Sitting on a tree stump watching them film their last scene in the latest film .
Thanks for having me
Tells us a bit about yourself
Well, let’s see, my name is Emir. I’m 30
years old. I was actually born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and I lived
there until I was 13. Then I moved to USA with my parents and my sister. I’ve
been living in Buffalo, NY, since 2002. I’m a huge animal rights advocate, and
that’s one of the reasons I’m a vegetarian.
Besides writing, I also make films.
I’m married to an amazing woman, and my
number one supporter, Nicole. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats and they are all
rescues.
Tell us a little about your writing style
I take a cinematic approach. I guess that
comes from my experience in film. I want to make it as if the people are
reading a movie. Everything is fast paced, epic and what not. This can be both
good or bad hahaha.
Your books make people think what kind of
research do you do to get ready to write
I generally read up on a subject before I
start writing. I also listen to relevant music to get myself in the mood (for
example, extreme metal music is my forte)
Do you read your reviews and what do you
do when you get a bad one
I do read them, of course. And sure, the
bad ones get me down but that’s only for a moment. My wife is there to tell me that it’s alright
and to push through. It’s tough you know, seeing something you made get shredded,
but that’s life. The good reviews make up for it.
You are also a filmmaker . how does that
help you in writing
I see things differently. It also adds a
level of visual effect. I write my stuff extremely graphic and that comes from
my films. I like everything to be in your face kind of thing, the blood, the
body parts haha etc.
Which do you like better the film making
process or writing a book .
I’d say both. With writing, you sort of get
to push the boundaries. In books, there’s no budget. You can write whatever you
wish, however wild. The films, eh, that’s where the money comes in and that’s a
limit sometimes, your constraint.
Your films are very visual and have
really dark themes . What made you decide to do such dark horror films
I wonder this myself. I did grow up in a
war-torn country so I’d say that has something to do with it. I’m not going to
lie, I get depressed very easily, like a light switch, at which point,
everything sucks, everything is doom and gloom and all you want to do is drink
and sleep. Making such graphic films and writing the books, that’s my outlet, a
cathartic fantasy world.
How many films have you made and how are
they received with the public
Oh, damn, I’d say truly, 5 features and
about a dozen shorts. Reception varied. Some were better received than others.
You have to remember, I make them with a very loyal and tight crew but we make
them for 0, nil, zip, zero dollars. So that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But
there is a great underground indie audience that loves the films that we make.
laughing ok now back to books .
If there was one thing you could do as a
teenager to help you become a better writer / filmmaker . What would it be
Take more writing courses, forget about
everything else and just focus on writing and film workshops. I’d start
earlier. If I had the knowledge I do now, life would have been easier.
Do you hide things in your books that
people will read and go ah ha
Haha yes, occasionally. I’ll name certain
characters or say things that my cat’s friends would say (yes I made up
imaginary friends for my cat and they are all either drug addicts or con
artists) and I’d get a chuckle out of my wife.
Do you believe in writers block
Hell yeah I do hahaha It sucks, but you
push through it. Everyone has their way.
NOW FOR SOME FUN QUESTIONS
COFFEE TEA OR OTHER
Coffee runs through my veins. My body is
like a pot, then when it goes stale, it flushes through and I replenish.
FAVOURITE SNACK FOOD
Definitely Chips and salsa/cheese
ALL TIME FAVOURITE MOVIE
Definitely Gladiator
IF YOU HAD A SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE
I guess Healing Power, so I could heal all
the animals.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
This is a tough one, but definitely…don’t
give up. I have to hear this on a daily basis. Don’t give up. It’s easier said
than done, but whatever you do, don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t be stuck
living someone else’s life. Do what you love and don’t let anyone tell you you
can’t do something. Keep writing and success will follow.
and where can we stalk you at
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