It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’d like to welcome you to my blog today.
We have a gentleman from Bulgaria who was introduced to me by former AIT special guest Stuart Land. His primary language is Bulgarian and he employs the services of a translator to make his books accessible to an English speaking audience. I love the fact that he has not allowed this to hinder him and he reaches out to fellow authors and readers outside the four walls of his country. He also produces book trailers and is an all-round nice guy. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Alex Tomov.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and that first moment when you knew you could write?
I write post – apocalyptic, alternative, speculative fiction and absurdity fiction. I also write short stories. I wrote my first book when I was 16 or 17. It was a poetry book, inspired from my literary education. My parents are writers too. And my first book with short stories was “Future Gone”, written when I was 21/22 years old.
What can a reader expect when they pick up an Alexander Tomov book?
The reader can see in my work many different realities and strange and absurd viewpoints about human nature, mind and imagination, strange visions from future and deep journey into the subconscious. Also in some of my stories, there are grotesque themes about society and politic. So in my work there is no strict logic. I write by intuition.
You’ve written several books that some would classify as science fiction with strong psychological themes present in all of them. What is your major inspiration for writing books in this genre?
My strange visions from the future and my deep fascination about human existence. Also my desire to change the face of world literature with my stories.
You’re a native of Bulgaria with English as a second language. Can you tell us some of the unique challenges of translating your books from Bulgarian to English and how you attempt to overcome them? 
Unfortunately my English is not good enough to speak about this in detail, but my new translator Ekaterina Petrova is really good and I think that my ideas in my work can be expressed very well in the English language.
You’re a film director and I’ve seen some of the book trailers you’ve done. Can you let us know the key ingredients of a good book trailer?
I create book trailers for other writers. Most part of the book trailer creation process is technical, but some creativity is also required to make it good too. This is no problem for me, because I’m a writer and film director and have many ideas about many kinds of book trailers in all genres. I have already made 8 book trailers for other writers, outside my country, created only by text description from the author via emails. You can see all videos and some more information, about my book trailers creating services in link below:
https://plus.google.com/b/105779808610351075620/105779808610351075620/posts/ToyVLQKpxg4
What have you found to be a successful way to market your books?
I haven’t found a way at this time. I’m self – published author from small country – Bulgaria, work alone and search realisation abroad. In this aspect, promotion of my books is really hard and difficult. But I don’t give up and don’t stop trying to realise my dreams and to show the world my ideas.
What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?
I can write a book about this question. There are too many short pieces from books, stories, and movies in my mind, which I use for ideas and inspiration. But also I would say that some modern and classic authors inspire my writing, too – writers like Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Stephen King, Jorge Luis Borges, and Chekhov. However, someone who always amazes me is Antoine de Saint – Exupéry with “The Little Prince”. Simply written book in which is the whole world.
What is your definition of success as an author?
Author who can express original ideas in a very accessible way for the reader.
What is your favourite science fiction movie and why?
There are too many. I like science fiction movies with philosophical point like “Equilibrium”, “1984” and “Artificial Intelligence: AI”.
What three things should a first time visitor to Bulgaria do? 
To visit Bulgarian mountains. The nature in Bulgaria is very beautiful. To visit the Bulgarian attractions and try Bulgarian cuisine.
What can we expect from Alexander Tomov in the next 12 months?
My new book is ready in Bulgarian and is in undergoing translation into English. The title is “Beyond the Absurd“. I have already 10 translated short stories from “Beyond the Absurd” and I’ve given the stories for reviews. For everyone, who is interested about deep soul horizons and grotesque abyss of Absurd, You can download free e-book from here:
LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/18690888-beyond-the-absurd
“Beyond the Absurd” in goodreads.com: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18690888-beyond-the-absurd
Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?
About the industry, sometimes it is really hard, but the industry in not absolute criteria for true literature. Unfortunately this area is often greedy and too materialistic. About new authors, my advice is to stand against their fears and try to transform everything in their minds into literature.
Thanks for being with us today Alex. I love the fact that you’re striving to share your stories with an international audience. I agree with you that we have to overcome the fears that stop us sometimes from sharing the stories that burn within our souls and just write. Alex and I would love to hear your comments and questions, so please drop a line or two below. You can check out Alex’s books at the link below.
Alex Tomov Books on Amazon