Marina Sardarova
Marina Sardarova, also known as Stella May, is a passionate writer who finds inspiration in beautiful things. In her youth, Marina aspired to become a concert pianist, artist, or renowned poet. She spent countless hours practicing the piano, sketching, and writing plays and poetry. Books were integral to her childhood, especially her aunt's vast home library. She describes her early years as "exceptionally joyous."
Marina, born in the sixties in the former Soviet Union, proudly celebrates her Armenian heritage. Literature and music fuel her passions; her maternal grandparents were professional singers, and her father was a jazz guitarist. Marina and her brother both attended musical college, with Marina graduating from a Conservatory with a musicology diploma.
When she moved to the United States, Marina quickly set about learning English. In addition to cartoons and children's books, she immersed herself in English conversations with her neighbor. Mrs. Foster simply acted as if the young woman understood -- until she did.
She diligently learned the language; a dictionary enabled her to read books. Then, the desire to write gradually blossomed within her. She secretly jotted down sentences here and there in her son's discarded, half-used notebooks.
When her husband brought home their first computer, he foolishly thought she would use it to master accounting for their business. Of course, as Marina used the clunky Compaq, she discovered Microsoft Works and the endless possibilities it offered. She immersed herself in the world of writing.
Marina's alter-ego, Stella May, emerged during this time. Stella is bolder, more courageous, and self-assured.
She writes because she genuinely loves it and has countless stories. She pays no attention when people say she can't achieve something; she believes in herself wholeheartedly. In short, Marina tells us, "She is a much-improved version of me."
A young woman named Natasha appeared in a dream, sparking the idea for the Rostoff saga (Once & Forever). Marina brought the story to life while raising a son and running a business with her husband. After unsuccessful attempts to find traditional publishers, she self-published the saga as three books: The Children, The Parents, and The Lovers.