Write On! interviews author Lucineh Danielian

Lucineh Danielian is an author of Armenian descent and French and British nationality. She grew up in London and works as an educator and examiner. Head of Department, she teaches at an international school in London and specialises in literature and modern languages. Lucineh is passionate about music, literature and languages and fiercely believes in the power of writing. When putting pen to paper, she loves to fully embody her characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Lucineh launched Lost Souls in July 2024 at the wonderful venue Word On The Water and has since conducted author talks in London. She’s very interested in community engagement and an advocate for open discussions and dialogue.

WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

LD: This is a great question and one I constantly ponder as I write for so many different reasons. To someone reading my work for the first time or seeking to find out more, I would first describe the variety and range of stories that the reader is able to access. My Armenian roots have led me down a path of expression: on the one hand focusing on raising awareness about my culture and history and on the other, delving into the world of human characters with a strong focus on emotion. In doing so, I seek to discuss subjects which deserve coverage and dialogue in an era where open discussions are needed now more than ever.

WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book, Lost Souls?

LD: Lost Souls is a collection of short stories, centred on the lives and travesties of six young females. It was my intention to cover issues which are often challenging to face in society. My aim in creating this anthology was to open the floor to discussions about subjects which must be discussed, but can often be left unspoken. I focus on mental health and mental and physical illness, while discussing the importance of honour-based traditions and many other issues prominent in today’s society. I will leave it to the reader to uncover the world of Lost Souls further!

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

LD: Writing has played a key role in shaping my identity and I’ve been putting pen to paper for as long as I can remember, since childhood, in fact. I often find myself unknowingly constructing scenarios and building new plots. As an Armenian, writing is a way for me to express my inner thoughts and articulate my own ideas and opinions. In many ways, this is what has led me to put pen to paper. I aspire to be a voice for the voiceless. Yet as I said, I am also intent on raising awareness about subjects which are challenging to face in society. In A Cruel Plight, for example, the reader will discover the devastating truth behind Alzheimer’s disease. Although this disease is increasingly discussed in society, it’s an illness which urgently needs more coverage and deeper understanding; just one of the subjects that inspires me to write!

WO: A past issue of Write On! explored the theme of ‘Change.’ Do you actively embrace change and the chaos it can bring, especially in your writing routine, or does the idea of any change at all fill you with dread? What tactics can you recommend for coping with change?

LD: Change both excites me and terrifies me. I’m someone who considers all perspectives and must admit that I can tend to overthink situations. However, it’s this process that enables me to make effective decisions and evolve both as an individual and as a writer. Change is a challenge, which will ultimately lead us to grow as individuals and collectively.

It is also often associated with fear, yet it’s this same fear which drives us to act. Therefore, I recommend open discussions with friends, family or a trusted person. I’m a strong believer in communication. Keeping a diary or carrying a notebook can also help us to unburden ourselves. It’s an action I’ve often recommended to people I’ve worked with. Finally, engaging in a new activity or sport can work wonders in terms of both physical and mental health. Previously taking up running and engaging in fun runs and long-distance runs such as half marathons took me out of my comfort zone and, in doing so, encouraged me to challenge myself further. Ultimately, approaching change with a positive mindset and weighing the pros and cons will always support the process itself in a healthy and reasonable manner.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

LD: I would tell aspiring writers to keep writing, without the constant worry of making errors or letting self-doubt take over. Writers can often become their own worst enemies, questioning each choice that they make; however, the key is not to give up, but to persevere and to remember that writing is personal. First and foremost, it’s the writer’s opinion that matters as well as conviction and belief in one’s work. Only we as writers can judge the quality of our work; initially, at least. If writers can get past this stage and adopt an open-minded approach thereafter, they will quickly move towards the creation of the piece they’d intended.

WO: Question from Twitter user: @madeleinefwhite What did you find difficult when putting together your anthology?

LD: The self-doubt which tends to creep in must regularly be countered. In the past, I’ve often found myself wondering whether I was using the most potent words, or whether the emotions I strived to express would reach the reader in the way I’d intended. Another challenge, though more exciting than daunting, was the direction each story took. I quickly found that, when putting pen to paper, the story I imagined was constantly subject to new twists and turns. In overcoming these challenges, I was able to move forward and identify both my process and style of writing, all the while growing as a writer and author.

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

LD: I always have writing projects on the go. Most writers will tell you that their cupboards and computers are filled with unfinished pieces. Currently, I’m writing the sequel to Lost Souls and am very excited to take the short stories to the next level. Whereas the first book focuses on the female perspective, the second will be centred on the analysis of characters, while continuing to address the issues that they face. I’m also writing a novella, which I will keep under wraps for the time being!

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

LD:   I would have to go with either a lion or a horse. The lion would be the protective figure, the one I’d turn to when facing challenges and moments of self-doubt. The horse would be my partner in crime, leading me to new adventures and enabling me to take risks and turn the feelings of fear and torment every writer faces into constant excitement and exhilaration.

It’s such a powerful feeling to know that, as a writer, one can choose to build not only a character but an entire world: the beauty of words!

You can find out more about Lucineh Danielian at her website here: Lucineh Danielian and connect with them on Instagram at @authorlucinehd19

Lost Souls is available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones and other leading retailers.

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Issue 23 is out now. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here. 

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