I was born in Leicestershire in England and I moved to Bulgaria when I was thirteen-years-old. I lived in a rural village in the Gabrovo district for the first four years but currently I am living in Burgas and enjoying every moment of it.
As for work, I write for a Boston-based magazine known as Teen Voices and also Public Republic. My dream for the future is to become a full-time writer in Bulgaria.
Lauren Kearney
First, thank you for allowing me to interview you for Absinthe-Minded. Could you tell us about
yourself?
I grew up in England. Then, when I was thirteen, I moved to
Bulgaria with my dad, mum and sister and we lived in a rural Bulgarian village
for four years. And now I’m still living in Bulgaria, but in a large city
here.
In the meantime, I work as a
writer and I’m also immersing myself into various wildlife conservation
projects.
What brought you to Bulgaria and do you plan on staying
there?
It’s a long story. Moving to another country has always been
on the cards for us. My parents have always been eager for a new life in a new
country. They love travelling and so do I, so coming to Bulgaria and living
here permanently wasn’t scary for me. It was an adventure and still is. I
really don’t know whether we’ll stay here permanently or not – I’m kind of torn
between both. But for now, I’m enjoying life in Bulgaria.
The biggest challenge
you had to face since you moved to Bulgaria? Was it hard to adapt?
Everything has been a
challenge in its own way. From integrating with the locals, to dealing with periods
of six week water shortages, it has all been challenging. But I have learned so
much. I am much more resilient now. I think it took the locals a while to get
used to us, but in the end, after we shown our willingness to fit in, they
respected us. To begin with, everything was pretty intense, but I wouldn’t say
it was that hard to adapt.
What was the most
shocking difference between Bulgaria and the UK to you?
Probably the pace of
life. When I return to England, the first thing that hits me is how rapid
everything is. Nothing is slow or laidback at all. In Bulgaria, life is much
more relaxed.
What are some of your upcoming endeavors you have planned?
At the moment I’m working as a freelance journalist and
sometime in the near future I will be getting involved with an animal rescue
organisation. At the same time, I’m immersing myself into wildlife conservation
projects; signing petitions, writing letters to people of authority and
donating whenever possible.
Would you consider working as a translator?
I don’t think so. I can speak Bulgarian, but I’m not fluent
at all. If I were, I’m still unsure I’d work in this profession. I prefer
writing – nothing outshines it.
Do you feel that the fact English is your mother tongue
could open doors for you in a country like Bulgaria?
Possibly. I mean, living here has already opened doors for
me, and that’s just from the general experience. I’m not sure whether, as a
writer, it would open doors for me. I don’t know, to be perfectly frank.
How would you describe the level of English of the average
Bulgarian?
I would say it’s quite high. Considering a huge percentage
of Bulgarian’s only learn English at school, it’s amazing that some can speak
it so fluently. I learned French at school and I can barely string a sentence
together in French.
What other projects/causes do you support?
I’m heavily involved with various wildlife and animal
welfare organisations. I support the WWF, PETA, and the Born Free Foundation. It
all started a year ago, when I saw an advert on the television about endangered
mountain gorillas. It was the World Wildlife Foundation pleading for donations.
And in that instant, I was compelled to act. So after donating, I started
researching these issues and I just could not believe what I was reading. The
statistics of endangered animals were unreal. From then I’ve continued to
support these causes and I want to raise awareness for this major concern.
What are your thoughts on Bulgarian literature? Do you
follow the work of any specific contemporary authors?
I haven’t actually read much Bulgarian literature, so
unfortunately I can’t really hold an opinion on it. I’ve read a couple of short
stories, which were good, but apart from that, I’ve not read much.
What do you think Bulgarian literature needs to expand its
global outreach?
Good marketing. The talent is there, you just need it to be
in the right hands.
You’ve written for a variety of international literary
magazines, what are your main topics of interest?
When I was fifteen, a few of my book reviews were published
in print. I’ve also written a bit of feminist prose which has been published. Now
I tend to focus on more serious topics. Global issues are my favourite subjects.
I want to create awareness. I know from personal experience that awareness was
what compelled me to act. When you are aware of a situation, it’s hard to turn
your back on it and do nothing. When you educate yourself on what’s happening
in your world, it’s impossible to ignore it.
Are you interested in
creative writing?
Yes. I am a writer. I
love writing. For me, I prefer prose over poetry. I’ve written poetry but I’m
more of a story writer. There’s something so liberating about writing – that’s
why I’m devoted to it.
Who are your
favourite writers?
I have many favourite
writers – and such a variety too: Sylvia Plath, Simone de Beauvoir, James
Patterson, Stephen King, Jane Austen, Doris Lessing, Vladimir Nabokov, Fyodor
Dostoevsky, Kate Chopin etc. The list goes on...
What are your plans
for the summer?
To write more stories.
And as I mentioned before, I’m hoping to become involved with an animal
foundation, so that should be great.
Thank you again for the interview!
