Radina Chervenova on the novel "Before I Was Gone" - Premiere

Radina Chervenova shared her impressions with BTA after the premiere of her debut novel "Before I Was Not There", which took place within the framework of the eighth edition of the "Port Prim Art Fest" in Burgas. With visible modesty and respect for the art of literature, the author shared that the word "writer" still provokes some uncertainty in her, feeling still like a person from the generation that "reads on paper". The premiere, it seems, has left deep marks.

"The truth is that this is something very new for me. It's very pleasant, but at the same time I'm learning, because I have to advertise something of my own and I feel a certain discomfort." – she shared with journalists, revealing the internal struggle that accompanies the presentation of her first literary work. Chervenova did not hide that "it's hard for her to talk about herself", but expressed her strong desire for what was written to reach readers and be understood.

The author emphasized to BTA the main message of the book – "nothing bad is that bad". She expressed her conviction that difficulties and problems can be turned to a person's advantage, leading to personal growth and a reassessment of life. "There is always a way out of any situation. Coming out of a difficult situation, a person can become much stronger, with a different view of himself and of life. I really want people to feel it", she added.

The content of the novel "Before I Was Not There" is also embedded in the title itself. Chervenova explained that the book addresses the vicissitudes and difficult moments in life, but emphasizes the power to overcome. "If you find the strength to get out of them, you start looking at yourself and the world in a different way and you say: before I was not there. With difficult situations, a person gets to know himself and strengthens himself".

The author revealed that the novel began as a personal need during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to her, writing was a way to survive during those years. The story started from a "vivid dream", which prompted her to write it down. From an initially personal diary, a fictional story gradually formed, which carries a message for other people as well. "I was writing without thinking that this would one day come to light", she admitted.

Chervenova thanked the journalist and producer Georgi Toshev, who played a decisive role in the publication of the novel. He was the one who convinced her that what was written had value and should reach an audience. "Thanks to his perseverance and support, this book reached you", the author emphasized, adding that he was the "driving force for this story to become public".

During the premiere, Chervenova shared that for her, writing is a way to express feelings and experiences that she would hardly be able to put into words in a conversation. The book contains personal emotion, but also a universal message of overcoming, hope and the power to find new meaning after difficulties.

The creative director of the festival, Stefan Bozhkov, emphasized that the novel is read in one breath. He noted the captivating plot and the visual way of presenting the story. "The book starts with a plot that captivates you, you can't put it down until the end. The story is dramatic, but presented so visually that it's like watching a movie".

Radina Chervenova shared that she is already considering a sequel and even dreams of a film adaptation. "When I was writing, I saw everything before my eyes – the characters, the places, the situations. The story is so visual that I imagine it being a film. Hopefully one day".

She explained that there are no negative characters in the novel, but something happens that is presented from different points of view, and the choices of some do not always coincide with the path of others. "But it is these clashes that make us change", the author said.

"There is no greater happiness for me than to meet so many people who support me, even strangers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart", Radina Chervenova concluded, while the audience responded with: "Burgas loves you!" – a sincere expression of gratitude and support.