When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
It was two years ago,
and it was quite sudden. I always loved to read, and the idea that I could
write a novel all by myself was so exhilarating that I just had to try.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
If I think of it now,
probably at some level, I always wanted to write, but this idea was too
abstract to pay more attention to it. I guess all of us must become ready for
certain things in our lives.
Probably for every
writer the best thing will always be this boundless ability to create fiction
worlds, characters, and make them alive and memorable in hearts of readers. On
the other hand if I feel that those worlds and characters are not compelling
enough to satisfy readers’ expectations, writing becomes laborious instead of
easy and natural.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
I was no more than
fifteen-year-old when I wrote a poem about a rose. It was very romantic and
naive. I like to believe that some of that childlike, pure thinking is still
part of me.
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
When I made a
decision to write a novel, I didn’t have any particular story in mind. I just
knew that when I start, it all would come to me; that my story was already
there, and all I needed to do was to unearth it. After all, this is what
Stephen King said about his novels – I had no reason to argue with this notable
author.
At that time I
returned from holidays on Gran Canaria, and decided that this beautiful island
would make a perfect setting for my first novel. So it happened. It was easy to
describe breathtaking surroundings. Then I created characters who would fit
into Canaries, and hopefully capture readers’ interest. And for that I threw
them into chaos and insecurity, but I also gave them enough motivation to
overcome obstacles. This is how Illusive
Intrusion came into being.
Who is your literary hero?
As a kid I was
fascinated with the world of Narnia created by C.S. Lewis. I think I read all
seven books one after another, and the four protagonists (Peter, Susan, Lucy
and Edmund) from our world were my true heroes.
When I got older Jan
Skrzetuski became my superstar. He’s a soldier in a historical novel With Fire and Sword (written 1884-1888)
by Henryk Sienkiewicz. I was thrilled each time Skrzetuski got himself out of
trouble, and never ceased to fulfill his duty even if his princess seemed to be
lost.
Now it’s harder to
pinpoint one literary hero. I read across all genres. Some of protagonists stay
for a long time in my head others don’t. Recently I admired courage and
commitment of Jake Epping from 11/22/63
by Stephen King.
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
I believe there is no
escape from injecting author’s personality into her/his writing. This means
that some of male characters I’ve created are a little bit like me, or act in
some circumstances the way I would act. In part, it’s like being in a dream
where you can do whatever you want and see what happens.
Describe your main character in six words.
Goyo is gallant, ambitious, and hard-working, but also lonely,
torn, and submissive.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Serene, picturesque, inviting,
but then chaotic, capricious, and illusive
What scene was your favorite to write?
I think the scene in
a restaurant in Port Mogan is my favorite. The three main characters have
lunch, which brings out a lot of good humor for Bianka and her sister, but their
conversation also produces confusion and embarrassment for Goyo. In the end, they
all learn something about each other.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
I had a hard time to
properly introduce Elizabeth. She’s very mysterious character, and I had to be
careful not to revel too much about her, but at the same time I needed to give
readers enough to keep them turn the pages. I hope I succeeded and no one would
guess Elizabeth’s true intent until the very end of the novel.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just returned
from a fantastic journey through Europe. I’ve visited stunning places in the
Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy. Now I’m gathering ideas for another
novel that will combine marvelous sceneries with enthralling events, and believable,
authentic characters.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
I’d like to publish my second novel
within one year. As for accomplishments regarding writing, there is just this
one, personal: I’ve finished and published Illusive
Intrusion, and it means a lot to me.
There is always room and need for
improvements. I know I will never stop looking for ways to polish my craft.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
There are many names
I guess I don’t need to mention because those authors are widely known.
Recently I read and enjoyed a novel Patriot
by A.S. Bond. Also I liked and admired wit in Our Husbands by Stephanie Bond.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're
not writing?
When I’m not writing
or reading, I spend time watching movies, cooking, working out in a gym, and
planning next great journeys (all of that with my lovely fiancée).
