On writing: debuts, love, journaling and more with author Lidija Hilje

In this interview, I chat with Slanting Towards the Sea author Lidija Hilje, For the conversation we discuss: Her transition from law to writing, influenced by her early reading experiences.She kept a diary as a child, which helped her process emotions and develop her writing.Her background as a lawyer helped her understand storytelling and character development.The writing process involved balancing her book coaching with her own writing projects.Themes of loss, grief, and motherhood are central to her book, reflecting real-life struggles.Character dynamics in 'Slanting Towards the Sea' explore emotional truths and personal growth.Feedback from critique partners and publishers is crucial, but she emphasizes emotional truth in her writing.The book covers were designed to resonate with the story's themes and cultural context.Writing in English as a second language added a unique perspective to her storytelling.Cultural authenticity plays a significant role in her writing, especially regarding Croatian identity.Read more at http://notesfromerin.substack.com Get full access to Notes from Erin at notesfromerin.substack.com/subscribe