Ukrainian indie author Aya Neia: With the book Nord I wanted to show how important it is to find strength within yourself, even when it seems all is lost

Aya Neia is a Ukrainian indie fantasy author who aims to show through her books that one must always find strength within oneself, even when it seems all is lost. Her book series "Nord" continues to captivate readers with the boundless fantasy world that the author has dreamt of since childhood. Each book in the series was created over two years, and each reveals new aspects of the "Nord" world. Despite being engrossed in the fantasy realm, the author's pseudonym carries a mythological character and simultaneously helps to separate her personal life from her creative work. Aya Neya shared insights about the "Nord" series, the novella "Name of the Shadow," and her challenging journey as a writer.

Interviewer: Why the fantasy world? When and how did you become interested in this genre?

Aya: I've loved fantasy since childhood. The first book I wrote was very similar to fantasy. This genre offers a vast space for creativity. Usually, you need to create an entire world or universe with its own rules. Fantasy also allows for the development of imagination and the creation of characters who can become role models for readers.

Interviewer: You identify as an indie author. What does that mean?

Aya: An indie author is an independent author who does not transfer their book rights to a publisher or does so only partially. "Indie" comes from "independent." In my case, starting next year, I will be partially independent. Specifically, the "Nord" project belongs solely to me. My mystical novellas on Google Play are also mine. However, I plan to publish other books through publishers, transferring the rights. Being indie provides more freedom in creating and promoting books but places double responsibility on the author for quality. This means I am responsible for marketing, distribution, and the financial aspects, allowing me to be closer to my readers and respond to their needs.

Interviewer: You have a rather interesting pseudonym, Aya Neya. It can be interpreted in many ways, but what does it mean to you? Why do you write under this name?

Aya: For me, it is a connection to mythology. Aya is the only human allowed by the Sumerian gods into their midst. She is the wife of the sun god Shamash (Utu). I know most readers interpret it as "And I am not I". This is partially correct because the pseudonym is my creative reflection. It's also easy to remember and write in English, which is important for readers. Unfortunately, my real name and surname are very common, and there are already several authors with those names. The pseudonym allows me to separate my personal life from my creative work and create my unique brand.

Interviewer: Tell us about your book "Nord. Age of the Wolf." How did the idea for this story come about, who are its characters, and what message did you want to convey to the reader with this story?

Aya: "Nord" was born from a dream and a desire to write something magical yet dark. I wrote a small fairy tale and put it away in a drawer. Four years later, I saw images of Winter spirits online and read about Yule. This immediately reminded me of my childhood fascination with runes and Norse gods. So, I began my research. The heroes of "Nord" are the children of the village of Borre, which is visited by the Wild Hunt. They must save their friends and families by traveling through the Nine Worlds. I want to convey the ideas of the strength of friendship, the importance of family values, and believing in oneself, even in the darkest times. I wanted to show how crucial it is to maintain humanity and find inner strength when it seems all is lost.

Interviewer: "Nord. Age of the Wolf" is not the only part of your fantasy novel. There are other parts such as "Nord. The Great Winter." Why did you decide to continue the story, and how long did it take to work on each book?

Aya: The story of "Nord" turned out to be so multifaceted that one book simply couldn't contain everything I wanted to tell. The sequels, "Age of the Wolf" and "Twilight of the Worlds," allow us to delve deeper into the worlds and lives of the characters. Each book took about two years to complete, including research, writing, editing, and publication. Each new part reveals new aspects of the "Nord" world, new challenges for the characters, and new themes for reflection. I wanted to create an epic where each book is a standalone adventure, but together they form a cohesive story.

Interviewer: You write not only novels but also novellas. Among your books is a young adult novella "Name of the Shadow." Tell us about this story. What was the process of creating it like?

Aya: "Name of the Shadow" is a young adult novella about a girl who discovers she has unusual abilities and accidentally summons a monster into our world during a class. Writing this novella was very emotional, as I tried to convey the feelings and experiences of teenagers, their fears, and hopes. My own teenage memories and experiences played a significant role in creating the novella. Recalling the games we played in school inspired "Name of the Shadow." I wanted to create a story that shows how important it is to accept yourself as you are and find strength in your unique traits. The heroine faces challenges that help her understand that being herself is the most important thing.

Interviewer: Tell us about the time when you were sending your manuscript to publishers. Did you wait long for a response? How did you feel when you learned that your book would be published?

Aya: In my case, I didn't have to wait long. The "Bookband" project started as a space for authors to communicate and gradually grew into a publishing house. "Nord" became the first book project, beyond anthologies and contests. I wanted to see "Nord" exactly as I envisioned it, and the Bookband was open to communication and experimentation. It was a mix of joy, excitement, and pride. It was a moment when I felt that my dream had finally come true and all the efforts were not in vain.

Interviewer: How difficult is it to be a writer? What trends in the development of the fantasy genre can you note in Ukraine?

Aya: Being a writer is a constant labor and dedication. You not only have to write but also continuously improve your skills, stay updated on market trends, and actively promote your books (which is the hardest part). In Ukraine, the fantasy genre is becoming increasingly popular. Many talented authors are emerging, bringing something new and unique to the genre. People are more and more interested in magical worlds and stories that allow them to escape from everyday life. This escapism creates fertile ground for growth. However, being an author is still challenging. You need to find time to write, seek inspiration, fight doubts, and constantly work on yourself.

Interviewer: Tell us about your book presentations. What is this process like? What stands out in your memory?

Aya: Book presentations are always a celebration for the author. It's an opportunity to meet readers, hear their feedback and impressions, and share your thoughts and ideas. Each presentation is memorable. The one I remember the most is the first presentation of "Nord. Age of the Wolf." It was a closed event due to COVID restrictions. However, I was given my first bouquet, and I felt like a true author. The first "on-the-road" presentations also stand out, along with my agents Hanna Zhuk and the "Dive into the Word" project. I love them dearly. Readers in other cities eagerly await our visits and help with the presentations. It's always a special moment to see how your stories resonate in people's hearts.

Interviewer: What will your next book be? Are you planning to continue existing books or will it be a completely new story? You already have several planned projects; tell us about them.

Aya: I already have several planned projects. In fact, I am working on a few of them simultaneously. Most likely, the first will be an Egyptian fantasy, which will come after I finish the series currently being published. I hope to eventually complete and publish everything I have planned. I also have a collection of mystical stories (I actually began my professional journey with light mysticism). I talk about all my projects on my website ayaneia.com, where I also post excerpts if I own the rights to the work. In addition to the Egyptian fantasy, I plan to continue working on the "Nord" and "Wings of Ostara" series, as well as bring to life new ideas that emerge during the writing process.

Photos from the social media of author Aya Neia