About
About me
Born in Varna, long in California, writing in Sofia.
Born in Varna. Writing in Sofia.
I was born in Varna in 1968. I studied Bulgarian philology in Shumen and wrote for Literaturen Vestnik before leaving for America in 1997. In San Diego I did all kinds of jobs and wrote 18% Gray.
In 2014 I came back to Bulgaria. Since then I have been editor-in-chief at Ciela Publishing, taught creative writing at Sofia University, and founded the VarnaLit literary festival.
I write novels, plays and screenplays. My books are translated into English, French, Polish and other languages.
“I truly believe this is Karabashliev’s best novel.”
Timeline
1968Born in Varna.
1997Leaves for California. San Diego.
200818% Gray, first novel. Over 30 editions.
2014Returns to Bulgaria. Editor-in-chief at Ciela.
2017Havra. Founds the VarnaLit festival.
2020The film 18% Gray.
2021The Tail; Yavor Gardev’s adaptation at the National Theatre.
2023Wound.
2025The Last Dolphin Hunter.
Awards
Helikon Flower for 18% Gray2008
Helikon award for A Short History of the Airplane2009
Novel of the Year for Havra2018
Askeer award for the stage production of The Tail2022
Ozone.bg Book of the Year for Wound2023