Journey & Background of Author Boyko G. Ovcharov (Part 1/2)
In this first part of our exclusive interview with Boyko G. Ovcharov, he shares the inspiration behind his pen name, the influence of his business background on his writing, and the creative strategies that help him navigate multiple genres. Dive into Boyko’s unique approach to storytelling, blending academic insight with imaginative worlds, and learn how his “Swiss Cheese Method” keeps his writing focused and productive. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the deeper cultural and emotional layers of his novels and his transition into sci-fi.
Pen Name Origin:
BookHookup (BH): What inspired the pen name Benedict Stuart, and how do you differentiate between works under your real name and your pseudonym?
Boyko G. Ovcharov (BGO): First of all, I have always considered my pseudonym to be some kind of nickname that can represent a different writing genre, a stage of development, even a turning point. In general, a pen name should be positive, inspiring and suitable. It may also give the author more confidence and courage sometimes. A better self that resembles the notion of acting, as suggested even by Shakespeare.
Career Crossover:
BH: How has your background in business and management influenced your storytelling and research approach?
BGO: Basically, in social science and business, in particular, causal links are of utmost importance. The same goes for writing a novel. Understanding human behavior, personal motives, psychological dynamics is a key factor to effective world-building in literature. To being convincing and realistic.
Writing & Creative Process
Genre Shifts:
BH: You've written memoir, romance, and sci-fi. What draws you to switch genres so fluidly, and what unique challenges does each present?
BOG: Thanks for your compliment on my style. Life is incredibly diverse and complex, so various genres help us look at it from different angles. Therefore, every specific writing style has its own features, including advantages and limitations. However, a multi-genre approach can be really rewarding, but far from easy. In that case, it needs to be carried out properly and coherently, avoiding unnecessary confusion as much as possible.
Interdisciplinary Roots:
BH: How does your scientific/academic training inform your narrative structure and character development?
BOG: Hopefully, nowadays science and academic work is more practical and usually tested in real life. Presumably, the same applies to contemporary literature, i.e. blending of genres, realistic portrayals, creating relatable characters, diverse voices and experiences, as well as themes that are relevant to the present day. In other words, experimentation with narrative structure.
‘Swiss Cheese Method’:
BH: In past interviews, you mentioned using a “Swiss Cheese technique” to write bit by bit—can you walk us through that process during a project?
BOG: The Swiss cheese method is 'a productivity strategy that involves breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable segments' or actions. It helps avoid procrastination by adopting a step-by-step, incremental approach. Originally, it is a business management technique, which could be really useful in our daily routines and projects. It gives us a sense of accomplishment and discipline. On the other hand, it is a nice metaphor that refers to being patient, getting more mature, wiser, especially when learning and/or teaching. For example, languages or some practical skills like creative writing.
By all means, it is good not to rush and the written work itself needs be well thought out at the end.
BH: Thank you for sharing your insights with the BookHookup community. We’ll explore the cultural and emotional roots of you novels, and your shift into sci-fi, and how you balances fiction with reflection in part 2 of this interview.
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About the Author
Boyko G. Ovcharov, who also writes under the pen name Benedict Stuart, is a Bulgarian author whose work spans memoir, romance, and dystopian sci-fi. With a background in business, academia, and language education, his writing blends intellectual depth with emotional insight, often exploring themes of identity, human connection, and cultural heritage. Whether weaving Balkan folklore into a romantic narrative or tackling philosophical questions in speculative fiction, his stories invite readers into richly imagined worlds grounded in universal truths.
When he's not writing, Boyko enjoys teaching, listening to music, and exploring the mysteries of learning and creativity. His books have received international recognition, including awards for cover design, and he continues to write with a passion for growth, discovery, and meaningful storytelling.