Ask the Author: Rohan Chalmers
Answered Questions (6)
Rohan Chalmers
I have always had a lifelong interest in Russia.
As a child I was very connected with a Russian family that allowed my to view another culture in 1970's which contrasted strongly with the Anglo Australian outlook prevalent at the time.
I always wanted to travel there and when I finally did, I found the country to be an absolute goldmine of cultural information especially in the areas or literature, visual arts and music. Russia is a sophisticated, dynamic and mysterious country and I found it absolutely inspiring creatively.
These influences along with the idea that Russia is completely misunderstood or ignored by the west has been my inspiration for the second book. I have become very aware of western censorship and manipulation of the media which will keep the country in the dark for as long as this can sustained. I hope to open the eyes of readers of my new book once it is eventually born.
As a child I was very connected with a Russian family that allowed my to view another culture in 1970's which contrasted strongly with the Anglo Australian outlook prevalent at the time.
I always wanted to travel there and when I finally did, I found the country to be an absolute goldmine of cultural information especially in the areas or literature, visual arts and music. Russia is a sophisticated, dynamic and mysterious country and I found it absolutely inspiring creatively.
These influences along with the idea that Russia is completely misunderstood or ignored by the west has been my inspiration for the second book. I have become very aware of western censorship and manipulation of the media which will keep the country in the dark for as long as this can sustained. I hope to open the eyes of readers of my new book once it is eventually born.
Rohan Chalmers
Inspiration for the first book came from a life long interest in Tibetan Buddhism, the idea that Christ was a Buddhist and the current situation between Tibet and China.
In 2008 while I lived in Spain, I saw on the news riots in Tibet in relation to Beijing Olympics. This became my starting point for creating a book that became a vehicle to utilise my understanding of Buddhism.
In 2008 while I lived in Spain, I saw on the news riots in Tibet in relation to Beijing Olympics. This became my starting point for creating a book that became a vehicle to utilise my understanding of Buddhism.
Rohan Chalmers
I have been working on my second book for at least 12 months now. I have opened up a Pandoras box.
I don't like to give away too much as it is still in its infancy. I am a painter and paint as an expressionist. As this is my nature I tend to write in this manner also. I get ideas down and then develop them but they can warp and change completely so what my appear as a face on paper one day may end up being a fish on another.
I have traveled to Russia on 3 occasions now and have fallen in love with several elements. It's history and creative culture. I'm interested in the psychology of the population as a whole, how they view the world looking out from their current place in history. I am also aware of how I have been conditioned to view Russia having grown up in the Cold War period. I have been made aware through my contact with Russia of how ignorant the western countries are of Slavic history, these countries relationships with each other and how complicated it is. I wish to show readers another side of Russia they aren't aware of. It will be set in a futuristic Russia that has turned its back on the west after feeling a line of historical betrayals. It will include elements of history, mysticism, and a reflection on Socialism mixed with murders, codes and an old friend who appeared in the first book.
I don't like to give away too much as it is still in its infancy. I am a painter and paint as an expressionist. As this is my nature I tend to write in this manner also. I get ideas down and then develop them but they can warp and change completely so what my appear as a face on paper one day may end up being a fish on another.
I have traveled to Russia on 3 occasions now and have fallen in love with several elements. It's history and creative culture. I'm interested in the psychology of the population as a whole, how they view the world looking out from their current place in history. I am also aware of how I have been conditioned to view Russia having grown up in the Cold War period. I have been made aware through my contact with Russia of how ignorant the western countries are of Slavic history, these countries relationships with each other and how complicated it is. I wish to show readers another side of Russia they aren't aware of. It will be set in a futuristic Russia that has turned its back on the west after feeling a line of historical betrayals. It will include elements of history, mysticism, and a reflection on Socialism mixed with murders, codes and an old friend who appeared in the first book.
Rohan Chalmers
Everyone will have their own ideas when you ask people for advise. My advise is general and advise for life generally.
Don't give in to your negative voices and keep pushing to realise your desired outcome.
Don't give in to your negative voices and keep pushing to realise your desired outcome.
Rohan Chalmers
I have found that having completed my first book and having the first copy in my hands is the greatest feeling. Before the book is published, you are nursing ideas for months or years. Your book is being incubated and suddenly it gives birth, you can touch the book and smell the pages. (I don't think it would be as exciting if you only had a book online. There is no real contrast between what you have been doing and the end result).
Another element I like is purely egotistical. There is an element of some part of you living on after you have gone; an element of immortality.
Another element I like is purely egotistical. There is an element of some part of you living on after you have gone; an element of immortality.
Rohan Chalmers
With this first book, I didn't suffer from any writers block. I knew what I wanted to say, it was cause and effect, it was dominoes falling. With my second book, it's more complicated as I'm having to do a lot of research as there is a lot I don't know about different subjects within the book. When I can't find what to write next, I generally backtrack to a segment I've already written and add more to it. I find this helps free up the mind again and is probably physiological. You feel positive and confident again when you know you are writing.
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