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Gina's Interview Series: Famous People From Around the World
February 2012
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Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9:50 AM
Welcome Marie! Currently working on her new novel "Muses´Death", an historical novel
to be released in June 2012, published by Torst.
An equestrian at five years, she remembers her
youth surrounded by horses, but now writes more than rides. A graduate of Charles University,
Prague, Marie is from German, Russian and Czech descent. For her new historical novel, she has been in contact
with Sir Walter Scott’s and John Gibson Lockhart’s relatives...
Where in the world are you?
I live in the Czech Republic, in Středokluky – a
small village near Prague.
A history major, writing history...tell me about
your new novel..
Well, I have started writing it eight years ago and I have been improving it ever since. I decided to use
some real historic characters and some made-up heroes; all my real characters
in the novel say what they once had said, do what they once had done, it was
very difficult for me to learn absolutely everything about their lives, finally
I had to do my own research which was the hardest task – I am an historian so I
took it very seriously.
Nowadays I can share the whole story not only as a writer (my novel will
be published in June 2012) but also as a historian (I will have a lecture on Scott´s
life at Sorbonne University in Paris in July 2012). Briefly my novel is about mental
changes in the late Enlightenment, Romanticism and early Victorian period, the
characters are mainly writers - the real ones are Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron,
John Gibson Lockhart, James Hogg, their families etc.
How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
I have no problem with that, I am constantly
thinking about my novel, it is like my second life, I cannot forget about it as
well I cannot forget to breathe. The best ideas I had when I have been very
busy doing something else. I also like to walk alone and thinking about my
novel. I usually project my novel as if it was a movie in my imagination and
think “What will happen next?” “Should I describe the place more?”
Do you write everyday?
Basically yes, but obviously there were many
days when I did not want (or I couldn’t) write during past eight years – for
example when I had my final exams at my high school or university.
Where do you like to write?
I prefer my computer at home.
Do you have a favorite author?
If I have to say only one name I would say Erich
Maria Remarque, I have read all his novels and his only play and I enjoyed them
very much. When I was a child I really loved Astrid Lindgren – for example her
novel The Brothers Lionheart.
Look for Marie's new book release, "Muses´Death", to be announced from Torst Publishing, June 2012.
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Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2012 6:49 PM
Welcome Jack SpyWriter to my blog of famous people!
 Tell me about your beginnings....
I was a rebellious kid, and left my parents'
home early, to travel, working along the way, and enrolling in a university
(mostly for the free dormitory lodging that it offered). One of the jobs I
picked up was a government gig that turned into nearly everything a young man
ever wants to be. It allowed me to witness the behind-the-scenes of political
maneuvering, to see the human beings behind the public personas of some of the
highest officials. That experience inspired my writing.
I spend most of my time in the pristine Kawarthas [Ontario, Canada], a remote
region where writing meets no distractions.
A former top-secret government courier (wow!); is it the inspiration for your
novels?
Is it not true for most creators that we draw from personal experiences? From
what we know? From what we are? If I were the world's greatest lover (not that
I lack in that respect), I'd write tales of seduction.
Writing fiction is a way to camouflage ourselves. Some people choose writing to
express all those feelings or experiences, which, for whatever reasons, they
are forced to conceal, whereas others pour out for the sheer exhibitionist's
thrill.
Whatever the case may be we write what moves us, whether these be unfulfilled
dreams, or overwhelming experiences that must be unloaded to keep us sane.
Your novels are spy-thrillers. Tell me about your writing...
Writing thrillers is not an easy task. As any genre, it has its devoted readers
who have certain expectations. Meeting those expectations, while maintaining
some level of originality, which distinguishes one writer from another, is
perhaps the biggest challenge.
Writing spy fiction provides additional challenges, in that much of what true
espionage is about is... not very exciting. It's more of an analytical work
than James Bond would have it. For this reason most espionage novels are pure
fiction, with little connection to the real world of spies. Spying generally
involves the retrieval of information that is hidden, or otherwise not available.
The shootings, stabbing in the back, or poisoning, etc, while it certainly
happens to spies, is mostly the work of a whole other department, and has
little to do with actual espionage.
So, there you go, for the benefit of the reader, and to find a publisher, a
writer of espionage fiction must maintain the illusion and perpetuate fiction.
That brings me to the crucial question: Why do I write at all? And the answer
is: The run-of-the-mill espionage novels are not satisfying to me as a reader.
I write what I seek as a reader, but cannot find. The reality of the world of
espionage is what I miss in spy novels, and thus I strive to fill that void.
How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
I write nothing down. I do not make notes. You will find nothing in my house
that would indicate where my ideas come from. Drawing from personal experiences
I am a firm believer in the old maxim, well expressed by Maxim Gorky, that that
which we cannot remember is simply not worth remembering, little else writing
down.
Where do the ideas come from? Again, this goes back to our experiences, to that
which moves us, and which we need to come to terms with, to why do writers
write at all? Beyond the simple need to satisfy our ego, many of us write not
because we know the answer to what moves us, but because we seek the answer to
the unanswerable, or where the answer is suppressed. Espionage is all about the
illusion. Everything we think we know about it is either wrong, or planted by
the services involved in it. I write with the aim to straighten that, which is
purposely obscured. It is my guiding thought.
Where do you like to write?
Being surrounded by tranquil wilderness and the simplicity of living in a
wooden hut is the best way to put aside all that which presses on us in everyday
life, from work, to regular household chores, to the unavoidable hustle and
bustle of a neighborhood, whether a large urban area, or a hamlet, where a
simple grocery shopping distracts and affects the creative process in, well, a
negative way.
Do you write everyday?
Writing is not a matter of choice; it's not something you switch on, and off. I
feel guilty when I don't write. Days seem wasted when, for whatever reason, I
am unable to sit down at the keyboard. If I were writing a diary I'd have to put
down "Nothing" under a day when I wrote nothing. It would be a day
wasted. However, it is important to note that not all writing involves putting
together letters, and words, and sentences. As I mentioned - I write no notes,
but I do plot, and plan in my head. So, even when I'm seemingly doing nothing,
as it may appear to an outsider who sees me on a park bench, I may in fact be
deeply involved in the process of creation.
What are you currently working on?
I'm in the final stages of two novels. Both require the last re-writes. They
are a part of a trilogy of change, books challenging the established world and
social order. As in all my books, these too are inspired by actual events. One
draws on a true story of a plot orchestrated by wealthy industrialists to oust
a US president who chose to stand by his citizens during economically
devastating times, and the other one deals with a certain religious Order that
goes beyond a prayer, as an ineffective way to rid the world of evil, and picks
up arms instead.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I would sooner mention numerous favorite authors, than a single one. The list
of authors would be quite long, but their writing boils down to something that
is seldom practiced these days (and is not necessarily the writers' fault) - a
message.
I like to read to learn about how others see us - about world affairs, about
the human condition - all seen from varied perspectives. For this reason I
prefer to turn to writers from outside of the English language sphere. In fact
some of these writers were responsible for my desire to learn foreign
languages, to read what was (and often still is) not available in the English
language. Writers with a social conscience are particularly dear to me.
Do you have suggestions for novice writers?
In these times when anyone can publish a book, and in essence become an author,
it is ever more important to stay clear from conformity with
"established" trends. These produce a plethora of forgettable books.
The current fluidity in the publishing industry allows one, at last, to write
and to publish what one wants, what one feels passionate about, without relying
on what the publishers want. It's important to remember that it isn't the
publishers who set the trends - they only cash in on them. You, the writer, are
in the driver's seat.
Follow Jack
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Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2012 2:42 PM
 Residing in England, Shane began his equestrian career as a
jockey. Employed by Oak Ridge Quarter Horses, England, Shane is also a movie stunt rider, jouster, horse trainer, and much more. I caught up
with Shane between events…
What is Stampede Stunt Company and what do you do there?
Stampede Stunt Company is owned by some very close friends
of mine. They do live shows at country fairs, castles and at big events like
Your Horse Live. They provide one of the best jousting shows in the country
with some trick riding for more entertainment; they also teach horseback
archery, jousting and sword fighting amongst other things at their base in
Wales.
When I started my career with horses, I was a horse racing
jockey! After I left racing to expand my knowledge, I learnt how to trick ride,
joust, fall, sword fight, double for actors in films, fix problem horses, help
with rider confidence and train western horses.
Anything to do with horses i'll try my hand at!
So, you are a 'jouster'...what is like to joust?
Jousting is an incredible adrenaline rush especially full
plate jousts with full contact!
Did you participate in 'official' training? Where?
The only official training I have had was a 9 week course at
the British Racing School, other than that, everything I know comes from what I
have learnt from all the different areas of horsemanship that I have been able
to experience through watching, doing or studying.
 Do you have a rigorous training schedule?
I try to go to the gym as often as I can but have been slacking recently due to
moving to a new area, but I’ll be back into the routine of going five days a
week soon enough.
Do you travel a lot? Whereto?
I have traveled a lot, just not recently due to having my
daughter, Maicie. I have been to Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Germany,
France, Dubai and Japan!
Did you grow up with horses?
No, actually I am the only person in my family interested in
horses and I started riding when I was 13 years of age.
What breed of horse(s) do you keep/ride?
I work with Lipizzaner, Andalusian, Friesian, Thoroughbred,
Dutch Warmblood, Welsh cobs, Painted horse, Quarter horse, Arab, Polish Arab,
Hanoverian and my favorite Lusitano! Lusitano is by far my favorite breed, the
stallions look amazing and in general they are really eager to please!
In what films have you stunt-doubled?
I have ridden as an extra in Clash of the Titans 2 (the second
in the series, which will be out later this year and I rode in a sea battle),
Snow White and War Horse. I doubled for an actor called Colin Morgan who is on
a TV show over here called Merlin which is aired weekly on BBC1.
How do you fix problem horses? Are you a horse trainer as well? Well that all depends on the problem, the horse and more
often than not, the rider/owner. I suppose in a way I am a trainer, I have
never really thought about it like that I just enjoy every aspect of horses!
 Who is your favorite equestrian/trainer?
My favorite equestrian trainers would have to be Monty
Roberts and Jean François Pignon. I have had the pleasure of working with Monty
Roberts on a few occasions and learnt so, so much!
What can I do to be a better equestrian?
Everyone can improve even the best learn something new everyday about their
horses but if i had to say anything, be patient and don't try and rush things -
horses learn things at their own pace just like humans.
What is your dream job?
If I had the money, my dream is to open a equestrian facility with my future wife, who is also an amazing horsewoman, to take in troubled children, teens and young adults to help them through their problems by teaching them natural horsemanship and helping them to rebuild their trust through horses.
Follow Shane
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Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2012 9:01 AM
Welcome Gerard! From Ireland, currently residing in London, Gerard Keenan is a world-renowned equine photographer. His stunning photographs capture the spirit and beauty of horses. His photographs are envied and collected worldwide, including celebrity buyers; his photograph, Horses #5, is displayed in the newly opened Ralph Lauren store in Singapore.
A winner of international photography awards, including: World Photographic Arts Spider Black & White Award, B&W Magazine USA, and IPA (International Photography Awards) honorary mention, to name a few. Gerard's work is published worldwide in various photography and art magazines.
When did you realize you wanted
to pursue photography as a career?
I was 21, having always had an interest in Art.
Your equine photography is stellar. Why horses?
 I grew up on a farm in Ireland and was always attached to animals, but I found Horses to have an otherworldly quality which is difficult
to explain. They have a calming presence and I understand why they are used as therapy with people suffering from mental or physical ailments.
Do you have a favorite breed that you like to photograph?
I don't really have any particular favorite
breed to photograph as I suppose I treat them all equally.
Any stories of difficult or challenging photo-shoots?
Most of my shoots go well and the horses are always well
behaved!!
Your favorite horse to photograph?
I guess I prefer greys and whites as they stand out better with the
clouds as a backdrop.
Do you have any tips for novice photographers? Basically you have to have your own signature and it's not wise to
copy other photographers work. Follow where your heart goes.
Do you have a favorite photographer?
I have too many to mention; Lewis Baltz, Jean Loup sieff,
Eugene Smith, Alexander Rodchenko, to mention but a few.
Where have you exhibited; any current exhibits in the world?
I have had no major exhibition as yet, but am hoping to show
in London in 2012.
Follow Gerard and view his beautiful photography
COPYRIGHT All images are copyright of Gerard Keenan. Unauthorized Reproduction Prohibited
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