Featured Interview With Arthur van den Elzen
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the south of Holland, better said in the Netherlands (in 1964). The 4th of five children my parents set on this planet, 4 boys and 1 girl. Through my studies I did my thesis in Riobamba, Ecuador, working at an educational radiostation. After finishing college (or University, as they say in Europe) I worked in that field for almost 7 years in Ecuador, followed by 3 years in Guatemala.
In 2003 I returned to Ecuador, with my wife Wendy and our daughter Lisa. Nowadays we run a hotel and restaurant in the Andean market town of Otavalo. Besides that, I do a lot of reading and writing.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was fascinated by books from a very young age, although I have to admit that when still young I preferred to go out and play soccer with my brothers and friends. That said, I felt one day I would meet up with my book fascination and that happened when I went for 6 months to do my thesis in Riobamba, Ecuador. Of a sudden, at night, I had all the time in the world to read and write.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I prefer History & Biographies. Non fiction books about the old civilizations like the Maya-civilization. As well as books about the Second World War, the Vietnam War, Europe, the USA, Latin America (especially Mexico), Exploration, Travel (James Cook, Von Humboldt).
The best book I ever read is Jose Luis Martinez’ “Hernán Cortés” (only in Spanish), followed by Robert A. Caro’s biography (4 volumes..so far) about Lyndon B. Johnson and Janet Browne’s 2 volume set about Charles Darwin. Amazing books, inspiring authors.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book I wrote in honor of my father. On his death bed in 2011 he literally asked me to put his remarkable life story on paper. He knew I was interested in the past, his past. Even as a young boy I was always asking question. And besides that, he was the proudest costumer and seller of my books I had written so far (in Dutch). Of all the stories written, I’m the proudest of this book. An honor really.
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Arthur van den Elzen Facebook Page
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