What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I failed many times in my life; yet, in the end, I happened to be in a place where I feel happy and can fulfill my lifelong yearning for writing. More: I can write without worrying about agents’ or editors’ expectations. Indeed, I felt lucky. Still, I have come to realize that my numerous failures were instrumental in bringing me to this point. No matter my efforts, without the failures, I would not be in a position to write these lines for you. Then I thought of Goethe’s Faust, where Mephistopheles was the force that tries to do evil but ends up, somehow, against his own will, doing good. Thus came Mephisto.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
Mephisto: Pink Panther. I want to disagree with this selection as he is a more serious character in my mind than the music suggests; yet thinking of him, those opening two notes just appear in my mind.
Faust: “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon.
Gretchen: “Padam, padam…” by Édith Piaf.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
It is close, yes. But today, I prefer a genre mix: thriller-dressed literary fiction, philosophy in the guise of an adventure. I was raised on classical European and American literature of the 19th century; today, unfortunately, I can hardly read authors of that period. With rare exceptions such as Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe, I find the writing style of that period too meandering, too static—despite the great ideas and impeccable artistic sense behind it. My modern tastes align more with the likes of Vonnegut, Bradbury, Rothfuss, Lem.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun. I found my writing style close to his after reading its opening, and immediately put away this book for fear I might channel Ishiguro without even noticing. But now that Mephisto is out, I have a break from writing. I hope to read him and then someone else—maybe re-read some Hemingway to clear up the senses—so that by the time I begin writing again, I can keep a memory, but not his style.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The favorite to write? An interesting question. The favorite to write is probably not even the best one in the book. It is the battle scene, and I refrain from saying more so as not to spoil it too much.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No. But I enjoy writing difficult scenes in the morning, when the mind is fresh. And the best scenes and plot developments usually come to me when I just open my eyes waking up. That moment between the dream and reality when everything becomes so clear. Albeit it slips away if you are not careful.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Well, now that you asked for it: I find that the Creation has never stopped. It continues, and we all are God’s creating hands. And I find my greatest satisfaction in making what didn’t exist before. Art in general and literature in particular are the highest forms of creation.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
What you think of as a failure and a disaster may well turn out to be a gift.
