1--What is the title of your latest release?
RETURN OF ANKA
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
"For centuries, the immortal spirits Anka and Enka—sons of the mighty Phoenix—have waged an endless war for the throne of Crictus, reincarnating in new bodies to continue their battle. But when Anka's soul awakens in Carmen, an ordinary girl from Earth, the balance of power shifts in ways neither could have foreseen. Now, caught between two worlds and a war she never asked for, Carmen must uncover the truth of her destiny before Crictus—and her own future—is lost forever.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
When I write, I feel as if I am not creating but simply witnessing a story. Crictus came to life, just like this. I imagined a medieval city inside a huge forest with lots of lakes and waterfalls. Eventually, I began crafting the world and its history, shaping the continent’s landscape, the unique dynamics of each city, and the very fabric of Crictus’s society.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Yes, I think Carmen is fun to be around. She is a good and reliable person. She makes a lot of mistakes, but we all do and that is what makes her human. She is the most determined person I have ever created. She simply doesn’t know how to give up, even when she burns down to the ashes, she raises up like a Phoenix Bird and thrives. That is inspiring.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Determined, Stubborn, Imperfect
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
Return of Anka is the first book of a five-book series which is already been published in Turkiye. So while I designed these books, I wanted each book to represent a part of Phoenix Birds’ life cycle. Return of Anka represents Birth, then there is Growth, Death, Rebirth, and Growth again. While writing these books, interestingly, I have also experienced the same kind of pattern in my own life. Especially while I was writing the Death part, I was dealing with the same kind of feelings in my own life. Writing these books taught me the cycle of life and no matter how many times we fall, we will rise again. That gives me the strength to go on. We are all Phoenix Birds.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Before starting to write, I design every detail in my mind. That makes the writing process easier and requires less editing. So, to answer the question, I first finished the book and then edited it afterward. But, since I edit a lot before I even write, I hardly touch the storyline after I finish the book.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Turkish dumpling (Manti) is the best there is! With yogurt and tomato/pepper paste sauce on it, I can’t get enough!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I prefer silent places, if there is music it has to be instrumental. If I am home I don’t put on music, the silence makes me focus better. I usually turn off my phone or any other distractions. I don’t even drink coffee – just water. So basically, while I write it has to be me, my laptop, and nothing else. I don’t have an office; I just write wherever is comfortable.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Ursula G. Le Guin, may she rest in peace.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
I love Michael Ende’s MOMO or Hermann Hesse’s Siddartha. Even though I can’t tell you the whole story of these books, I remember the feeling they left with me. One of the recent ones I read that affected me a lot was The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
It was an amazing feeling. It has been a childhood dream of mine to get published overseas. I have already authored 7 books in Turkiye but getting “the call” for Return of Anka was so special. Now I can say I am an international writer and one step closer to my ultimate goal, which is to watch my books on the big screen.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Fantasy and Sci-fi! No other words needed.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
I loved Inception by Christopher Nolan. I remember feeling frustrated after watching the movie, thinking, "How did he come up with this before I did?"
15--What is your favorite season?
It used to be winter because of my birthday, but since I started living in San Diego it changed into summer.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I don’t like going big. I am not great at being the center of attention. So I surround myself with my close friends and family for the day and ABSOLUTELY eat a strawberry-vanilla cake!
17--What’s a recent TV show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I recently stumbled across “Ginny & Georgie” and I thought it was a beautifully crafted screenplay.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I am biased about this but Turkish cuisine. I cook at home Turkish recipes as well. It is very rich and nutritious.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I love hanging out with my dog Nalu, reading new books, going for walks, playing a little guitar, painting, and going for happy hours. I also love a good book picnic with my husband and dog.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I will definitely continue publishing the rest of the Anka Series. Carmen’s journey has just begun, and readers have no idea what is lurking in the dark. While the first book has a lot of elements to set the tone, storyline, the world, the other books really take the readers on an unforgettable journey.
Living on Earth, Carmen has no idea she carries the soul of mighty Phoenix's son, Anka. Legend has it, the Phoenix bird was born on the planet Crictus. He granted the Queen of Crictus' wish and gave her two sons: Anka and Inca. The twins possessed their father's ability that made their bodies mortal but their souls immortal. When the queen died, Anka and Inca got into an endless war for the Crictus throne that went on for centuries... When Carmen is hunted by her twin Inca, she finds the truth about herself, that she is the heir to the Crictus throne. With the help of Anka's guardian Emerald Ron, she travels to Crictus to regain her throne. In a world she has never been before, Carmen is up against her evil brother Inca, the last soul hunter who can kill her indefinitely, and their loyal followers.
Fantasy Epic [Olympia Publishers, On Sale: November 28, 2024, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781835430217 / ]
Originally from Turkiye, Melodi Bac is a passionate storyteller with a gift for blending mythology, fantasy, and human emotion into mesmerizing tales. By publishing her first book at the age of 15, she became the youngest fantasy novelist in Turkiye. While she has authored 7 books and won 4 awards, her first international debut novel, Return of Anka, was published in late 2024.
As the author of Return of Anka, she brings to life the epic clash of immortal spirits and the transformative power of courage and destiny. When not writing, Melodi enjoys art, playing guitar, singing, working out, delving into ancient legends, and connecting them with the modern world. Her work is perfect for readers who seek stories that ignite the imagination and stir the heart.
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