I did not feel like I struggled with writing this book because I had been thinking about it for so many years.

Ilir Nina – 20 February 2025

The Back Flap

My Flight to Freedom is a gripping memoir of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of a new life. Born under the oppressive rule of communist Albania, I endured hardships that tested my strength and determination. The book follows my harrowing escape, the six-month journey to freedom, and my arrival in New York, interwoven with reflections on my childhood in a small Albanian village. Through adversity, imprisonment, and the challenge of starting over in a foreign land, this story reveals that no matter how impossible the odds, success and redemption are always within reach.

About the book

What is the book about?

My book is a memoir of my life, told through memories and reflections at different points in time. It follows my escape from the communist regime and the torture I endured in a Macedonian state prison. While the main story covers about six months, from my escape to my arrival in New York, the narrative stretches across a much longer period through flashbacks and reflections. It is filled with childhood stories about life in the village where I grew up and the realities of the communist regime I left behind.

When did you start writing the book?

The idea for this book began around 30 to 32 years ago when I was a first-year student at Boise State University. I developed some of the stories for my English 101 and 102 classes. Even though my grammar was not perfect, I still earned A’s because the stories were so powerful.

How long did it take you to write it?

I first started writing about 30 to 32 years ago, but life moved on, and I never continued. In fact, I lost all my original transcripts. Then, in October 2023, I was sitting in my home office, listening to old Serbian music, when inspiration struck. In that moment, I felt compelled to act on the ideas I had come up with so long ago. Once I started, it took me about a year and a half to finish the book.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea for this memoir was always there. Initially, I wanted to tell the story of my escape, but as time passed and the Berlin Wall fell, the urgency to share it seemed to fade. However, the idea resurfaced later in life when I found success as a CPA running my own firm. It became a twofold purpose, sharing my journey as a refugee and escapee and setting the stage for another book that explores the struggles of alcoholism, defeat, and ultimately, redemption. That second book is now developing much faster than the first.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I did not feel like I struggled with writing this book because I had been thinking about it for so many years. The real challenge came when I wanted to finish it all at once. I would push myself to keep writing for long periods, even when the quality started to decline, just because I wanted to get it done. That is how I have always approached reading too, I tend to binge through everything in one go.

What came easily?

Writing this book came easily at first, but I struggled with some details as memories had faded over the years. There were moments when I had to go back and make changes after my brothers pointed out the exact sequence of events I had misremembered. Some details were unclear, and piecing everything together was challenging. However, after sharing the manuscript with my family, they helped fill in the gaps and correct the timeline. Despite these struggles, the writing itself felt natural because I had been thinking about this story for a very long time.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Every character in this book is real, 100% based on actual people. However, in a few sensitive cases, I changed some names to avoid stirring up painful emotions tied to past events in the village. While the stories remain true, these small changes were necessary to prevent unnecessary upheaval, especially in some of the more gruesome scenes. Anyone from the village who reads the book would likely recognize who was who, but by altering certain names, I created a layer of protection, for them and for myself.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I read a lot during my early childhood up to my escape, immersing myself in books written in Albanian. As a 10-year-old, I spent countless hours lost in stories, and I still remember finishing a 700-page book about Rembrandt van Rijn in just three days. I was especially drawn to Albanian writers like Dritëro Agolli and Ismail Kadare, as well as Dostoevsky, along with many others whose titles I can no longer recall. Through these readings, I developed my ability to describe both the concrete and the abstract, weaving them together to create vivid imagery in storytelling.

Strangely, I have not read many books in the United States. My skills as a reader and writer were shaped in childhood, deeply rooted in the Albanian language, and later reshaped as I moved between languages. That transition was painful, as I felt like I had lost my deep connection to books. While I have read and reread The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, countless short entertainment articles, and a significant amount of technical reading and writing, particularly on the IRS code, I cannot recall reading any books in English that truly left a mark on me.

But I want to change that. I want to start reading again.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers are middle-aged or older, typically between the ages of 55 and 90. These are the people who lived through the era before communism fell, those who understand the struggles of that time firsthand. However, this book is also for anyone who appreciates a powerful life story. One of resilience, escape, and transformation. It’s for readers who seek inspiration, who want to see proof that no matter what challenges life throws your way, success is always possible. Because, in the end, life is like a game, and anyone can win it.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process begins by simply putting a story down on paper. Whatever idea I want to develop in my head. I keep writing, usually a page or two at a time, without overthinking. Then, I go back and revise, refining paragraphs as I go. At some point, when I run out of ideas, I step back and make a list of what I want to expand on. From there, I work on structuring the story, organizing it into the right sequence to make it flow naturally.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

At some point, after I have written everything down, I go back and create an outline. This helps me organize my thoughts, refine the structure, and ensure the story flows in the right sequence. It is a way to bring clarity to the ideas I have already put on paper, making sure everything fits together smoothly.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I start writing, and after a couple of pages, I go back to revise and edit. I do this because if I wait too long without editing, the task becomes overwhelming. Going back and making changes little by little helps me stay in control of the writing process and ensures that the story stays clear and structured as it develops.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I have not hired a professional editor. My editor has been my daughter, who is in her second year of law school and is very skilled. She has a lot of experience with editing and reading, which helps her guide me in structuring the chapters and sections. However, she does not change my writing itself, she mainly cleans up small grammar and wording issues.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do listen to music for inspiration, but not while I write. It is too distracting, and I need complete focus when putting my thoughts on paper. Music helps set the mood and spark ideas, but when it comes time to write, I prefer silence.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not submit my work to any agents. Instead, I learned how to self-publish on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Once I had the manuscript ready, I formatted it according to their specifications and uploaded it myself.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

I did some research online, looking for marketing strategies and ways to reach readers. During my search, I came across your name, and it caught my interest. That is when I decided to send my book for review.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

If the question is asking whether my decision to reach out was based on a specific event or a gradual process, it was definitely gradual. Over a few weeks, I researched different ways to market my book and connect with readers. However, after I published, I knew I wanted to get a reviewer, which ultimately led me to you.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The cover was created using ChatGPT. I subscribe to the paid version for $20 a month, and my son showed me that it could generate images based on a description. I described exactly what I wanted, and it produced the cover for me.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I am savvy when it comes to marketing, having built my business into a multi-million-dollar operation. However, when it comes to book marketing, I am also figuring things out as I go. I am looking forward to learn the most effective strategies that provide the biggest impact for the investment. I believe the story is strong and has the potential to touch people’s lives, especially once the second book is released. That is why I am open to new ideas and approaches. I want to make sure the book reaches the right audience in the most impactful way.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Keep going and stay focused on what you are trying to accomplish. Life often throws a lot at you all at once, and you must learn to carve out time for each thing. But above all, you need to feel inspired to do it. This process is a lot like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. What you prioritize depends on where you are in life and what you want to give back to the world. No matter what, keep moving forward. Don’t let life itself sidetrack you, and take it one day at a time.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I lived in Albania under the communist regime until I was 18 years old. I escaped the regime and grew up in a small village near the Macedonian border. My early years were shaped by the hardships and restrictions of communism, but they also instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and determination.

Where do you live now?

I live in Boise, ID, and with a few exceptions for certain months, I have been here since 1991. Boise has been my home for most of my life, shaping both my personal and professional journey.

What would you like readers to know about you?

This is one of the most important questions for me. I want readers to truly know me and my life story. More importantly, I want them to understand that no matter the hardships, adversity, or personal struggles, whether it be addiction, alcoholism, or life circumstances beyond their control—perseverance is always possible. Life is full of challenges, but it also offers lessons and opportunities for growth. Someone once said that we talk about death when we know so little about life. My goal is to inspire readers, showing them that no matter how difficult the odds, success and redemption are within reach.

What are you working on now?

Yes, I am working on my second book, which picks up where this one left off. I will not share the title just yet, but it is a story about survival, triumph, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It explores the challenges I faced after my escape, my struggles with alcoholism, the language barriers I had to overcome, and the resilience it took to rebuild my life and find success.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of My Flight to Freedom from Amazon US or Amazon UK.