Author Interview: The Literary Spotlight with Author Nadine Bjursten
Introducing Nadine Bjursten, Nadine Bjursten, a compelling author straddling both journalistic excellence and the rich tapestry of storytelling. Born in the United States, and grew up north of New York City in Garrison, NY, Nadine now lives in Lund, Sweden. Her journey into the world of fiction bears the marks of a life steeped in historical intersections and profound introspection.
It was Nadine’s experiences as an American expat that lent a unique perspective to her writing, infusing her stories with a rich blend of cultural nuances and universal themes.
A seasoned journalist and editor, Nadine’s literary aspirations took flight later in life, propelled by a deep-seated passion for storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of societal dynamics, she embarked on a quest to craft narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth.
With her debut novel, “Half a Cup of Sand and Sky,” Nadine invites readers on a poignant journey of self-discovery and resilience, navigating the delicate balance between past and present, love and loss. Through her evocative prose and keen insight into the human condition, she weaves a tapestry of emotions that transcends borders and speaks to the universal truths that bind us all.
Join me as we delve into the world of Nadine Bjursten, where storytelling becomes a conduit for understanding, empathy, and the timeless allure of the written word.
Introduction:
Cyra: Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your writing background? What inspired you to become a writer, and how did your writing journey begin?
Nadine: Nadine Bjursten here, and I am the author of Half a Cup of Sand and Sky. I am an American expat living in Sweden with my twin girls and husband. Previously, I was managing editor of a foreign policy journal in Washington, DC. I have been a journalist/editor for over 20 years, working in DC, New York, Philadelphia, and Bolivia. My writing has always been there. I was writing poems as soon as I could form sentences and coming up with stories in my head, but it was only in my late 30s that I permitted myself to get serious about writing an actual novel.
Creative Process:
Cyra: Could you share a glimpse into your creative process? How do you approach developing ideas and turning them into stories? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the writing zone?
Nadine: The process for me starts with the main character. I see the character, his or her appearance and personality traits, but I don’t do anything then; I take the character along with me. I get to learn about the wants and needs of the character, and from there, the story evolves. The writing process is about giving flesh and blood to that character, allowing it to act of its own free will. For me, that’s the most exciting thing about writing—the characters have a life of their own.
Writing Influences:
Cyra: Who are some of your favorite authors or literary influences, and how have they shaped your own writing style? Are there any books or works that have had a profound impact on your writing career?
Nadine: Oh my, that’s a hard one to answer. I have categories of books. I had an early love of classics, probably because my dad was so good at bringing them to life, and that has not changed. I ate up books as a kid and loved many. The first book that made my brain explode was Voltaire’s Candide. It was the first time I had read something like that, and I was amazed by it. It was satire, and it was fantastical and fast-paced.
No one escapes Voltaire’s ridicule: religion, governments, armies, and philosophers, but it ends so beautifully with Candide’s understanding that one must “cultivate our own garden.” Other authors that have greatly influenced me are George Eliot, Virginia Woolf, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky. The latter two particularly have so many layers to their works, and they manage to touch on political, societal, and existential issues at the same time that the characters practically come off the page as they are so real and three-dimensional.
Overcoming Challenges:
Cyra: What challenges have you faced as a writer, and how did you overcome them? How do you handle writer’s block or periods of self-doubt?
Nadine: The biggest challenge for me as a writer was letting go of the journalist in me. A journalist puts facts together and presents them in a story that conveys information/truth. An author needs to go into the character’s inner world, to the character’s needs, wants and vulnerabilities. My first draft of this book was a skeleton. I had the events down, but it was too easy. The characters were not three-dimensional. Even if I saw Amineh and the other characters before me, I had to dig into my own vulnerabilities and weaknesses to understand them. I needed to bring them to life.
Writer’s block is the mind putting too much pressure on the author. In my experience, the antidote is to read. When you read you also relax. You can also pair reading with going outside. A good walk does wonders.
Self-doubt is the opposite of trusting the creative process inside of you. It is the ego getting bent out of shape and trying to tell you that you are not good enough. Tell that voice that you are learning, that you are in this for the long haul, and that even failure will help you in becoming a good writer. Failure is gold for an author.
Character Development:
Cyra: How do you approach developing compelling and relatable characters in your stories? Are there any strategies or exercises you use to ensure your characters feel authentic and three-dimensional?
Nadine: For me, it is examining each scene and asking myself what the character wants, what he or she needs, and what is happening behind the scene. Why is the scene even there? You need to examine yourself and think through what happens when you are uncomfortable, when you are touched by something, when you are angry or fearful or hurt. You have to go there. This process is where you discover the characters’ vulnerabilities and where the magic starts to happen. It gets uncomfortable as you have to dig into yourself and those closest to you, but it is so worth it.
Creative Inspiration:
Cyra: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? Are there any specific themes or topics you enjoy exploring in your writing?
Nadine: There are two threads that run through my stories. One is social issues, how the characters address/manage pressing issues of our time. The other is literature. My main characters are connected to literature, and for me, this becomes a tool to enter their thought world and their surroundings.
Personal Reflection:
Cyra: Is there a particular book or project you are most proud of? Could you share the story behind it? What is the most rewarding aspect of being a writer for you?
Nadine: I am proud of Half a Cup of Sand and Sky. I did not compromise my integrity and make the novel more stereotypical and therefore more palatable to the politics of the day. There was a reason I started writing the novel. When I was managing editor of Arms Control Today during the presidency of George W. Bush, a day didn’t pass without hearing Iran referred to as a member of the Axis of Evil. There is little nuance in the word evil, and instead of staying with the leaders who commit the atrocity, it sweeps with one brushstroke over its citizens, religion, culture, and history.
It’s a pity as Iran is responsible for the world’s first charter of human rights. It has produced the beautiful poets I grew up with: Hafiz, Sa’di, and Rumi. When I went to the bookstore at the time to read some modern fiction based in the country, what I found were books that depicted Iranians as backward, religious extremists.
We have a term for this, orientalism, and while it is often used for Muslims, this single story seems to be applied anytime the United States has a conflict with another country. A single story is devastating, not just because it makes the step to war so much easier, but because it increases misunderstandings and hate. It is this that I hoped to counter when I wrote, Half a Cup of Sand and Sky.
Editing and Revision:
Cyra: How important do you think the editing and revision process is for a writer? Could you share your approach to editing your own work? Do you have any suggestions for writers on how to improve their editing skills?
Nadine: The revision process is critical to the novel. If you are serious about being an author, you must take chances. That is what the first draft is about: pushing boundaries and getting whatever you need to get out out. It may end up terrible, suitable only for the bin, but it also may be a unique stone that can be valuable to a reader once you’ve cut and polished it.
It is exciting to look at your text, work on the language, adjust the narrative and character arcs, and, most importantly, go deeper into your characters and work through their real needs and wants and what’s happening to them in each scene. Regarding grammar, consistency, and punctuation, I would be familiar with Strunk & White and the Chicago Manual of Style.
The best way to improve editing is to read. Read books you love, the kind you want to write, but also read classics and other well-crafted books you have yet to be drawn to. Push yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Publishing and Marketing:
Cyra: What has been your experience with the publishing industry? Any advice for aspiring authors on finding agents or publishers? How do you navigate the world of book marketing and promotion? Any tips for authors looking to build their audience?
Nadine: I advise working with a professional editor who can highlight your story’s weaknesses. Join a writer’s group and send your book to beta readers. Once the book is ready, you want to research agents who fit the style of the book. Literary Agent Alert makes it easy to stay on top of agents in your genre looking for new clients.
Regarding book marketing and promotion, it is a good idea to start building your author platform: a website, a blog, a presence on social media. I resisted this for a while, but I see now that you can do this in a way that is true to yourself. If you are authentic and continue doing what you do best, your audience will come slowly but surely.
Advice for Budding Writers:
Cyra: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey? How do you handle rejection and criticism in the publishing world?
Nadine: It is impossible to please everyone, and would you even want to? Writing is about taking chances. This is a very subjective business, and if you are doing your job, you are bringing out big feelings in readers in one way or another. It is essential to be open to learning but also vigilant when advice doesn’t sit right. I think it’s important to learn to trust that voice inside of you.
Being a good author is challenging, so you don’t embark on this journey unless writing is very important to you. The need to write has to be bigger than the ups and downs that come with it. If you are not all in, don’t get into this field, as there are many more lucrative and less painful ways to make a living.
Favourite Quote:
Cyra: What’s your favorite quote that keeps you going in life?
Nadine: “I am rooted, but I flow,” by Virginia Woolf.
Future Projects:
Cyra: Could you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects both in terms of your advocacy work and your literary pursuits? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals you would like to share?
Nadine: I am working on a novel about an idealistic, quirky pastor August Holck who lives in an old university town in Sweden and has never been able to find his footing among his strong women colleagues, particularly one of them who makes him lose his words. The refugees arrive and the whole town is thrown into turmoil. August is determined to take Malek, Sami, and Hassan into his charge, and soon they begin a journey that will end up changing all their lives forever.
For aspiring writers I will add two things: Figure out what your characters need and want, both externally and internally, and I must say it again— read. Read classics, literary fiction, genre fiction. Read and read some more.
Nadine’s Website: https://www.nadinebjursten.com/
