Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More Than a Setting, It’s a Character in my Books

Can you imagine that Romania is not merely a setting, but a vital character that breathes life into my published stories included in Transylvania’s History A to Z and Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-word Stories, Folklore and History, but also into my upcoming historical fiction book series? Romania’s mountains and villages, ancient legends and resilient history do more than provide a backdrop—they shape each tale, lending mystery, depth and a sense of timeless resilience.

In the same way a compelling character grows and transforms, Romania’s past and landscape infuse my books with a personality as vivid as any protagonist.

Before I dive into the top five reasons, let’s first unravel what it takes to craft an unforgettable character—and how I did it, how Romania, with all its vibrant spirit and beauty, steps effortlessly into this role.

29/10/202430/10/2024

Kindred Threads in Embroidery, Old Turkish Attire and Calligraphy

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery, Romanian blouse IA and a red and black Greek needlework

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery and marveled at old Turkish attire and Arabic calligraphy. My daughter invited me to attend the Threads of Tradition: Turks, Turbans and Artistic Innovation exhibition curated by Professor Raita Steyn from the University of Pretoria, with a live calligraphy demonstration by Master Refik Carikci.

17/04/202401/08/2024

The Secret of the Easter Bunny and Other Beautiful Paschal Symbols

Although I am a Christian Orthodox I’ve always wondered why there is an Easter Bunny, what’s its secret, what story brought the hare among the other beautiful and meaningful Paschal symbols such as the Easter Eggs, the lamb, or the lily flower.

This year Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, May the 5th and I look forward to coloring Easter eggs with their ancient symbology (this year we’ll try all natural dyes), cooking delicious Romanian lamb-terrine called drob, assisting my husband in baking delicious cozonac, and mostly celebrating the holy fire of Easter, in my heart. There was no Easter Bunny when I grew up in Romania.

15/03/202401/08/2024

Into the Tower of St. Mary’s Evangelical Church Sibiu, Daring, Hypnotic, and Legendary

Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral four turrets, symbology

St. Mary’s Evangelical Church of Sibiu, with its imposing presence shrouded in mystery, steeped in centuries-old legends, still beckons those who dare to explore its depths. As twilight descends on the city once known as Hermannstadt to the four corners of the world, its ancient streets echo of St. Mary’s Evangelical Church mysterious whispers. Undoubtedly, the cloak of twilight still draws curious souls to the towering silhouette of this Lutheran Cathedral.

29/12/202329/12/2023

The New Year in Romania and the Bear, Unveiling Magical Rites

As the world transits from the old to the new year I am remembered of the bear and its rejuvenation and of some lesser-known magical rites from Romania. Much like nutrients enrich the soil before the sun even warms the earth in spring, awakening beings from slumber, the hibernating bear symbolizing life in delicate equilibrium.