AN INTERVIEW: CULTURAMAS

I started writing fiction when I was quite young. I won the Miss Booker Prize for Literature through my school when I was 8, and wrote my first short story in fifth grade. I was completely romanced by the two fully realized characters who had somehow flown through me. I also kept a “diary that wrote back” with my best friend during high school. I learnt how to write for the reader during that experience. I was hooked from then on.

What inspired you to write The Beginning of an Inexplicable Journey?

An independent publisher in Sydney inspired me to write Inexplicable. When I was 19, I was asked to send something to a magazine called MARK. That piece of writing was published alongside an acclaimed author from my home town named Tim Winton. The publisher then called me personally and insisted on publishing more. His encouragement kept me going. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Why poetry?

My father has both read, written and supplied me with poetry for the entirety of my life. Whether through esoteric song lyrics (Leo Kottke) esoteric poets (e.e. cummings) or popularly inspiring passages (Martin Luther King, Eckhardt Tolle, Werner Erhard) he invigorated my interest in poetry. My father also opened the realm of quantum physics and cosmology to me, which I found hugely poetic. These influences have all played a great part in the development of my work.

How was the process to build Paper Castle Press?

It was and has been a natural, organic process. Each step presents itself as it needs to. I am also incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a number of talented people who have each wanted to contribute in some way. I work with editors, book designers, graphic designers, illustrators and writers from all over the world. They are phenomenal beings.

How you decide to pick the stories will be publish at Paper Castle Press?

I pick the stories I like to read. I believe that if I like something, there’s a good chance someone else will, too. We must always do what we believe in – I write what I want to read and re-read what I want to publish.

How Paper Castle Press lives everyday?

Moment by moment! I aim to post a blog post every week, unless something incredibly exciting happens. I’m of the belief that less is more. That quality is more substantial than quantity. I’m interested in longevity more than sensationalism.

By the way, which is the formula to survive as an independent publishing company?

I’d love to know, too! I learn through experience, through the experience of my desires presenting themselves, as well as through the experience of making mistakes and reaching for goals. There is such an overflow of information freely available today, and more will arrive tomorrow – one can learn almost anything with a few considered google searches, I’ve found.

What do you think about the literary marketing style that some publishers are using right now, aggressive, if instead sale a book, they offer another product, without privilege the content?

Yes, this is something I’ve always found bewildering. Many bookshops today seem filled with flash-fiction and glossy books about cats. I have nothing against cats nor flash-fiction. The surplus of those materials encourages me to take the other road. I have found it to be true too that in this technological age, people like to touch, hold, and own things that are textural and time honored.

Which consequences do you think the market currently have for the independent publishers?

I believe that with the shift towards ever more convenient ways to conduct our lives over the internet, without face to face time, as well as doing away with paper and with memory (which we have mostly outsourced to our phones and computers), we will increasingly cherish physical hand-crafted items over time. Independent publishers have less capital to throw at projects, so they are obliged to have more creativity when designing, producing and marketing a book. It’s much like the film industry. Indie films tend to trump blockbusters in terms of creative content and cult appeal.

How do you feel to be the sister of one of the most professional worldwide talented models?

I feel great. She’s amazing.

Do you have some writers that inspire you?

Yes, I have been very influenced by Henry Miller, Rainer Maria Rilke, and the poets Mary Jo Bang, and Mary Oliver.

Have you read some Spaniard or Latin American poets?

My mother gave me Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera, when I was young. Pablo Neruda is a great favourite of mine. Sonnet XVII is one of my all time favorites.

How´s a normal day in the life of Sophe Ward, and how you divide your time between your literary career and model management?

I stopped modeling full time when I started Paper Castle Press. I now model on a job-by-job basis, especially when work comes directly to me through friends or readers. A normal day in my life always begins with an hour of yoga in the morning, before a number of hours in front of my computer screen, answering emails and either completing, beginning or progressing on writing projects. I listen to a lot of music, and I like to cook and drink tea during the day. I always aim to take a walk before sunset, or to visit friends for dinner or a drink. My husband and I drive to our house in the country for long weekends.

Which are your hobbies?

I love to paint, especially with oils. I love to cook and host dinner parties. I want to learn to ride horses, and I’ve always loved dogs, rabbits, and making collages with images from art, fashion, and architecture or interior design magazines.

Which are your dreams?

I dream of seeing my work come to life on screen, directed by Wes Anderson or Michel Gondry. I dream of having free and happy children who will travel with myself and my husband all around the world while he achieves his goals as a musician, and while I achieve mine as an author and filmmaker. I dream of writing all day, of expressing my creativity relentlessly with the world.

Are your satisfied with your achievements until now?

Yes, I am. I am very proud of the fact that I wrote, designed, hand-bound and continue to sell my work through a publishing company of my own creation which I love and believe in. I love being my own boss in that arena. I am proud of the fact that I found my love after so many long years, and that we were married within 5 months of meeting each other. We put our wedding together in 7 months, and it was very magical. I’m also proud of the Salon style dinner parties we put on together every month, which bring people together in such great energy. We always have amazing feedback.

How do you want to be remembered?

I intend to be remembered as myself – a woman of joy. I’d like to be remembered as a woman who reflected beauty back to the world; who encouraged others to follow their bliss; who contributed objects of lasting value; and who loved unconditionally, with health and happiness, until her last earthly breath.

What´s next for Paper Castle Press?

I am putting together a second book of my own to be released through Paper Castle Press. In fact, there are a few books lined up. We will release them in due time.

What´s next for Sophie Ward?

I’m working on a fiction novel, for likely adaption to screen, as well as a non-fiction work with two other women, in which we explore the shadow side of the beauty industry.

Finally, do you think life itself is the Beginning of an Inexplicable Journey?

Of course! We are always beginning. It will always be inexplicable. It is always a journey. The key is to enjoy the quest you have chosen. Every new moment is a miracle.