Xlibris Publishing returns with Zeynab Salimova, author of The Garnet Bunches.
Do you have any particular literary influences that have helped you develop in your genre, subject and style?
I write in different genres, prose and poems, depending on my inspiration. I grew up in intellegent family, where the book considered to be the best friend of a man. My father has a huge and unique library with hundreds of books written by the best authors of the world. I am so lucky that I grew up reading classical literature, such as Nizami Genjevi, Khagani, Nesimi, outstanding Azerbaijani philosophers, poets and writers. Along with them, I had read Aleksandr Pushkin, Sergey Yesenin, Anton Chekhov, Anna Akhmatova, geniuses of classical Russian literature. I can continue this list forever…
I graduated school where the main language of instruction was Russian, and classical Russian literature is closer to me. Of course, in my childhood I also read the tales and stories of foreign writers, such as Hans Christian Anderson, Brothers Grimm, Rudyard Kipling. My father had all these books in his library, most of them were ordered from Moscow. Because we usually spent summer vacation in a country side house , me and my brother had a chance to plunge into the wonderful world of literature.
One of my favorite unchangeable poets is Anna Akhmatova. On my 20th birthday, my parents made me a present, it was a trip to Paris. I will never forget this amazing vacation. Paris is the city of romance, and every little thing changes its value there. I walked on the streets where Anna Akhmatova used to walk with her beloved one, who was a poor Italian artist Amedeo Modiliani. And she dedicated so many beautiful poems to their love, and he drew her portraits. Even when she came back to Russia, he still kept writing her letters. Later on, after the trip, I started falling in love with foreign literature. My favorite authors are Edgar Allan Po, Sir Arthur Conandoile, and Margaret Mitchell. «Gone with the Wind» movie inspired me to read this book. I was a fan of Scarlett O’hara, her strong spirit and beauty raved and delighted me. My favorite quote of Scarlet is «After all… tomorrow is another day», and this phrase became a motto of my life, in my interpretation it is – «Never give up and you will succeed!».
What inspired you to write your book, and how long did it take you to finish it?
It happened so that our family was destined to leave its homeland and settle in another country. The events preceding this, like the years of formation in America, I decided to present in the literary form and submit to the reader’s judgment. I was enormously helped by the memory of my mother, a native Azerbaijani woman, who was always an ideal for a loving woman and a role model.
The Garnet Bunches is my first novel and the very special one. This period of my life was the hardest, because I lost my mother. During that period me and my family just moved to New York and everything gathered together, new place, new home and new life. The Garnet Bunches helped me to go through the hardest time of my life. I started writing and could not stop myself, I finished book in two months.
What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?
My book tells about two houses – a small family of the main heroine Gunel, and a huge family of the people in Azerbaijan. Both of them fell through hard trials, but both coped with dignity. In The Garnet Bunches I showed that no matter what your nationality or religion is, life shows us good and bad, we have ups and downs, which allow us to understand, emphisize and support this human condition.
Are you working on a sequel to your book?
I am always inspired and open to new ideas. I am going to finish writing continuation of the fantasy story «Up to Miracles», and start a new novel. Also I often review my poems and keep writing the new ones.
Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?
I am so proud that The Garnet Bunches received a starred review and was awarded to Books of Excellent Merit from Pacific Book Review. Also The Garnet Buches was in the top five books in November 2017. Another positive review the book has gotten from The US Book Review. This proves that my book is relevant and important for people. I am grateful to Xlibris who believed in potential and strength of The Garnet Bunches, and supported me in this path.
What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?
The most exctinig in the publishing path with Xlibris was to receive the actual published book.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
I love the American saying «Dream Big», and I am sure that it is absolutely true. A man needs to have a dream in life, and for achieving the desired goal it is important to be persistant. I am pretty sure that is the key for success.
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