Aleksandra Tryniecka interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

Hello! My name is Aleksandra and I am an Assistant Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland. I specialize in literature, especially the 19^th-century British novel. I also have a privilege of being a writer. I feel so blessed that both of my occupations involve reading and writing! Importantly, I am a dreamer which, in my case, means that I make a wish and invite it into my life. Whenever I have some free time, I write poetry and stories in order to accommodate my life with the right words, as I believe that words are a powerful magic in our hands and should be used responsibly and with care. When it comes to my research and professional life, I especially enjoy reading Anthony Trollope’s and Wilkie Collins’ works. When it comes to my favourite literary characters, it will be the Cheshire Cat. I am also a dedicated fan of a good tea party and gardening. Without a doubt, Bunky from my novel Bunky and the Walms is also my favourite literary character! 

When did your love of books begin?

I have always been in love with books and reading. My Mum taught me how to read and write at the age of 4. We had been reading together quite a lot. I have never stopped loving books, especially thanks to these special memories.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I decided that I cannot be anybody else but an author or a person who constantly reads and writers when I was around 4,5 years old. Immediately, I wrote and illustrated my first novel (in my notebook).

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

I think that the process of becoming an author is incredibly fascinating! Most importantly, I believe that it reflects one’s personal development and inner growth. It is a reflection of one’s soul gaining wings. For a writer, writing is not only a process of commenting upon the world and the so-called “reality,” but also the writing process becomes a mirror. You can see your reflection in it. Becoming an author means becoming a better self and, what is especially fascinating, it is never a complete process. Becoming an author means to me living through and in one’s story as well. It is especially beautiful when the Readers share this literary world – no work is complete without the Readers. I love the process of becoming an author and growing together with my literary characters. I dreamt them up and they changed me forever – for the better. Or, perhaps, they helped me to become more “myself.”

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Don’t rush, take all the time in the world that you need and create the very story which your heart is singing. 

Tell us about your book/books:

Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story is a novel about Bunky  Hippo – the hero of  his ordinary, everyday life which is so magical at the same time. Theoretically, it is a children’s novel but, in truth, everyone can enjoy reading my work and every Reader can easily become Bunky’s friend and identify with him. I also hoped to create a literary world in which every single Reader could find shelter and joy. Bunky is an imperfect protagonist and, thus, so beautiful and rare in the modern world filled with idealized heroes with supernatural abilities. Even though his daily life is filled with inner struggles, he strives every day to be a better person, what makes him a very relatable figure. Christmas is coming and Bunky is dreaming about receiving from Santa Claus his longed-for skating boots. Also, there is another layer of the story – Bunky is writing his own novel within my novel and there, on the pages of his novel, he turns himself into the bravest Hero who lives in the Bunkyland castle with the Bunky Princess. This Christmas Bunky will receive a special task and he will have to become heroic in his everyday life as well. What is the connecting line between dreams, literature and Bunky’s reality and is there such a line? What is the true meaning of life and what does it mean to become the hero? Will Bunky’s dreams come true? You will find out in the story! J

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Dear Readers, it’s Aleksandra and Bunky here and we would like to thank you so much for becoming such an important part of our literary dream! Thank you so much for being our literary companions, our friends in the literary world, our supporters and our joy! Thank you for joining Bunky’s fairyland – it’s all for you! I am incredibly grateful for your presence! I will be trying my best to share with you my magical literary worlds! They exist. After all, you are a part of it.

Where can people connect with you?

I invite you to connect with me on my website: www.aleksandratryniecka.com 

You will meet Bunky there too – I invited him into my reality as well by means of a thread and a needle, and you will discover him and the Bunky Princess together, as well as our Very Bunky Mascots! Moreover, I invite you to connect with me on Twitter: @ATryniecka, Instagram: aleksandratryniecka  and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXu5PYPERav3baE8R7Ldzw

Thank you for this wonderful literary journey which so far lasted for four months – these were incredible four months and so much is yet to come!