Valeriya Salt is a sci-fi/thriller author from Sheffield (UK). She studied History and earned her master’s degree in art expertise at St. Petersburg University of Culture and Arts. Born in Belarus, she’d lived for many years in different corners of Eastern Europe before settling down in the north of England.
Her short stories, essays, and reviews have appeared in anthologies and magazines and won an Honourable Mention in the Writers of the Future Contest in 2022.
Her debut novel Dive Beyond Eternity was published by Northodox Press (UK) in 2023 and was shortlisted for the 2025 Eyelands International Book Awards.
Dive Beyond Eternity plot synopsis
A World War II German U-boat is discovered in the North Sea. The vessel carries a secret weapon, able to split time and space.
Zara Rose, a naval historian, is sent to investigate. Her mission soon turns into a nightmare where the world is just another illusion and time is long dead.
Zara needs to stop the weapon from falling into wrong hands and navigates her way out of the endless labyrinth of multiple realities.
The interview
Why do you write in the genres that you do?
I write across many genres: from sci-fi and historical fantasy to paranormal and thrillers. I like mixing genres, coming out with new “hybrids.”
Both of my novels – Dive Beyond Eternity (published) and The Seeds of Sky (unpublished) – blend sci-fi and historical elements with the fast pace of a thriller.
I love writing sci-fi because it’s so versatile genre, spanning from space opera and hard sci-fi to techno-thrillers and alternative history. Despite many sci-fi elements, my novels are set on Earth in the present day (give or take a few years).
I believe this helps readers to connect better with my characters and familiar settings. My characters are not superhumans with special powers; they’re just ordinary people with a specific set of skills or knowledge. They’re just like me or you, which I believe makes them relatable.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
I have too many. I love to bullet point my ideas, starting a new notebook for a new project. Hence, most of them are only half-full.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
I believe that a good story has both: a strong, complex plot and a cast of interesting, flawed, morally grey characters.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
Readers will like Dive Beyond Eternity if they enjoy fast-paced, heart-pounding thrillers with a sci-fi twist. The story’s compelling suspense and high stakes appeal to fans of Lee Child, Robert Harris, Blake Crouch, and A G Riddle. It’ll be also of interest for fans of historical fiction and time travel.
People will enjoy Dive Beyond Eternity if they like nautical thrillers but with a fresh take on the genre and the setting. Writing Dive Beyond Eternity, I tried to break away from the clichés and blur the line between the genres, showing that submarines provide a versatile setting not only for the Cold War era- inspired thrillers and military fiction, but also for sci-fi and time travel. I also wanted to introduce my female lead character to a traditionally male-dominated genre.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
A bit of both. I would have a bookshop that exclusively sells titles published by small presses and indie authors. I would also have a library next door where the presses and authors could donate their books, and people could bring old, unwanted copies for those who might not be able to buy new books.
How do you name your characters?
It depends on the characters’ heritage and historical period they live in. I feature a diverse cast of characters in all my works. So, I research the most and least common names within their cultures.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
As both of my books are not particularly long (300+ pages), I think they would work better as films. However, since series are more popular now, I would agree to a 3-4-episode mini-series. Besides, I’m currently writing a sequel to Dive Beyond Eternity (working title The Last Days of Eternity), so I may consider a longer series once I finish it.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I’m an avid reader and book reviewer. I try to support my fellow indie authors by reviewing their works on my blog.
I’m also a passionate gardener. I love spending time in parks and public gardens to draw inspiration for my own place. History, arts, and travel are my greatest passions apart from writing. I can easily spend hours in a museum or art gallery.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
Last year, I participated in a few book events, both online and in person, including the Writers Workshop’s Sounds About Write and Sheffield Fantasy & Science Fiction Social as a panellist together with Adrian Tchaikovsky. I also held a book signing for Dive Beyond Eternity at the UK’s major bookshops chain, Waterstones in Chesterfield. I’m currently planning a panel with other Northern speculative fiction authors for the Leeds LitFest in June 2026.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
My certificates for winning or being shortlisted for literary awards.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
I love brainstorming with my husband who’s also obsessed with history. I take into consideration his insights, especially when I’m writing something history related.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
As mentioned before, I’m an avid reader and book blogger. I have a big collection but also go to the library and exchange books with friends and family.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
My biggest dream is to own a small place somewhere on the Adriatic coast where I can escape the dull British autumn and winter, living quietly and writing for a few months.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
There’re numerous annoying questions my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances ask me about my writing. The most irritating ones are:
- “How is your writing going?” Do you really want me to tell you about all the obstacles I’m dealing with? If so, the whole day won’t be enough.
- “Where do you find time to write?” I don’t. I have a two-year-old toddler, a day job, and other various commitments. I treat my writing as my second job. So, I have no choice but to make time for it.
- The worst one is “How many copies of your book you’ve sold already?” It makes me cringe. If I’m standing here talking to you instead of celebrating on my private yacht in the middle of the Med with champagne and caviar, then clearly not enough.
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