WITH A PEN AND A SCALPEL IN HAND

The best investment you can make is in yourself. It cannot be lost, and even in our unpredictable world, personal capital remains the most reliable asset. Many outstanding individuals from various fields prove this statement true. Some invest in education, others in expanding their horizons, and some in developing their talents. In the creative industries, having talent is important, but knowing how to cultivate and utilize it is even more crucial.

Lusine Aleksanyan is a young, yet already recognized author. Her fourth book, “And a Butterfly Soared”, was published in August 2024 in the UK. It is now available not only on Amazon but also in major bookstores such as Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and others. This is a significant achievement for a writer who started her career in a country with a relatively small book market. However, what makes her story even more remarkable is that literature is not her primary occupation.

Lusine is a maxillofacial surgeon, a practicing doctor with an intense work schedule. Her daily routine includes surgeries, consultations, and scientific research. Yet, despite her demanding profession, she finds time for writing—because she simply cannot live without it.

“I never wrote with the intention of being published. Every line was born at the peak of emotion when I didn’t know where to release my feelings, so I poured them onto paper. I think that’s what makes my works stand out—they are sincere, emotional, and filled with genuine experiences that cannot be faked.”

This deeply personal approach makes her books resonate with readers. However, raw talent and emotions alone are not enough to break into the international literary scene. Lusine achieved this milestone through a combination of factors.

First, she writes about what she knows best. The world of medicine in her novels is portrayed without embellishment: students entering medical school, their first night shifts, first surgeries, the fear of failure, their initial successes, and the tragedies that shape them. Her characters are young doctors facing not only professional challenges but also personal struggles—first love, heartbreak, and situations where their decisions determine the fate of others. The authenticity of these experiences makes her books compelling and relatable.

Second, she has found a way to balance two seemingly incompatible worlds. Between working at the clinic, conducting research, and defending her PhD thesis, Lusine continues to write. Despite her limited free time, she has already published four books and is currently working on her next novel.

“I know that one day I will take off my white coat. But even after that, books and my passion for writing will always remain in my life!” Her journey proves that even the busiest schedules can accommodate a dream if pursued consistently, step by step.

But writing alone is not enough to reach an international audience. One must also be willing to promote their work. In 2021, Lusine participated in the “Open Eurasia” competition organized by the Eurasian Creative Guild, where she became a finalist in the “Prose” category. Her talent was recognized with a special award from the international organization “Generals of the World for Peace” for her contribution to promoting tolerance.

Two years later, she decided to try again—and this time, she won. In 2023, Lusine became the laureate of the Open Eurasia Super Cup, and her participation in the “Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum” was a milestone event. This victory paved the way for her to publish And a Butterfly Soared in the UK, granting her access to a global readership.

Today, her books are read far beyond Armenia. Her success is proof that even a small stage can lead to a large audience if one takes the right steps. Lusine’s story demonstrates how international competitions and literary festivals can serve as powerful platforms for both professional growth and global recognition.

However, perhaps the most significant factor in her success is the support of her loved ones. “The only person who believed in me from the very beginning was my husband. Through all my ups and downs, he has always held my hand firmly.”

These words echo the experiences of many great writers whose success was shaped not only by their own efforts but also by the unwavering support of those closest to them. Even the strongest individuals experience self-doubt, and in those moments, a solid support system can make all the difference.

Lusine Aleksanyan’s journey is not just a story of a talented individual. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic self-investment, and the courage to seize opportunities. She has proven that creativity is not merely about inspiration — it is about discipline, determination, and believing in oneself.

If you have a story to tell, if you have a dream you don’t want to put off for later, Lusine’s path serves as a powerful reminder: no matter how challenging your circumstances, you can always find time, opportunities, and the strength to achieve your goal.