Ask the Author: Martin Barrett
Answered Questions (4)
Martin Barrett
Hi Warren,
Thanks for the question. Yes, whilst I was researching the story in Montsegur I sought out Aimee Couquet whose mother ran the hotel that Otto stayed at. Aimee, who was 86 when I met her in 2015, said she last met Otto in 1936 when she was 8 years old. Although she claimed to remember him, most of her knowledge of Otto came from her mother. Amazingly Aimee was, at that time, still managing the rather run-down hotel in Montsegur.
You are correct in suggesting that Indiana Jones was almost certainly inspired by the true story of Otto Rahn and the Nazis. Whilst 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' film stretched credibility, it did have elements of similarity to Otto Rahn's exploits.
Thanks for the question. Yes, whilst I was researching the story in Montsegur I sought out Aimee Couquet whose mother ran the hotel that Otto stayed at. Aimee, who was 86 when I met her in 2015, said she last met Otto in 1936 when she was 8 years old. Although she claimed to remember him, most of her knowledge of Otto came from her mother. Amazingly Aimee was, at that time, still managing the rather run-down hotel in Montsegur.
You are correct in suggesting that Indiana Jones was almost certainly inspired by the true story of Otto Rahn and the Nazis. Whilst 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' film stretched credibility, it did have elements of similarity to Otto Rahn's exploits.
Martin Barrett
Firstly you need a great storyline or at least the basis of one. Don't worry about the details too much as they will magically appear as you write. If they don't you can always go back and fill out details later.
Secondly, it is not necessary to write the story in sequence. Certainly, with my book The Heretics' Revenge, I started with the easiest bits first and then moved on other sections. At some point, all the sections need to massaged into a single entity and then edited of course. Trying to write chapter 1 first etc may not be the most productive way to complete the story.
Secondly, it is not necessary to write the story in sequence. Certainly, with my book The Heretics' Revenge, I started with the easiest bits first and then moved on other sections. At some point, all the sections need to massaged into a single entity and then edited of course. Trying to write chapter 1 first etc may not be the most productive way to complete the story.
Martin Barrett
There are two ways of getting words written. The first is to consider carefully what you really mean and what you really need to say as concisely as possible. The second way is to let it all tumble out, complete with repetition, redundancies, errors, and verbosity. Not necessarily pretty, but moving forward.
The former approach is much more prone to writer's block. The second way needs a lot of editing but at least keeps things moving and provides a framework for refinement.
The former approach is much more prone to writer's block. The second way needs a lot of editing but at least keeps things moving and provides a framework for refinement.
Martin Barrett
As a frequent visitor to France, I had read about the Cathar treasure at Montsegur and decided to visit the site. With further reading and research, it was clear that here was story that needed to be told. A second visit to Montsegur for research and to talk to locals led to The Heretics' Revenge being written as probably the most comprehensive story of both the Cathar heretics and Otto Rahn ever told.
However, what motivated me most was the possibility that the Cathar relic might actually be found today. And if it could just what exactly would it turn out to be? Otto Rahn was convinced in the 1930s that it was the true Holy Grail. Could he have been right? The background history was always going to be extraordinary, but the real nub and kernel of the story was always going to be the prospect of locating that long-forgotten Cathar cache. That was the driver for the book.
However, what motivated me most was the possibility that the Cathar relic might actually be found today. And if it could just what exactly would it turn out to be? Otto Rahn was convinced in the 1930s that it was the true Holy Grail. Could he have been right? The background history was always going to be extraordinary, but the real nub and kernel of the story was always going to be the prospect of locating that long-forgotten Cathar cache. That was the driver for the book.
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