Today we talk about Schizoaffective Disorder, a book by Natali Teder pulished with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Natali Teder, to get to know her better, where she found the inspiration to write her book Schizoaffective Disorder, as well as if there is a book she is particularly attached to.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write your book of poems?
For a long time now, I have wanted to become an author or a screenwriter. In my free time I love to just think. Think about random things that could happen, weird scenarios and also just made up stories with made up characters. I have tried to write some of these stories down, but have not gotten far. For example, I started writing a novel in 2021 and in 2023 it had already 300 pages, but the problem was that it wasn’t even halfway done! Then I started thinking that even when I do finish it someday, am I even brave enough to show my work to someone? “I need to write something short and easy to read, so I could show at least something to someone. Then I can see if all of this is even worth my time,” I thought to myself. So, I decided to try out some poetry (in a language I have never written in before). I did not believe in myself, but the moment I took a pen into my hand, the paper was suddenly full of words that somehow even rhymed. After writing a few poems, I came up with the idea of posting them somewhere online, because I was most afraid of the idea of showing my poems to someone I know personally. And then I found the Europe Books website. “What the hell, let’s do this. I have nothing to lose,” I thought. I saw that I have to finish 25 poems by the 1st of September. It was the 18th of August when I saw that. That is also the reason some of the poems seem kind of rushed to me.
- What would like to hear from your readers?
Like I said before, I am rather shy about showing my work to people. The first person I ever showed my poems to was my boyfriend. We were not even friends yet. He was just someone random I met and had known for five hours, but it felt right to show him. After his very positive feedback I finally found some courage to show some of the poems to my close ones. I don’t like criticism, if I’m being completely honest. Maybe one of the reasons for that is the fact that I have never written in English before. It just makes me feel more vulnerable. But I am ready for that, whatever it is that is coming my way. I know that I can always do better. And I will try to do better until I myself like what I have done. If I hear that I helped at least one person in some kind of way, then I will be happy for the rest of my life, but that does not mean that I like my own work. I really hope that others liking my work, will help me like my work.
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something? What is it?
I used to read a lot, but sadly have not done that in a long time. I have my reasons for that and I am doing everything to overcome these “reasons”. With books it’s the same as movies for me. The movie/book doesn’t have to be the best thing I have ever seen/read. It just needs to be something that makes me want to write something so different and unique myself. Something that will make people think. That is what I want. So, the book that I am attached to is “Lord of the Flies.” I have not read it for quite some time now, but I will always remember how it makes me feel when I do read it. It makes me want to grab a pen and a paper and write down a story that makes you think about anything and everything. I really hope that I will do it someday.
- How was your publishing experience?
Publishing experience was better than I could have ever asked for. It all just kind of happened. I had already forgotten that I had sent them anything, so when I saw a random number calling me during my brother’s birthday, I was not prepared at all what it could be about. I’m very happy that I decided to answer. I have looked into publishing in Estonia before, but all of this seemed so complicated and expensive. So, when this opportunity came just out of nowhere and was also so quick and easy?! I was not sure if any of this was real. I loved to receive emails about how my book was doing and all of the people I talked to were so sweet and quick. I am very pleased with the fast work.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
I am indeed trying to write something new. This is also a book of poems, but this time I am taking my sweet time so I could also be proud of myself.
Europe Books thanks the author, Natali Teder, 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 Schizoaffective Disorder. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, I hope that you enjoy this book, that it intrigues you and makes you happy to read it, and that at the same time it provides you with food for thought to apply in your everyday life.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!