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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Anya Gillinson discusses her memoir, Dreaming in Russian, in which she candidly explores the cultural clash of her family fleeing to America when she was 13, and its impact on her sense of femininity and identity.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Anya Gillinson about her life and career, being inspired to write her memoir, Dreaming In Russian, and the work that went into writing it.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Anya Gillinson. An attorney by trade and a writer. I immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1992 when I was still a teenager.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Within a few years after I lost my father at the age of 13, but it took me many more years to formulate that first amorphous feeling into a real solid desire.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In the spring of 2021
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It took me three long years from start to finish.
What made you want to write Dreaming In Russian?
I wrote the book to bring the voices of those in my family who are long gone back into this life. Their lives were too big, too important, and too short to disappear into the vacuum of eternity without a trace.
I wrote this book because I wanted to hear my father’s voice speak through me once more.
Finally, I wrote this book to share my perspective on issues such as femininity versus feminism, the roles of men and women in society, and the challenges of navigating these roles in a society that often diverges from my patriarchal upbringing. So much in this book revolves around the complexities of the immigrant experience, its unforgiving nature. The story delves into grief, loss, infidelity, personal betrayal, and death. My Jewish identity, examined against the backdrop of Russian/Soviet antisemitism, is a constant presence throughout the narrative, essential to its fabric.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Dreaming In Russian?
Primarily, the structure. This is my first book, a prose memoir in English, and while I don’t consider myself old, a lot has happened in my life. I’ve lived in very different cultures and needed to weave together my family’s history with my own experiences without confusing the reader. There was significant overlap in terms of events, places, and people, which presented a considerable challenge.
What was your research process for Dreaming In Russian?
Very minimal. It’s a memoir with an edge. The edge being my view on the societal makeup of the United States versus that of Russia. I based my book on my own memories from Russia, on the stories that I still remembered being told to me by family members – some of whom are long gone, and some of whom are here, with God’s blessing, and also on my countless immigrant experiences.
How did you plan the structure of Dreaming In Russian?
It ended up being mostly chronological. I didn’t try out anything too fancy.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Dreaming In Russian need?
Yes, I did have an editor.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
I rarely offer advice to anyone on any subject, unless they are members of my immediate family. I would feel particularly presumptuous giving writing advice, especially as this is my first English prose piece (I published a book of poetry in Russian long ago).
To be honest, I suspect I would have a similar reluctance to give writing advice even if I had published several books.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
It will not be fiction; I can assure you. Beyond that, I cannot say much because I change my mind too frequently.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am glad I did it. I am glad I didn’t give up, even when I wanted to (on many occasions). I feel satisfied for having completed the task I had begun. Pride is something else, don’t you think?
It would only be worthwhile if people across the United States and a larger part of the world, through this book, could learn not only who I am but also who my legendary father was, what he did for people, and about the heroism of my mother and my magnificent grandparents.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4iRKvq9
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3EhP7GU
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/42oUgVX
Instagram : anyagillinsin7
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