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.

21/07/202401/08/2024

Hollie Davidson, First Female Referee in Men’s Rugby Test Match, Historic Breakthrough

frozen pink rose in close up photography

As a woman first, a mother and a wife, and as a writer too, I cheer for Hollie Davidson who made rugby union history as the first woman to referee world champions South Africa in a Test match.

But why is Hollie Davidson as first female referee in men’s rugby a historical breakthrough?

25/04/202425/04/2024

Travel Now to Lush Romanian Banat via Forgotten Stories

It’s never been easier to journey to the Romanian Banat than it is right now, via its forgotten stories whispered by the wind, carried by its streams, and shared by its welcoming people.

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.