Hi, I’m Martina Petkova.

Writer, Cultural & Storytelling Consultant, and explorer of the deep inner workings of story and psyche.

I live in Sofia, Bulgaria with my partner Pepi and our daughter, from where I write, research, and collaborate on creative projects that bridge collective patterns, symbols, and the unconscious archetypes that drive human behavior.

Since I was nine years old, writing has been both a craft and a compass. My background spans from corporate management to grassroots activism, from Jungian depth work to folkloric and cultural inquiry. At the heart of it all is one core principle: if we understand the “why” behind what drives us—personally and systemically—we can create with more integrity, awareness, and power.

I consult with authors, filmmakers, and studios on psychologically and culturally rooted storytelling, especially where misrepresented and misunderstood archetypes or collective trauma are involved. My work has supported creators at Pixar, children’s book writers, video game developers, and novelists, developing psychologically rich characters and mythologically resonant worlds.

Cultural consulting at pixar animation studios

Advising on Romani representation together with my partner Pepi Mustafov, as part of a Cultural Advisory group.

Summary of my consulting experience

Storytelling consulting for novelists

Consulting novelists and book writers on female psychological development; Balkan, Eastern European, native Siberan mythology; fairytale archetypes; Jungian archetypes.

Support for indie screenwriters & game developers

Consulting screenwriters and game developers on character formation and development, Jungian “Hero’s Journey” elements, ancestral and mythological elements, and cultural symbolism.

Ghostwriting for business owners and CEOs

Ghostwriting and content strategy for CEOs, founders, and sales leaders. This work honed my skill in distilling voice and vision—though I now channel it into creative and purpose-driven projects.

Some of my certifications

  • “Remaking the World” Writing for Activism course with the amazing Dr Hannah Stevens and Dr Will Buckingham of Wind & Bones

  • “The Stories that Make Us” Memoir & Non-Fiction writing course with Dr Hannah Stevens and Dr Will Buckingham of Wind & Bones

  • Script Writing Course with UK writer, playwright, and creative writer tutor Tom Phillips

  • Certificate for Proficiency in English from Cambridge University

  • Master in Business Administration from Henley Business School

Activism & Community work

RAZLIV ORPHANAGE (2013-2017)

Part of a volunteer group in Hewlett-Packard that organized regular educational and interactive activities for the 40+ children in the orphanage in Razliv, Bulgaria.

BUWEDDA UGANDA (2014-2015)

Online Communications Manager for the nonprofit organization BUWEDDA UGANDA which is working with ill, disabled, and marginalized women in Uganda.

UNA bulgaria (2016-2018)

Coordinator of projects for social inclusion of refugees as part of the United Nations Association in Bulgaria, more specifically language exchanges and cultural events.

ATD FOURTH WORLD (2020-2022)

Part of a volunteer group organizing educational and creative workshops for children in the Zaharna Fabrika Romani community - where I ended up meeting my now-partner Pepi Mustafov.

A few final words.

Having spent over a decade in the corporate world—leading crisis response, managing international teams, and working with clients like British Petroleum, Ferrero, and major luxury brands—I bring a rare synthesis of systemic insight and symbolic depth. That background sharpened my storytelling instincts, especially when it comes to translating complex realities into compelling narratives. My corporate days have been over for a while now but they also briefly overlapped with a decade in Jungian analysis, which deeply informs my approach to archetypes, dream symbolism, and creative process; and most of all cements my dedication to authenticity. In short, I know what makes people and systems tick - and I am here to write about it.