Sunday, May 4, 2008

Interview with Besa Kosova

Author Pen Name: Besa Kosova

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

BK: I write poetry and fiction, historical/women‘s fiction. I write because without writing, I would be soulless -- because it is the only way, I know myself to be.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

BK: Very early. As a child, I learned the alphabet by puzzling letters and words together. Those puzzles later became poems. The first poem I wrote was at the age of six, and my first recorded publication was in the second grade.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

BK: Babi, my father, who also is a writer, and my hero.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

BK: Writing schedule, huh? I write every day. I really do. I make myself write, regardless. No ‘but’s’, no ‘if’s,’ and absolutely no procrastination about it! I write. I think, in order to be a writer, I must be my worst drill sergeant. I have a quote above my desk, which I wrote, and it states, “Writers write while dreamers procrastinate.” Early mornings when my mind is not cluttered with the day’s tasks, I am at the peak of creativity. Depending on a day, I have a four-page minimum, one poem a week, read one book a week, besides the pursuing of my Creative Writing Studies at the University of Central Florida. Other times, I write whenever the idea sparks. I could be at the red light, and oh, here comes the idea! So, yes, I am one of those people that pulls to the side of the road, to write the idea down. To be honest, I cannot account how many times I have been late for work because of the ideas. And, yes try telling that to the boss, “Sorry, I was late because the idea struck me at the red light. Not!” I also have pen and pad right next to my bed. Sometimes, ideas come while I sleep. I write those in the middle of the night. I must not forget, next to my desk there is a box, a memory box, I call it Besa’s idea box, and now it has become my jewel box. Every time the ideas strike, they go to my box. Other than that, they would go to their specific folder, if I know that the idea was for a particular story. There you have it, Besa schedule in a nutshell. Ah, the joys of the writing schedule! There is no schedule. There is only writing. Always writing. When I am finished writing, then I write some more. Even when I am not using the pen, I write.

CA: Besa, I love the idea of your “ Idea Box”!

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

BK: Afraid. I do not know what to expect. Raindrops, is a compilation of few of the darkest moments, during a period of my life. It is very personal and in today’s world considering the criticism and the competition – yeah, I am afraid. Nevertheless, it was written with the best intention.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
BK: Read. I love to learn. I love to grow. Language amazes me. It is endless and challenging. And, I love challenge. Challenge is inspiring.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

BK: Seven. I am currently completing a series of four books. They are the books of my heart. Yet, the first novel that I wrote, Eliana’s Diary of Kosova, remains my favorite. My first book was written while attending English as a Second Language classes, when I did not know that the word ‘anyways’ was not a word, when the ‘kitchen’ and the ‘chicken’ were all the same, all because they had a similar sound. Nevertheless, that is the beauty of writing. I must write in order to grow, and if I let obstacles prevent me from doing what I love, then maybe I should consider changing to something else. So, I love my first novel. Because of it, today, I am attaining education needed in order to become the writer that I need to be.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

BK: I believe that all the writers base their characters from our experiences. I must say that my characters tend to be metaphors of my life, but the beauty of being a creative/fiction writer is having the freedom to imagine, create, and shape those people to the ones that we secretly dream to be, a little of what we are – and yes kill those ‘bastard’ antagonists that made fun of us while we were growing up.

CA: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

BK: Yes, indeed. While I still consider myself an aspiring writer, but a determined one, I would like to say this: “Don’t pay attention to what the odds of being published are. Don’t listen to anyone telling you can’t write. And, please, stop reading those discouraging articles that flood the internet and writer’s periodicals, shutting your dreams down. No one, and I mean when I say ‘no one’ defines your destiny. Take your destiny in your hands and control it. Bring your visions to life. If you believe that, you can write – than you can. No one knows you, better than you do. In time, it will all fall in place. Write. Read. My friend, that’s your job.”

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

BK: My book can be purchased through any major booksellers online; however, I do prefer that my readers purchase my book via the Barnes and Noble website. They may also contact me directly, if they wish to purchase autographed copies.

My contact information is below:

Web: http://besakosova.googlepages.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/besakosova
First Novel Myspace: www.myspace.com/dearbesko
Contact: Besakosova@publishedauthors.net

CA: Besa you’re such a dear sweet friend and I look forward to reading your poetry, your interview was wonderful and I wish everyone knew how wonderful you are! Thank you for being here with me this week!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an inspiring blog. Thanks to you, Besa! I know what you mean about simply having to write. My poetry is that for me.

Anonymous said...

You're welcome and thank you. I am glad that you write, because I do. I refuse to get discouraged. When I first arrived to the U.S. I knew very few words. Go figure, I am majoring in Creative Writing now. There are so many peices that I have written when my English was a total chaos, but now, I use those ideas and improve on them. Had I not written them, I know I would not have them. So, as long as we write, we are doing our job. Keep it up! And, yes, poetry does the same for me too...

Hugs,
Besa

lainey bancroft said...

Wonderful interview, Besa! I connected with you on so many points--the scribble pad everywhere (my husband thinks I should get one of those little push-button recorders so I can 'speak' my thoughts so I don't run myself off the road or fall out of bed trying to get them down. He could be on to something. LOL)

Very brave of you to put so much of yourself out there in your first book! And wonderful advice to aspiring writers! So true!

BESA KOSOVA said...

Thank you, Lainey. Yeah, I bought the recorder, but I used it only once. I am used to writing everything long-hand, so it is a challenge to break away from it. I don't know if I ever will either. The same goes with books. Somehow, I still prefer a real book over an e-book. I don't know why. I guess, I am just a young gal with an old-fashioned mind.

Smiles,
Besa

Malcolm R. Campbell said...

Great Interview, Besa. Best of luck with the rest of your books.

Malcolm

BESA KOSOVA said...

Thank you, Malcolm. Lots of luck is what I need right now. I have the dedication and the perseverance, I am just lacking a little bit of luck. I wish the same with your new novel as well.

Smiles,
Besa

jonira forever said...

I never knew a person can be into writing so much until i saw u
i mean until i saw this blog
great interview
all the best
hope ur work in washington going good

And regards to Anna & the sharp chap, whose name i always forget
and keep going to the box
i had one, i lost it
also hop into bus sometime when u visit orlando
i still rember that day when i walk and wait for 13

prend soi de toi

John Rahat

BESA KOSOVA said...

John,

Thank you for taking time to read the blog. The sharp chap's name is Nate. Writing involves a lot of work, more than people think it does, but so does every dream. Perseverance, is what is required.

I hope the summer is going well. I am taking off the summer, to concentrate on completing some projects.

I hope all is well in your world. I will probably see you around UCF.

Thank you again,
Besa