We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

This is Author Life with Tania Winther, author of ‘Oceans of Hope’.

What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?

I have raised children who have challenged and inspired me, teaching me to see the world through their eyes and explore life from new perspectives. I have also run my own design company and a gallery for several years, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with people from many different fields. Through this work, I developed projects that focused on meaningful themes and raised awareness about issues such as ocean pollution.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

What influences me most in my life is the ongoing journey of understanding my roots. In recent years, this has become a central focus for me and is evolving into a large-scale art project that brings together poetry, words, and visuals. I have always been deeply interested in cultures—how we think differently, how we use language to express ourselves, and how our roots shape the way we perceive the world. This exploration of identity and cultural perspective is now at the heart of my creative work and writing.

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

This is a difficult question because many authors have influenced me in different ways. I enjoy reading widely across diverse genres and voices. Recently, I have been revisiting Sylvia Plath and Anaïs Nin, as well as exploring the work of Elif Shafak. I suppose it is fair to say that Elif is one of my favorite contemporary writers. Earlier this year, I read The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, which had a profound impact on me and completely shifted my perspective. I would say that my influences are diverse, reflecting my curiosity and interest in many different ways of seeing and understanding the world.

How would you summarise your book in as few words as possible?

An artistic call to confront marine litter and imagine a cleaner future. Stories and art that awaken hope against the tide of ocean plastic.

What were your first experiences with writing?

Writing poetry. I have always written poetry. I have been journaling my whole life, but not frequently. I have over the years also written a lot of essays.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

A good story needs authenticity, rhythm in the writing, and a theme that reaches beyond itself - but most of all, it needs empathy, the kind that lets us step into another’s world and be changed by it. I’m especially intrigued by writers who can captivate us with a simple plot, sometimes set in a single room with one character, yet still build tension and reach a powerful, unforgettable climax.

How long do you spend writing every day?

This varies a lot. I can sit and write a full day, or several days or even weeks in a row, and forget time, if very inspired. Or weeks, even months can pass before I write again. I have always carried a notebook with me in case I come up with something. However, since the iphone evolution, I must admit, I do use the phone now as well, as my “digital notebook” to remember things I come up with during a time of inspiration. How long did you spend writing this novel? Well, it's not a novel. It is a poetry/prose and artbook. Blended together with works from an art exhibition and poetry written over several years.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

The most challenging part of writing Oceans of Hope was finding the right balance between showing the harsh reality of marine litter and plastic pollution, while also keeping the book hopeful and inspiring. I wanted to raise awareness without overwhelming the reader, and to let the artists’ work speak alongside my words

What did you find most helpful when writing your book?

What I found most helpful when writing Oceans of Hope was letting the book emerge naturally from an artistic project focused on marine litter and plastic waste. I aimed to capture its brutality while raising awareness through the work of incredible artists. My own words and visuals flowed into the book alongside theirs, creating a dialogue between art and text that made the message stronger.

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Don’t worry about what others will think. Just write, create, and put it out there. I spent far too many years hiding—until I finally realized I don’t care anymore.