Today, we’re talking with Ayşe Osmanoğlu about her book,
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I have five children! As every mother knows, that makes me great at juggling, balancing and multi-tasking!!
Why do you write?
I write because I want to give a voice to my ancestors and tell their story, share their memories, and describe the lost splendour of Imperial Istanbul.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for my book, “A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul,” came from the love and respect I have for my grandparents and the pride I feel for my family's history. When I was young, my grandparents told me many stories about their life in Istanbul before their exile and of the terrible hardships they endured after they were forced to leave their homeland. This forged a desire in me to give voice to their experiences, to capture the essence of a bygone era, and to explore themes of family, duty, and resilience as a tribute to their memories and a celebration of the beauty of Imperial Istanbul.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
What I love most about writing historical fiction is the opportunity to escape into another world and to invite my readers to join me on the journey back in time. It's a genre that allows me to tell forgotten stories, bring historical figures to life, and connect readers with the enduring themes of our shared history.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process has definitely evolved. For my first book, ‘The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus' I was definitely a pantser and did very little planning. However, with ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul', I adopted a much more structured approach which I think resulted in a more polished manuscript. I outlined, plotted, and planned extensively. When I eventually sat at my desk and began to write, a cold Diet Coke and a few snacks within easy reach, the right words flowed more easily so I will definitely be outlining, plotting and planning for my next book. Once I start writing, I like to re-visit and edit the scene I worked on the day before, then I move on to the next scene. I typically spend focussed blocks of time, usually about three hours, crafting one new scene at a time, in between sips of Diet Coke and nibbles of hummus and pitta!
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I think the best thing about social media is that it is an excellent way for authors to connect directly with their readers. I am so lucky to have forged some very special relationships with some of mine, and I am so grateful for the wonderfully supportive community that surrounds my books.
What advice would you have for other writers?
My advice for other writers is simple: don't put off writing your story. Begin today, even if it's just a few words. There's never a perfect time to start, so why not now? And write about something you love, something you are passionate about – write for yourself…
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For my first book, the title came to me during the early stages of research, so that was easy! However, with my newest book, ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul', I struggled quite a bit and only settled on the title after finishing the manuscript. It took time, but I love it and think it is perfect! As for the covers, I had specific ideas in mind that talented (and very patient!) designers brought to life after some collaboration.
What's your next step?
I have already started the research for my next book!
What book do you wish you'd written?
Oh gosh! That is a hard question! Can I pick two classics? If so I would choose ‘Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen and ‘War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. I would love to be able to write about love with the wit and charm of Jane Austen, while I admire the way Tolstoy's characters are so vividly drawn and how he weaves together their personal stories with the grand sweep of history.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
When I spot a new review for my book, my heart definitely quickens! While a negative review does hurt, I always try to focus on the positive ones and appreciate the insights readers share. It's all part of the journey of being an author, and I'm grateful for every reader's perspective.
