Croatian author and composer Valentin Sarić began writing in high school after encountering Roger Zelazny’s Nine Princes in Amber, a novel that awakened in him a flood of imaginative possibilities. Speaking with Global Despatch, the thirty-year-old writer recalls how the book inspired him to transform his ideas into stories of his own. Today residing in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, Valentin balances literature with an equally passionate devotion to composing classical music. A self-published author, he has released multiple short story collections, speculative fiction novelettes, and a science fiction romance novel, while simultaneously composing symphonies, concertos, and sacral music. His creative world, rich with philosophy, satire, romance, fantasy, and futuristic speculation, continues expanding across both literature and music.
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Between Symphonies and Stars
B Sudharsan: It is a pleasure having you with us, Valentin. To begin with, could you tell us about your published works? How did they happen? Also, what is your latest book about?
Valentin Sarić: I have published four short story collections, one sci fi horror satire novelette, one sci fi transcendence novelette, and a sci fi epic romance novel. Since they are self-published, their publishing happened because of my own intent and determination to publish them. That way of publishing currently sits well with me. My latest work is an epic sci fi romance novel titled Carmania. It is set in a utopian society ruled by an AI on a planet named Galanthris, located twenty-one light years away. The story follows a young racetracks builder who falls in love with his mysterious neighbour while slowly realising that his parents may not actually be dead and that the woman he loves may not even be human.
B Sudharsan: That certainly sounds ambitious and cinematic. Before you begin writing a book, do you already know your characters and plot, or do you discover them along the way?
Valentin Sarić: Before I start, I usually have only a vague idea of the characters, but the plot itself is solid. I mostly know how the story will unfold. Still, while writing, I allow myself many detours and upgrades to the narrative. The destination remains largely the same, though the journey becomes richer with unexpected adventures gathered along the way.
‘Fantasy, Humour, and Alien Civilisations’
B Sudharsan: Are there any authors who particularly inspire you?
Valentin Sarić: Yes. My favourite authors are Roger Zelazny, Ursula K Le Guin, J R R Tolkien, and Lee Child. Roger Zelazny inspires me because of his humour and his descriptions of magic and atmosphere. Ursula Le Guin is extraordinary when it comes to portraying alien societies and psychologically believable cultures. Her endings are immensely hopeful and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. Tolkien impresses me because of the sheer depth of the world he created. Geography, lore, languages — everything feels complete and alive. As for Lee Child, I admire his telegraphic style and the addictive rhythm of his storytelling. Jack Reacher is such a compelling vehicle for adventure that I sometimes wish Lee Child would place him inside a fantasy setting.
B Sudharsan: Fascinating! There is no denying the sheer depth and intricacy of Tolkien’s worlds. And Jack Reacher wandering through a grim medieval kingdom or a morally fractured fantasy world with the same cold precision and razor-sharp intuition would make for an unforgettable read. One can almost imagine him dismantling corrupt kings and mercenaries with the same ease with which he handles criminals in the modern world. Be that as it may, do you follow a strict writing schedule, or do you write whenever inspiration arrives?
Valentin Sarić: I generally write in the evening or at nightfall. I try to write daily, though sometimes I miss a day or two. There are also moments when I suddenly brainstorm a completely new idea and begin writing spontaneously.
Music as the Other Half of Creativity
B Sudharsan: Was becoming an author a conscious decision for you?
Valentin Sarić: Very much so. I consider writing a balancing act to my composing efforts. The two are different sides of the same creativity. To maintain harmony within myself creatively, I need to continue doing both.
B Sudharsan: And how do you manage writing alongside composing and your other responsibilities?
Valentin Sarić: My most cherished hobby is composing classical music. I have composed concertos, symphonies, symphonic ballet fantasias, and sacral music for children. Usually I compose earlier in the day and write later in the evening. Even while working a regular job, I try to maintain that rhythm consistently.
B Sudharsan: Tell us a bit about your current works in progress. Do you see yourself becoming a full-fledged author someday?
Valentin Sarić: I recently began writing two fantasy novelettes. One deals with multiverse themes while the other explores love between two humanoid species. As for becoming a full-fledged author, I am still thinking about that possibility.
‘Reach a Critical Mass’
B Sudharsan: What would you like to tell budding authors who lose motivation if a few of their works do not perform well?
Valentin Sarić: If you are self-publishing, promotion is essential because without promotion there is almost no visibility. I would also advise writers to experiment with other genres for a while because doing so sharpens one’s skills. When they eventually return to their primary genre, they often become much stronger writers. Another important thing is quantity balanced with quality. Two or three books may psychologically appear insufficient to readers, whereas five or six works create a stronger sense of reliability. I think authors need to reach a kind of ‘critical mass’ where both quality and consistency inspire trust in readers.
B Sudharsan: If there is one thing you would like to change in this world, what would it be?
Valentin Sarić: I would like more chemists, musicians, and philosophers to become political leaders. Too many politicians seem devoid of imagination and flexibility. Without creativity and humanistic understanding, societies become trapped in old patterns of division and conflict. I strongly believe that peace with neighbouring nations should become a foundational ethic for humanity. Otherwise, I struggle to imagine civilisation surviving long enough to truly spread among the stars.
To achieve harmony within creativity, I must compose and write equally often. One balances the other.
~ VALENTIN SARIĆ
PS: Besides writing fiction and composing classical music, Valentin Sarić also writes satirical ‘mega-haiku’ works under the pen name Brighty Salamander. He has additionally launched a collaborative pen name, Wilfried Wott, alongside his father, a retired professor specialising in the sociology of religion. Through it, the two intend to merge speculative fiction with sociological, political, and cultural inquiry.
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The remaining books written by the author can be found here: https://www.amazon.in/stores/Valentin-Saric/author/B0BH84RTF1/allbooks