MOMENT TO SHARE WITH Sasha Staneva
Hi everyone, I am so please to share with you Sasha Staneva‘s interview. She is amazing illustrator and a wonderful children’s book author. I had the good fortune of connecting and working with her on my new children’s book “Little Tales with Big Lessons“. Sasha was absolutely amazing in catching the ideas in my head and making them into stunning illustrations.
Hi Sasha, thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
I’m a creator at heart, and I never truly found my calling in the conventional paths that my parents and teachers suggested. I initially enrolled in a program for Trade Economics at the University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria, and later transitioned to pursue a Master’s degree in Accounting.
However, everything changed when my daughter came into my life in 2018. I began to notice the profound impact that children’s books had on her. The sheer joy that lit up her face while listening to an engaging story made me realize that I wanted to create such experiences for young readers. So, my journey into the world of children’s books began.
Together, my daughter and I started to craft imaginative tales. With a lifelong passion for drawing, I found that it was the perfect medium to express these stories visually. I delved into the world of illustration, completing several online courses dedicated to illustrating children’s books and acquiring the necessary tools.
And so, my adventure as an author and illustrator of children’s books took flight.
2. What have you written and what sparked the idea for your book? Who or what inspired you to create it?
“The Enchanted Christmas” was published in Bulgarian in 2022 and in English in 2023.
The story of my book actually came about quite serendipitously. I had just started my journey into illustration and was attempting to create a series of picture books that would help me practice drawing various seasons. I had already written the first two stories, featuring a young boy and his beloved puppy as the main characters.
When I reached the winter-themed story, I began to realize that there was an opportunity to make the narrative much larger, more enchanting, and genuinely captivating. It was during the process of writing this story that I sensed the potential for something magical and exciting. At that time, my daughter had a deep love for tales of wizards and enchantments, so it was only fitting that our book introduced “Rakshita the Demoness Le Duka”.
As I read the rough draft to my daughter, who was only three years old at the time, I observed her rapt attention and how each new sentence filled her with immense excitement. Surprisingly, I didn’t even need illustrations to captivate her interest – the story alone was enough to hold her attention. Realizing this, I knew that I had to bring this book to life. I embarked on extensive research, sought advice from various individuals, and, eventually, I succeeded.
3. Give me an insight into your main character/s. What does he/she/they do that is so special? Will there be a sequel?
Of course! In “The Enchanted Christmas“, our main characters are Santa Claus and his loyal elves, along with a significant character, the sorceress Rakshita Demonía Le Duka. What makes them special is their unyielding dedication to spreading joy and kindness. Despite the challenges they face when they discover that the list of well-behaved children has dwindled to just five, they embark on a magical journey to uncover the source of the problem and restore the spirit of Christmas.
As the story unfolds, we’re excited to show that goodness and the holiday spirit always prevail in the end. This tale is a heartwarming reminder that even when faced with adversity, a little kindness can work wonders. And yes, there’s a sequel in the works, so stay tuned for more enchanting adventures in the world of “The Enchanted Christmas“.
4. What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your book?
The most surprising thing I learned while writing my book, “The Enchanted Christmas“, was the incredible power of imagination and the endless possibilities it offers. As I delved into the world of storytelling, I was amazed at how the creative process could lead to the birth of unique and enchanting characters, such as the sorceress Rakshita Demonía Le Duka, who plays a significant role in the story.
Another revelation was the genuine joy and wonder that children experience when they are immersed in a captivating story. Witnessing the genuine excitement in young readers as they explore the magical world of the book was both surprising and deeply gratifying.
Overall, writing this book taught me that there are no limits to the imagination and creativity, and the ability to inspire and captivate young minds is a gift beyond measure. It reinforced my passion for creating stories that bring happiness and wonder to children.
5. Where can people buy and discover more about your work?
People can discover more about me and my work on my Website – www.sashastanevaillustrations.com.
You can also follow our Facebook page for updates and insights into my creative process – „Весели истории за весели дечица – Саша Станева“ or Instagram – Sasha Staneva Illustrations.
If you’re interested in purchasing “The Enchanted Christmas” in English, you can find it on Amazon.
Thank you for your support and for being a part of my creative journey!
It was a great privilege for me to get to interview Sasha Staneva, who has inspired me in many different ways. Thank you Sasha!!! Good Luck with everything!
