Miško, what is your life philosophy - wisdom - that helps you on your journey through life?
To never give up. I often remind myself of those words, especially when I am going through a difficult time. I'm sure everyone goes through some trials in life, and that's why we need each other's encouragement.
And what is your encouragement?
It's definitely a family. It's mostly the people who can put a smile on my face and fuel my veins when I can't cope or am frustrated.
What does humour mean to you, and how often do you decorate your day with it?
Humour is something that can lighten up any situation. I like a joke that captures people's minds. Of course, humour cannot solve everything, but it is still very important in life.
You have a disease called spinal muscular atrophy (a genetic, progressive disease that affects patients' ability to walk, eat and eventually breathe). Is it possible to lead a fulfilled and happy life with this disease?
A happy life can be led in every situation. I don't think the condition is to be healthy or rich. It's all about how we set our minds and who we step out on our journey with. Ultimately, what do we consider happiness?
So what does happiness mean to you?
Happiness is something magical, hidden deep within us, that brings us the colour of everyday life. Happiness is not to be taken for granted, but if we accidentally lose it along the way, it can be found if we reopen the door of our childlike joy.
15 years ago you fell unconscious and were put on a breathing machine. This new "friend" - as you call it - has remained with you to this day. The doctors warned you that you would not be able to go anywhere with this machine and would only be able to live in a confined space at home. How did their prediction turn out in reality?
When they hooked me up to the machine, I had it in me to wonder if I would ever see the world beyond the outer walls again. The doctors' prognosis caused panic and fear in me. But my mom immediately reassured me that we would figure something out so we could go outside. And when we did, the doctors were amazed and even lectured me about the life I was living with the device. I have seen and walked many places and hope to visit many more.
Despite your health limitations, you love to travel and get to know cities, people and places. What really stuck in your heart on those "wanderings", what or who was special for you on those trips?
I like to get to know the culture, the sights and the people. I always look forward to trying new foods. We all have a uniqueness about us and I always try to take the positive from a country.
I have been to Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and other cities. I tried different coffees, dishes and delicacies, but the one I enjoyed the most was the cheeks at Pohlreich's, I got it as a Christmas present. My illness taught me humility and gratitude. For some people these may be mundane things, but for me they are rare.
What does creativity mean to you?
Creativity is something that is connected to our soul. It can transform our hidden talents into something real. For me, to create means that I have given space for my inner self to speak.
Through what are You interceding?
When I listen to music, I see images and turn them into lyrics. Or I put my experiences in the book to make the story more interesting.
When did the first "writerly" hints appear in you and what was the first thing you wrote?
It was in high school when I got back into reading books again. That's when it really took off for me, but the first hints of it were in elementary school when I was writing short stories.
What were you writing about in those short stories back then?
I was writing about a hospital environment and it all had such a humorous touch. I have no idea if it would have that effect on others. I had a good time reading it at the time and that was the important thing for me.
How do you choose the topics of your books?
I would rather say that the topics choose me. A certain idea for a book gets stuck in my head. If it stays there for at least a year in a burgeoning form, then I'll get started and all it takes is a little patience to finish.
When you write your books, you sometimes describe ordinary things, like when a person walks, trips, or cycles..... how do you manage to describe it when you've never experienced it yourself?
When writing a book, I close my eyes and try to picture the thing in my mind. And that's also why I write mostly fantasy and science fiction, because if I don't know what to do, I can make something up. That's also why my books are, as some have called them, specific. They're my own take on something I've never experienced in my life.
Your newest book, your sixth book, "Ida and her unknown journey", is currently out in the world.Tell us how you managed to publish it, what is the book about and who is it for?
I was able to publish the book mainly thanks to the great people who supported my project on StartLab. Thanks to that, I was able to start my own publishing house and get my sixth book out into the world. I would say that the book "Ida and her unknown journey" is for everyone. It's a fairy tale that takes the reader back to childhood.
The main character is Ida Kralovič, an eleven-year-old orphan who works in an inn. Its owner, Lojzo, makes her life hell. She would like to escape somewhere, but she is prevented from escaping by the living labyrinth that is all around her. Ida can't get through the maze alone, she needs the help of someone who knows the way. One day a hornet "Igor the Great" visits the inn and brings hope into her life. The magical story intertwines human values with emotions that are subtly spiced with a dose of humour.
Which of your literary works means something more to you, something special?
It's definitely the book "Who are you?" It's my most personal story, in which I also describe my own experiences with fear.
Tell us a bit more about the book.
In it I offer something that may be reality for one and only fantasy for another. First and foremost, it is a story that is about the journey and facing fear. A fear that knows you and knows exactly where to push. It will suck you in to the last drop and then try to devour you. In the meantime, there is only one question in your head. Who are you? Fear often tells us different things in our heads, and in the book I try to bring us closer to the struggle that every human being experiences.
How do you perceive the current world and the mood in our society?
Since I can't speak out loud without a device, I listen more. So my message is, try listening longer than talking. You might be less angry.
What can listening give a person? What can enrich him, what can silence teach him, soothe him?
First of all, silence is good for helping a person to think through what they want to say. Perhaps in this way he can avoid misunderstandings and avoid hurting himself.
What do you think would help people - to be more human. To be more human?
Stop worrying about other people's lives. Let's try to live our own life. Let's bring more good deeds and expect nothing in return. We can only be more human if we spend time with family and friends.
In recent days, I've realised how often we unnecessarily look at our mobiles even when watching a simple film. I too pay too much attention to the computer, but it's rare for me to have a lively conversation and then I listen to every single word. I think time spent with people is important in many ways. We are able to slow down, take in the present and pick up something precious at the same time.
Recently we organized the ART OF SLOVAKIA creative festival to promote creativity and humanity. The main theme was "love and peace". Do you live your life in love and peace?
I'm a peaceful person, as I don't move (laughs). I live life to the fullest in love, because this emotion exists in many wonderful forms. Let us love each other and tolerate each other, only that is the guarantee of peace.
