Iva Dimitrova's Blog, page 2

Book ratings

Thank you once again for your attention. My book has quickly climbed to the top positions in Amazon’s free book rankings in its categories, even securing a first-place spot. However, I was disappointed to discover today that anonymous profiles have left one-star ratings on my book on Goodreads, clearly without having read it. I have already written to Goodreads for assistance. It’s really disheartening that some people are inclined to engage in such actions, which seem, at least to me, to be malicious... I don’t personally attempt to influence the rating of my book on Goodreads because I want it to be read and reviewed by real people who are sincere in their opinions. I’m writing this to make you aware of such things when you’re browsing books by other authors as well. Pay attention not only to the reviews and ratings but also to who is leaving them.

FREE BOOK 26th-28th September

My first book "I didn't mean to, but...": A story about redemption and the unpredictable repercussions of even the smallest choices (with illustrations) is on promotion – FREE from September 26th to 28th.
I hope you'll enjoy it so much that you'll share your thoughts in a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
As you know, more reviews help my book gain visibility on Amazon and reach more people who might find it interesting. So, they are really helpful.
Thank you in advance! I sincerely believe that everyone will find something valuable for themselves in my book. :)
Also my book is FREE in Kindle Unlimited

https://www.amazon.com/didnt-mean-unp...

I didn't mean to, but...: A story about redemption and the unpredictable repercussions of even the smallest choices

Review/"I didn't mean to, but..."

In such cases, it’s common to start with: 'Thank you for the wonderful review'... and so on. But I don’t just want to thank @keetabi_keeda .
I want to highlight how impressed I am that he captured the themes of my book in such depth, the nuances in the psychology of the characters, which I explored with such care and dedication, and, not least, the beauty of his writing. See for yourself by reading the review on his site. I’ll put the link in the comments. And as proof of both his and my sincerity, I’ll mention that he pointed out two nitpicks, and I’m totally okay with them 😉 Thank you, Harsh!

P.S.: Those who dare to pick up my book and read it will find that Harsh has focused his review on the familial relationship between Kaloyan and his father. He believes the other characters should remain a surprise for the reader to avoid spoilers. That's what he shared with me, and I don't question his judgment. I'm mentioning this to highlight: readers of my book, you're in for a surprise. Oh, and what a surprise it is! 😮😊😀

Excerpts from Harsh's review: "'I Didn't Mean To, But...' by Iva Dimitrova: A Deep Dive into Guilt, Redemption, and Family Drama"

Obviously, I’m not picking the ones with the nitpicks. 😉 😀

"'I Didn't Mean To, But...' by Iva Dimitrova is a contemporary tale steeped in themes of redemption, guilt, and the unpredictable repercussions of life’s decisions. With an intriguing blend of psychological tension and vivid, emotional depth, the book navigates through the delicate psyche of its protagonist, Kaloyan, as he contemplates his past and seeks peace in an uncertain future. It is not just a novel but a meditation on familial relationships, personal responsibility, and the weight of emotional baggage."

"Throughout the novel, Dimitrova masterfully interweaves the present with fragmented memories of the past, creating a complex tapestry of emotions. The prologue, with its introspective exploration of Kaloyan’s fear of death, sets the stage for a journey through not only physical but psychological landscapes. As Kaloyan grapples with his guilt over his mother’s death, he embarks on a journey for redemption that is both internal and external."

"Iva Dimitrova's writing is lyrical and introspective, filled with vivid imagery that brings the reader deep into the psyche of her characters. The internal monologues, especially Kaloyan’s, are written with raw emotion and an almost poetic cadence. Dimitrova’s prose is rich with metaphors, especially in her descriptions of death and guilt, which add layers of meaning to the narrative.

"The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing for the emotional beats to fully resonate with the reader. The dialogues between characters, particularly Kaloyan and Stefan, are laden with subtext, as much is said through what is left unsaid. The story’s atmosphere is one of lingering melancholy, reflective of the heavy emotional burdens carried by its characters."

‘‘Conclusion’’
"I Didn't Mean To, But..." by Iva Dimitrova is a poignant exploration of guilt, redemption, and the intricate web of familial relationships. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the novel delves deep into the emotional struggles of its protagonist, Kaloyan, offering readers a profound reflection on the consequences of our choices and the possibility of finding peace, even after years of turmoil. Dimitrova’s writing shines in its emotional honesty, and despite a few minor flaws, this is a book that will linger in the minds of its readers long after the final page.



You can find Harsh's the full review on Instagram, Goodreads and on his blog: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/i-di...

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty - Review

The Exorcist

Why am I only now discovering this author and book? This question kept popping up in my mind as I read, impressed page after page by Blatty's mastery in creating original and realistic descriptions and comparisons (seriously, I reread some of the phrases two or three times); by his ability to paint vivid pictures with words; and by his deep exploration of the characters' psychology – something I particularly love encountering in books. And last but not least, his skill in weaving profound knowledge into the plot, so that at no point do you doubt that it originates from the character rather than from the author's research.

The title sets certain expectations – possession by a demon and an exorcism ritual. I won't reveal anything about the plot, but I will say that until near the end of the book, I was left questioning whether these expectations would be fulfilled. At times, I was convinced that little Regan was possessed by a demon, while at other times I hesitated, swayed by the doubts, uncertainties, and at one point, the wavering of Father Karras. In this sense, for me, this part of the book was like a guide for writers on how to raise questions in the readers' minds, how to sow doubt without misleading or deceiving with tricks. With his captivating writing, revealing deep knowledge, Blatty sustains Karras's dilemma to the very end, combining it with the theme of his faith. Will he regain it or not?

It was also incredibly interesting for me to follow the journey of Regan's mother, specifically her breakdown, as well as that of all the other characters surrounding the little girl. Their collapse, yet at the same time, their refusal to give in.

The book touches on many psychological themes – the trials that disrupt the personality and their consequences, along with the unimaginable side effects. Blatty provides stunning research, along with intriguing facts and examples from history regarding cases of psychological issues, and those whose explanations were sought beyond the realm of psychology after all guesses had been exhausted.

For me, Blatty also raises many existential themes that provoke deep reflection.

I’ll take the liberty of quoting, though not exactly, as I read the book in my native language. There might be some discrepancies in the translation, but I would like to emphasize at least one of these themes:

"Then what is the purpose of the possession? What’s the point?"
"Who knows?," replied Merrin. "Who could hope to know? And yet, I think the demon's goal isn't the victim, but us... the witnesses... everyone in this house. And I think... I think the point is to drive us to despair; to reject the human, Damien; to ultimately see ourselves as beasts, vile and corrupted; without dignity; ugly; unworthy. And maybe that's the key—to see ourselves as unworthy. Because I think that faith in God doesn't depend on reason at all; I think in the end, it all comes down to love—to accept that God will always love us."

Photos of the capital city Sofia and landscapes in Bulgaria—the country where I live and where the action in the book "I Didn't Mean To, But..." takes place :)

Today, while looking through photos with the idea of finding some that could help recreate the atmosphere of my novel, I came across several by the photographer Mihail Dobrev—undeniably very talented.
I am sharing them with his permission.

What emotions do these photos evoke in you? What thoughts do they provoke?









You can view them also on my Facebook and Instagram profiles. What emotions do these photos evoke in you? What thoughts do they provoke?
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_iZhIBM2...

https://www.facebook.com/Ididntmeanto...




"I Didn't Mean To, But...": A story about redemption and the unpredictable repercussions of even the smallest choices (with illustrations)
Paperback and Kindle Edition/available NOW on #amazon. It's free for #kindleunlimited

What would you do...?

...when it turns out that what you wanted and aspired to is not what you imagined?
...when you can't discern the right path in a maze of options?
... when all the choices you made in the belief that they were right and necessary, even in an attempt to help, were wrong and actually hurt someone?
...when uncovering the truth and reconciling with your conscience means hurting someone?

A novel blending elements from various genres, interwoven with social and philosophical themes that explore the enigmatic nature of humanity. The characters, driven by circumstances and personal ambitions, reach the limits of their mental resilience and belief in the healing of their emotional wounds. The fates of these unyielding, complex personas are entwined in a dynamic and multilayered plot. Drawn by their desires towards a stormy confrontation with a domino effect, each faces difficult, life-affirming choices and undergoes their own personal catharsis.

First Interview

With excitement and a bit of nervousness—perhaps because it's my first interview—I'm sharing it with you.
TheIndieView, thank you for the opportunity. Your questions were very interesting. They made me reflect on the journey I've been through and the obstacles I've overcome—something I haven’t really done in such a concise way before. It felt a bit surreal to summarize it all—it’s almost hard to believe that I actually did it, I thought to myself 🙂.

To read the interview, follow the link: https://www.theindieview.com/2024/08/...

From the interview:
Ideas are everywhere around us, as long as you’re observant. Have you heard that before? Well, I’ve come to believe it’s true. I began writing this book with one idea—the theme of redemption and unpredictable repercussions of even the smallest choices.

The idea struck me years ago when, as a journalist, I was conducting interviews with underage youth serving sentences for various offenses—ranging from theft to murder. That’s when the idea for ‘I didn’t mean to’ started to take shape. One of the boys I interviewed coined the phrase, but it could be seen as an unintentional summary of all the interviews. They didn’t mean to do what they did, they would say. It happened almost in an instant, as an uncontrollable consequence of unforeseen circumstances. But what has happened is a fact.
In Bulgarian, ‘I didn’t mean to’ is often used by children when they want to excuse their actions. The young people I interviewed were between 14 and 17 years old. You could say they were still children, which is why they would say ‘I didn’t mean to.’ Children, but old enough to commit horrifying crimes.
At the time, that struck me deeply. I started the book. As I mentioned, I went through a long process where I developed sub-themes of the main theme or added others related to it. I think the ideas for them stemmed from one another as I wrote. For me, the driving questions have always been: To what extent do we have control over events?..

start error

Hello, my debut on Goodreads as an author has started with an error :).
Only the editions titled "I didn't mean to, but...: A story about redemption and the unpredictable repercussions of even the smallest choices" are mine.
I've already contacted Goodreads, and I hope they'll correct the mistake quickly. My apologies to the other author for the misunderstanding.