-One month in a literary residence in the vicinity of Paris. Something to complement your creative inspirations? How was the application process and what does it take for an artist to take advantage of this opportunity?
Nikolova: Yes, a month at the literary residency Les Ateliers de Création et d'Expression Artistique (ACEA) in Marnay-sur-Seine, a beautiful, enchanting village about an hour by train from Paris. To be a part of something like this was my great desire and sometime at the beginning of the year I found out that I was accepted, and then the chance arose that this residency of mine would be supported by UNESCO through the "Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans" project, a project funded by the European Union. For me, that meant a great validation of what has been done so far, certainly one of the criteria was the previous work and everything that has been achieved. I think it is especially important to explore and try, not to be afraid to discover new horizons, to have the desire to network. I don't stop trying, even after many defeats, my enthusiasm continues to live, and I think that this is key to improving myself, my work, but also for opening new opportunities.
- What are your experiences of Paris and the surrounding area? What are your impressions of your stay in France?
Nikolova: It's not my first time in France, but it's my first time in Marnay-sur-Seine. This place is magical, it really radiates such an energy. The nature is beautiful, the Seine is here and makes the place even more magical, and the life of the locals is calm, leisurely and full of wisdom. For me, France is one of the most beautiful countries, there really is so much to see, to visit, to discover. Inspiration is everywhere, I'm blessed to be here. My experience so far has been great, I discovered a new, interesting world, I got a huge desire to translate it all into the new novel, and I carry countless emotions inside me. France is a country to visit and to explore. To say that Paris is my favorite city would sound like the biggest cliché, but it's the truth. Paris is something special, something to be experienced.
- How did you choose your place of residence?
Nikolova: I knew I wanted it to be in France, because I've been studying French for a while and I was kind of drawn to it all. I researched and found this residence, it was something different, something unique and I decided to try my luck. The dice fell into place and somehow everything led to Marnay-sur-Seine.
- This literary residency allows you time to discover, inspire and write in a new setting. What are you working on?
Nikolova: That's right, I'm working on my new novel, I'm currently in the research and data collection phase. I have an idea, I have a vision and slowly the whole picture becomes clearer. The process of creating a work takes time, and I enjoy every moment. This novel is a big responsibility for me, eighth in a row, bigger in every sense of the word.
- You are the author of 7 books that have already been internationally recognized and translated into several languages. In their focus is the woman. What are your inspirations?
Nikolova: Yes, women are the focus of my work, but so is life. I have always been inspired by social issues and enjoy creating characters that people can relate to through their fears and dark sides. The essence of art is not to give us answers, but to ask us questions, and we then travel through the process of getting to know ourselves and discovering another great truth. In other words, I have never been a coward in my art and I don't feel like a merchant, I write about what moves me, but also about what people don't talk about, about what is the hardest, about what is the most painful, about what is at our core. I don't just serve happiness and joy, I serve truth, and it brings with it, in addition to the great burden, the greatest happiness, the greatest joy, if we are ready to accept it and live our authenticity.
-You are the founder of BW2CLUB. What is your vision and mission?
Nikolova: Yes, for two years now I have been working for the women's organization Better Women Better World, an organization that aims to empower and connect women and girls around the world. This year we also launched our product, the digital platform and mobile application BW2CLUB, a safe place where women and girls can communicate, connect, be part of an interesting corner where we also organize events, creative challenges, discussions on important topics and another. My vision is for this to grow into an international movement, it is slowly but surely starting to happen, we have beneficiaries from 22 countries, we have partnerships with other organizations from various countries and areas, we are slowly starting to work on international projects and to walk together towards the goal, because that's the only way it's possible. Also, I invite everyone who is inspired by female empowerment to join us, contact me and connect. Our app BW2CLUB is free and available in both Apple Store and Google Play Store, and I am available for all kinds of ideas and interesting concepts for cooperation.
- What would you recommend to young talented people who are now starting their journey in art and literature? What is the key to success?
Nikolova: To not give up, to remain curious, to work on themselves and to constantly be open to constructive criticism, because there is nothing more valuable than someone pointing out your mistakes. In other words, to be ready to have their ego shattered into a million pieces and all for their own good.
