Online for Authors Episode 11-20-25

​The Page That Was Never There: Unlocking a Balkan Curse with Author Lya Badgley

Welcome back to another exciting Online for Authors podcast, where we delve deep into today's literary creations and the brilliant minds behind them. In this post, we're spotlighting one of my favorite authors, Lya Badgley, and her enthralling new novel, The Thirty-Fifth Page. This is her third appearance on our podcast, and I'm thrilled to share insights from our recent conversation.

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Unveiling "The Thirty-Fifth Page"
During our chat, Lya shared the journey behind writing her latest book, which is set in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The narrative intricately weaves a dual timeline starting at the onset of the Bosnian War in 1992 and later revisiting in 2015. Central to the plot is Miri, an American art conservator who uncovers hidden truths within the legendary Sarajevo Haggadah—a medieval manuscript shrouded in mystery. As she dives deeper, Miri encounters a mysterious 35th page, propelling her into a realm where history, folklore, and a long-dormant curse intertwine, stirring the imagination with elements of magical realism and literary suspense.

Historical Fiction with a Twist
For those familiar with Lya's writing, you'll know she often blends historical fiction with suspense. This novel, however, ventures further into the speculative fiction arena. Lya candidly shares her approach to writing, revealing that she doesn’t constrain herself to a precise genre from the start. Instead, she allows the story and its characters to evolve organically, discovering the plot as she writes. As a fellow "pantser," I relate to her creative process and shared a similar experience where plotting hindered my storytelling.

A Unique Setting and Story
Readers will find The Thirty-Fifth Page uniquely compelling not only due to its riveting narrative but also because of its setting in less-explored regions. Lya's books, previously set in Cambodia and Myanmar, take readers to locations often overlooked in mainstream literature. This dedication to uncovering the stories of people from historically tumultuous regions stands as a hallmark of Lya's storytelling.

More than Just a Story: A Blueprint for Peace
Lya aims for more than storytelling in her latest release. She wishes to convey a "blueprint for peace," highlighting our collective ability to choose love over conflict. Despite the heavy themes, the book offers a hopeful outlook, a departure from some of her previous works with ambiguous endings.

An Intriguing Cover and What Lies Ahead
The cover of The Thirty-Fifth Page, designed by Lya herself, captures a dreamlike essence that speaks to the story's folklore roots. As an author constantly exploring new themes, Lya shared her excitement about diving into speculative fiction and hinted at her next project, set in Seattle's vibrant 1980s music scene—an idea that already has me intrigued!

For a chance to win a digital copy of The Thirty-Fifth Page, head over to our Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook. Share something you learned or loved from this blog post to be in the running. 

Grab a copy of The Thirty-Fith Page and immerse yourself in a story that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining. Once you've finished, don't forget to leave a review—it's the best way to support the authors we love.

Thank you for joining me on this literary journey, and a massive thank you to Lya Badgley for sharing her world with us. Until next time, happy reading!

Purchase The Thirty-Fifth Page on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3JBzcpP
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4q5ai1W

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.