She prioritizes happiness and courage above all else, and she strives to reflect this in her books. Mariia Manko, a Ukrainian who once practiced as a dentist and identified as a Christian, has now embraced her new identity as a magic realism author and a Buddhist. Through her literary works, she aims to inspire others to live authentically and fearlessly, encouraging them to seek joy, bravery, and unity together in their lives.
Authors aren't born, they are made
Through the Magic Sunglasses
When Mariia storms out of her boyfriend's Kyiv apartment forever, she has no idea what is awaiting her. She is handed a pair of 'magic' sunglasses by a mysterious cabdriver on her way to Berlin, and what begins as a journey to get over her breakup turns out to be the adventure of her life. The sunglasses become her secret helper, always showing her an escape route as Mariia is chased by a trio of rich, vindictive women who want a compromising flash drive back from her, going from Berlin to Düsseldorf to Paris and then on to Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
Combining urban fiction and self-help with a dashing tale of adventure, Mariia Manko's Through the Magic Sunglasses is an enchanting story about independence, strength, and believing in yourself.
Combining urban fiction and self-help with a dashing tale of adventure, Mariia Manko's Through the Magic Sunglasses is an enchanting story about independence, strength, and believing in yourself.
Reviews
Finding Martin Eden: Travels to find myself
Profound literary fiction, with elements of fantasy and period romance. This twist on Jack London's Martin Eden tells of his rise to success through the eyes of his beloved RUTH MORSE. When a writer from the 21st century adopts the central character as the role model to help her out of her creative block, she finds herself mysteriously transported back in time, into Ruth's body and life, with a chance to rewrite Martin's story… and gain inspiration for her own.
Together they discourse literature and the injustice of the class and social structure which Martin so despises. As she wonders more and more if she will ever return home, he begins to inspire her as much as she him. And she asks herself, is she Martin's muse… or is he hers…?
Together they discourse literature and the injustice of the class and social structure which Martin so despises. As she wonders more and more if she will ever return home, he begins to inspire her as much as she him. And she asks herself, is she Martin's muse… or is he hers…?
Reviews
Quotes that inspire me
"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
Mark Twain
" What you will become in five years is determined by two main factors: with whom you will communicate and which books you will read."
Robin Sharma
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
Viktor Frankl
Highlights
"I have never understood people who boast of having broken off a relationship first. Is it really a victory?"
"Having slowed my chaotic thoughts, I wrapped myself in a towel and fastened one of its sides near my breast. I looked in the mirror, 'Move it! It's time to be brave!' I went into the room. I pulled down the side of the towel and it fell down like a silk cloth gliding over my body. I looked at him, naked and brave."
"'Red ones!' That day, I wanted to be a bit aggressive and sexy… a provocative woman who remains a ghost in the hearts of men, so vivid that they can never forget her. And this ghost shines with different colours in their imagination every time… I have always been good at being a muse. I adore this role and have always kept improving this image. The trousers fit me well."
"I repeated the words 'I trusted you' one more time in my head. Yes, faith is one of the most important things in life. What happens to us is what we believe in."
"Having slowed my chaotic thoughts, I wrapped myself in a towel and fastened one of its sides near my breast. I looked in the mirror, 'Move it! It's time to be brave!' I went into the room. I pulled down the side of the towel and it fell down like a silk cloth gliding over my body. I looked at him, naked and brave."
"'Red ones!' That day, I wanted to be a bit aggressive and sexy… a provocative woman who remains a ghost in the hearts of men, so vivid that they can never forget her. And this ghost shines with different colours in their imagination every time… I have always been good at being a muse. I adore this role and have always kept improving this image. The trousers fit me well."
"I repeated the words 'I trusted you' one more time in my head. Yes, faith is one of the most important things in life. What happens to us is what we believe in."
Highlights
"Just sit down and do it," is the philosophy of my every undertaking. After all, history is not only to be read – it is also written… by people who are not afraid to follow their dreams."
Martin was turned on by knowledge. In the 21st century, such people have been termed "sapiosexuals": those who consider intelligence the most sexually attractive feature. That was exactly what I was to Martin; this was what Martin Eden was.
On the one hand, passion is a bright flame, which inspires and nourishes us with an infinite amount of energy. At the same time, passion is directly related to scrupulous work, serious contemplation and active work of the brain. It is always a good thing when you know how to point passion in the right direction.
I continued, regardless: "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another, with no loss of enthusiasm."
"What does that mean?"
"It takes real strength and ability to experience repeated failure and keep moving toward your goal, even when nothing appears to be coming of it, without losing enthusiasm. It signifies a desire for self-improvement; a need to constantly learn from your mistakes..."
Martin was turned on by knowledge. In the 21st century, such people have been termed "sapiosexuals": those who consider intelligence the most sexually attractive feature. That was exactly what I was to Martin; this was what Martin Eden was.
On the one hand, passion is a bright flame, which inspires and nourishes us with an infinite amount of energy. At the same time, passion is directly related to scrupulous work, serious contemplation and active work of the brain. It is always a good thing when you know how to point passion in the right direction.
I continued, regardless: "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another, with no loss of enthusiasm."
"What does that mean?"
"It takes real strength and ability to experience repeated failure and keep moving toward your goal, even when nothing appears to be coming of it, without losing enthusiasm. It signifies a desire for self-improvement; a need to constantly learn from your mistakes..."
Biography
Early Career
While studying to become a dentist at medical university, Mariia's literary career took off unexpectedly at the age of 22. Her first book, "The Night of Kisses or The Odessa's Decameron", published under the pseudonym Masha M., is a romantic erotic collection that sparked controversy and mixed reviews. This book features nine stories of university-aged girls recounting their most memorable kisses, each described in vivid detail.
Mariia's approach to writing this book was influenced by her experiences as a dental student, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. The scandalous nature of the content garnered significant attention, both for its bold themes and for being written by a dentist. During this period, she also worked as a freelance correspondent for the newspaper "Porto-Franco" in Odessa, where she began writing articles that further showcased her growing passion for writing.
Growth and Development
After completing her dental studies, Mariia worked as a dentist for five years. However, her passion for writing continued to grow, and a European trip inspired her book, "Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness". This collection of nine stories features men in different European cities, each with a distinct smell that represents their loneliness.
"Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness" marked a shift towards more meaningful writing for Mariia. The book explores the theme of loneliness through the unique perspectives of its male protagonists, each with their own story and scent. The use of smell as a literary device adds depth and complexity to the narratives, reflecting the emotional states of the characters.
Mariia then expanded her genre range, venturing into adventure fiction with "Through the Magic Sunglasses" and its follow-up, which gained international attention. "Through the Magic Sunglasses" is Mariia's first work in the realm of magic realism, a genre she has embraced and considers her primary literary style.
Magic realism, a genre that blends elements of the real and the fantastic, allows Mariia to create imaginative worlds and explore profound themes. In "Through the Magic Sunglasses", the protagonist discovers a pair of magical sunglasses that transform their perception of reality. The narrative delves into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of perspective.
Mariia's transition from dentistry to a full-time writing career has been marked by her ability to craft engaging stories that resonate with readers. Her works, whether exploring the complexities of loneliness or the wonders of magic realism, showcase her talent for weaving together compelling narratives that captivate and inspire.
Maturation as an Author
Mariia's acclaimed work, "Finding Martin Eden", inspired by Jack London's novel, represents one of her most challenging and growth-inducing projects to date. This historical fiction piece, recently published on Amazon in English and in Kharkiv, Ukraine, showcases her evolution as an author and her commitment to continuous improvement.
In "Finding Martin Eden", Mariia delves into themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery through the lens of her protagonist, who navigates the complexities of life and literature in the late 19th century. The book has garnered attention for its unique blend of historical context and contemporary relevance, reflecting Mariia's deep engagement with both her characters and the world around her.
This project marks a significant milestone in her writing career, demonstrating her ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers while pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Additionally, she has embraced meditation and explored various Buddhist teachings, which have profoundly influenced her writing, particularly in this book.
Recent Activities
Mariia has been actively participating in literary events across Europe, including book fairs in Leipzig, Warsaw, Frankfurt, Bologna, Thessaloniki, and Turin. She also attended the "Future of Ukraine" Summit in Berlin. During these experiences, Mariia discovered the power of networking, which has been invaluable in her writing journey. She enjoys being at book fairs, as they provide a space where literature thrives and allow her to connect with fellow authors, readers, journalists, illustrators, and organizers from around the world who share her passion for the written word. Currently, Mariia is searching for a publisher for her new fantasy book about the war in Ukraine, aiming to capture the complexities and emotions of the ongoing conflict.[2]
Mariia’s talent has been recognized through various accolades:
- Winner of the All-Ukrainian competition "Ukrainian Language - the Language of Unity" (2019, 2020, 2022)
- Winner of the international competition named after de Richelieu (nomination "Book") - 2020
- International award "Turquoise Nugget" - 2022
Accomplished Author
Mariia Manko's journey from dentistry to literature is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. Proud to be Ukrainian, she embraces her identity as a magic realism author and a Buddhist, prioritizing happiness and courage in her life and work. Through her diverse literary creations, Mariia inspires others to live authentically and fearlessly, encouraging them to pursue joy, bravery, and unity.
Her early works, such as "The Night of Kisses or The Odessa's Decameron", and her later explorations into themes of loneliness and adventure in "Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness" and "Through the Magic Sunglasses", showcase her evolution as an author. In addition to magic realism, Mariia has ventured into various genres, experimenting with romantic erotica, adventure fiction, and historical narratives, reflecting her versatility and creativity.
With each new project, including her recent historical fiction "Finding Martin Eden", Mariia continues to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling while engaging deeply with her characters and the world around her. As she actively participates in literary events and seeks to publish her upcoming fantasy book about the war in Ukraine, Mariia is also searching for international translations of her works. She remains committed to her mission of sharing powerful narratives that resonate with readers and promote a life filled with passion and purpose.
Authors aren't born, they are made
While studying to become a dentist at medical university, Mariia's literary career took off unexpectedly at the age of 22. Her first book, "The Night of Kisses or The Odessa's Decameron", published under the pseudonym Masha M., is a romantic erotic collection that sparked controversy and mixed reviews. This book features nine stories of university-aged girls recounting their most memorable kisses, each described in vivid detail.
Mariia's approach to writing this book was influenced by her experiences as a dental student, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. The scandalous nature of the content garnered significant attention, both for its bold themes and for being written by a dentist. During this period, she also worked as a freelance correspondent for the newspaper "Porto-Franco" in Odessa, where she began writing articles that further showcased her growing passion for writing.
Growth and Development
After completing her dental studies, Mariia worked as a dentist for five years. However, her passion for writing continued to grow, and a European trip inspired her book, "Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness". This collection of nine stories features men in different European cities, each with a distinct smell that represents their loneliness.
"Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness" marked a shift towards more meaningful writing for Mariia. The book explores the theme of loneliness through the unique perspectives of its male protagonists, each with their own story and scent. The use of smell as a literary device adds depth and complexity to the narratives, reflecting the emotional states of the characters.
Mariia then expanded her genre range, venturing into adventure fiction with "Through the Magic Sunglasses" and its follow-up, which gained international attention. "Through the Magic Sunglasses" is Mariia's first work in the realm of magic realism, a genre she has embraced and considers her primary literary style.
Magic realism, a genre that blends elements of the real and the fantastic, allows Mariia to create imaginative worlds and explore profound themes. In "Through the Magic Sunglasses", the protagonist discovers a pair of magical sunglasses that transform their perception of reality. The narrative delves into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of perspective.
Mariia's transition from dentistry to a full-time writing career has been marked by her ability to craft engaging stories that resonate with readers. Her works, whether exploring the complexities of loneliness or the wonders of magic realism, showcase her talent for weaving together compelling narratives that captivate and inspire.
Maturation as an Author
Mariia's acclaimed work, "Finding Martin Eden", inspired by Jack London's novel, represents one of her most challenging and growth-inducing projects to date. This historical fiction piece, recently published on Amazon in English and in Kharkiv, Ukraine, showcases her evolution as an author and her commitment to continuous improvement.
In "Finding Martin Eden", Mariia delves into themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery through the lens of her protagonist, who navigates the complexities of life and literature in the late 19th century. The book has garnered attention for its unique blend of historical context and contemporary relevance, reflecting Mariia's deep engagement with both her characters and the world around her.
This project marks a significant milestone in her writing career, demonstrating her ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers while pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Additionally, she has embraced meditation and explored various Buddhist teachings, which have profoundly influenced her writing, particularly in this book.
Recent Activities
Mariia has been actively participating in literary events across Europe, including book fairs in Leipzig, Warsaw, Frankfurt, Bologna, Thessaloniki, and Turin. She also attended the "Future of Ukraine" Summit in Berlin. During these experiences, Mariia discovered the power of networking, which has been invaluable in her writing journey. She enjoys being at book fairs, as they provide a space where literature thrives and allow her to connect with fellow authors, readers, journalists, illustrators, and organizers from around the world who share her passion for the written word. Currently, Mariia is searching for a publisher for her new fantasy book about the war in Ukraine, aiming to capture the complexities and emotions of the ongoing conflict.[2]
Mariia’s talent has been recognized through various accolades:
- Winner of the All-Ukrainian competition "Ukrainian Language - the Language of Unity" (2019, 2020, 2022)
- Winner of the international competition named after de Richelieu (nomination "Book") - 2020
- International award "Turquoise Nugget" - 2022
Accomplished Author
Mariia Manko's journey from dentistry to literature is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. Proud to be Ukrainian, she embraces her identity as a magic realism author and a Buddhist, prioritizing happiness and courage in her life and work. Through her diverse literary creations, Mariia inspires others to live authentically and fearlessly, encouraging them to pursue joy, bravery, and unity.
Her early works, such as "The Night of Kisses or The Odessa's Decameron", and her later explorations into themes of loneliness and adventure in "Bitter Smell of Men's Loneliness" and "Through the Magic Sunglasses", showcase her evolution as an author. In addition to magic realism, Mariia has ventured into various genres, experimenting with romantic erotica, adventure fiction, and historical narratives, reflecting her versatility and creativity.
With each new project, including her recent historical fiction "Finding Martin Eden", Mariia continues to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling while engaging deeply with her characters and the world around her. As she actively participates in literary events and seeks to publish her upcoming fantasy book about the war in Ukraine, Mariia is also searching for international translations of her works. She remains committed to her mission of sharing powerful narratives that resonate with readers and promote a life filled with passion and purpose.
Authors aren't born, they are made
Newsletter
Subscribe to my email newsletter and stay tuned!