About Viktor Tonchev:
Viktor Tonchev is a science fiction author with a deep fascination for space exploration, artificial intelligence, and humanity’s unknown past. His writing combines hard sci-fi with philosophical themes, exploring the intersection of technology, consciousness, and ethics.
When not writing, Viktor enjoys astronomy, ancient history, and uncovering mysteries about our place in the universe. Return to Sirius is his debut novel, and the beginning of a larger vision about life beyond Earth.
What inspires you to write?
I’m inspired by the great unknown — the mysteries of the universe, the possibilities of the future, and the unanswered questions of our past. Writing allows me to explore what it means to be human in worlds far beyond our own. I'm particularly drawn to themes like artificial intelligence, lost civilizations, and the moral dilemmas that arise when technology advances faster than wisdom.
But more than anything, I’m inspired by the idea that a single story can spark wonder, shift perspective, or stay with a reader for a lifetime. That connection — even across time and space — is what drives me to write.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Some of my favorite authors include Jules Verne, whose adventurous spirit and scientific imagination first sparked my love for storytelling as a child. Later, I was deeply influenced by Arthur C. Clarke and his ability to explore vast philosophical ideas through science fiction, especially in Childhood’s End and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Isaac Asimov’s structured world-building and ethical depth in the Foundation and Robot series also shaped the way I think about technology and its consequences. Stanisław Lem, particularly through Solaris, taught me that ambiguity and unanswered questions can be just as powerful as clear conclusions.
In recent years, Liu Cixin’s Three-Body Problem trilogy impressed me with its scale and intellectual boldness. These authors all push the boundaries of imagination, and that’s what I admire most.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is a blend of planning and intuition. I start with a rough outline — mapping out the main structure and key turning points of the story. I like to visualize the entire narrative as a roadmap, but I always leave room for surprises along the way.
I create character sketches before writing — exploring their fears, goals, and backgrounds. But often, it’s through the actual writing that the characters reveal themselves more fully. I enjoy letting them “speak” for themselves, and sometimes they surprise me with choices I hadn’t anticipated.
I write on a computer but always keep a notebook nearby for spontaneous ideas. For me, writing is a dialogue between consciousness and imagination — sometimes I need structure, and other times, I need freedom.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes, I do — in a way, I listen to them more than I talk to them. As I write, I try to imagine how each character would genuinely react in a situation, and I let their personalities guide the scene. Sometimes they surprise me by taking the story in a direction I hadn’t planned.
I often pause during writing to reflect: “Would this character really say that?” or “What would they do next, based on who they are?” It’s like having quiet conversations with them in the background. When the characters start to feel real and act on their own, that’s when I know the story is alive.
What advice would you give other writers?
My advice is simple but essential: write the story that only you can tell. Don’t chase trends—chase truth. Authenticity resonates more deeply than any formula or market prediction. Your voice, your perspective, your unique imagination — that’s what readers will connect with.
Be patient. Writing is not a race, and most good writing happens in revision. Don’t be afraid to rewrite, rethink, and refine. It’s part of the process.
And most importantly — never stop. Even on the hard days. Even when self-doubt creeps in. Keep going. The world needs your stories more than you think.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I chose to self-publish my book through Amazon KDP because it offers full creative control, global distribution, and direct connection with readers. I wanted to maintain ownership over my work, from the cover design to the final edits, and self-publishing gave me that freedom.
For new authors, I recommend exploring all options—traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing—to see what fits your goals and personality best. Self-publishing requires more personal effort in terms of marketing and quality control, but it also offers incredible flexibility and faster time to market.
Do your research, understand the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to take the leap.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe the future of book publishing will depend on a balance between traditional and independent models. Self-publishing will continue to grow, as more authors seek creative freedom, faster turnaround, and direct access to a global audience. At the same time, traditional publishing will retain its importance through its structure, prestige, and marketing power.
Digital platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital are transforming the way books are written, published, and discovered. Audiobooks and interactive formats are also gaining popularity.
In the end, readers will have more choices, authors will have more control, and niche voices will be able to reach their audiences more easily. The real challenge will be standing out in an ever-expanding ocean of content — which is why authenticity, quality, and a personal connection with readers will matter more than ever.
What genres do you write?: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Space Opera, Speculative Fiction, Hard Science Fiction
What formats are your books in?: eBook
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Link To Viktor Tonchev Page On Amazon
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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.
