OMNIPOTENT WRITER

Azerbaijani science fiction writer, journalist, and publicist, renowned for his captivating science fiction works, Alexander Khakimov harbours a profound aspiration—to delve into the exploration of extraterrestrial life. Contrary to traditional space-bound endeavours, Khakimov envisions unravelling the mysteries of life not in distant galaxies but within the enigmatic depths of the world's oceans. Fuelled by his boundless creativity and vivid imagination, the writer embarks on a quest to decipher life's enigmas through his intricate narratives. In his literary endeavours, Alexander Shamilyevich intricately weaves tales that illuminate profound truths using fantastical imagery and imaginative storytelling.

"When asked about your best book, you mention 'the last one.' Could you share more about your latest work, All Quiet in Baghdad?"

"I often say that my best book is the one I have yet to write. Regarding my recent release, All Quiet in Baghdad, published by the St. Petersburg-based Chetyre publishing house, it delves into the genre of "autofiction." This collection narrates personal anecdotes from my experiences and those of my friends, all rooted in reality. These narratives depart from traditional fiction. The core essence of the book emphasizes resilience, self-possession, and compassion amidst adversity. The overarching message urges individuals to maintain composure in challenging times, akin to affirming, All Quiet in Baghdad, emerging from wreckage to continue living purposefully. Drawing from personal encounters, I convey a resounding belief that imagination can illuminate even mundane routines, infusing everyday life with vibrancy. One standout piece from the collection is Martian Coffee, illustrating how a simple cup of coffee brewed amid the backdrop of Martian winds can transform into a sensory delight."

"Your works have been published in Russia and Israel, yet you choose to reside in Azerbaijan. Have you ever contemplated relocating, as many creatives of your era have done?"

"The thought of moving elsewhere has never crossed my mind. Baku holds a special place in my heart; it resonates as a cherished home. Despite facing tumultuous periods that nearly overwhelmed me, prompting thoughts of seeking refuge abroad, I remained steadfast in my attachment to Baku. While my temperament might have accommodated various locales overseas, I opted to remain rooted here and set Baku as the backdrop for most of my literary creations. However, it's essential to note that my portrayal of Baku is grounded in the city's past glory rather than its present state. I refrain from passing judgment on those who departed; each individual navigates their unique life journey—a diverse tapestry woven by personal choices and circumstances. May divine providence guide us all, irrespective of our paths."

"How do you discern an exceptional contemporary literary work? Where do you draw the line between authentic writing and excessive prolificacy?"

"In today's landscape, traditional distinctions between writers and graphomaniacs have become increasingly nebulous, if not entirely obsolete. Amid a torrent of literary output, where nearly everyone writes and publishes, discerning quality amidst a sea of raw, unrefined content poses a formidable challenge. The conventional litmus test—time—loses its efficacy as contemporary authors vie for recognition within a saturated market. The delineation between literary merit and excess becomes blurred as mass readership consumes content indiscriminately, often mistaking mediocrity for excellence. Notably, the advent of the internet fails to guarantee visibility; merely posting work online does not ensure acknowledgment. The onus lies on garnering attention amidst the digital cacophony. This predicament is not novel; Jack London's Martin Eden underscores similar struggles despite an era devoid of modern conveniences like the internet. Today's literary landscape hinges on chance encounters—a roulette where brilliance may languish unnoticed while opportunistic endeavours gain undue prominence through strategic promotion."

"There is a concept of ethics in journalism. How does this translate to writers - what are the boundaries when it comes to expression?"

"Ethics, as a universal code, has become mythical over time. Today, the range of permissible expression in writing is vast, eclipsing traditional constraints. I am alarmed by the graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and gratuitous details prevalent in works by acclaimed authors. The normalization of such themes bewilders me. While readers may consume such content willingly, literary critics' analytical endorsements of such narratives are perplexing. If there exists a writerly ethics, it resides within each author's conscience, as every writer's moral compass varies."

"What constitutes the essence of a successful literary creation? Is it the plot, character development, or something else that defines a book's triumph?"

"In my view, a writer's ultimate goal, echoing the teachings of my mentor Boris Strugatsky, lies in evoking empathy through characters. While plot, imagery, language, and overarching themes are pivotal, character relatability remains paramount. A book finds success when it captivates not only readers but also engrosses the author in its narrative."

"Which literary genre captivates you the most, and are there genres you would eschew?"

"Science fiction has been my enduring passion from youth to present. While I am open to exploring diverse genres—embodying the adage "a writer must possess versatility"—I hold reservations toward horror and conventional fantasy. Horror delves into base instincts, while fantasy often follows predictable trajectories. Lately, I've found solace in crafting plotless narratives akin to Movism, an experimental style pioneered by Valentin Kataev."

"How do creative individuals fare in competitions? Does competition foster growth or pose challenges for sensitive creators?"

"Participation in contests offers opportunities for creative individuals, albeit with nuanced outcomes. Judging criteria in competitions may lack refinement, echoing Ecclesiastes' wisdom on the unpredictability of success. The resilience of a "thin-boned creator" amidst adversity determines their trajectory. Each must weigh their response to setbacks, ensuring that setbacks do not erode self-assurance or stifle creativity. As for myself, I have outgrown the competitive arena; it is time to savor achievements sans contestations."

"Do accolades and fame matter to you, or do you subscribe to the notion that being famous is not nice?"

"Navigating the literary realm necessitates a delicate balance between acclaim and obscurity. In today's commercial literary landscape, fame holds intrinsic value. Unlike the past era of the USSR where recognition was independent of market dynamics, contemporary success hinges on visibility. Notably, renowned authors like Stephen King or Victor Pelevin garner wider readership compared to lesser-known counterparts. Public relations efforts primarily focus on cultivating, sustaining, and amplifying renown. While I acknowledge the evolving perception of titles and accolades in our society, remnants of reverence towards such distinctions persist, shaping public perception. Titles and awards, though somewhat diminished in significance, still carry weight within certain cultural contexts. Anatole France aptly defended his affinity for accolades, emphasizing their role in safeguarding creative work."

"What can readers anticipate from you in the near future?"

"My teacher Boris Nathanovich Strugatsky, as mentioned earlier, instructed us, his seminar students, in the following manner: "Never say 'I do' or 'I will do.' Say only 'I did.' In other words, do not express intentions; demonstrate outcomes. I concur with his advice.

"However, I would like to share my dream without causing any disappointment. I have a desire to someday write about my unfulfilled aspiration. Due to my deep interest in science fiction, as a child half a century ago, I aspired to become an exobiologist - a scientist who studies extraterrestrial life. Back then, the achievements in space exploration were so promising that it felt like we were on the brink of discovering living organisms on Mars or Venus. Yet, reality proved to be far more complex. Time was ticking away. As a teenager, I redirected my focus towards exploring the depths of the world's oceans. The oceanic depths are just as inhospitable to humans as outer space, requiring aquanauts to rely on spacesuits, manned vessels, robots, and encountering incredibly fantastical creatures that dwell in the dark abyss - more astonishing than fiction! This underwater world is the true enigmatic alien planet, not located in some distant space but right here beside us! I began preparing myself for a career as an oceanographer. Despite facing numerous obstacles, I tenaciously pursued my goal and came close to achieving it. Unfortunately, my plans were shattered by the upheaval of perestroika and the collapse of the USSR. Nevertheless, the dream persisted, especially considering the potential discovery of life in the subglacial oceans of Jupiter and Saturn's moons in the foreseeable future. I even hold hope of witnessing this momentous event. This is what I aspire to write about - a narrative devoid of a conventional storyline yet encompassing recollections of past and present Baku, childhood memories, friendships and rivalries, familial relationships, beloved literature and television programs, moments of joy and hardship, times of peace and conflict, comparisons between space and ocean exploration, interactions between humans and animals. To avoid creating a chaotic account, I envision weaving together a tapestry of plans, reminiscences, and contemplations. With two centuries of life experience and witnessing a myriad of events, I possess an abundance of material. However, crafting such a book, despite its lack of a linear plot, will be a challenging and time-consuming endeavour."