Peter Gončar

What was your favorite book as a child?

I don't remember having the only favourite. There was definitely a book about gnomes, with a very vivid and detailed description of their world. And there was a series of encyclopedias for kids on different subjects, also with a lot of details.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I think there was no reason or motivation. It was rather natural, a flow. It was in my teen years when I started to try to express my thoughts and/or feelings on paper and when I was quite disappointed in what I ended up with. Then I wanted to become better at this. But again, these were just minor “technical” issues in this big creative process. Now, looking back, I see that it was not me who chose to write, but that I was simply born for doing this, for expressing my thoughts and emotions, and those images that appear in my mind in this particular way.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I believe that living life adventurously is living life to the fullest. And I am always eager to do so. Again, I think there is not just one, the most adventurous thing. There are some. Like, proposing to my now wife the second time I saw her (we’re happily married for 10 years now). Or going to live in China without any guarantees that it will work (and those 1.5 years were like getting a new home). Or going exploring wilder places in the Polish Tatra mountains/remote peninsula in Vietnam/rocky beach in Portugal to find absolutely breathtaking views or to encounter wild animals. Basically, the most adventurous thing was always about having faith to be bold.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

If I clearly remember it was only once. Or maybe twice. And only because at that particular moment I was inspired to do so. So usually I don't. I suppose it’s about immersion. If I listen to music, I listen to music, it can’t be a simple background, I'm actively listening to it, enjoying, feeling. If I write, I write completely, all me, I'm totally invested in the process. Anyway, it’s a really good question to ponder on.