An Interview with Oleg Shleyfer

Oleg Shleyfer was born in Moldova and raised in Ukraine. From an early age, he cultivated a passion for writing and an enduring fascination with the paranormal—aliens, ghosts, and mysterious phenomena such as the Bermuda Triangle. He now resides in Philadelphia with his family. His debut novel, Heaven Sent, was followed by the dark fantasy tale The Fall of the Molfar, released on April 3. He is currently working on his third book, Echoes from the Gulch, a haunting ghost story.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

The inspiration for The Fall of the Molfar came from an article I once read in a local Ukrainian newspaper. It claimed to be a true story, and at the time I was captivated by its strange, haunting details. The more I thought about it, the more I felt it could grow into a powerful novel.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title The Fall of the Molfar came easily. The story centers on a Molfar—a powerful healer from the Carpathian tradition—who strays from his calling and uses his knowledge for the wrong reasons. His downfall is at the core of the tale, making the title a natural fit.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover is one that doesn’t just look striking, but reflects the moral message of the story. For The Fall of the Molfar, that means showing the tension between healing and corruption, wisdom and temptation—the choices that lead to the downfall. Like the couple is together, but they are not. The flowers that bloom on top but are extinguished at the bottom. And the purification by fire.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

DakhaBrakha – Sho Z-Pod Duba (Ukrainian folk with a raw, mystical energy)

Hildur Guðnadóttir – Fólk fær andlit (eerie, minimalistic, ritual-like)

Wardruna – Helvegen (Nordic ritual music, fits themes of fate and mortality)

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I’m reading Migrators, by Ike Hamill. My work in progress connects with this horror story. The enigma of the unknown has the power to fascinate and enthrall the human mind.

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

Besides writing, I work as a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, and caring for them every day reminds me of the wonder, unpredictability, and resilience in the world—lessons I often carry into my stories.

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

I’ve always had stories in my head, and I felt they needed to be shared with the world. Writing became the way to bring those ideas to life and connect with readers who might feel the same curiosity and wonder.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My office is my favorite place to write. It’s where I feel the most secure, and where inspiration seems to flow the easiest. Being in that space allows me to focus completely on my stories and bring the characters to life.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

If I could speak to my younger self, I would advise them to trust the journey and to continue writing, regardless of any feelings of slowness or doubt. Every word, every draft, brings you closer to finding your voice.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

Every book has a lesson that I hope resonates. With The Fall of the Molfar, it’s the reminder that love and happiness can’t be forced or faked; they come from sincerity and care, not tricks or magic.

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