Maria Avramova is a writer, screenwriter, and director originally from the coastal town of Nessebar, Bulgaria. After many years in Sweden, her passion for storytelling grew into a career spanning animated TV series, feature films, and books. Her fantasy novel blends mystical elements with deep emotional themes, drawing inspiration from both Eastern European folklore and Scandinavian atmosphere.
About The Wizard of Mogara and The Frozen City, A Timeless Fantasy Adventure of Magic, Betrayal, and Redemption
What if the price of love was everything you are?
When fourteen-year-old Anton’s father falls mysteriously ill, he discovers it’s the work of an ancient spell. Armed with enchanted shoes, Anton steps into a world of lost magic and dangerous illusions—where time stands still, shadows wear familiar faces, and nothing is as it seems.
Joined by Lerkin, a sarcastic, scone-loving fox, and Rose, a girl with a hidden past, Anton must face the truth about love, courage, and the magic that binds them all.
A haunting tale of friendship, enchantment, and the quiet bravery of ordinary heroes.
The interview
Why do you write in the genre(s) that you do?
I’ve always been drawn to fantasy and magic, both in books and films. The idea of creating an entire world from scratch excites me deeply—there’s something incredibly fulfilling about bringing the impossible to life through storytelling. Writing fantasy has always been a dream of mine.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
Yes, I always keep a notebook of ideas with me. But the ones that truly matter—the ones I end up using—are usually the ideas that stay with me without needing to be written down. If an idea keeps lingering in my mind, I know it’s worth exploring.
Do you have a muse?
I wouldn’t say I have a muse. Most of my ideas come from daydreaming—which I do quite often.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
I’m definitely a fan of character-driven stories. That said, I often begin with a strong plot idea and then drop my characters into those situations. As the characters take shape and their personalities evolve, the plot naturally shifts to reflect their choices and growth.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
People will like my book if they enjoy stories about fantasy, adventure, spells, magical creatures, love, betrayal, sinister sorcerers, and dark entities.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I love typewriters—as props. They’re charming and nostalgic. But I edit constantly, so writing a whole book on one would take forever. I’m far too comfortable with the flexibility of digital tools.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Honestly, I’m too disorganized to run either—I’d probably turn both into chaos within months! But if I had to choose, I’d own a bookstore. I love the smell of new books and the thrill of discovering emerging authors.
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
Naming characters is one of the most exciting parts of writing for me. I have synesthesia—a condition where senses blend together—so I see letters and names in colors. I’ll repeat a name in my mind several times to see if it matches the color I ”see” for the character. If it fits, I know it’s the right one.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
Definitely Amazon and Goodreads—they’re great platforms for reaching readers and sharing my work.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
Since I’m currently writing the second book and watching the world expand before my eyes, I’d definitely choose to turn it into a series. There’s so much depth and detail—it needs room to unfold.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
I’d probably choose a male voice with a deep, dark tone—someone like George Clooney. His voice has the perfect mix of gravitas and mystery for my story.
Do you try to hit a certain page or word count with each writing session?
I used to aim for a specific word count early in my writing journey, back when I didn’t fully trust my inner voice. Now, I simply tune out the inner critic and let my characters lead the way.
Some days I write for hours without even noticing; other days, it’s just a few sentences—and that’s okay. I’ve learned that writing is re-writing. The real work often happens in the revisions, where the story truly comes to life.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I don’t have any specific writing rituals. The story usually takes shape in my mind long before I start typing. By the time I sit down to write, it’s become unbearable to keep it in—I just have to let it out.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I’ve learned that creativity rarely stays confined to just one outlet. Outside of writing, I’m also a screenwriter and director of animated films, as well as an animator and illustrator. When I need a break from all of that, I turn to painting and occasionally exhibit my work in galleries. I also have a passion for training at the gym—it helps keep both my body and mind balanced.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
This book is still very new, so I’ve only promoted it online so far. I haven’t made any public appearances—yet.
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
I’d love to know what J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling would think of it, as writers in a similar genre. But honestly, what matters most to me is how my main audience—young adults—connect with the story. Their response means everything.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
My Mount Rushmore of inspirational authors would include the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz. Each of them has shaped my love for storytelling in their own unique way.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
Unfortunately, I don’t own many book-related items. I tend to buy books, read them, and then pass them on to libraries or leave them in hotels for others to discover.
I believe stories are meant to be shared. Physical items require care and order—and I’m usually far too focused on my inner world to keep track of things like that.
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
I haven’t formally mentored another writer, but I’ve often brainstormed ideas with others to help them shape their stories. I believe every writer has a unique voice, and it’s not about imposing your own, but about helping them see their story more clearly.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
No, that’s never happened. I don’t write other people’s stories or ideas. Writing is such a long and demanding process that I need to feel deeply passionate about the story—and that passion usually comes from within.
What is the most unique way that an idea for a piece of writing has come to you?
One of the most unique moments happened while I was swimming. An entire song for one of my characters came to me in the water, and I had to keep singing it out loud so I wouldn’t forget it.
People definitely gave me some strange looks, but I didn’t care. I just had to hold onto the inspiration until I could write it down.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I’m definitely a big reader. I especially love getting lost in a book at the beach.
While I enjoy buying books, I rarely hold on to them. I prefer to pass them on to libraries or leave them in hotels so others can enjoy them too.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
Yes, I almost always go away to write. I often take my iPad, hop in the car, and head to the mountains or the forest, sometimes writing right from a parking spot.
I also like staying in small village hotels for a change of scenery. Many scenes in my book were inspired by these quiet, atmospheric places.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
Something I used to believe myself—before I started writing—is that writers are always in full control of the story. I used to find it strange when authors said they couldn’t find the ending or that their characters wanted to do something else. Now I know the story often takes on a life of its own. It can be a bit annoying when non-writers don’t understand that—but to be fair, I’ve been there too.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
Finishing the book was already a success in itself—it was a dream come true. Beyond that, success for me means the book being read and reaching the audience it was meant for.
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