Today we talk about Guardians of Time, a book by Janja Naglič published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Janja Naglič, to get to know her better, where she found the inspiration to write her book Guardians of Time, as well as what was the first book she read and what it has thought her.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write your first book?
Ever since I was a little girl I had the ambition to write a novel. The ideas were always popping into my head but I never found the time or motivation to transfer the story on paper. But when I came up with the concept for my youth novel Guardians of time, everything just fell into place. I decided to write a youth novel because I wanted to share an exciting story that would attract young readers back to books – to lure them away from computer and TV screens, away from phones – into the world of crazy imagination. Children lose their imagination all too soon, and real-life issues settle into their young minds too quickly. I believe books should be a place where we can all hide and disappear into a totally different world. A place where we can create a special connection with the characters. A novel should provide a safe haven for readers, allow and encourage them to believe anything is possible. Reading is also a great way to unwind and relax.
- What do you want to communicate to readers with this work?
This young adult fantasy novel takes the readers into the world of time travel. The reader finds himself in the past, in the Medieval Age, where they learn more about the people and their habits and how they navigated through life. The main characters Anna, Lucas, Matthew, Amelie and Tristan are raised in completely different environments and time, yet they develop a strong friendship, filled with respect. They care for each other deeply and are always ready to help the ones in need. Class differences that define their style and way of life don’t bother them, to be exact they seem untouched or unaffected by the abundance or the materialism of modern life. What is more, they ignore these differences and make the most out of the moments they spend together. Regardless of the amount of wealth in their own family, they are equals. As we get to know the characters in the story, we also learn how important respect for the elderly is, and how much their wisdom and experience can help us, if only we listen with enough tolerance and understanding. And if we accept their advice. With this novel I wanted to point out how important family relationships are, the ties that bind us to our loved ones, their devotion and timeless love, care and the joys we experience together. The respect for siblings and the trust that only brothers and sisters understand. The novel Guardians of Time is based on the magical power of a mysterious key that must be found. But even if it is found, it is key to understand that it only works on willpower. If you want something in life, you will have to put in the effort, knowing that time passes uncompromisingly and once is gone, you can never get it back. But the wise man Trevian comforts us: “If everything is not yet as it should be, then it is certainly not over yet!”
- What was the first book you read and what did it teach you?
I can’t say I remember the very first book I have read, but I do remember the many fairy tales my mom used to read to me before bedtime. I remember how the stories were stirring my imagination from an early age. First it was princesses with their princes on white horses, later I enjoyed the adventure books of the five friends written by Enid Blyton, and also the mystical novels of Marie Gripe and other top authors of young adult novels. In high school, I was introduced to the eminent works of William Shakespeare, Albert Camus, and Franz Kafka, which left a great impression on me. Later, I ventured into the world of Agatha Christie with her thrilling crime novels. During my university years, I dedicated my time to more serious literature with philosophical and political themes. Every book I have ever read in my life has left an impact on me or influenced me as a writer.
- How was your first publishing experience?
My first book was published in 2020. I still remember the whole publishing process. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time. I have met many people who used their knowledge and expertise to review and polish my written words. I still recall the editing, proofreading, negotiating, correcting and compromising and that feeling of joy when that final decision was made. To be completely honest, I was a bit intimidated by all the photoshoots, interviews and presentations at the beginning, but I started enjoying the spotlight soon. The feeling of holding my book, my published work for the first time, thumbing through it and smelling it… it’s an exhilarating feeling that I wish to experience again.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
The YA novel Guardians of Time is my first novel that can be read as a stand-alone novel but it is also the first part of a trilogy. The second part called The Knight’s Tournament was published in Slovenian language in 2021. In this book, my main characters Anna, Lucas, Matthew, Amelie and Tristan face new troubles while guarding the key that is desired by many people. The third part called Time is currently still in the making. In the last part of the trilogy, the protagonists will face their rivals in a great confrontation, discovering that it is time that matters, time that counts and time that can never be reclaimed once it passes.
Europe Books thanks the author Janja Naglič once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Guardians of Time. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my dear reader, I wish this fantasy book captures your interest and allows you to travel through time, to find yourself in the stories of the main characters, to acknowledge the values they develop in relation such as friendship and respect, especially towards the elderly. I wish this book also allows you to reflect on family relationships and the ties that will accompany us in our lives.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy this very captivating reading!
Your editor!