Poet Interview Series: Lubomira Kourteva
We are super happy to to announce our next poetry interview with Lubomira Kourteva a Bulgarian-Canadian author, writer, poet and humanitarian. In June 2019, Lubomira published her debut poetry book Moonhold. She created her online publication "Art of Love" dedicated to deepening the connection in our world, so that we lead more spiritual and emotionally fulfilling lives. She writes and teaches on relationships, intimacy, wellness, mysticism and folklore. With a background in Finance, Lubomira has always been a deeply intuitive and is a true spiritualist and clairsentient. This also guides her in her beautiful art of writing poetry. Please see for the full interview below
Where do you live and how does it influence your writing?
I currently live in Toronto, Canada but I’ve lived across three continents – I was born in Bulgaria, have also lived in Kuwait and then settled here in Toronto where I finished high school and completed both my undergraduate and Master degrees. I love traveling and do this as often as I can, so I am often influenced by all of these experiences overseas even while I live in a big North American city. My heart is one of an explorer and dreamer, so this is the perspective through which I view my world. I am capable of finding beauty everywhere – adoring the squirrels and birds despite the surrounding the high-rise buildings, finding the movement in stillness, and the aliveness in the cobblestones. And my own writing reflects the contrasts between the concrete and abstract, in both its structure and imagery. I do love nature, the sea and animals, so I’d often be around that no matter where I live and that influences my writing. And hopefully soon, I’ll live by the sea, as this is where my heart is!
When did you first become passionate about poetry and what attracted you to it?
I’ve always written stories even before I knew how to write. As a child, it was a way to understand the world around me – to pick up pieces like in a puzzle and understand who people were, what their situations were and why they acted the way they did. I’ve always had a poetic heart even before I began writing poetry. But as I began leading a spiritual life, I became really enamored by poetry – because it is the way of the mystic’s expression – the expression of the mystic’s inner experience. By nature, a mystic accesses states of consciousness beyond the usual human awareness. Mysticism negates the rational as it explores that which lies beyond the veil – communicated and reached only by feeling not by mind. This is what poetry attempts to do as well – to feel into deeply and to allow for a new awareness and perception to take place. There is inexhaustible romance in the ordinary and simple – and poetry allows us to notice these moments and dive deeper into the spiritual experience. So it was a perfect natural complement to my life – as it was already my way of living each day for as long as I can remember. It was just a matter of time before starting to actually write it and experience myself further through it.
What inspires you to write?
I have the ability to be inspired by everything. Sometimes I hear just a simple word but I fall in love with it and my heart and mind start shaping it into an experience. I am inspired by nature and wildlife – there is so much meaning in that and I am inspired by how perfectly it all is – how everything has its unique purpose and how it is a small microcosm of our human experience and interpersonal connections. Life expands and withdraws in its chest like breathing – and it experiences itself through us – so in every feeling and emotion that we have, it is life’s ability to experience itself in a way it could not have otherwise. It is all so needed and purposeful. And as I tap into these feelings, an image shapes before my eyes which I then attempt to shape into words – to experience myself in this way but also, as all of us artists desire, to make our tiny attempts to shape moments, feelings and emotions into words – and give life to them on paper where they now have their own homes. I am inspired by everything and everyone who is unmistakably themselves. Like the scent of vanilla being unmistakable itself. Like the person who lives a life of truth of pure heart despite having the world fight to make them like everybody else. I am inspired by those who have gone through so many hardships and yet, always keep a smile on their face and remain kind to others – not because they are unaware but because they are absolutely aware. It is my intention to just offer a different perspective and appreciation for life’s many faces – exploring new angles of vision and feeling. We all have a universe within – and I write to inspire all of us to remember the universe of feelings within ourselves.
Do you publish your Poetry on other channels but Instagram?
I designed and launched my website https://lubomirakourteva.com and this is where I post my poetry as well as where I’ll have my blog and post all my writings.
Who is your favourite Instapoet and why?
I absolutely adore Emma Blas @emmablaspoetry and Beth Vermander @poetrybybeth Not only do I love their poetry and amazing word weaving but what’s even more important to me is that they are such beautiful kind souls – their authentic voice inspires me.
Can you tell us a little about your writing process? How do you come up with poems and how do you edit them?
It usually begins as a feeling, deeply heartfelt that becomes like a scene in a movie – and I then try to make tiny attempts to shape it into words – to allow it to experience itself as almost human – and become its own person on a page. I see it as building little homes for moments, feelings and movements – engraved through time. It’s like a widening of life that is captured – and through that I also get to experience myself in a different way through becoming a part of this newly created body. I am very visual so I need to see it in my mind’s eye and then it just takes time for the right words to come to me which would allow me to portray that as I feel it and see it. Or sometimes I just hear one word or phrase, which I fall in love with and then it takes on its own life. In terms of editing – I let it sit aside for awhile before I start editing as I need to distance myself emotionally since I am essentially editing myself. I read it out loud as I always want it to sound lyrical but I am also particular about the positioning of my words on each line, as I want to keep some mystery and allow my readers to have the ability to see different perspectives and discover deeper meanings if they choose to.
Do you support yourself through writing financially, or do you have a day job and what is it?
I hope one day I would but currently I don’t fully support myself financially through writing. I have some freelance writing jobs but it’s hard for those of us just starting out – particularly because most writers are unpaid which is something I’d love to change since writing requires skills, effort and time and as such should be absolutely compensated. I have a Master of Finance but walked away from that so that I can dedicate my time toward humanitarian work – and I am now pursuing my writing career, which I just started recently – none of the two are very well paid but I love them and wouldn’t go back to the corporate world. It takes time and patience but I do hope I can fully support myself through my writing soon because this is what I absolutely love to do. I do consulting jobs also - as I use my integrative background in business, entrepreneurship and human-centered design.
How many hours a day do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?
If I am working on an article or a poem I could spend all day writing and go into the night. But it depends – some days I don’t write at all because I need some time off to recharge and refresh. Self-motivation is something we all have to learn though especially when we have work to do and we are self-employed. There will be days and moments where I just don’t feel like writing, so I’ve learned how to motivate myself – but this is very individual – it does require self-discipline though which is something I’ve always been good at, so I suppose that helps me. It is a devotion I’ve built toward my writing – so like any other devotion in life, whether a relationship or the flowers in our house, we need to treat it with respect, care and responsibility. And despite everything, to find the pleasure in the process and in the small steps. Like how some days we may feel bored or lazy to do house chores, but we still do it because it is our home – and so treating it like an expression of our love is just another way of looking at it and getting motivated – finding pleasures in the simple tasks.
And what’s the best moment you’ve had with your poetry so far?
Publishing my debut book of poetry, Moonhold, was my best moment because it really was such a dream to finally hold it in my hands. The entire creation process was something I’ll always treasure and every time someone shares how my words have moved them is incredibly precious to me. It’s all been very humbling. My book really is my sweetest creation and I’ll never forget the first time I saw it in front of me – turned my heart into thousand smiles. It was my sweetest joy because it was made with so much love.
How do you respond to writer’s block or not knowing what to write?
As a start I don’t see it as a block but rather as a way for my mind and body to rest and recharge. I allow my energy to open up and flow toward something else that I love and enjoy rather than focusing on the “block”. So I’ll listen to music, go for walks, watch movies, or dance – as I love dancing and it is a big part of my life. I become playful and curious. I just experience myself in a different way or a different environment and allow this to fully happen within. I love being surrounded by open-minded people who are emotionally deep and spiritually inclined – this is important for me so that I keep my vibration high. I love meditation too as it takes me into beautiful new perspectives through reflection, connection and feeling. I’ll often find something that inspires me, whether an image, a feeling, a movement, a word – which I’ll then start to build on and shape into a poem.
What are you working on next?
I have a few projects brewing at the moment. I recently started working on my second book which I am very excited about. I am also focused on expanding "Art of Love" by featuring artist spotlights, offering courses on emotional intelligence, holistic wellbeing and spiritual mentoring, and offering audio content such as meditations, blessing songs and a podcast. And as a humanitarian, I am also starting a non-profit initiative raising awareness on the many social issues I’ve worked on and have knowledge and experience in – so that we create real impact through the lens of creativity, skill-building and education in vulnerable communities. I am interested in shedding light on how to make a high impact change rather than perpetuate the model of dependence on charity alone in marginalized communities. I hope to have my own non-profit organization soon.
What is your strategy to grow your audience?
My priority is to be authentic and genuine – I like to connect on a more personal level to people because I never want anyone to feel like “a number” or a “like” or invisible. If you have written me a genuine comment I’d always respond to you genuinely as well – engaging with my followers is really important and what matters to me – although I am quite introverted so I am better at replying than initiating. In terms of strategy, I know the digital marketing strategies, as I am certified in Digital Marketing Strategy and Google Analytics but I find it hard to do that when it is my own creative work because I feel like it takes away from its creative aspect and makes it into a “business”. I am mainly focused on expanding my reach by being featured on different mediums and across different publications. I write articles for different platforms on various topics – and take part in poetry prompts sometimes to expand my reach and have the opportunity to be featured elsewhere – and just put my name out there. I am grateful for you as well and the opportunities you offer to expand my reach to those who would resonate with my work and writings. Starting my blog is also something I am excited about and it’d give me a more intimate place where my readers can connect with my writing. And I am always open to opportunities and collaborations – whether in art, writing or anything else!
What advice would you give young poets just starting out?
It can be really scary to put yourself out there because writing requires a lot of vulnerability. Vulnerability is courage – and this is what would make you a great writer – creative expression demands depth, perception and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and stay flexible to how you change as well! The way I started even from a design perspective shape shifted and is not how it was in the beginning. Creativity is not bound to structures so it changes and we need to allow it to. Experiment and remain curious and playful! Embrace the clouds on paper when things get foggy because that too is purposeful and there is something to be found in that too. Don’t be discouraged by likes, followings and even rejections – this is not a reflection of quality or your character as a person (let’s just remember Fitzgerald and how he was rejected by almost everyone in the beginning) – so remain authentic to your voice. Remain true to yourself because there can be a lot of pressure to become mainstream to fit and be more “sellable” – and it’s not a bad thing if that’s who you are but it’s bad if you lose yourself. Poetry is hard to write and most novelists admit that they can’t for the life of them write a good poem - so don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t be discouraged by confusion – sometimes the message unfolds as we start writing it. There is a lot to be found in the ordinary everyday – in the simplicity – you don’t have to “bleed” or be devastated. For a true creator there is no poverty – so don’t think you need some heartbreak or particular experience – there is always something to be noticed and experienced – connect to your within and reflect so that you open new dimensions of perceptions and offer perspectives. Know your intentions and limitations – for example, why are your writing a book or this poem? Be realistic as well – writing is tough and doesn’t necessarily pay off. And poetry is the fine art of writing – but it is also greatly underappreciated and has a very niche audience. You may not make money off of it – so do it because you really love it. And always remember – our voice is powerful. It carries a vibration and influences everyone including us. Everyday we make a decision whether to use it for harm or for love. Everyday we are making a change by choosing the words we speak and write. And last by definitely not least – make sure you get enough sleep as sleeping is a creative aphrodisiac! Daydream, get bored, get confused, spend time in solitude to reflect and feel, and yes, even procrastinate, and yes, even learn the art of doing nothing – there is a creative purpose for all of it – allow yourself to happen and push yourself out of the limits of your mind’s perceptions.
Do you think poetry has a greater purpose?
Absolutely. It is a way for us to see the world through a different perspective. And this is what spirituality is – a way to open new dimensions of perceptions within ourselves. Poetry is a way for us to go into the corners of our psyche – it is the art of using imagery, which draw a response from our psyche. Poetry dares us to think and to question – to go inside of ourselves so that we explore our inner world. As we are immersed deeper within, we begin to flow unresistingly filling the empty spaces unseen before. As we shape the feelings and the unseen into something tangible– into words – we then witness it and come closer to the previously perceived distances – to find a part of our psyche, which couldn’t be found otherwise. Its spiritual purpose is its greater purpose. And our world needs more of that.
You can purchase Lubomira’s book on Amazon here.
To learn more about Lubomira and follow her on her writing journey make sure to visit her webpage and follow her on Instagram.