What would you do to better the World if you were in a position to do so?
I guess I'd make it mandatory for everyone who turns 18 (preferably younger) to be involved in some form of an exchange program such as living abroad, not necessarily working for some goodie-goodie causes, but simply living among other cultures. This should be government sponsored, fully paid for. God knows everyone would pay back for it in taxes in the course of their working life, but more importantly it would help understand and appreciate the differences and distinctiveness of peoples of this planet. I'd say if you can spend millions to train a soldier than you can spend the lousy few bucks and send kids to learn about other cultures.
Are you a pacifist? Do you think wars are wrong?
Freedom and self determination are some of the most important achievements of humankind and should be defended. Any nation that suffers from foreign or domestic occupation or oppression should rise and fight for its freedoms any way it takes. Often reaching to arms is the only way, and how else can a weak state stand up to a Superpower, other than through a guerilla (or a 'terrorist' ) action?
What about a war against terrorism?
It takes a dangerous mind to say that military action will eradicate terrorism, but it turns even more dangerous when that idea has the support of the masses.
Is there an index to all agencies named in your book?
Yes. It also contains an index to foreign terms used in the book, as requested by numerous readers. Click Here
Why is your book only 384 pages? Isn't it short?
The first draft was about 260 pages (72,000 words) and I was quite satisfied with it, until someone tipped me off: Publishers won't consider anything below at least 95,000 words. So, I re-wrote it and it paid off. I think it is just right for the genre, it provides the author with enough space to twist and turn without sacrificing the pace, build strong characters, and not exaggerate on weather and scenery descriptions... I think every writer should remember he/she is also a reader, and should look at his work from that perspective too. Does he like to drag an 800-page novel on the subway (unless of course it's Harry Potter or 'War and Peace')? It weights a tonne and won't fit in a pocket!
Did you run into any obstacles while writing the novel?
Perhaps a couple of things worth mentioning: a certain US Government agency ignored my requests for interviews. By saying "ignored", I mean: they never replied to any of my correspondence. I managed to obtain the info through other sources so it wasn't exactly an obstacle, but rather an annoyance. As a result this agency provided me with just the perfect idea and will be "appropriately" portrayed in one of my next novels. And I won't have to invent anything... Goes to show how an idea is born!
Then, there's the case of a bugged phone line... which may or may not be attributed to my work. The house I live in was used during Vietnam War as a refuge for American draft dodgers (evaders). Ever since then, and especially during various US military interventions abroad, there is a mysterious activity on my phone line...
What are some of the toughest challenges facing a thriller writer?
Balancing real life with requirements of fiction writing. I find it difficult to create a character who will fight two or three thugs or professional hitmen and come out victorious. A guy, even a professionally trained commando stands little or no chance against two equally well trained assassins, yet fiction requires that he not only beats the crap out of them but goes against whole organizations and battles groups of thugs every twenty pages. Or take the main hero who dodges bullets throughout the story. When will the reader stop and say 'Hey, this guy already survived 5 attempts on his life, surely the next will be the last.' Well, not so.
Then there's readers' expectancy, instilled by those writers who claim their biggest challenge was toning down their experiences as spies and underworld regulars. Nothing could be further from reality. Save for the occassional thrill, a spy's life is pretty mundane. Try and write a true story of a day in the life of a spy, and it'll only collect dust on book shelves (that is, if someone would be bold enough to publish it).
Anything else?
Sure. Life can be stranger than fiction. Being able to write convincingly about something true but totally outrageous is very hard.
For instance?
Couple of hours of duty free shopping in the Paris airport. Shortly before boarding we found ourselves at a jewellery store, just checking out those fake-looking Rolexes (but real), when this inconspicuous guy shows up. He leans over the glass counter studying nothing but diamond rings. Finally he sees what he wants and asks the attendant to pack it for him. His French is heavily Russian-accented. The attendant, a very young woman presses a button and a second later a security guy stands at the exit door. Unmoved, the Russian puts his briefcase on the counter and says, "Count it." 5 minutes later 250,000 dollars in cash changes hands. That's not all. The guy sits across the aisle from me on the plane headed for St. Petersburg. When we land he goes smoothly through customs with a quarter-million dollar diamond ring on his pinky (turned inward so only the band shows).
True story, yet so stereotypical of those Russian Mafiya types it will never make it to any of my novels.
Why write another book about the return of communism?
The Fifth Internationale is NOT about the return or re-birth of communism. It is NOT about communism, either. Far from it.
But the title suggests that it is!
The genesis for "The Fifth Internationale" (organization) is described in the Prologue. TFI was formed by high commie operatives as the system started to crumble into pieces. But it evolved. It wasn't only ex-commies who were looking for new job opportunities. Western intelligence agencies had to adjust to new challenges too. A spy is a spy. Political affiliations are secondary in the game. Politicians come and go, operatives in the field stay on. If they were to rely on the politicians they would not last very long. They are governed by their own rules. Those rules often veer off from their countries' policies. From there it is only a step to... The Fifth Internationale.
I loved Stan Penskie! Will you bring him back in your next novels?
From strictly professional point of view I'd love to 'use' him again. Character creation is so-o-o difficult. It is very hard to let go. Yet, I have no plans for Stan right now. New novel means new story and new characters.
Very good dialogs! What's the secret to writing good dialogs?
No secret. I try and write in plain language, creating characters that are everyday people, such as you or I. I don't force them to say the words that lead to the next scene. The next scene depends only on a naturally flowing conversation, even if it totally spoils my plans. The characters live the events, I'm there only to listen and record.
What do you mean by 'everyday people'?
There is some misconception, created by Hollywood, that spies are some kind of superheroes, such as Arnold Schwarzennegger, but with the looks of Tom Cruise or Pierce Brosnan. Well, let me tell you that such a spy would not last a day on the job. He'd be spotted out of a crowd in a minute. They are supposed to blend in, for crying out loud!
But, you're pretty good looking yourself! [laughs]
All I'm saying is that my characters are more like me: they are fairly insecure people, with jobs they do because they have to, until something happens and the ordinary person must tackle the extra-ordinary - the hell that just fell on his or her head.
But what do you think makes readers want to read it?
From the comments I receive it's primarily the plot. Another group appreciates the plain language. I use only spoken language in dialogs and narrative.
Narrative too?
Sure. Before I type in a paragraph, I say it in simple sentences and words. I avoid fancy words, although a lot depends on the character. If a situation call for it, I may fire up the good ol' Fancy Random Word Generator.
How do you balance your day job with your writing career?
It's either one or the other. I don't think I could do it any other way. My writing is my job.
What are your writing habits? More about the way you work?
It used to be pretty hard to concentrate on writing, with everything that goes on around the house. When you quit your day job and stay home, all of a sudden there is so much to do! It was a challenge to stop thinking about a leaking sink, or a neighbor flooding my basement and all that, and sit at the desk and write instead. In time however, it became a habit. It became a job. 9 to 5 (as a figure of speech). A good part of my day is just staring at a blank screen. I start off by polishing last day's work.
How do you tackle the 'writers' block'?
I no longer believe there is such a thing. There are better days and then there are worse. I find that by going back and polishing what I've written the day before puts me back to work. The so called 'writers' block' is just an excuse some people use.
What I find more challenging are: insomnia and the incredible toll writing takes on one's body and mind. When you make a career out of writing, and stay at home, your life quiets down and as a result of it your brain becomes more active. You sleep a few hours at the most. You're tired all day, and can't think about anything other than writing, plotting, characters... Writers get no rest.
What do you do for relaxation?
Anything that involves beeing outdoors. Walking with the dog is great. Sailing, mushroom picking, hiking... It's a necessity too: since I first sat down to write The Fifth Internationale, I put on a little weight here and there... Coming from a guy who kicked ball for a soccer club and actively trained in martial arts that is a terrible discovery....
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Life. I write to entertain but the need to write kicks off from anger over the abuse of power in all levels of government and institutions of public life. I must point out though that I do not write in anger. I find ways to vent it and what’s left is passion.
How do you vent your anger?
Through non-fiction writing for periodicals, newsletters, the blog etc. I think it is extremely important for any writer to keep a clear head on the subject she writes about, not to get entangled in the day-to-day of the dirty world of politics. Clear you mind. Let it all go in a newsgroup or write a piece for a mag. Be happy and you'll live longer... Stendhal described it quite nicely: "Purity of heart and the absence of all hatefull emotions prolong the duration of youth." Remember: being a writer is a stressful career, do everything you can to stay physically and emotionally healthy.
Are you writing another novel?
Yes.
When can we expect it?
Soon! That doesn’t mean it will be published right away. I’ll probably toss into my drawer for several months and re-read later. If I’m satisfied off it goes to the publisher, if not then I’m back to re-writing it. I think this process of distancing oneself from the work is extremely important and every writer should practice it. Unfortunately many give in to pressures of having to put out a book at least once a year...
Is it set in Eastern Europe?
No. So far my characters have taken me across the US, Canada and Western Europe.
And more specifically?
In the US: Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, New York State... In Canada: Ontario and The Kawarthas. Believe it or not there are spies roaming around the Kawarthas! And in Europe: France and Switzerland.
You keep mentioning Kawarthas. What is it?
Let me tell you what it used to be: a natural beauty, land of pristine lakes, forests, great people and a peaceful habitat for animals and those people who need to rest after work. Nowadays it is being destroyed by ATVs, dirt bikes and jetskis.
Is the next novel based in real life?
You bet!
What's it about?
Espionage and intrigue.
Does it have a title?
Yes, but I won't reveal it yet. I'm not being cocky, it's just that it may change several times before it actualy goes into print.
The novel [TFI] has an open-ended end. Will there be a sequel?
Writing a sequel would require considerable effort and time. It would mean having to push other projects aside. I doubt I'll be able to write a follow up in any forseable future, even though I ended The Fifth Internationale with that possibility in mind.
