CLASSIFIED interviews Patricia Gitt

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our Guest is the author of corporate crime novels featuring women balancing dynamic careers with private lives. Raised in Kings Point, New York, she earned her BS degree from the University of Vermont and an MBA from Fordham. During her career as an executive in public relations, she also served as Chapter President of American Women in Radio and Television. She uses her life as a tool box and have 3 novels available which we will get to during the interview!

 

First of all welcome Patricia Gitt to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more.

 

1 – So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

• A comprehensive listing of sources.

2- Do you believe Authors are Artists? If so do you view yourself as an artist?

• Yes, authors use words to paint pictures of people, places, emotions and objects. An artist uses line, form, perspective and color. 

3- “First, find out what your hero wants, then just follow him! – Ray Bradbury”. Do you agree?

• Yes and know. In my case I find some characteristic that I’ve observed in women I’ve met, worked with and know. I use that as a starting point and then find out where my heroine wants to go. Sometimes, she doesn’t even know herself.

 

4- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• I enjoyed my long career in public relations working with some of the best and brightest people who were bringing new technologies, financial services, fashions, pharmaceutical and health science developments to market. I use these experiences as my toolbox with which I create my plots and characters. 
• I am fascinated by power, people who wield it and those impacted by it. 
• Living in New York City, I have a wealth of resources at my disposal. Just as Agatha Christie used a train or ship as a setting for her characters, I situate my characters in a business, and include information that might not be widely known…sort of an insider’s view of that company.

 

5- When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• Creative, friendly, independently-minded and the author of interesting novels.

 

6- Can you share with us a memorable experience you went through related to your writing or book publishing?

• In my second novel, ASAP, I invented a home health station to facilitate the daily management of people with chronic diseases. Then I wondered if it would be possible to build such a home-based system and contacted a professor at MIT. After our meeting, he told me that yes it was entirely possible to build this technically advanced system, but at that time (in the late 90s), the power sources required would not fit in the space I had allocated. Today, 18-years later, science is talking about smart phones taking chest X-rays, and physicians are carrying scanners the size of a briefcase.

 

7- Authors are mostly connected to procrastination, and it has been mentioned by many, do you consider yourself one of the authors who procrastinate a lot? Is it a challenge for you?

• There are days, when my procrastination is satisfied with a short runaway to some other locale (a library, hotel, other destination), and once away from distractions of my home office I am more relaxed and will spend a couple of hours at my laptop editing or reworking an idea. When home, I will work 3-4 hours, 4 days a week. Longer if on a deadline.

 

8- What was or is your toughest challenge as a writer? How did you or do you deal with it?

• As an executive in public relations, everything I wrote was in the form of who, what, where, when and why, for a press release of 1 ½ pages. The hardest thing I had to learn in writing fiction, was “show” not “tell”. I continually work on this aspect of my writing via courses in one of the New York universities and writers workshops.

9- What inspires you as a writer? A muse of some sort?

1. First, I am fascinated by the multiple layers in women. Men are more direct. Neither is better, but I choose to write about heroines facing some dilemma.
2. Second, I am not a feminist. I am a person who happens to be female, and therefore entitled to everything my study and hard work prepare me for. If I thought myself a feminist I would be marginalized to a portion of society and limit my scope of opportunities. And, it is this belief I share with the protagonists in my novels. 

10- Can you share with us some of your favored writers, authors and Books?

• Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus series, early Tom Clancy’s Sum or all Fears, Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear series, Anchee Min’s Empress Orchid, and Caleb Carr’s, The Alienist.

 

11- Can you share with us your best moment as a Writer/Author?

• The best moment is a personal memory of my father, who in failing health, held up my first novel, and told me how proud he was for my sticking with it. That first book took 25 years to write and publish.

 

12- Why do you write? Fame? Pleasure? Message?

• I write to express my often times unconventional truths. When I make myself laugh or cry, I turn off the computer knowing I couldn’t do any better for the rest of that day.So writing is a pleasure, and frustrating, and something that opens my mind and curiosity to learn about things I’m not familiar with.

 

13- “Writing, I think, is not apart from living. Writing is a kind of double living. The writer experiences everything twice. Once in reality and once in that mirror which waits always before or behind.” – Catherine Drinker Bowen, biographer, Do you agree and relate?

• I agree but I think It is also an opportunity to correct ideas, situations, and happenings found in real life.

14- Could you share with us 2 preferred quotes from your books?

• “I didn’t start my company to have it fail.” From an upcoming novel, FYI, due out shortly.
  “To breaking tradition or balls. Whatever works.” From CEO.

15- Do you have a favorite among your books? If so which?

• It would be my first novel, CEO. I began writing it when traveling for m
  y job and spent a lot of down-time in airplanes and hotels. I was also in grad school earning my MBA. I had gone back to college to strengthen my resume. Then, I wondered what it would be like if I wanted to be the CEO of a corporation. That “what if” was the inspiration for the novel.

 

 

16- Could you share with us a bit about your latest novel, what do you think is special about it ?

• My latest novel ASAP –as soon as possible- explores the 24/7 life of a woman who is co-founder of a technology company, mother of a preteen son and daughter, and wife of a Wall Street lawyer.
  The story opens with a phone call warning the woman that her company’s proprietary technology was found on a black market ring’s shopping list.
  Aided by her partner, with secrets of his own, she travels to Macau and back, helping to hunt down the thieves.
  On her return, she finds that by trying to be the dynamic executive, perfect wife and mother, she has alienated her family.
  Determined to restore order to her life, she places herself on the top of her list of priorities. In the end, she takes charge of her business, family and m
  ost especially, her own life.
• This is a story of a dynamic woman in a field dominated by men, who exhibits intelligence, strength, leadership and yet, the mindset of wife a
  nd mother. The story is special in that it presents the challenges facing working women with families everywhere.

 

17- What is your most favorite word? Why?

• Power , because it fuels the engine of the brain, nourishes the spirit and fills each day with possibilities.

18- What is your least favorite word? Why?

• Defeat , It’s totally destructive, clouds rational thought and behavior, and robs a person, family, community and country of humanity.

 

19- Are you currently working on a new book? If yes could you tell us a bit about it?

1. I have a new novel schedule to come out shortly. Titled, FYI An unintended consequence, it explores the relationships of four women, friends and business partners since they were 8-years of age. These women are the founding partners of 4G Investments, a hedge fund based in New York City. When the managing partner begins to receive copies of newspaper clips suggesting that she isn’t running an ethical firm, the protagonist enlists her family and friends to help find and stop the antagonist’s salacious rumors, which if made public, would ruin her 

20- What are your preferred hobbies?

• I love to travel and have recently returned from Antarctica. Hobbies include reading, but also cooking, knitting and attending theater with friends.

21- What would you advise people who love to write and are afraid to take chance?

• Just do it! No one has to see it. But once you start you open yourself to a new adventure. For encouragement, I recommend reading Stephen King’s book on writing. Also, I have found that by working in a class or workshop you will meet other authors with their own fears, and are therefore usually generous and kind.

22- Advice to authors?

• Why not try? Writing for yourself is one endeavor in which there is no judge and jury. If and when you have enough confidence to share with others, enroll in a class. The work of others will benefit from your ideas and you will gain the insight of others.

23- We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, would you like to share something a message perhaps with your readers, fans and readers of this blog?

1. I think it is sad that business gets a bad rap. As with people, there are good and bad companies. I also think it is sad that women limit themselves by accepting the negativity of the feminist movement. No one said the world was fair. However, if people keep their skills sharp, and work hard, they will be focusing all their energies on moving forward. 

 

 

You Could Find Patricia’s Books on Amazon : 

• CEO http://amzn.to/2jGwy3d 
• ASAP http://amzn.to/2kHJpDO
•  TBD http://amzn.to/2jGwy3d 

 

Thank you for being with us Patricia . it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

Thanks again for the wonderful interview.

 

CLASSIFIED interviews “Mohamed Kheidr”

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our Guest is an exceptional character  , a film director , musician , artist and even had his own TV show at a certain point! 

First of all welcome Kheidr Mohamed Kheidr to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more.

 

 So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

• When I hear such a word it reminds me of my secret hideout which is usually my office! Lots of hidden stuff there! 

 So please so as we begin please allow me to ask you, what is a director? Do you consider Directors artists?

• Well let me put it to you this way! A director is someone who is very versatile and deals with a huge variance of tools and when I say tools but not just that he has to mix this with people, their appearance , their body language and much much more. So he/she has all of this at their disposal and he has to utilize all of this to create  a work of art that is alive in front of the viewer.  So when you take a look at all of this I believe that yes we can consider directors artists. 

What is a director’s greatest moment?

• There is no such feeling that is similar than to hear the applause of the audience or receiving an award after a job well done. At least by my account that’s what counts to me as the greatest moment while others would consider their greatest moment is the moment they receive their pay-cheque. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• Now that I’m a few months away from turning 37, I can tell you that I’ve learned to draw before I even learned to speak, and by the time I was 2 I was drawing pretty much like a regular 12 year old.. You could consider by these standards some sort of prodigy.. And I actually decided after school to take it forward and continue to study fine arts and I specialized in oil painting and funny enough it is during college years that I quit drawing and went into graphic design. 
• After university I opened up my own company followed by a newspaper which was called ” The Paper Newspaper” that mainly targeted the teens and was doing quite well back in its day. Also my dream before attending Fine arts was to do my studies in the High Institute of Cinema here in Cairo to which my family strongly objected for it not being a Faculty but an institute and I ended submitting to their will. I did try to rejoin back in 2008 but by that time it was too late according to them since they only accepted applicants for directing at maximum of 27 years of age! I switched my goals to the New York Filming Academy where I was aiming to acquire my Masters degree.. But it didn’t work out despite having paid the full fees which they kindly returned later, but I couldn’t spend two years there having been married and with a 1 year old child at the time. However that didn’t stop me from pursuing my dream , and I went on to take the entire master’s courses each course separately of course there was no master degree but it is the knowledge and experience that mattered to me the most.

 

When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• That is the sort of question that taunts my inner Ego which I try to escape from at times ,but to be honest I hope I will be able to provide the audience with work that will keep good memories about me with them and when they see this work they will say this man was really good! 

 Who are your favorite directors Egyptian, Foreign?

• I have a huge list which could probably need an entire interview on its own, but I’ll stick to the top 3  , Luc Besson , Marting Scorcese and Steven Spielberg of course

 Who would you consider your role model in the field of directing?

• Luc Besson and Nadine Labaki

 You took a non-traditional approach to most of directors, since you engaged in not only short movies, but also have had your own show ‘ We Rabena Yostor’ how was it different for you from being a director to actually being in front of the camera?

• That was an interesting experience for me to say the least but despite this change of role I didn’t find it much difficult at all. Being a director meant I was both in the acting and the director seat both at the same time, and I can tell you I’ve had my share of funny moments! I’ve even fought with myself and kicked myself off-set once !

 “There are no rules in film making. Only sins. And the cardinal sin is dullness.” – Frank Capra, Do you agree to this statement? And why?

• Sins.. We are all sinners right one way or another? I would probably agree to what he says also in film making it is true , there are no rules, each director creates his own set of rules , each person creates their own set of rules.

 What is your toughest challenge as a director?

• Vision is the main challenge, and I always start by asking myself, how am I going to convince all these people with what I see, how will I transfer this image to them, these thoughts and feelings. That is my main challenge, I can tell you when I go into a meeting with a customer I’m sometimes asked for a reference to something I might have not done before. So how do I get them to see that I’m capable of reaching what they want? On several occasions I go out of my way and create my own shoot sample at my own expense and show it to them, to get them to see that I have what they need ! I don’t mind going the extra mile, I always believe it is an important way to do your work.

 What do you think is or are the main flaws in the Egyptian Movie industry today?

• Groupies were one of the main flaws in the movie industry if you didn’t belong to any, there was no way in but this has changed drastically over the years. But the current main flaw is the commercial movies, which I believe is very obvious to have been deteriorating over several years. So this is affected by two things. The lack of a good budget and the lack of a good script ! Am sure they are out there, but somehow they don’t make it..

 Over the past 10-15 years the Indian movie industry has taken giant leaps and contending with even Hollywood domination today, do you think there are lessons to be learned?

• I’d have to strongly disagree with you, the Indian Cinema industry has been always powerful to the extent that it caused the Neplese movie industry to shut down more than 40 years ago because of their dominence. And look where they are today, not just in production capacity but the variety as well. On the other hand when you want to talk about what is it that we could learn , there’s a ton of stuff we could learn, the question here remains.. Will we learn from it? I don’t think so because we do not try to learn even from our own successes or failures.. It’s like we pretty much have to start everything from scratch every single time, and this is why I believe we always remain in the same spot for a long period of time. So if we are not even learning  from our own experiences, I do not believe we will learn  from anyone else. 

 Could you share with us a memorable experience

• One Memory remains and will remain in my mind is when we , a bunch of young guys and enthusiasts just took off with a car to film Kabreet. I cannot explain to you how it felt, specially that we were feeling the general morale in the lows and people losing touch with their identity and sense of belonging. The shooting we did there was so moving , and specially that the story itself is very moving.

 What is the first thing that catches your attention in a new movie?

• Being a director , to me the first two things that capture my attention are the quality of the film and image and then followed by the music. ( I forgot to add I’m also a musician and I compose music every now and then!) 

 What inspires you? A muse of some sort?

• Humans inspire me people with their immense diversity and experiences amaze me and inspire me on so many different levels ! On the other hand  I couldn’t have any other muse! My divorce papers would be delivered to me first thing in the morning *he laughs*

 “My three Ps: passion, patience, perseverance. You have to do this if you’ve got to be a filmmaker.”- Robert Wise, do you agree?

• Passion is there, Perseverance is definitely there, but I’m always stuck at Patience! While I agree with him a 100% but patience remains one of defects. 

 Why do you think the Egyptian cinema has never tried to venture into new genres like Sci-fi or Fantasy?

• We From the top the top of my head I’d tell you it wouldn’t work , why ? Because :
  •  We don’t have a proper budget for such a movie
  •  We don’t have neither the knowledge or experience for it, so even if we try it would look quite odd.
  • Also even if you end up getting a team of experts from abroad and rely on an Egyptian script , you’d have a weird taste as a result , and that’s just how I see things.

•  Why did you choose the path of a director? Fame? Pleasure? Message?

• Am a musician, a photographer and an artist, am into frames. Also well as an Editor ,  I self taught myself :
  • film shooting and special effects and visual effects ,
• So when you put all of these together you’d probably still end up with a director. For me I’m in it for the pleasure and message mainly , I won’t tell you fame is not a great plus, because it is , who wouldn’t want to be well known, but fame comes and goes but passion , pleasure and a message those can continue, so in my case I can honestly say I’m having 2 out of three right know which is quite great from where I stand!

 Which are two of your favorite Egyptian movie, and foreign movie?

• Egyptian : Al Bidayah – Ahmed Zaki
• Foreign: Rocky ( it uplifts everything in my life)

 Which actor/actress would you have want to work with? you could choose actors or actresses even if they are no longer with us.

• Female Actress : Michelle Pfifer ,
• Male Actress : Sylvester Stallone and am actually jealous of the makers of ‘Creed’ because the father of movie makers was a Rocky Fan and they grew up fans like their dad, wrote the script and showed it to Sylvester and he liked it and did it, so am very jealous from them but it’s a great movie none the less!

Kabreet, is one of the movies that everyone knows is very dear to you, what does it represent to you?

• As I mentioned before, Kabreet was a movie that took a lot of effort and while we noticed the lack in sentiments of belonging specially among the youth and our generation and the situation was declining we decided to embark on this journey. It was however interrupted by the Egyptian Armed Forces who interfered and asked us some questions what we were trying to do and why ? and when they heard out our idea they liked it and  actually provided us with support and even put us through to some of the survivors of the battle. However the revolution came and blew all our plans away and like everything these days , it was just absorbed into a black hole!

 What is the dream movie you’d like to make?

• Kabreet, Kabreet , Kabreet , I’d fight for this movie, even though to  be honest I’d spent the past 7 years fighting to try to get it out , but unfortunately to no avail and I also have to admit I’m no longer fighting for it as I used to before.. 

 What is your most favorite word? Why?

• Heart , I’ll try to share with you the meaning I want to share *he thinks quietly for a few seconds, looking down then raises his head facing me, takes a deep breath* The heart is the reason for everything

What is your least favorite word? Why?

• Pain, to me it destroys everything, and when the word I hate the most and the word I love the most are combined it is the end of the world for me ‘Heart in Pain’

 Advice to aspiring actors/directors?

• Keep moving forward.. Think positively , don’t dwell too much , don’t waste too much time sulking on your wounds , get up and move on , also if you know you’re going down the wrong path stop straight away.. Don’t move an inch forward. 

 We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, would you like to share something a message perhaps with your, fans and readers of this blog?

• I’d tell them where are you? Miss you! *he laughs* I wouldn’t consider myself a man with many fans ,  a lot of  Friends maybe. Also to tell you the truth I know I’m the one who really comes up short, I’m the one who’s mostly away ,  distant , and doesn’t keep in touch , the sort of work we do really takes so much from you. But I would like to tell them bear with me and and be better than me and stay in touch!

 

Thank you for being with us Mohamed Kheidr it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

CLASSIFIED interviews Haidy Zakaria

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our guest is an English instructor in the French University in Cairo, and while this is what she does by day .. But she is also a ‘Slam Poet’ not just that but has helped create a movement through her project “The Word Project” as well as another project which is to be as a platform for various artists and writers. 

 

First of all welcome Haidy Zakaria to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more.

 

 

1 – So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

Thank you so much for having me. Well classified for me can mean anything from intimate information to “dont ask don’t tell” haha

 

2- Do you believe Poets are Artists? If so do you view yourself as an artist?

• Of course poets are artists. I think anything that requires creativity can be considered a form of art. I perceive myself as both an artist and an art lover; I do not just create art, I enjoy being in the presence of different forms of art.

 

3- “Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.” Aldous Huxley , Do you agree with that and why?

• I think that the most important thing about writing is the exposure of the self that comes along with it. I don’t think there has been a successful writer that did not show their deepest darkest corners and told us about what hurts. So, yes, of course I agree.

 

4- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• I’m a writer, poet, and a hopeful entrepreneur. I’m a lover of art and a lover of trying to make art a staple in our lives not just something that we enjoy in our spare time.

 

5- When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• I would like them to think of a girl who knew how to work hard enough to reach her dream, and a girl who knew how to help others.

 

6- Can you share with us a memorable experience you went through related to your Slam Poetry?

• Always the most memorable moments for me is when someone attends the slams and comes up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed it; how it affected them, how they were looking for a channel for their art and found it through me. I always get so humbled and so happy, knowing that I’m on the right track.

 

7- Poets, Authors, Writers are mostly connected to procrastination, and it has been mentioned by many, do you consider yourself one of the authors who procrastinate a lot? Is it a challenge for you?

• Procrastination is a problem for everyone, I think. Nobody is always on top of their game, and I think people should be aware of that. The idea is not to let yourself procrastinate everything nor to try to finish everything on time that you stress yourself out.

 

8- What was or is your toughest challenge as a Slam Poetry Performer? How did you or do you deal with it?

• It used to be stage fright, then memorization, then finding new topics. I think slam poets, much like any other artist, go through different stages and different obstacles that they try and go through. It’s a simple growth process.

 

9- What inspires you as a Slam Poet? A muse of some sort?

• No muse, and that’s what I always say about art. Inspiration comes when you work for it; when you write, draw, paint, design, and craft every day, without every stopping, you will get inspired. The creative mind is a machine that needs to be regularly oiled by running it. Muses are for the lazy, in my opinion.

 

10- Can you share with us some of your favored writers, authors and Books?

• I’m a big Harry Potter, JK Rowling fan. I’ve always been engrossed in the magical world. However, if we are talking non-magic, then Hemingway and F.Scott Fitzgerald. I also love Neil Hilbourn, Michael Lee and Sarah Kay for spoken word poetry.

 

11- I know you have created small movement in the world of Poets in Egypt via the initiative you created that is called “The Word Project” which you have run for the past years care to tell us more about it ?

• The Word Project is a spoken word poetry initiative, designed to bring in (or some would argue bring back) the spoken word tradition. The idea that poetry is stale and could only be read in books and appreciated by a few is horrible, because I believe that poetry is a form of entertainment that is visual and auditory and I think that if people knew more about it, they would enjoy it immensely. I started TWP in 2013 and it’s been going strong ever since (elhamdolelah :)) . We also try to teach the poets, every time the rules of international slam poetry and how they can improve their poems. We’re also starting some workshops soon.

 

12- How do you feel about “The Word Project”? And what drives you behind it ? Fame? A message? Something else?

• The Word Project is the dream, or rather the start of the dream. It is my way of realizing what I want to do in life. Not just to pass the time or practice a hobby, but to integrate art into the society once more.

 

13- ” Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things.” T.S Eliot,

 Do you agree and relate?

• All due respect to T.S Eliot, I disagree. The only way I find poetry makes sense is by expressing emotion that is too close to home.

 

14- Could you share with us something from your work?

1. I’d rather you listen to it. Here is the link : 

 

15- Do you have a favorite among your books? If so which?

• I’m a harry potter girl, all the way. But if we’re talking non-fantasy, I love F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast.

 

16- Do you have any other projects underway other than “The Word Project”? if so would you care to share a bit about it ?

• I’m currently working on something very new and exciting for all kinds of artists. It’s gone be a great service that will hopefully bring all local artists together.

 

17- What is your most favorite word? Why?

• ‘Passion’ it just took so many meanings for me throughout the years. Turns out it’s the most important thing you can have.

 

18- What is your least favorite word? Why?

• ‘Moist’ , It’s just disgusting.

 

19- How often do you write? Are you currently working on a new Poem? If Yes what is it about ?

• I write almost every day. Some small, some big, some need to be workshopped, but I try to keep the machine oiled.

 

20- What are your preferred hobbies?

• I love running and physical activities in general.

 

21- What would you advise people who love to write and are afraid to take chance?

• You have to do it, it’s not something you can choose whether or not to do. You just keep writing until you find your rhythm

 

22- Advice to Poets?

• Write poetry that both is extremely personal and extremely relatable. Don’t use big words, sound smart by saying smart things instead.

 

23- We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, would you like to share something a message perhaps with your readers, fans and readers of this blog?

• Everything is going to take hard work, whether you like what you do or not, so you might as well spend that time and energy doing something you love.

 

To follow Haidy you can find her and her work here:

• The Word Project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewordproject/?__mref=message_bubble
•  The Word Project Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/thewordproject1
•  The Word Project E-mail : thewordprojecteg@gmail.com
•  Haidy Zakaria Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/haidyzakariapoetry/
•  The Word Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewordproject/

 

Thank you for being with us Haidy it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

CLASSIFIED interviews”Geraldine Solon”

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our Guest is an author is an award-winning, bestselling author of 8 novels and a marketing guidebook for authors. Three of her books have been translated into different languages and two of her books have been optioned for film.

 

First of all I  would like to welcome Geraldine Solon to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more.

 

 

1 – So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

• Exclusive interview. Thank you for inviting me over. It’s an honor to be here.

 

2- Do you believe Authors are Artists? If so do you view yourself as an artist?

• Yes, writing is a form of creative expression.

 

3- “Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.” Aldous Huxley , Do you agree with that and why?

• I believe that writers write to deliver a message, inspire and entertain their readers but most of all, there is a lot of vulnerability on the writer’s part because we all release a piece of ourselves when we write.

 

4- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• I’m a simple person who is happy when I’m surrounded by nature, family and good friends. Aside from writing, I love to read, watch movies, travel to a new place, go to the beach and hang out with family and friends. I started writing when I was eight years old but put my writing hobby aside to venture into other things. I realized writing was my true calling and in 2010 I focused on establishing a career out of my books. I’m a character driven author who writes about relationships in different genres―Romance, Women’s fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Thrillers

 

5- When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• That I’m kind, helpful and fun.

 

6- Can you share with us a memorable experience you went through related to your writing or book publishing?

• The most memorable experience I had was when I was offered a publishing contract for my first book. I remember screaming for joy. I was elated. Everything fell into place after that. I knew being an author was what I wanted to be.

 

7- Authors are mostly connected to procrastination, and it has been mentioned by many, do you consider yourself one of the authors who procrastinate a lot? Is it a challenge for you?

• When it comes to my writing, I share the same discipline of an athlete. I show up when inspiration isn’t there. Although I take breaks after publishing a book, I’m always focused on what I’ll be writing next. I’m either writing some scenes or fleshing out my characters or writing the book description. I also do a lot of freelance writing projects which keeps me busy in between my books. Writing is in my veins and I avoid procrastination as much as I can because writing is a career for me.

 

8- What was or is your toughest challenge as a writer? How did you or do you deal with it?

• Competition and branding yourself in the early stages. I spend at least two hours a day focused on research about the publishing industry and latest promotions. I’m very serious about my writing career and need to continue marketing and promoting my books.

 

9- What inspires you as a writer? A muse of some sort?

• Nature, travel, art, people. I always search for inspiration, but most of the time inspiration comes and finds me at the most ordinary situations. It helps to have a wild imagination.

 

 

10- Can you share with us some of your favored writers, authors and Books?

• I love Stephen King, Anne Rice, Enid Blyton, J.D. Sallinger, Pat Conroy, Nora Roberts, Fern Michaels, Dan Brown, Virginia Andrews and many more.

 

11- Can you share with us your best moment as a writer?

• When my first book made it to the overall top 100 Amazon bestseller list. I was selling a thousand copies a day and I couldn’t believe it. I never anticipated that would happen and I was able to build a brand and establish a wide readership. This was a huge milestone for me.

 

12- Why do you write? Fame? Pleasure? Message?

• I write because it’s my true passion. I believe next to motherhood, writing is the best job in the world. As a novelist, there are no limitations on what I can write about. The world is my playground and I can run free and create the stories I desire. I give birth to  my characters and breathe in life for them. Then comes the readers who get touched and entertained by your stories. They don’t even know you but you’ve created an impact in their reading experience. Truly magical!

 

13- “Writing, I think, is not apart from living. Writing is a kind of double living. The writer experiences everything twice. Once in reality and once in that mirror which waits always before or behind.” – Catherine Drinker Bowen, biographer, Do you agree and relate?

• I truly agree. Writing has been a self-discovery for me. When I create my characters and raise the stakes where they are tested, I get to witness first-hand how they cope in a challenging situation. I get to experience their deepest fears, pain and what their goals are. I am not just their cheerleader, but I get to sympathize with what they’re going through which is why I can say writing releases your vulnerability. There’s a lot of depth in storytelling.

 

14- Could you share with us 2 preferred quotes from your books?

• “A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.”

― Geraldine Solon, The Assignment

 

• “An artwork could always be restored and sold with no deprec-
  iated value―the cracks and tears provide more chcharacter, But when
  it comes to human emotions, how far could you stretch your heart to let go of the pain?”

― Geraldine Solon, The Portrait

 

 

15- Do you have a favorite among your books? If so which?

• My favorite books that I wrote are The Assignment and The Portrait. My characters have gone through a lot of pain and are broken but not jaded. They’re about strong women who are rebuilding their lives, finding their true calling and looking for that second chance. It focuses on themes of hope, love and redemption.

 

16- Could you share with us a bit about your latest novel, what do you think is special about it?

• Here’s the summary: Newly divorced Art Historian, Adrienne Roche is sent to Sierra Dunes, Spain to check the authenticity of a portrait and return it to her boss in Paris since he claims it belongs to his grandfather. Eager to bury the wounds of her past, Adrienne runs into an old flame, Rodrigo Morales, whom she hasn’t seen in more than twenty years and discovers that he owns the painting. Although Adrienne is hesitant to complete her mission, she is piqued by the story of Doña Clarita, Rodrigo’s grandmother and the woman in the portrait. As Adrienne rekindles her relationship with Rodrigo, she unravels a secret and learns there is more to the portrait than meets the eye. When ghosts of the past continue to haunt Adrienne, she realizes how intertwined both her and Doña Clarita’s lives are, leaving her with a responsibility that could change history and affect the lives of those she cares about most.

 

• I got inspired to write this book when I spent a weekend at my friend’s private museum. Being surrounded by all the artwork gave birth to a story of a woman who just stepped out of a troubled marriage and is sent for an assignment. Little did she know this assignment would lead her back to someone from the past. Her emotions are tested and she struggles between wanting to risk her heart or play it safe. Then there’s the whole mystery about the painting which makes it more exciting. I don’t want to say more to avoid spoilers. 🙂

 

17- What is your most favorite word? Why?

• Love because I believe it conquers all. I’m a hopeless romantic who writes about relationships so I like words that focus on emotions

 

18- What is your least favorite word? Why?

• Apathy because that’s the opposite of love and doesn’t contain any emotion.

 

19- Are you currently working on a new book? If yes could you tell us a bit about it?

• Yes, I’m working on a new book called, The Weaver’s Daughter. It’s a coming of age novel.

 

20- What are your preferred hobbies?

• Aside from writing, I read a lot and love watching movies. I also love to swim and travel.

 

21- What would you advise people who love to write and are afraid to take chance?

• Just do it. Learn the difference between art and craft. Art is your raw talent, but art requires craft. Learn as much as you can about the craft.

 

23- We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, Would you like to share something a message perhaps with your readers , fans and readers of this blog?

• Writing is a journey and I’m so glad I chose this profession. My goal is to be able to inspire, entertain and make a difference with the stories I write. Authors need readers and I’m thankful for all the readers and fans out there. This is what keeps me going.

 

To Find more about Geraldine you could follow her via : 

Link to books: https://www.amazon.com/Geraldine-Solon/e/B004PXQ6LA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

Website: www.geraldinesolon.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/geraldinesolon

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Geraldine-Solons-Author-Page-181823348524179/

 

Thank you for being with us Geraldine Solon it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

Thanks again for the wonderful interview.

CLASSIFIED interviews “Robert J Moore”

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our Guest is an author born in Elyria, Ohio and raised in Lorain, Ohio.  His romance novel, “’Till Death Do Us Part”, is about a woman who searches through Heaven looking for her husband only to find out her first husband had been waiting on her.  His latest book “Listen to My Kaleidoscope” is a collection of short fictional stories based on real people.  Each story has a twist and a lesson on life.  Robert is also host of the weekly podcast, “The International Writers Association Podcast” available on iTunes.

 

So Let us Begin

First of all welcome Robert  to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more. 

 

1 – So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

• I think of valuable information that someone has.

 

2- Do you believe Authors are Artists? If so do you view yourself as an artist?

• I think so. I think anyone who is creating anything that entertains, informs or inspires people are artists.

3- “Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.” Aldous Huxley , Do you agree with that and why?

• Yes and no. Some people write to express themselves or their thoughts so in a way they are being themselves.  Others write to escape themselves and their reality.

4- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• I was born in Lorain, Ohio. It’s the same city as Toni Morrison and Helen Steiner Rice.  As a child I won many writing contests but I never really thought I would be an author. It took a life threatening health issue to open up my eyes and heart that I was meant to write.  I am the Vice-President of the International Writers Association and I host a podcast of the same name.  I also run a youth literacy program in my city.

 

5- When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• I hope it will invoke thoughts of kindness. Someone who treated people the way I wanted to be treated.  I hope people will say I put my best foot forward in anything that I have attempted.

6- Can you share with us a memorable experience you went through related to your writing or book publishing?

• Finishing the first manuscript!  That’s one of the best feelings a writer can ever feel!

 

7- Authors are mostly connected to procrastination, and it has been mentioned by many, do you consider yourself one of the authors who procrastinate a lot? Is it a challenge for you?

• Honestly, a little. On one hand, I love to write and I’ll write anywhere. I’ll write in line at the grocery store or waiting at the doctor’s office.  On the other hand my stories have so many twists and turns I really need to take time to think about what’s going on to avoid continuity issues.  I’ll admit that at times I take too long thinking about what’s going on.

 

8- What was or is your toughest challenge as a writer? How did you or do you deal with it?

• Standing out. One of the great things about being a writer today is that it’s so easy to become an author.  The down side is sometimes it’s easy to feel that you are being lost in a crowd.  I’ve dealt with that by creating my own platforms.  I host a podcast that is doing very well.  I have a column on getliftedentertainment.com. I also have two YouTube channels in the works for 2017.

 

9- What inspires you as a writer? A muse of some sort ?

• I have so much to be thankful for in my life. Life and the people in my life. I’m surrounded by so many wonderful people I feel like I need to share them with the world. Other writers.  There are so many talented writers that I am friends with and fans of.  They motivate me to keep going.

 

10- Can you share with us some of your favored writers, authors and Books?

• Anne Frank. When I was introduced to “The Diary of Anne Frank” when I was a little younger than what she was during the events of the diary.  I thought she was cute and developed an instant crush.  My family was living in an attic where were weren’t supposed to be. I felt like we were going through the same experience together.

 

11- Can you share with us your best moment as a writer ?

• Because of health reasons I didn’t have a chance to do any appearances or book signings. When my second book came out I prepared for my first signing.  I honestly didn’t think anyone would show up.  So many of my family and friends showed up and supported me that day. People who I hadn’t seen since high school came out.  It was a very touching moment for me.  I tear up just thinking about it.

 

12- Why do you write? Fame? Pleasure? Message?

• In a way, immortality. I imagine a thousand years from now, a future civilization will be sifting through dirt and find a copy of one of my books.  My voice will still be here long after I’m gone.

 

13- “Writing, I think, is not apart from living. Writing is a kind of double living. The writer experiences everything twice. Once in reality and once in that mirror which waits always before or behind.” – Catherine Drinker Bowen, biographer  , Do you agree and relate ?

• I agree and disagree. In many ways if a writer is writing about an idea they have had, or something from their life or that was inspired by something in their life then it is true.  If I decide to write about a serial killer it would make this false.  I’d be writing for pure entertainment and escapism.

 

14- Could you share with us 2 preferred quotes from your books?

• “This is paradise, Nadia. In paradise everyone is supposed to be content. Everyone is supposed to be happy. Everyone’s needs are met. There is no hunger. There is no cold. There is no homelessness. Everything is the way it should be here yet it appears that some cannot be satisfied with that. I don’t know what happens on Earth that makes people not have the ability to be thankful for what they have. People have to have answers.  People need to know why. People have to wonder if what they have is what they should have. People question if paradise is even good enough for them.”  – “Till Death Do Us Part”.
• “For the longest time I thought of ways that I could show you my feelings for you. There aren’t enough diamonds in the world.  No country can print enough money.  There isn’t a voice beautiful enough to radiate the love I have for you.  So I decided to give you the most precious thing anyone could ask for, the illusion of time.  Wealthy men pay to prolong their lives but they truly can’t buy time.  No thief can steal time.  It is the one thing that everyone wants yet no one can afford.  I hope this was enough.  If we cannot be together my soul can rest knowing that you understand how truly special you are to me.” – Listen to My Kaleidoscope”

 

15- Do you have a favorite among your books? If so which?

• “Listen to My Kaleidoscope” is my favorite because it shows my improvement as a writer.

 

16- Could you share with us a bit about your latest novel , what do you think is special about it ?

• My latest is a collection of short stories about love, life and the appreciation of people. The stories all have a twist and a life lesson.  The stories are fiction but the characters are based on people from my real life.  I hope after people read it they will think about life differently.  Listen to My Kaleidoscope.

 

17- What is your most favorite word? Why?

• It’s the word that makes you feel it after you read it.

 

18- What is your least favorite word? Why?

• Such an extreme and negative feeling.

 

19- Are you currently working on a new book? If yes could you tell us a bit about it ?

• It’s a paranormal love story that happens in the United State’s deep south in the early 1950’s.

 

20- What are your preferred hobbies?

• Reading. Sports. Playing matchmaker.

 

21- What would you advise people who love to write and are afraid to take chance?

• Just do it. What’s the fear?  Failure?  If your fear comes true then you’re in the same spot you’re in now.  Might as well go for it.

 

22- Advice to authors?

• Keep going!

 

23- We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, would you like to share something a message perhaps with your readers, fans and readers of this blog?

• Network with your fellow authors and writers. Help each other and support each other.  It’s not who climbs the mountain first.  Let’s all have a party at the top of the mountain once we’re all up.

 

Thank you for being with us Robert it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

 You could find more about Robert and connect with him here:

Twitter – @MooreWriting
Facebook – @MooreWriting
SnapChat – @MooreWriting
Instagram – @MooreWriting

CLASSIFIED interviews “HODA ENAN”

Welcome to Classified, an interview where we host different guests who are exceptional artists in their domains, may it be literary, musical and or any form of art.

So let’s get started

Our Guest is a graphics designer, a painter and a lover of art ! 

She considers herself to be : an art lover wandering in a colorful world. 

 So let us begin ..

First of all welcome Hoda Enan  to “Classified” where we will going through your file and attempt learn more about you and let the readers know even more.

 

So , it’s a pleasure to have you with us , so let us commence by asking you , what is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word  “Classified”?

• labeled stuff /files

 Do you view yourself as an artist?

• Nope, it sounds too big for me..maybe because once I hear the word Artist, Rembrandt, Salvador Dali, Picasso …etc are the first that come to my mind , when these names appear in my mind, with all their achievements and works of art, I hardly find myself in a position to call myself an artist.

 

“I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process” Van Gogh, Do you agree with that and why?

• YES, and my agreement goes with the private work, the paintings I do for myself  are far from work related. Where I’m expressing my thoughts, feelings and beliefs by turning them into a work  of art and then I discover that my mind is  too busy in analyzing new thoughts that have been emerged along the way and enhanced during the process , and here one gets lost in that virtual world I just created.

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

• I have a great family that keeps supporting me. Am the youngest, I have a brother and a sister, am the craziest.My Husband is into art too, he’s a great photographer even he works in a totally different filled but we enjoy lots of artistic activities together, and our home is more of a workshop. I am also  a moody person, outgoing, love to try new things, I hate driving and traffic. I am a summer person, winter is definitely not my favorite. Friends are one of the blessings and they’re always a priority.

 When people speak of your name, what would you like them to be thinking of?

• Artworks that awake their emotions, touch their feelings and brings joy to their souls

Can you share with us a memorable experience you went through related to your works of art?

• When you say EXPERIENCE nothing beats the graduation project . a 30 dys of working, ups and downs, panics, lots of memories and some awesome friends.

Artists are known to change their mind and their work frequently, being moody? Do why do you think this is the case with Artists? Do you face this challenge, if so how do you deal with it?

• *Hoda laughs then adds* this definitely true! And I face it by simply change my work. I think we get bored fast.. and for me by being a graphic designer you face a lot of stress while trying to satisfy a client who thinks you’re just a tool to transform his thoughts into visuals ..and you start watching your work changing and fades.Art is so proportional and comparative which makes anyone thinks he can amend yours.So from time to time we need to have a break and make a purely OUR ARTWORK piece .

 

Some of Hoda’s Work:

 

What was or is your toughest challenge as an artist? How did you or do you deal with it?

• I have two challenges , the first is to balance between a full time job that kill your day and having quality time to create the art you’re really proud and convinced with a 100%.A full time job is always needed to cover your hobbies and supply financially . The 2^nd challenge is how to keep yourself updated to get to create new artwork in concept and techniques and to keep learning. And to own a style that be like a signature, so whenever someone see one of your pieces relate it to you immediately.

 What inspires you as an artist? A muse of some sort?

• Every single detail in my daily life is inspiring, the memories, how I feels the ups and downs in everyday, a great music, nice movie, people in the streets, world news and traveling inside and outside Egypt, and of course other artists artworks and exhibitions

 Can you tell us which school of art do you consider yourself you belong to?

• Since I am a super moody person,  I haven’t been able belong to or follow a specific one.

 You have created HE designs, what is your aim or goal with it?

• As I mentioned before a full time job doesn’t give me enough time to create many paintings or make an exhibition. So I thought of creating a page to display my work , get people’s feedback and it’s a way to showcase my work via my page. Sometimes people contact me for specific requests but it is mainly to display my work.

 

Life, is it an adventure or a destiny?

• Both, I think that on the path to our destiny we can live the best adventures ever.

Emotions and passion play a big role in the life of most artists, does this apply to you ? If so how ?

• Of course, I take most of my decisions depending on my emotions, one can easily notice some of them were catastrophic but to be honest I enjoyed every single one of them. and when it comes to passion you can clearly differentiates between a piece I created with passion and another where I’m just not convinced of it.

 Why are you an artist? Fame? Pleasure? Message?

• Pleasure of course, it’s like you’re gifted with a talent and each time you feel amazed that you can create this!! The whole process please you of course. Sometimes I send messages through my work. Fame not yetJ but maybe someday I will enjoy it too.

“Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?”
Picasso, could you answer this question?

• Maybe the mirror, because a photographer or an artist will somehow add unconsciously from their souls or their points of view to the artwork

Could you share with us a bit about your latest project? what is it going to be? what do you think is special about it?

• Am working now on some colorful designs to be printed on some products under the brand name “FROH” with Nabil who is a great artist and Salma who’s managing everything about the project. Also working on some new paintings that will be posted soon.

 What is your most favorite word? Why?

• Why not ?… it motivate you to try new thing without giving too much attention to the consequences

 What is your least favorite word? Why?

• Too late … because there’s a LOT I wish to learn and do, and this could be the most depressing word for someone who has a new plan everyday.

 What are your preferred hobbies?

• Drawing, craft, photography, reading and travelling
• Trying new things

 What would you advise people who love to art and are afraid to take chance?

• Art is one of the rare field where the right and wrong rules do not exist .Everything is proportional and no rules are applied so why to be scared. Sky is your limit just enjoy the trip.

 Advice to artists?

• Do not give too much attention to everyone opinion, and just enjoy every doodle and line you draw

We are coming to an end of this “Classified interview” which we certainly do not want to end, would you like to share something a message perhaps with your fans and readers of this blog?

• I would love to ask people to learn to enjoy beauty and not to settle for less than beauty in everything art, fashion, music , movies and even buildings. To seek beauty wherever they go in the streets or in their homes. Make it a life style.

You can find Hoda’s work through these links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HodaEnanDesigns/?fref=ts

Twitter: @hodaenan

Instagram: insta_hedesigns

Other Links: https://www.behance.net/HodaEnan

Thank you for being with us Hoda it’s been indeed a great pleasure!!

Welcome to CLASSIFIED Interviews!

Classified is a blog that will interview various people who are related to works of art , such as authors, painters, musicians and more.. Join us on this journey!