11/09/2026
Author Interview: Camelia Sandu
Tell us about yourself.
I’m an author who believes that feelings deserve the same attention we give everything else we document. My books blend psychology, humour and thoughtful observation into something that feels a little different. Instead of telling readers how to “fix” themselves, I create books that help people feel understood. Whether I’m writing about burnout, overthinking, financial anxiety or everyday life, my goal is always the same: to make someone feel a little less alone.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Romania before later moving to the UK. Experiencing different cultures taught me that, although people’s lives can look very different on the surface, the emotions underneath are remarkably similar. I’ve always been fascinated by why people think, worry and feel the way they do, and that curiosity shapes everything I write.
What was your journey to getting published like?
Like many independent authors, it involved a lot of learning by doing. Writing the book was only one part of the journey. I also learned about editing, design, formatting, publishing and marketing. It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge made me a better writer and a better publisher. Seeing readers connect with my work has made every step worthwhile.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
A reader once told me, “Your book didn’t try to fix me. It simply made me feel understood.” That perfectly captured what I hope my writing achieves. Sometimes being seen is more powerful than being given another list of things to improve.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Finish the book. Most people spend years planning the perfect story but never reach the final page. You can improve a completed manuscript. You can’t improve one that only exists in your imagination. Write consistently, stay curious and remember that every author started as a beginner.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
People often open up to me surprisingly quickly. Friends have joked that I accidentally become everyone’s unofficial therapist after ten minutes of conversation. I think that’s probably why I’m so fascinated by the stories people carry around but rarely say out loud.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
I don’t really believe in guilty pleasures when it comes to reading. If a book makes you laugh, think, cry or forget the time for a while, it has done its job. My reading tastes jump happily between psychology, humour, children’s books and fantasy.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” by Stephen King.
It reminds me that creating anything worthwhile begins with simply sitting down and writing.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m usually reading, exploring new creative ideas or spending time with my dogs. I’m also fascinated by design, psychology and finding unusual ways to communicate complex emotions through simple concepts.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don’t remember the very first story, but I do remember discovering that books could make you disappear into someone else’s world for a while. That feeling of being completely absorbed by a story has stayed with me ever since, and it’s something I hope my own readers experience.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I’m inspired by everyday conversations and the emotions people often hide behind “I’m fine.” I enjoy taking familiar experiences like overthinking, burnout or self-doubt and presenting them from an unexpected angle. My writing combines empathy with gentle humour because sometimes people can hear difficult truths more easily when they’re allowed to smile.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I remind myself that books are personal experiences. Not every book is meant for every reader, and that’s perfectly okay. If criticism is constructive, I learn from it. If it’s simply a matter of taste, I respect that and keep writing.
How do you connect with your readers?
I try to create conversations rather than simply promote books. Through social media, my website and reader messages, I enjoy hearing how people interpret my work. Some of the most meaningful moments come from readers telling me they felt understood by something I’d written.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continuing to expand the Human Records Archive concept while also writing books that combine humour with emotional insight. I have several new projects planned, all built around helping readers feel seen, understood and perhaps laugh at life a little more along the way.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Absolutely. I enjoy rewarding observant readers. Many of my books include recurring themes, subtle references and tiny details that reinforce the larger message. In Emotional Documentation, even the archive itself tells a story if you pay close attention to the files, labels and official records.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
Even when I’m writing non-fiction, I think in conversations. I listen to how people actually speak, including the pauses, humour and contradictions. Good dialogue shouldn’t sound written. It should sound overheard.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I’d want them to know that they never have to earn the right to feel what they feel. We document almost everything that matters in life, yet we often ignore our own emotional experiences. If my books remind even one person that their inner world deserves attention too, then they’ve done exactly what they were written to do.
Camelia Sandu’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Camelia Sandu’s Social Media Links
page
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube Account
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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