Ask the Author: Gregory Pastoll
Answered Questions (9)
Gregory Pastoll
I find it a mystery why such a high proportion of the people who rise to the top in organisations, including governments, businesses, churches and charities, are actually ruthless. Many of them are indeed completely off the scale of what we think of as human, if caring about others is a criterion for humanity. What is it about them that makes people bend to their wills in the first place, leading to situations where nothing can be done about their megalomaniac power-play?
Gregory Pastoll
I am halfway into a military biography of the Duke of Wellington, entitled 'The Iron Duke' by Lawrence James. I am very impressed with the treatment. The writing style, the thoroughness of the research, the way that James takes care to explain the events and politics surrounding the rise of Arthur Wellesley, all get ten out of ten from me. It is quite illuminating to see how he rose from being a junior officer to the position where he became a national hero, with good reason, for trouncing Napoleon and giving Europe peace. It is mentioned on the flyleaf that his countrymen saw him as 'the highest incarnation of the English character'. Reading between the lines of this book, I can understand why.
Gregory Pastoll
I have to say the only couple I can recall in fiction, that brings any warmth at all to my heart, can be found in a classic children's book called 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch', by Ronda and David Armitage. The characters were Mr and Mrs Grinling. I liked them because they obviously loved one another, and because Mrs Grinling quietly and cleverly solved all the problems that her husband couldn't, and he did not appear to notice that he had not contributed to the solution of these problems. Also, the book presents these characters in a snapshot around a particular issue, without exploring or dwelling on the nature of their relationship. It is understatement at its best.
Gregory Pastoll
I'll answer this one for the book of mine that is currently in the process of being published. It is a play, with songs, for young people, aged 11 to 14. The title is 'A Whale in Paris'. I was working on a stage set with some school pupils, for another play of mine that has already been produced. Two girls of 11, who were among a group that was assisting me, asked me the very same question. Apparently they liked the play they were acting in, and they wanted to know where I got my ideas from. I said that sometimes I would get an idea from as little as a single word, or a funny name. I said: 'I'll demonstrate: will you (to one of them) please tell me the name of an animal you like, and you (to the other) please tell me the name of a city you like? The first girl said 'a whale' and the second said 'Paris'. 'Good!' I replied, my next play is going to be called 'A Whale in Paris'!' I started work on the idea that very night, and in six weeks I had finished it. Who can predict where the juxtaposition of ideas leads?
Gregory Pastoll
Writing is fun. It expands the mind. I can't wait to get to my desk and explore the possibilities that the life of the mind has to offer.
Gregory Pastoll
Never had writer's block! Of course there are days when it is harder to get the old brain into gear. But, on those days, I don't push it. I note down ideas if they come to me, and will work on them later, when there is a chance, and when the ideas have become irresistible. Once you start, one good idea leads to another, and you are having fun.
Gregory Pastoll
Be yourself in your writing. The reading public wants to get a glimpse of your uniqueness. I don't believe in writing for a 'market'. I am continually inspired by an answer that Tomi Ungerer gave to an interviewer once, when asked how he crafted his books to appeal to, say a three-year-old or a five-year-old. Ungerer said words to the effect of 'I don't know what you are talking about: I write every book for myself, and if somebody else happens to like it, that's wonderful!'
Gregory Pastoll
Publishing the script of one of the musical plays I have written for children. It is called 'A Whale in Paris', and is a comedy-drama.
Gregory Pastoll
All day long, I make connections in my mind about the way people are, the way they behave, and what likeable traits I can focus on, to make a story. There is enough bad stuff in the world for others to write about. I want to deal with the good side of being human, whether it is silly, funny, or quirky.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more