Interview with Alexander Kleschelsky
Published 2014-12-06.
Alexander, I understand that you don’t have any literary education.
That’s right. I studied P.E. in State University of Crimea, and later, machine engineering at BCIT.
What prompted you to write?
It was kind of an ‘I dare you’ challenge.
How did it come about?
One day I was criticizing some movie over a family dinner with my wife and two sons. I think I made a comment like, “any person on the street could’ve written a better script.” And then my boys cried: “Oh yeah? You try!” That’s how it started.
Did you know from the beginning what you were going to write about?
Oh, no. At that day I just came up with an idea about a boy, who was about the same age as my younger son, who discovered an ancient hourglass that could stop time. And my boys said: “Then what?” I had no choice but to continue.
Did the lack of experience affect you in any way?
It surely did. On the other hand, it helped me to focus on the story itself, rather than on the way it’s written. I used simple language without excessive exposition and embellishment, which, in my opinion, perfectly suits the target age group that it was meant for, which is pre-teens and early teens.
In your book you write about global warming.
Right. However, the story is not about global warming, per se. I felt a need to bring this problem to young people’s attention. Only I wanted to do it in a form of entertainment, without lecturing them. I believe kids should learn from the beginning to respect nature.
Apart from writing, what are your other interests?
I enjoy hiking with my family and friends. British Columbia is known for its abundance of lakes, mountains and waterfalls. My other passion is skiing. Nothing compares to the crunching sound of snow under your skis and the wind blowing in your face.
I know that you also practice martial arts. Did it help you in your writing?
It certainly helped one of the main characters of the book. He had to use his combat skills in a few occasions.
Now, when your book is finished, how does it make you feel?
Very satisfied. Writing to me is like travelling to a different world. Surely, sometimes you may get stuck. But when you find the way out it feels very rewarding. I’m glad to admit that I was never alone on that journey. My older son helped me a lot with English grammar. I’m very thankful for that. My younger son is about the same age as the main character. I lived the story through his eyes; he had been a constant inspiration to me. My wife is an amazing artist. She created the book cover. So, after all, it wasn’t one person’s achievement. It was a family effort.
Well, congratulations on your first book. I hope to see more and wish you all the best in your writing endeavours.
Thank you.
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Books by This Author
Chapters and the Hourglass of Time
by Alexander Kleschelsky
(4.60 from 5 reviews)
The life of a twelve-year-old boy takes a dramatic turn when he discovers an ancient hourglass that can take its holder through time. The factual owners of the artifact turn him into slavery in ancient Egypt. The adventure takes him to the midst of a Chinese winter of modern days and further to the future where Earth is greatly affected by global warming.
