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PERISCOPE
Take it from Boyne
Master and disciple were hauled in that large crowd. Fortunately that
did not last long. As the crowd slowly chilled out, disciple saw the
notice board which read:
Today’s discussion
John Boyne talks about his bestseller children’s book
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
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John Boyne |
They waited till Boyne paced in a high spirit towards the stage and
sat down on a swiveling chair. The hall felt stifling. In close up,
disciple noted, his eyes were smiling. His first glimpse at the audience
expressed something. As he began speaking, Boyne tossed his spiral
notebook on the couch. Beside the couch was the large frame of his
book’s cover.
Ladies and gentlemen, he started, let me welcome you all to this
discussion.
It all began with a single idea. I remember as if it was yesterday.
It was one Tuesday. Some idea struck me. And the only thing I know I
started writing first thing the following morning. It came on and on,
and I wrote for two and a half days in one go. I stopped only for eating
or some small sleep.
At the end of the two and a half days, I was exhausted. But all the
same I was happy. I finished something that was troubling me.
At that point, a young bespectacled girl with almost blond hair
raised her hand. Boyne smiled and beckoned her to speak.
“It simply amazes me Mr Boyne that you did the first draft in two and
half days. I have heard you usually spend months to plan out and finish
a first draft. I have read almost all your novels. And I think this
should be your best. What I cannot imagine is how come you finished such
a masterpiece in just two and half days.”
It’s simple. What’s your name?
“Aliena.”
It’s simple Aliena. I’m talking about the first draft. Yes it was
only two and a half days. But I did at least eight rewrites after that
first draft. I had to trim the book too in the process, as well as
adding some scenes.
Disciple raised his hand.
“Mr Boyne, we would love to know what the story is about actually.
Some of us are not familiar with the story.”
The story is about a little boy called Bruno. He is the son of a Nazi
officer. How Jews were ill treated by the Nazis is told through Bruno’s
eyes. His father is made in charge of a prison camp where Jews are
imprisoned to be gassed later.
Boyne was wearing trendy glasses, jeans and closely shaven head.
Disciple wanted to whisper something in master’s ear. But the senior was
too busy listening. Another fan stood up.
“How did you get into writing? I mean does it run in your family?”
No, said Boyne waving his hand smilingly.
But I’ve always been a big reader. We had a ritual of going to the
library every week and getting out books. I loved Enid Blyton, I was
obsessed with ‘The Secret Seven’. When I was twelve I had my appendix
out and I read through the whole of the Narnia series in a couple of
weeks. I started writing short stories and poems. I had so many
copybooks filled with my work. I never wanted to be anything else but a
writer.
The session went on with a mutual dialogue between Boyne and his
fans. Time wore out slowly and so the session had to be over. Master and
disciple found it a little difficult to approach him - many fans
thronged around him - but somehow managed.
Boyne welcomed both of them with a wholehearted smile.
“I’m master and this is my disciple.”
“Oh, yes. I remember my organizers mention about you. So thanks a lot
for coming here. Did you enjoy the evening?”
“Very much. By the way can I ask you a question Mr Boyne?” Disciple
asked.
“Of course. Go ahead.”
Disciple looked at the master, who nodded too in approval.
“Suppose I want to become someone like you. Well… a published writer
I mean. How can I start it right away?”
A smiling Boyne put his glass of wine aside. His smile gradually
thinned, and his tone became serious.
“The very first best thing you can do is to join a creative writing
group. You have to be thick skinned and willing to take criticism but
the one thing you get is readers. Strangers. And you learn so much from
reading other people’s work. I’ve taught some (creative writing courses)
and even teaching them I learn from reading student’s work. And keep
writing. If you can pull it off it’s a wonderful world to work in.”
Master, sadly, didn’t get a chance to ask a question as a journalist
came forward for an interview. Boyne bid them farewell with his usual
smile.
Information courtesy: www.sarahwebb.info
[email protected]
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