By Jennifer Rodrigo
Paul M. M. Cooper describes himself as a “Novelist, traveller, abibliophobe!” “That last one means I have a fear of running out of books,” he adds. He was born in south London and grew up in Cardiff, Wales. He was educated at the University of Warwick and UEA, and after graduating he came to Sri Lanka to work as an English teacher. Her returned again and again to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, learnt to speak Sinhala and to read Tamil.
River of Ink is his first novel.
How would you describe your childhood? What propelled you to write?
I grew up in a small city called Cardiff, on the west coast of the UK. There were forests and mountains nearby, but also the city with a lot going on. I went to a very normal state school. Since I was very young I've been in love with stories and myths, and used to read almost constantly. I liked to write short stories when I was younger and started my first novel when I was 15. Hopefully no one ever reads it.
Why did you move to Sri Lanka after graduating?
Sri Lanka always held a kind of fascination for me, and I began to write a novel about it before I even arrived! Its unique mix of cultures and fascinating, rich history made it a place that was easy to fall in love with from far away. And I must admit the food was a factor too!
You speak fluent Sinhala and Tamil? How challenging was the learning process?
Fluent is a strong word! And my Sinhala is much better than my Tamil so far. But I can certainly have conversations with people who don't speak English, which is something tourists in Sri Lanka never get to do, and I found very rewarding. Sinhala people are so kind to you when they find out you are learning their language!
Learning Sinhala wasn't too difficult. It's a very beautiful language, but also a very logical one that doesn't waste its words! I think English can be very wasteful and nonsensical in the way it expresses ideas. I made many good friends in Sri Lanka who helped me to learn the language, and I particularly loved all the Sinhala sayings (the prasthawa pirulu) that make the language so colourful.
Tell me about ‘River of Ink’. How did it come about?
I was inspired by the English poet Thomas Wyatt, who translated poems for King Henry VIII. At the time, my interest in this poet combined with my love for Sri Lankan culture and my reading of mythology such as the Mahabharata - and the book really flowered from there.
Your expectations for GLF 2016?
I'm so excited! I've been following the festival for years, despite its recent hiatus, and I look forward to meeting other writers, and especially writers from Sri Lanka. I hoped Romesh Gunesekera would be attending this year, but unfortunately not. I hope to meet Shehan Karunatilaka, Rohini Mohan and Anuradha Roy - the last of whom I will be sharing a panel with at the GLF.
Your expectations for Sri Lanka?
Since I have been to SL several times, I know most of what to expect - but somehow it always seems to surprise me a little every time! Since 2012, for instance, I have climbed Sri Pada 3 times, but it's only the most recent time that the temple on top was covered with butterflies of all different kinds. I don't think I will ever be bored of this country.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I think most writers struggle with writers' block because they wait for inspiration to come along before they write. But I think inspiration comes during work, not before it! People are also paralysed by the fear of creating something bad. If you can give yourself the permission to write badly, you'll find the writing process gets much easier!
3 things no one knows about you?
I secretly enjoy the music of Taylor Swift
I have been denounced by a Member of Parliament
I can juggle (lots of people know this about me, I just wanted to show off)
Paul M. M. Cooper is one of the many writers who’ll be attending the Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2016 in January.
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