Q&A: Chetawan Thuaprakhone
Q&A: Chetawan Thuaprakhone
March 9th, 2007In the year of 2589, the world population struggles to survive, hoping to emigrate somewhere off the uninhabitable Earth—but the poor can’t afford the space journey. 2589: We Are Just Visitors is the science-fi ction book that deals with a future crisis on Earth and the people who are left behind. The author, Chetawan Thuaprakhone, has won the Chantree Sribunrod Award and the Seven Book Award for his work.
Can you tell us about the book?
It begins with the question that we’ve been trying to solve for many years: what is a black hole? Once I tossed a stone into the lake and the water rippled to form a circle. At that moment, I wondered if one circle were a universe, when many universes collided, there would be holes between them. The book is based on this idea.
How do you feel after being awarded twice?
I wrote this book three or four years ago. When I reread it, I didn’t like some parts of the book. Since I knew what the story would be and how it would end, I think I wrote it aiming to fi nish each chapter without giving much detail. It’s like I focused on the destination, not the journey. But I’m proud that I fi nished such a long story.
What happens in the next book?
The characters are grown up and the theme of the story is going to be more crucial. The end of the fi rst episode is related to genetics, and so the next book will be based on that. The third one will be about mechanics.
How do you cope with the writer’s block?
I’ve never had this problem; I can always write. Inspiration comes all the times since the world never stops moving. I make each day of my life different so that I never get bored. I try to be a reader who knows nothing about the plot, thus I can make my story fresh and exciting.
Are you full-time writer now?
No, I don’t like doing just one thing all the time. I would like to be a new-generation academic—someone who is bright but can present his work or research differently, not in a boring way. Also, I would like to work in an offi ce some time since I’ve never experienced in working 9 to 5.
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