Today we talk about Snakes Around My Heart, a book by Eliška Hozáková published with our Publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Eliška Hozáková, to get to know her better, where and when she found the inspiration that led her to the writing of her autobiographical book Snakes Around My Heart, as well as the sensations she felt by reading her life on the pages of her book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What prompted you to the writing of your book of poems?
Honestly? It all started with a boy. Classic, right? I had a huge crush in high school and started writing to get all those feelings out – the fantasy, the heartbreak, the drama, everything. It was just a way to process emotions, crushes, and life’s chaos. But over time, it became something much deeper. One day I looked at all my poems and realized they told a story – not random pieces, but a journey from pain to courage to healing. That’s how Snakes Around My Heart was born. Each part, represented by a symbolic serpent, reflects a stage of emotional transformation. It’s like reading the diary of my soul but one that speaks to anyone who’s ever been broken, brave, or healing.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
The best thing a reader could ever tell me is that my words made them feel seen or understood. I’d love to hear that my poems gave them courage to face their truth, helped them through a tough time, or inspired them to love themselves more fiercely. And honestly? I’d love to hear that my book made someone fall in love with poetry again. I want people to see that poetry doesn’t have to be dark, mysterious or romantic all the time – it can be bold, funny, spicy, and still touch your soul.
- What messages did you want to convey with your book?
The main message is simple: every phase of your life has purpose, even the painful ones. Snakes Around My Heart is about that beautiful chaos of falling apart and putting yourself back together again. It’s about courage, self-love, and that quiet power that comes after you’ve been through hell and still decide to shine. I also wanted to show women especially that it’s powerful to own your voice, your emotions, and your story. You don’t need to be perfect or quiet to be worthy. Authenticity is your superpower. I want women (and men too) to know that being emotional doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. I guess this book is also a reminder to me not to try so hard to be perfect, just real and authentic. And if my book reminds even one person that they’re not alone in their mess, then it did its job.
- What does poetry mean to you?
Poetry is my therapy session, just cheaper. It´s my mirror, and my rebellion – all in one. It’s the space where I can scream silently, laugh at my own chaos, and turn pain into something beautiful. It’s not just words for me; it’s a way to breathe. Poetry is freedom. It’s art that doesn’t need filters or approval. I think of poetry as modern art in words. It can be raw, messy, funny, and still touch souls and hearts. Poetry is not dead; it’s just waiting for people to make it alive again.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Oh yes – something new is already cooking. Let’s just say… It’s still poetry, but with a different flavour. This one has attitude. If Snakes Around My Heart was about healing, this one is about what happens after. It’s playful, it’s fierce, and it dances on that thin line between pleasure and pain. It’s more emotional, more rebellious, more… me. I won’t spoil the name yet… but trust me, it’s going to burn beautifully. It’s going to take readers somewhere they’ve probably been emotionally – just not like this. And secretly? I’m also thinking about songwriting. I can’t sing, but lyrics are poetry too, just with a melody. So, who knows… maybe one day I’ll write songs for artists I admire.
Europe Books thanks the author, Eliška Hozáková, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Snakes Around My Heart. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book be a powerful source of inspiration for you, reminding you never to give up and remember that everything we experience has a purpose that must be pursued with courage and self-love. Each of us is special, and we always strive to make this “specialness” authentic, facing every difficulty or storm we must inevitably endure!
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!