Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Moscow but grew up in a small city in Belarus. My parents were divorced and for almost 10 years (during my childhood), my mother had 2 jobs: one was from 8 AM to 5 PM; the second was from 8 PM to 1 AM. I spent a lot of time reading and hanging with friends. I won a national poetry contest in Belarus. I studied classical literature, and I worked as a teacher for almost 9 years. For the last 12 years I have been living in Sweden. In August 2019 I’m planning on quitting my job to become a full-time writer. I also have two dogs: Sky and Daisy.

Describe the plot of your new book, Dulcinea and the Death Code, in a few sentences.

This is a story about a girl with unusual DNA. She is a Death Code from a place called A-Ria. What is A-Ria? Nobody knows. But Dulcinea and her new friends (kids with powerful abilities) are on the way to revealing the truth. Dulcinea is also going through a transition: from “not-caring” and “cold” child to “a sacrificing” friend, the one who is ready to protect the world and her family, even if it hurts. But as always, the bad guy – in our case, Reality – wins. At least in book 1. How? Read to find out…

What inspirations contributed to this book?

1. It is based on a vision from my meditation. 2. I tried to mix fantasy, romance, humor and bizzaro fiction.

Dulcinea must move from sunny Sumter, South Carolina to Sweden. In addition to leaving behind a familiar climate and culture, she must leave behind the people with whom she’s grown up. How does she handle this?

Dulcinea was born in Romania, but she moved to Sumter when she was a kid. She never had a lot of friends, but her life in Sumter was fun and secure. It’s always difficult to move to a new place, but you can overcome any obstacle with super friends like Joel, Osa, Loo and Brolle. These kids are from different countries and have absolutely contrasting stories, but they complement each other and they care about the Earth and Dulcinea – there lies their power.

Without giving too much away, tell us a bit about the mysterious glowing crack that follows Dulcinea around.

It is the entrance (the door) to access Reality (in a raw form), and at the same time, it is the exit, a lie and the play of Eilidh (you’ll meet IT in book 2).

Your story involves a lot of world building. Was it challenging creating fresh, new places and making them feel real?

I spared it for the next book. Of course, Dulcinea visit A-Ria 3-5 times, but we still don’t know what it is and why it wants to control the Earth.

Is there an author that has influenced your writing style?

I prefer to read short stories – mostly satire, humor, sci-fi or non-fiction (psychology and science). Also, I love crime and mystery books. My influencers are: O. Henry, Byron, Dostoevsky and Ray Bradbury.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?

To see the world full of Ray’s fans.

How have your readers responded to the book so far?

Only my editors have read the book. They liked it (because of my ‘quixotic’ style). But I got 1 hate rating from a man on Goodreads, so I’m not sure… all I can say – this book is not for everybody. Mostly for: females, 13-25 years old. The book was published on Amazon on June 9. I’m looking for people who’d like to read my novel and who’d love to share their thoughts about the story and heroes. I’m providing a free copy (in any format) if you’ll send me an email: victoria.ohlsson@aol.com

Is there any aspect of writing you don’t like?

A lot of sitting. And snacking. I’m snacking a lot while writing.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If yes, how’d you deal with it? If you have not had writer’s block, why do you think you haven’t?

Some days I don’t feel the desire to write at all, and I never push myself to do something I don’t want to do. I’m living in the moment – in the Now. So, I have to enjoy it. Usually, I’m shifting between different hobbies, so I am never bored. Also, I’m working in so called “chunks” – all or nothing. That means I’m writing 3-4 weeks, and then I’m taking a break for 2 weeks. Repeat.

What do you have in mind for your next project?

Well, quite a lot.

1. My book Damn Ray Reviews: 40 Books in Your Pocket will be published summer 2019.
2. Poetry book, with a working title, The Legs: A Global Perspective On Society, is planned for autumn 2019.
3. Book 2 in the series So Absurd It Must Be True, it is a mix of satire, sci-fi and erotica – winter 2020. Attention: only for adults! If you are 18+ you can check out book 1 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/So-Absurd-Must-Be-True-ebook/dp/B07MYJRV55/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AEIJY85UI&keywords=so+absurd+it+must+be+true&qid=1560197063&s=gateway&sprefix=so+ab%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-1.
4. My sci-fi novel The Pearl Territory. A few chapters are already posted on my blog. I’ll continue writing during the summer. You are welcome to follow the story. It is a mix of private journals and dialogues/scenes.
5. Of course, The Secrets of A-Ria, Child of Illusion Series, Book 2 – summer 2020. I’m planning three books in the series Child of Illusion.

Is there anything else you’d like potential readers to know about your book?

1. Written without any plotting or outline.
2. Too many books give us “ready” answers; the author some way is “chewing” the idea and all we have to do is “digest” it. But I want you to think, to imagine, to create… that’s why this book has of a lot of mysteries – I’m simply giving you the space to move; to use your own fantasy.
3. I added digital portraits for 6 heroes: Dulcinea, Erik, Osa, Loo, Brolle and Joel. And also a couple of poems.

Follow Victoria Ray on these social media sites:

Authors website: https://raynotbradbury.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayNotBradbury

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/raynotbradbury/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raynotbradbury/