Tony Martins wrote: My first mail to Margaret Mascarenhas was (regarding Naked Goa before it was published) whether she would be interested in editing my book Naked Goa for nothing more than a million thanks. She agreed. I made a trip to Tivim. Left the manuscript at her neighbours (she was attending a funeral) After that she tells me the cost for her editing services would be about Rs 5000/- (This despite the fact that I had duly informed her that I am a guy who is perennially broke.) And now when she talks of encouraging Goan writers, I can only wish her good luck.
Cecil Pinto:
I first encountered Margaret Mascarenhas on e-mail about three years back at the time she withdrew her column from Gomantak Times and outlined her reasons for doing so in a public posting. I disagreed with her and we had a long and protracted (and very hostile) private debate by e-mail, at the end of which we hated each others guts - but became friends. A few months later she invited me to attend a Creative Writing Workshop she was conducting at Fundacao Oriente. I attended this 4 day workshop and came away impressed by the way she facilitated a totally professional and efficient workshop, and illuminated us on many aspects of the Creative Writing process. In the years since I have interacted often with Margaret and quite regularly ask her for advice on my writing or certain intricacies of the English language and she has always obliged most gracefully, even at times when she was not keeping in good health. Agreed that Margaret is not the easiest person in the world to get along with but I can vouch for the fact that she does indeed do a lot towards encouraging Goan writers. And I know many other Goan writers who have benefited from her advice.
Tony's peeve with her is obviously at a different level. Maybe Margaret got pissed off at Tony's "the-world-should-support-and-encourage-me-even-if-I'm-nasty" attitude. I don't blame her for that.
---------
Tony Martins: For the cover Mario Miranda promised me the moon and the stars. What I got finally was a sweet advice. "Why don't you check some good artists, I am moving to Brazil. Will be back only after three months." We certainly need to encourage Goan writers.
Cecil Pinto:
A year back I was assisting Jose Lourenco package his Information Cards box and we asked Mario Miranda to help us out with a few illustrations. Mario was so enthused by the project that he also read each and every of the Information Cards and gave us a lot of accurate information and advice, all for free. He even drew a few illustrations for the box and gave us blanket permission to use some other of his other existing cartoons - again all for free! Agreed Mario is a busy man and we had to make quite a few trips to his house before we got the illustrations. But then interacting with Mario is always a pleasure. I have encountered Mario in other matters too (regarding printing) and it has always been pleasant dealing with such a kind hearted 'gentleman'.
By trying to use a public forum such as this to discredit Margaret Mascarenhas and Mario Miranda, Tony has proven that he does not know that dirty linen should not be washed in public. In future when he condemns any other person publicly I will ignore his shrill voice as it is obvious Tony carries some massive chip of disgruntlement on his shoulder and thinks he can take pot shots at public forums such as this. All he ends up doing is exposing his own weakness.
Which also brings me to another point. Tony is not alone in this "I-want-mine-free-and-fast-as-I-am-a-Goan" attitude. Remo must play free for the fundraising concert for my book. Margaret must edit it free. Mario must illustrate it immediately. Why? Because I am a fellow Goan. Bah! If someone decides to give his/her services free for a good cause then well and good, but if someone refuses we have no right to condemn that person. Everyone has to make a living. Not just you.
Of recent I hear many Goan writers wailing that they get no encouragement and support from fellow Goans. Build a better mousetrap my friend and the world, not just Goans, will beat a path to your doorstep. Don't demand that they have to support you. Nobody owes you a living.
I have a copy of Silviano Barbosa's book "The Sixth Night" but have not yet found time to read it. My wife Beatrice though picked it up and started reading it just out of curiosity. She soon got quite engrossed in the story and is nearly halfway through the book. Beatrice says that Silviano has painted a credible picture of the Goa of old in a captivating story. I'm getting quite jealous that she keeps raving about the language and story and information in the book to me all the while *chuckle*.
"Hello! I'm your husband. I write too you know. How come you never rave about my writing? Huh?"
My prediction, from just observing these reactions, is that Silviano's book will outsell all his expectations. I have met him in person and found him quite a pleasant and enthusiastic person. Silviano is a gentleman. He does not rant and wail about not getting support. He does not condemn those who might not have helped as enthusiastically as he wanted. He does nothing of that sort. He just writes an excellent well researched book and launches it. The rest will follow.
Silviano gets support without expecting or 'demanding' it. By his good writing and his good nature. I wish him the best of luck. Silviano definitely has many well wishers and supporters. So does anyone who has something good to offer and speaks politely.
Cheers!
Cecil ====
