
In this interview, I chat with Lidija Hilje about Slanting Towards the Sea, writing about present day Croatia, her father's health and how it inspired this story, writing in her second language and why she chose to write the book in English, her title and cover, and much more.
Lidija's recommended reads are:
- The Anthropologists by Aysegul Savas
- We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons
- Joanna's Room by James Baldwin
Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide here for a tip of your choice or for a set price here via credit card with over 60 new titles vetted by me that will provide great entertainment this summer - books you will not see on other guides. I also include mystery series recommendations, new releases in a next-in-the-series section and fiction and nonfiction pairings.
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Slanting Towards the Sea can be purchased at my Bookshop storefront.
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Lidija Hilje
Hilje
Lidija Hilje is a Croatian writer and certified book coach. After earning a law degree, she spent a decade practicing law in Croatian courts before transitioning to book coaching, and writing in English as her second language. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times and other publications. She lives in Zadar, Croatia, with her husband and two daughters. SLANTING TOWARDS THE SEA is her first novel.