I’m celebrating Leap Day by sharing the newest five-star review about Remember Me!
Thank you for purchasing, reading, reviewing!
Love always,
Sanela
Love always,
Sanela
~Sanela
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
“My heart belongs to summer and my soul to fall… but still come my dear winter. I’ll experience you like I’ve never did before.” ― Mystqx Skye
Ah, winter – the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… the winter blues? If the chilly weather has got you feeling a bit down this Valentine’s Day, fear not, fellow bookworms! I’ve curated a list of tips to help you turn those winter blues into a celebration of self-love, complete with the magic of books.
Snuggle up with a Book: What better way to escape the winter chill than by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book? Grab your favorite novel, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the power of storytelling transport you to different worlds.
Create a Literary Feast: Channel your inner chef and cook up a storm inspired by your favorite book. Whether it’s the iconic butterbeer from Harry Potter or a feast fit for hobbits, let literature be your guide to a culinary adventure.
Bookish Decorations: Spruce up your space with literary-themed decorations. Create heart-shaped bookmarks, arrange your bookshelves by color, or set the mood with fairy lights and literary quotes. Your space will feel like a cozy book nook in no time.
Host a Virtual Book Club: Connect with fellow book lovers virtually and host a Valentine’s Day book club. Choose a book that celebrates self-love or features a heartwarming story. Discussing literature with like-minded individuals can be a delightful way to spend the day.
Write Your Own Love Story: If you’re feeling inspired, why not channel your creativity into writing? Pen down your thoughts, start a short story, or even work on that novel you’ve been dreaming of. Your words have the power to create worlds and inspire others.
Bookish Movie Marathon: Sometimes, the best stories come to life on the screen. Curate a list of movie adaptations of your favorite books and indulge in a cozy movie marathon. It’s a perfect blend of literary love and cinematic charm.
Bookstore Adventure: Venture out to your favorite bookstore or library. Treat yourself to a new book or explore a genre you haven’t delved into before. The scent of new books and the promise of undiscovered stories will lift your spirits.
This Valentine’s Day, let the magic of books be your guide to self-love and literary joy. By incorporating these bookish delights into your celebration, you’ll find that escaping the winter blues is as simple as turning the page of a beloved novel. Happy reading, and may your heart be warmed by the love of literature!
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog
Let's enjoy some books together!
Q: What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
A: Hmm, great question. You know, I’ve always found myself creating these idealized versions of people I like. It could be a crush, a friend, or someone whose personality I admire. I tend to daydream about them, putting them on a pedestal until they become this perfect, almost God-like figure.
Take my first book-boyfriend, Johnny. In my mind, he was absolutely perfect—looks, personality, the whole package. I wanted my readers to fall in love with him just as much as I did, to feel the pain of loss when he met his demise in the story. The real Johnny, the inspiration behind the character, didn’t survive the convoy I wrote about in “Remember Me.” So, he remains forever “that” Johnny, the one I idealized and perfected in my mind. He’ll never reveal his true, human self because he never got the chance to live into his true adulthood.
In my latest book, “Between the Worlds,” I found myself idolizing a friend who, in the end, betrayed me. It was a tough reality check, discovering how mundane he truly was. It shattered the perfect image I’d created in my mind. I wished he could have stayed the way he was in my imagination. So, halfway through writing this fantastic book, he showed me his true colors, and it was challenging to finish it the way I initially planned, with him being as amazing as I made him out to be. But, you know, that’s the beauty of fiction—it’s a fantasy. In real life, I don’t think men that perfect exist because, well, they’re only human.
Q: What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
A: Oh, that’s a scenario I’m quite familiar with. My creative process is a bit unconventional, to be honest. When a new idea hits me, it’s like an image pops into my head, and it nags at me until I acknowledge it. If I start daydreaming about it, the idea tends to evolve into a full-fledged story. If I really like it and believe I can translate it from my mind to paper, I’ll sit down at the computer and start writing, describing that initial image.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t sound as good on paper as it did in my head. In those cases, I let go of the idea. But if I find myself smiling and naturally expanding on it, if my mind keeps weaving through the narrative, then I know it’s worth pursuing. Most of the time, if a story feels book-worthy, I can seamlessly transition to it after completing my current project.
So, to answer your question, I do prioritize finishing my current project first before diving into the next one. However, I like to sprinkle little teasers throughout the writing process of my first project to keep the new idea fresh in my mind. Does that make sense? It’s a bit of a quirky process, I admit.
Q: What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
A: Oh, I could talk about books all day! One author I absolutely adore is Anne Rice. Her vampire series, especially with Lestat, is my all-time favorite. Her writing has this magical way of transporting you to different places and times. The vivid pictures she paints in a reader’s mind just make me get completely lost in her stories. I remember Merick was the first book of hers I read, and from then on, I was hooked.
Dean Koontz is another author I’ve enjoyed, especially his book “Odd Thomas”. It’s one of those books I go back to every once in a while.
Now, I have a guilty pleasure for the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. And anything about witches? Count me in! “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is a particular favorite, although the next book in the series didn’t quite meet my expectations. Maybe the anticipation got the best of me.
Oh, and if you’ve got time, I could go on and on with recommendations. Once I start talking about books, it’s hard to stop. I could keep you entertained for hours!
C.B: Well, it sounds like you have a passion for books that’s truly infectious! I appreciate your recommendations and insights. We could chat about literature for hours, but I’ll let you get back to your own writing endeavors. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recommendations today!
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
Q: “How do you solve a writer’s block?”
A: I wish I had some magical and quick answer to give you, but I don’t. I only experienced writer’s block once, but it lasted for a few years. I was going through some really tough times in my married life, and I simply lost my ability to create. I was depressed and mentally absent. I couldn’t concentrate on anything except what was happening in reality. It was tough because my ability to escape into my writing had always been my savior.
Then, unexpectedly, during a playful banter with a friend, a whimsical idea struck me. I joked, “I bet we knew each other forever. For eons. I bet we were best friends in all of our previous lives. Before we were born into this one, we decided to be born together. But because we are such opposites and always bicker, halfway to our birth, we argued. And because you’re so stubborn, you let go of my hand, and I got sucked in first. You panicked and waited a few minutes, not knowing that five minutes there meant 19 years here. That’s why there’s such a huge age difference between us, and that’s why I was born across the seas and you were born here…”
That playful moment unblocked my writer’s block. It hit me hard, and I sat down to write a short, four-page story. But I couldn’t stop there; the story kept haunting me until it grew into a whole book. That’s how my latest book, Between the Worlds, was born. This particular story is dear to my heart because it helped me find my way back to creating new and amazing worlds for myself.
So, in summary, when your writer’s block cure involves interdimensional disputes and playful paradoxes with pals… well, that’s the secret recipe to solving writer’s block!
Q: “Did you ever join a writer’s group?”
A: Never been one for writer’s groups. If I did, I’d probably be that enigmatic figure in the corner, talking to the characters in my head.
Q: “Where and when do you write?”
A: I’m a mood writer—whenever inspiration taps me on the shoulder, I’m at its mercy. My go-to spot? You’ll find me orchestrating literary masterpieces from the comfort of my couch, laptop propped up on a pillow.
Let’s take a look at the world of my new novel BETWEEN THE WORLDS.
You can read the first chapter here: Between the Worlds excerpt.
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela Ramic Jurich, was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions. Going forward, Ella Rees, Sanela’s alter ego, has limitless potential to unleash her boundless imagination onto the world of romance and fantasy writing. While her writing may seem purely fictional, readers will discover that bits and pieces of Sanela’s life experiences are sprinkled throughout her stories, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to her work. With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
STORY TIME
Today’s story takes us to … you guessed it, Bosnia!
Once upon a time, in a small town in Bosnia, there was a young man named Abdul. Abdul, a man standing well over six feet tall, had blond hair and deep-set blue eyes. Despite being called “Sunny Boy” due to his irresistible smile, he disliked the nickname and usually suppressed his smile. He had just finished his studies and was starting his new job as a professor at the local community college. On his first day, he walked into his classroom and his eyes met those of a beautiful young woman named Hata. Hata was one of his students, but Abdul couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. Hata was lean with a narrow beautifully sculpted face. She kept her hair in a soft, wavy swinging bob that curled under just above her shoulders. She wore it straight back from her forehead. He adored absolutely everything about her.
Over the course of the school year, Abdul and Hata spent more and more time together. They talked about everything from books to movies to their dreams for the future. Before long, they were inseparable.
After graduation, Abdul and Hata decided to go on a road trip together. As they traveled across the country, they fell deeper in love. They talked about getting married and starting a family someday.
A few years later, Abdul and Hata tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones. They exchanged vows, promising to love each other forever.
A year after their wedding, Hata gave birth to their first child, a beautiful baby boy they named Azmir. They were over the moon with joy, and they knew that they wanted to have more children. A few years later, they welcomed another son, Almir, into their family.
Abdul and Hata’s love continued to grow with each passing year. They faced challenges and hardships, but they always stood by each other’s side. They raised their boys with love and kindness, and they looked forward to watching them grow into strong, confident young men.
On the 11th of July 1995, everything changed. The Bosnian Serb forces, led by Ratko Mladić, took over their town. Hata and her family were among those affected. As her husband and sons joined the Column – a group moving through the woods and mountains towards the nearest safe area in Tuzla – Hata was separated from them.
Recalling the moment of separation, Hata remembers how her youngest son held onto her tightly, pleading with her. “Mother, please let me go with dad and Azmir, I beg of you!” he said, his hands wrapped around her, an image that still haunts her to this day.
Hata decided to go to the area protected by the UN in a neighboring town.
Nearly a year after the war’s end in 1996, she received a phone call informing her that her youngest son, Almir, had been found in a mass grave. Although mostly complete, Almir’s remains were the only ones to be found. It wasn’t until 1998 that Hata would learn of the fate of her husband and her other son. Her husband’s remains consisted of only a few bones, while Azmir’s were only two leg bones. Due to the Bosnian Serb forces’ use of mechanical diggers to move bodies from primary to secondary and tertiary mass graves, Hata’s family members’ remains were scattered across kilometers, often in different locations with only partial remains.
Hata waited almost 12 years, hoping that more of her family’s remains would be found. But in 2010, she laid her husband and two sons to rest at the Potočari Memorial Complex. The Bosnian Serb army had not only taken away her husband and sons, but also her brothers, their sons, her cousins, and their children. The suffering was immeasurable.
Despite everything, Hata returned to her beloved town in 2003, fighting to reclaim her home from a Serb family who had claimed it as “spoils of war.” For Hata, the place was more than just a house; it was where her children had walked, where she had built her life. She has three trees that her youngest son had planted. He was small then and the trees are big now, she thought each time she looked at them.
This story was inspired by Hatidža Mehmedović, her husband, Abdullah and their sons Azmir and Almir.
Hatidža founded the Mothers of Srebrenica Association to support other women who had lost their families during the genocide. She led campaigns and projects, including the establishment of the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Complex and Cemetery, and civil lawsuits against the UN and Dutch government for failing to protect the people of Srebrenica.
Hatidža’s story is a powerful testament to the horror of the genocide done in Bosnia, and her campaign for justice for her family members challenges those who would deny its occurrence. Despite witnessing the worst of humanity, Hatidža never gave in to feelings of revenge and discouraged others from doing so. Even in the face of a long battle with breast cancer, Hatidža continued to fight for justice for the victims and survivors. She passed away on the 22nd of July 2018 in a Sarajevo hospital at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of courage and strength.
When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…
I truly believe that I survived for one reason and one reason only: to tell our story, to give a voice to those who don’t have it anymore. I was there as a witness. As a survivor, I have an obligation. I have to talk about what happened in Bosnia in the early nineties, no matter the cost.
Once, a friend of mine was reading a particularly engrossing novel on a long flight. She was so absorbed in the story that she didn’t even notice the plane had landed and everyone was getting off. She only realized what had happened when a flight attendant tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to please exit the plane.
Feeling embarrassed, she quickly gathered her things and rushed off the plane, still clutching her book. As she walked through the airport, she was so engrossed in the story that she accidentally walked into a large potted plant! She stumbled and nearly fell, but managed to catch herself before she hit the ground.
Feeling a little frazzled, she looked around to see if anyone had noticed her mishap.
My friend couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, and it certainly made for a memorable end to her journey.
“Unforgettable!” –Readers’ Favorite; Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers’ Favorite
“Credible, Compassionate, and Courageous” -PDX Author; Reviewed by Gregory S. Lamb for PDX Author
In celebration, I’m giving away a FREE audiobook to anyone promising to leave a review after they listen. Simply email sanela@sanelajurich.com and let me know you’re interested. I will send you a code to one free copy of Remember Me to listen and review.
Sample: Narrated by Lindsay Carrillo
To purchase, go to Audible.com or visit Amazon.com
Today’s story takes us to Vukovar, Croatia.
Those of you who are not familiar with the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s might not have heard about Vukovar, Croatia. This town, located on the border between Croatia and Serbia, has been a scene of one of the biggest and most cruel war crimes in the current European history.
Around eight thousand people (mostly civilians) died during the fights, afterward during the Ethnic cleansing the majority of the Croatian inhabitants were either murdered or driven out of town. 99% of the city was destroyed, making Vukovar the first place in Europe so heavily damaged since World War Two. You can see how the city looked like during the battle here.
Once upon a time, there was a young couple named Majda and Siniša who fell deeply in love and were married shortly after they met. Siniša was a journalist, and Majda was a nurse who cared for the wounded. They lived in a beautiful small town called Vukovar.
In the spring of 1991, the siege of Vukovar took place and suddenly, the whole world knew the name of this little town. First incidents started off small: homes and shops were attacked … The Serbian Army surrounded Vukovar and the real siege started in August.
The city was defended by less than two thousand soldiers, while the Yugoslav Army (de facto the Serb one) had between 27 and 80 thousand soldiers attacking. The siege took 87 days until Vukovar was captured by the Yugoslav Army and proclaimed the Serb city.
Despite the chaos and danger of war, Sinisa and Majda found comfort in each other’s company. They would steal moments together whenever they could, stealing kisses in the dark corners of the hospital or holding hands during brief breaks in the fighting.
One day, Sinisa was badly injured by a shrapnel of a grenade destroying a nearby school and was rushed to the hospital where Majda worked. Majda was devastated to see the man she loved lying on a hospital bed, his body riddled with wounds.
She spent long hours by his side, tending to his injuries and offering words of encouragement. Sinisa, meanwhile, was overwhelmed by his feelings for Majda, knowing that she was the only person who made him feel safe in the midst of the war.
As Sinisa slowly recovered, he and Majda grew closer than ever before. They shared stories of their childhoods and dreams for the future, imagining a world where war was a thing of the past so they could raise their daughter in peace.
However, their happiness was short-lived.
The most barbarian part of the siege was when the hospital, clearly marked with the red cross, was attacked and captured. During the siege, the building was strafed over 800 times until it was eventually captured in November 1991.
Many of those who were wounded were killed directly in their hospital beds, others (255 non-Serbian workers and patients) were taken to the nearby village, Ovcara, where they were tortured and eventually killed and buried in the mass grave. Only one man managed to escape, his testimony helped to recognize this war crime.
During the Battle of Vukovar, Siniša Glavašević was regularly reporting from the besieged city. He is particularly remembered for a series of stories he had read to the listeners, that talked about basic human values.
On 18 November 1991, Glavašević sent in his last report, which ended with:
The picture of Vukovar at the 22nd hour of the 87th day [of the siege] will remain forever in the memory of the witnesses of this time. There are infinite spooky sights, and you can smell the burning. We walk over bodies, building material, glass, detritus and the gruesome silence. … We hope that the torments of Vukovar are over.
Glavašević disappeared shortly after this last report. He had been beaten and executed by Serbian paramilitary forces, along with hundreds of others between 18–20 November. In 1997, his body was exhumed from a mass grave in a nearby farm in Ovčara. He was 31 years old.
When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…
I truly believe that I survived for one reason and one reason only: to tell our story, to give a voice to those who don’t have it anymore. I was there as a witness. As a survivor, I have an obligation. I have to talk about what happened in Bosnia (former Yugoslavia), back in 1992, no matter the cost.
SARAH AND TOM
Once upon a time, there was a couple named Sarah and Tom who had been together for three years. They had met on a blind date that was set up by mutual friends and had hit it off immediately. They were both kind-hearted and adventurous, and loved to explore new places and try new things together.
One year, on March 8th, Sarah and Tom had planned a special day to celebrate International Women’s Day, which was an important holiday for Sarah as she was a strong advocate for women’s rights. They started off the day by attending a march in support of women’s rights and equality.
After the march, they went to their favorite coffee shop and enjoyed a warm cup of coffee while discussing the importance of the holiday and their hopes for the future. Tom surprised Sarah with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt letter expressing his love and appreciation for her and all the women in his life.
As the day went on, they decided to take a spontaneous road trip to the countryside. They drove through the rolling hills, stopping at small towns along the way and taking in the beautiful scenery. They found a secluded spot to have a picnic lunch and spent the afternoon laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
As the sun began to set, they found a cozy bed and breakfast to spend the night. They shared a bottle of wine by the fireplace, cuddled up under a blanket, and talked about their dreams and aspirations for the future.
It was a perfect day filled with love, adventure, and meaningful conversations. Sarah and Tom knew that they were meant to be together and that they would always support each other’s passions and goals. From that day on, March 8th became a special day for them, a day to celebrate their love and the power of women.
Hope you enjoyed this short love story. Come back often for more.
Sanela
“When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…”