describe your typical working day? I write in my study room in the mornings, usually from 7 till 10. This is the only time I can write, because later on, real people’s stories drag my attention away from my fictional stories. I work as a psychotherapist and conduct a writing therapy program, which is really fulfilling, but also demanding, so whenever I can, I run over to a nearby café Laganini (which means Easily). In Laganini I often think about the plot and characters or write answers to an interview (as I am doing now) into my yellow-green notebook. In the evening, I usually watch a movie with my boyfriend or hang out with friends.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? In my opinion, what makes the story alive is writer’s ability to emotionally connect with his characters, especially the protagonist. If the writer can forget about himself and “pour” his emotions into his imaginary friends (characters), then they have a freedom to express themselves and lead the story in unexpected directions. I think the biggest challenge is to maintain these intensive, close relationships with characters regardless of the mood.

Most writers are introverts who are not used to sharing their sadness and frustration with others. However, characters have to feel all of it: sadness, frustration, shame, anger, fear and all the other “undesirable” emotions that make us human. This is what makes the characters come alive. So, staying in a close relationship with them, and writing every day regardless of the mood, is the most challenging, but also the most enriching thing that a writer can do for his writing.

How much of the book is autobiographical? Everything is fiction, except some supernatural details. In my twenties, I was fascinated by altered states of consciousness such as lucid dreaming and out-of-body experiences. I was doing some exercises from the books on these subjects and had some “success.” I walked through the walls like a ghost and flew through space, but I kept wondering if these experiences were real, or was it all just in my head.

After a while, I stopped doing this because I felt sleepy most of the day. Altogether, it was interesting, but at the same time very confusing, so I dislodged it from my everyday life and placed it into my writing.