One of Malta’s contemporary song writer, concept creator and author Gerard James Borg said that the one thing creative people must not do is not to be afraid to pursue their goals. Having experienced rejection early on in his wildly successful career, Borg urges others not to be deterred.
The author of best seller ‘Sliema Wives,’ is due to release his next book – Madliena Married Men - which promises to be an enthralling, intriguing, and entertaining read set around the luxurious surroundings of Madliena with some “very interesting characters”. After having written his first book, and all the success that came with it, Borg has used his experience and creative expertise in bringing us yet another gripping novel.
He has an impressive track record as a creative writer –among other successes – having penned five of the Maltese entries for the Eurovision song contest with Philip Vella, as well as having co-written ‘Shine’ which represented Russia in the 2014 Eurovision song contest. Borg has also written songs for several national finals in other countries such as France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Greece, Iceland, Bulgaria and Romania.
Fashion and design
Borg’s creative prowess in fashion and design has earned him two international features in two major fashion publications, which included a front cover in Germany. Having always been creatively minded, Borg’s first ambition in life was to be a fashion designer. Ironically, it was his initial rejection from a Maltese publication that led him to get in touch with the international style magazine Burda. When the design’s he sent to a local publication rejected him he said “I won’t stand for this” which led him to succeed in getting a front cover as well as a two page feature, which is why he firmly believes that people should not abandon their goals.
Writing
Writing was always one of Borg’s passions and by the young age of 16 he had already completed two books. He set his ambitions on writing songs for the Eurovision song contest and found success on multiple occasions, especially as one of the co-writers whose song gave Malta its first top placing result (2nd). Borg is the author of best seller ‘Sliema Wives,’ which peaked at number one after one week of its release.
On the idea behind the book, Borg said that he wanted to write something that he would enjoy reading himself. He said that the book is based in Malta because this is something we do not really find, a lot of novels are based in major cities around the world. In this way a Maltese reader, or a reader who is familiar with the island and its idiosyncrasies, can build a clearer picture of the events that transpire in the book.
Turning to the creative process behind the book, Borg said that he started by developing a rough plot line, which is where he got the idea of ‘Sliema Wives’ as both a concept as well as a title. The idea was that the novel would be an exciting mix – drama/thriller/humour -and wildly entertaining. He also said that the book has a very personal touch as it incorporates his humour which comes in the form of sarcasm.
In response to what inspired him when he was developing the characters of the book, Borg said “I’ve been inspired by the many people I come across, and other characters I heard about from friends. People are the best inspiration.” He also jokingly revealed that some of the more humorous parts of the story “have been inspired by true life events.”
On the subject of whether Borg has mused about turning the book into a series or possibly a film, Borg explained that he has been approached in the past and was not ready, but that today the idea certainly appeals to him.
Feedback for ‘Sliema Wives’
Feedback for his book was “extremely positive”, he proudly exclaimed. Borg said that he actually had people in public approaching him to let him know just how much they loved his bookbesides a large quantity of Facebook messages. Borg even recounted one happy instance when a man left him a message to say that he saw Borg at a restaurant the previous night but was too shy to come over, congratulated him on the book and also told him to let him know if another book is in the works.
One of the most unexpected outcomes from writing his book was the influx of positive feedback Borg has received from men who have read ‘Sliema Wives’. Borg was pleasantly surprised on one occasion when a lawyer he was having a casual chat with voiced his delight with the book.
Borg excitedly explained how the feedback received from various male readers felt all the more “special” because he was not expecting it in the slightest. “I expected it from the ladies, and that came in abundance, but I was genuinely surprised when guys voiced their praise.”
Process behind creating a concept
Borg said that when he created a concept for a book he starts with developing a plot line, through this he is able to structure his ideas in a more clear way. He went on to say that he loves “twists” in any story; therefore incorporating them in his book was a must. “It’s always good to keep the reader interested, and this must be kept in mind whether writing a song or a story,” explained Borg.
Family background and support
Turning to family support in pursuing creative ambitions, Borg said that his “mum is on the creative side of life but[his] father was not.” He continued by throwing light on the fact that back when he was a teenager, parents tended to encourage their children to take up professions such as becoming a doctor or a lawyer. He said that his parents “never discouraged” him from pursuing his creative aspirations; however they did convey a certain level of apprehension. Borg said that he understood their uncertainty, but that “I always did what I wanted to do,” never letting the uncertainty of those around him interfere with his goals in life.
These days Borg gets a lot of support from his mother, bouncing ideas off her as well as seeking advice.
Marketing
Turning to the importance of marketing, as a brand PR representative for a global skincare company in travel retail, Borg said that it is important to understand the way people perceive and identify with a product. He continued by saying that when he is working on a product, it is important for him to market the product using his own vision, he said that there are always going to be people who like his work and unfortunately dislike his work. “Criticism has come in all forms, some destructively and some constructively, you can’t win them all,” said Borg, which is why it is important to create something in your own vision, the way you are comfortable and happy doing it.
“What you see is what you get with me”
He said that he is an extremely straightforward person; always being true to himself which he believes is a quality that is appreciated by his friends and family.
Borg concluded his interview by urging all budding artists and creative minded people not to abandon their goals.
“There will be people along the way who will probable discourage you and close doors on you, but you will learn from that and become stronger. There were things that have not worked out for me but today I understand that they were not meant to happen, the important thing is never to give up.”
The official Facebook page for Gerard’s new book will be launched today, and will give us a very small taste of what’s to come in the coming weeks….