Renowned novelist Julia Zolotova gathered a full house atop Principal Tower in Shoreditch on 2 July for a compelling night of readings and discussion ahead of her UK book release.
The event, branded as part of her travelling Stories & Surfaces salon, was titled “Evening with Julia Zolotova: From Concept to Publication” and saw the author delve into her dual narrative landscapes. Zolotova treated her audience to parallel readings from the art-tech saga Eastern Empire and the socially-driven Omnichannel Hearts, followed by a rich Q&A.
Topics ranged from the intricacies of crafting multilingual character dialogue to designing augmented-reality map elements and exploring the quiet intensity of “seen‑at‑09:17” digital relationships. With the sky-lounge nestled between the financial district’s steel skyline and Shoreditch’s creative undercurrent, the setting mirrored the thematic contrasts found in Zolotova’s work.
Recent media reaction framed the debate. A four‑page feature in
Glamour Bulgaria praised Eastern Empire as “layered and unflinching,” while UK portal
Arts & Culture offered “a measured critique of the novel’s ambitious ideas about transparency.”
“Opposite readings mean the book is alive,” Zolotova told the audience. “A story should change shape in every new lens.”
Zolotova’s newest satire, The Influencer’s Canvas, has just landed on the virtual shelves of Britain’s two flagship booksellers —
Waterstones and Hatchards. The dual listing marks the author’s first nationwide bricks‑and‑mortar availability.
UK paperback editions of Eastern Empire and Omnichannel Hearts publish October–November 2025, each with a reader’s guide and Shoreditch‑to‑Shanghai AR city‑maps.
Zolotova’s accolades include the Creativitys UK Award (2024) and the Stein Arts Award (2025) for innovative narrative craft.
A virtual Q&A for editors and booksellers is set for 4 July, 11:00 BST; registration available on request.
“Principal Tower let us test big ideas against a 360‑degree view of London,” Zolotova said. “Stories need altitude — and argument.”
