An Interview with Lucineh Danielian

Lucineh is the proud author of Lost Souls, published earlier this year. She is of British and French nationality and of Armenian descent. Lucineh has been an educator for nearly fifteen years and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Lucineh is passionate about music, literature and languages and fiercely believes in the power of writing. When putting pen to paper, Lucineh loves to fully embody her characters’ thoughts and feelings, giving them the authenticity that each one deserves. Through her writing and creativity, Lucineh hopes to inspire both readers and aspiring writers!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I wrote my very first story aged fifteen and remember it like it was yesterday. I have aspired to publish a book since. Writing is for me such a powerful and unique way of expression. I so often find my mind wandering and words, phrases and ideas come to me at times I would least expect. I collect notebooks incessantly and these are my pride and joy. As an Armenian, writing has always been within me and it is only recently that I found the courage to share my work more widely. There is a certain sense of vulnerability which comes with the idea of exposing oneself. All I can say now is that this same vulnerability can become one’s greatest strength!

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I have always had a passion for nineteenth century French literature and find there to be a certain magic in this everlasting era of the past. This is what has inspired me to leave behind a trace, which in many ways will become my legacy. As a descendent of the Armenian Genocide, raising awareness has been such an important part of my journey. I spent many years writing articles and sharing these with those around me. As I tested myself further as a writer, I realised the precious value in the genre of short stories which I decided to adopt without hesitation. I have not stopped writing since!

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream cover is the cover readers will see when they first lay eyes on the book! I have always felt an ambiguous connection to the sea. There is an aspect of the sea which to me symbolises the terrifying unknown. In many ways, it is similar to putting pen to paper. The storm portrays the troubled souls that are each trying to find their way and searching for a meaning to the life that they lead. Will they find it? Will they find calm after the storm?

The angel on the back cover represents the protective guardian angel that each of us is blessed with, knowingly or unknowingly. Yet if you look closely, you will notice her entangled neck and perceive the troubles ahead, just for a moment. Often, beauty is found in the unknown and the troubled soul!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked in education for nearly fifteen years now. Over my time, I have worked with many children and young people. I am passionate about the field of education and find many of the students I work with to be inspirational.

Being Armenian, I have myself reflected on my own identity and this has played such an important role in my life, both personally and professionally. This is a journey which has led me to put pen to paper many a time. As an Armenian growing up in the Western world, culture is at the heart of my life and my written work.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

The title of my story is Lost Souls, and as readers delve into this collection of short stories, they will quickly see why. Each story is based on the life and journey of one fateful female character and the heartbreaking challenges faced by each one. At one time or another in our lives, we all experience the feeling of loss and this feeling will either make us or break us. I seek to communicate this through the title alone. My innermost desire is that readers will find their own voice and use it to speak out. So often, the feeling of loss I portray will lead to a loss of direction. We live in a troubled world, a world which will inevitably hinder us, sometimes when we least expect it. I hope that readers will feel inclined to share their own stories and know that they too are the masters of their fate.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.