Lost Souls: Finding Solace by Lucineh Danielian
Welcome back! How have you changed as a writer since your last authorinterview?
Writing has been such an incredible yet daunting journey. I believe that as writers and as humans, ‘we are ever-changing beings’. This is in actual fact a line from my new short story collection ‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’. Self-reflection and growth have been key in this journey, both as an individual and as a writer.
I began my literary journey long ago, and there was a time when publishing was a pipe dream for me, yet it is now a reality. Writing is not only an outlet, it is a sanctuary of sorts. When I write, I am faced only with myself. It is a secret garden, one which I feel fortunate to have entered. I am able to utilise my empathy on each of my characters and bring them to life. There is nothing quite like the feeling of following my characters’ journey and deciding on the course of their fate.
I used to view the concept of sharing a story with the world as a means of ‘exposing’ myself. In truth, I am still in the process of realising that I am an author. It is such a strange feeling, and I sometimes have to remind myself that it is real, and to be cherished. I recognise that the impossible often becomes possible. It is crucial never to give up on one’s dream. So keep dreaming, and strive to achieve your goals.
What lessons have you learned from the publishing industry?
Where do I start? Learning about the process has been quite fascinating. I have been very proactive in the process, not wanting to miss a moment. In doing so, I have ‘learnt the ropes’. With each new book, I learn new lessons, which enable me to progress and grow. This has been key, especially in the editing process, where I regularly note my tendencies as a writer, and continue to strengthen my writing style. Reading one’s work can be a challenge in itself, yet it is that very challenge that goes on to define the author that I am seeking to be.
I know now that writing really is my very favourite part of the publishing journey, but the editing process has required me to hone in on my use of language. As an English and language teacher, this is an aspect of my everyday life, and there are so many points which I now consider when actually expressing myself in written form. Learning the art of marketing is also currently on the cards.
Ultimately, the publishing industry is an industry which is ‘a tough nut to crack’, and one which has certainly led me to step out of my comfort zone.
What is it about your genre that drew you to it?
The art of short stories is such a unique experience. It is a genre which appealed to me from the very start, and there are no other genres quite like it. I truly enjoy visualising the variety of chosen plots, settings and characters, and bringing each one to life. It has been a thought-provoking journey, as there are characters, which I ultimately cannot relate to, and this has been a challenge which I have gladly welcomed.
I am a firm believer in speaking the truth and speaking out. This genre has enabled me to share a variety of themes which I feel very passionate about, and develop each one within its own right. These themes have included mental health and depression, cultural struggles and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few. I have had the opportunity to delve into each theme, which has made this genre all the more meaningful to me both as an author and reader.
After the release of my first book ‘Lost Souls’, I was far from ready to let go. This end of era left me with a sense of loss and emptiness. It was almost a grieving process, whereby I realised that the journey had ended. I refused to give up on ‘Lost Souls’ and decided to turn it into a series. In doing so, I have the opportunity to view the stories from a whole new perspective, turning this very loss into a newly found sense of freedom.
What tools do you favour while writing?
When writing, I embrace the peaceful moments in life, where I am temporarily able to shut out the world. I do not need one specific tool to write, simply a laptop and occasionally a carefully crafted notebook. Ultimately, I would say the greatest tool I utilise is the creative mind and the feeling of empathy which I have spoken about. In order to be able to write, I need to visualise the scene and more particularly the characters, as character development is my greatest passion. I want my readers to consider these individuals not simply as fictional characters, but as real-life beings, the way in which I myself view them. A simple setting and a writing tool are really all one needs to access the creative mind.
Are you a Seat-of-your-pantser or an Outliner?
I would say very much so. I have tried to outline a story a number of times, but the direction which I have chosen, or rather the direction which has chosen me, has been completely unexpected and has left me speechless. I now know that creativity, empathy and intuition are my greatest weapons. Writing is not a process which I plan, but rather a journey which I embark on, accompanied by a range of emotions and bursts of creativity.
Writing is for me, as for many others, a form of escapism, which enables me to travel within my own mind, leaving behind the confines of society which are imposed upon us. Just as the title of my second book ‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’ states, I find the greatest solace of all in the art of writing and fiction.
What is the least writer thing you do in your life?
This is an interesting question, as a lot of my life has revolved around writing in the past few years, from my role within education to my writing journey. I have often been asked if I would consider writing full time. This is a question I am reflecting on, as although there are many passions I have, music especially, writing has become a part of my identity, one which I am very thankful for.
Tell us about your journey finding your “voice
My journey has been very unique and personal to me. For so long, I pondered the meaning of ‘having a voice’. From my perspective, one’s voice is connected to one’s identity, one’s background and one’s personal trajectory. Finding my voice as it were has meant learning to speak out, to share with others and to feel a sense of pride in what has been achieved.
So often, our focus remains on the challenges we face and the mundane nature of our everyday lives, which is inevitable. Yet if we take a moment to reflect and focus our minds on appreciating what we possess, our voice will be heard.
We all have a voice. This in fact has been my greatest realisation over the years: the art of writing gives one the greatest voice of all, the art of self-expression. In the wise words of Voltaire, ‘writing is the painting of the voice.’
What are some of your most important literary influences? (This can be as wide-ranging as you like, including various genres and films.)
There are countless literary influences which have accompanied me on my journey as an author. First and foremost, my heart remains with nineteenth century literature. I am fascinated by the past, and the sorrow and desperation felt by so many authors. From Baudelaire’s magnificent poetry to Dostoevsky’s stark desolation, there is such beauty in a literary legacy which has evidently been carried through, and will continue to live on. My greatest literary influence this year has been Shirley Jackson, which has further inspired my love for short stories. My very favourite contemporary author remains Carlos Zafon, more particularly for his work ‘The Shadow of the Wind’.
Finally, if I were to name one film, I would have to choose Camille Claudel’s 1915, a true depiction of this creative genius yet troubled soul.
What are some of the real world places, cultures or people that inspired your work?
Culture plays such an instrumental role in my life. I believe that in many ways, it is the foundation of identity. This is of course my own personal view. My Armenian heritage is enriched with language, music, art, food and above all a love of culture. Having grown up with these values, I have been inspired to connect with and discover the uniqueness within other cultures as well as my own.
In particular, I am fascinated by the houses and studios of writers and artists, and these visits are a very enriching experience. Leighton House in Kensington is one of my very favourite spots, and one which I would thoroughly recommend. If you are ever in Paris, Victor Hugo’s house is also a must.
Yet the artist which I am truly taken with is Camille Claudel. Having read her French biography ‘Une Femme’ time and time again, her story has strongly impacted me, as I do not believe that this artistic genius was truly given a voice. Her story is one of many which must be told, and in doing so, I am seeking to give the voiceless, past and present, a voice.
What’s your favourite scene in the book you are promoting today?
This is a great question. I would choose the series of moments which tie my characters together. This twist was revealed in the last story of ‘Lost Souls’ – spoiler alert – which I have carried through into ‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’. Although short stories are undoubtedly one of my favourite genres, I have often been left disappointed with the lack of connection between stories. When a reader moves from one story to the next, there is a disconnect which can seem frustrating to readers. I was keen to explore different ways to tie together characters and scenes, leaving readers reflective and taken aback. I am pleased with the result and hope that readers will embrace the experience.
What’s the most useful advice you could give to an aspiring author?
I am someone who enjoys and needs to set challenges. Discipline and perseverance have been key in this process. My greatest piece of advice is therefore to persevere, without worrying or questioning oneself constantly. It is so easy to become one’s own worst enemy, but being one’s own best friend is a different matter. This is an aspect of my life I am still working on. I am a strong believer in positivity, empathy, compassion and kindness. I strive to live by these values even in the toughest of times. My main challenge has been in applying these values to myself. I often read that to be kind to others, one must be kind to oneself. Yet I would say that although I have always stood by these values to encourage and support those around me, I have not yet mastered the art of self-compassion.
Moreover, I would encourage aspiring authors to be kind and trust themselves. Self-reflection is key in this process, but it should not come at the expense of the art of writing itself. So begin the process, follow through with it, and take pride in your work. Remember, you have the strength to become the best friend you will ever have. As an aspiring author, find your voice, and be proud to use it!
What non-writing element of your life affects your writing the most?
We often talk about time constraints, and this is for a lot of us true. We become caught up in our everyday lives and routines. I myself have been guilty of believing there is never enough time in the day to write or take on a new project. I have had to teach myself to put time aside daily or weekly, even monthly. I would say that it is a matter of training.
Ten minutes in a day can make a real difference. As long as I can put just a few minutes aside, I find that I am able to achieve much more than I originally set out to do. I would also say that consistency is key. Although I remain consistent in my professional capacity, this is a skill I am still mastering in my personal life.
If you could give yourself 10 years ago a piece of advice what would it be?
If I could sit down with my younger self, I would tell myself not to be so afraid to speak out, and to brave the world and challenges which arise. I would explain that fear is a mere illusion, although this concept seems so real and powerful. There is always a way forward and what sometimes seems impossible and daunting will only go towards making one stronger and more resilient. I would therefore spend time with my younger self, observe the numerous challenges which have occurred and reassure my younger self, speaking of the future which eagerly awaits her.
A number of years ago, I wrote a letter to my future self, one which I never revealed to anyone. In that letter, I sought to guide my younger self, hoping that one day, I would look back and feel fortunate in knowing that the very challenges which I experienced and thought impossible could be overcome. It is almost ten years since I wrote that very letter. I no longer read it, but I may someday return to it.
If you’ve written a series, what is different about writing a series to a standalone?
This is a very relevant question to me, as my first book ‘Lost Souls’, which started out as a standalone short story collection, went on to become a series which I have proudly dedicated to my beloved grandmother. Yet I have ensured that ‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’ remains a standalone collection as well. It has been a fascinating journey, and I have truly embraced the experience.
Writing ‘Lost Souls’ as a standalone collection and as a series has really enabled me to cultivate creativity in my writing, whilst nurturing my imagination. Although I am moving forward with a different genre currently, I know that I will come back to ‘Lost Souls’. It is a series which I will always treasure, as some of my characters continue to live on, and others leave a legacy.
Tell us about the book you’re promoting.
Ironically, this is never an easy question to answer. How would one sum up one’s book in just a few sentences? I will certainly try!
‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’ is a moving and evocative short story collection, revealing the struggles encountered in society, which we as readers often relate to and connect with, all the while remaining silent and fearful of speaking out. The collection follows the stories of unique female individuals in the aftermath of tragedy and hardship. ‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’ is an introspection into human emotion and behaviour.
Jack finds himself faced with the reality of his murderous actions; Claudine attempts to move forward following a secret which very nearly destroyed her family; and the cultural struggles and quest for identity lead Ravi and Rachel, as well as Anoush and Jason, down very different yet significant paths.
‘Lost Souls: Finding Solace’ weaves together a series of stories like no other collection to date, uncovering an unspoken reality and exposing concealed truths, all in the name of finding solace.
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