Berlin Review of Books and Letters Interview with Ebor Sisk, Author of "Platypus Down"

 Interview with Ebor Sisk, Author of "Platypus Down"

Berlin Review of Books and Letters: Thank you for joining us today, Ebor Sisk. Your latest book, "Platypus Down," has been garnering a lot of attention. Could you tell us a little about what inspired you to write this book?

Ebor Sisk: Thank you for having me. "Platypus Down" is a work of fiction, but it is inspired by my experiences living in Eastern Europe. I wanted to explore the complex cultural and political dynamics of the region, and the way in which history and memory shape people's lives.

BRBL: The book is described as a "narrative puzzle." Could you explain what that means and how you went about creating it?

ES: Well, the book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each of which can be read on its own, but which also fit together to create a larger narrative. The stories are told from the perspective of different characters, and each one reveals a different piece of the puzzle. I wanted to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, so that the reader would be constantly trying to piece together the larger story.

BRBL: One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the way in which it blurs the line between reality and fiction. The narrator of the book is named Ebor Sisk, which is also your name. Can you explain the relationship between yourself and the narrator?

ES: (Laughs) Yes, that's a question I get a lot. The truth is, the narrator is a fictional character, but he shares some similarities with me. Like me, he is an Eastern European writer who has spent a lot of time thinking about the region's history and politics. But he is also very different from me in many ways. For one thing, he's much more cynical than I am!

BRBL: The book deals with some heavy themes, such as trauma, memory, and the weight of history. How did you approach writing about these topics?

ES: It was definitely a challenge. I think the key was to approach these themes with empathy and compassion, and to try to understand how they affect people on a personal level. I also tried to avoid being too didactic or preachy. I wanted to present the issues in a way that would allow readers to draw their own conclusions.

BRBL: So what are you working on next?

ES: I'm currently working on a two-book project, "Platypus Hide" and a working title "Platypus Cast." It's another set of stories, each with their own narrator, but with a different structure. The stories are more intertwined and interconnected than "Platypus Down," but they still maintain that element of mystery and intrigue. I am in no great hurry, not like this Elon. More like this James Cameron... a sculptor of books... books that are NOT for YOU. (Winks) 

BRBL: We look forward to reading them. Thank you for your time, Ebor Sisk. 

ES: Thank you for having me.

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Interview with author Ebor Sisk from Подземни Друштво about life, writing, his platypus Down book, etc.

Found this humorous little interview with author Ebor Sisk in a PAPER copy of a magazine called Подземни Друштво (Underground Society?) while I was in Serbia last Summer- it is brief so I thought it wouldn't hurt to type it up just for posterity's sake. UNDERGROUND SOCIETY: reclusive author Ebor Sisk stopped writing just long enough to chat with us about his work, his lack of career, and his never-ending quest to tell a very big story. US: Ebor. How many books have you written. EBOR SISK: Not a dozen. More like eight. Ok, fine: seven. US: You are ethnically Serbian-Slovenian? ES: That is true. US: How many of your books are published outside your native languages? ES: Not many. None, actually - as a matter of fact. None. Yet. But we are talking... people are. THe business people, you know? The movers and shakers. US: You are infamously reclusive. ES: Writing takes a lot of time and energy. I don't have much for much else. Sorry, c'est la vie. You know? If your passion demands it - you DO it. That's just the way it is. US: Isn't it odd to be so well-known in your respective home countries but completely unknown outside Eastern Europe? ES: No. Yes, I guess. But I don't care. US: We also hear that you don't care to do interviews. ES: That is true. US: Any reason in-particular. ES: Well, it takes away from writing time and I just don't think I have that many interesting things to say as answers to my interviewers' questions... but my publicist says I should be on the internet so I am doing this. US: Well, thank you. ES: No problem. US: We have read a review copy of Platypus Down book and we really like it. ES: Thank you. US: We take it these are going to be books? Plural? More than one. ES: If I am so lucky, yes. US: Where did you come up with such a fantastical idea for a novel. ES: First of all it is not a novel, it is a book - these are just books - and second of all it is not mine, so to say, but rather if fell out of the sky onto my head. I am the - how do you say? Chicken little of this whole thing except that instead of freak out I just started to catch the sky as it fell - or as fast as it could. US: But, as the author and a as a writer you must've gotten inspiration from somewhere? ES: My inspiration was life and all the fantastic people I have met along the way. That is all. US: OK, then. That is all we need to know. Hope to catch up with you for... ES: Platypus Hide. It is a big one. US: Looking forward to it. Thanks. ES. Thank YOU. Is this over now? Just kidding. Wink wink.