Вы услышите интервью. В заданиях 3–9 запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. Прослушайте запись дважды. Пример ответа: 1 6. What was Alex’s first book? 1) A children’s book. 2) A detective short story. 3) A detective novel.

Presenter: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to our programme. Today, we continue our series of programmes about modern writers. We all love reading books, but at some point of our lives, we all feel that we can write a bestseller or that an episode of our lives can become a plot for one. That's why you like our program so much, don't you? Well, in our studio right now, we have Alex Smith, the famous writer. Good afternoon, Alex. Alex: Good afternoon. It's so nice being here. Thank you for inviting me. Presenter: Let me remind the listeners about your outstanding achievements, Alex. As far as I remember, you've written over 60 books for adults and children, as well as a variety of academic, legal texts. The best-known books you've written refer to the series about a ladies' detective agency. The latest addition to this series was published in 2018. Am I correct? Alex: Absolutely. Presenter: Well, to start with, I address all the writers I talk to one and the same question. Why do you write? Alex: Like most writers, I write because I feel that I have to. It's not exactly a compulsion, but it's quite close to that. Writing makes sense of my world, which is what most of us want to do on some level or other. Earning money is important, but most writers would still write even if they weren't paid for that. Presenter: Which novelists do you admire? Alex: I like the usual ones, the great 19th century novelists such as Tolstoy, Flaubert, and Dickens. However, I very much enjoy reading 20th century and contemporary novels too. Graham Greene was a great master. R. K. Narayan, the Indian writer who created a wonderful series of books set in a small Indian town of Magudi, is one of my great literary heroes. He is something of a miniaturist, as is Barbara Pinn, another enthusiasm of mine. Then, for a bit of humor, I greatly admire E.F. Benson. Presenter: Will you please describe the route to your first novel being published? Alex: I started as a writer of children's books. I entered a writing competition and was fortunate enough to be one of the winners. After writing numerous children's books, I started to write short stories and then progressed to writing novels. Presenter: As far as I know, you have a literary agent. Has it helped you? Alex: At a very early stage in my writing career, I acquired an agent. I was very fortunate to have Gina Green on my side, and she continued to represent me until her retirement. I then went to Caroline Walsh, who has done a wonderful job for me. A good agent is above the prize of rubies. Presenter: In what ways do you service your books? Alex: If you're fortunate enough to have your books taken up in a significant way, there is a tremendous amount to do in servicing the books. I do a lot of travelling and often attend literary festivals and other events all over the world. Although it can be quite burdensome, it is always very interesting to meet the readers and I think that is what keeps me going. Presenter: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist? Alex: I think that many novelists at the beginning of their careers spend far too much time writing and then tinkering with their first book. My advice is to write a book and then immediately go on to the next one and to the one after that. In other words, the more you write, the better you will become. Presenter: Thank you very much, Alex. It has been very interesting talking to you. Alex: My pleasure. I will be happy to come again one more time, if you wish.

Вы услышите интервью. В заданиях 3–9 запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. Прослушайте запись дважды. Пример ответа: 1 7. What does Alex say about literary agents? 1) Every writer must have one. 2) You should try to work with several agents. 3) Good agents are invaluable helpers.

Presenter: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to our programme. Today, we continue our series of programmes about modern writers. We all love reading books, but at some point of our lives, we all feel that we can write a bestseller or that an episode of our lives can become a plot for one. That's why you like our program so much, don't you? Well, in our studio right now, we have Alex Smith, the famous writer. Good afternoon, Alex. Alex: Good afternoon. It's so nice being here. Thank you for inviting me. Presenter: Let me remind the listeners about your outstanding achievements, Alex. As far as I remember, you've written over 60 books for adults and children, as well as a variety of academic, legal texts. The best-known books you've written refer to the series about a ladies' detective agency. The latest addition to this series was published in 2018. Am I correct? Alex: Absolutely. Presenter: Well, to start with, I address all the writers I talk to one and the same question. Why do you write? Alex: Like most writers, I write because I feel that I have to. It's not exactly a compulsion, but it's quite close to that. Writing makes sense of my world, which is what most of us want to do on some level or other. Earning money is important, but most writers would still write even if they weren't paid for that. Presenter: Which novelists do you admire? Alex: I like the usual ones, the great 19th century novelists such as Tolstoy, Flaubert, and Dickens. However, I very much enjoy reading 20th century and contemporary novels too. Graham Greene was a great master. R. K. Narayan, the Indian writer who created a wonderful series of books set in a small Indian town of Magudi, is one of my great literary heroes. He is something of a miniaturist, as is Barbara Pinn, another enthusiasm of mine. Then, for a bit of humor, I greatly admire E.F. Benson. Presenter: Will you please describe the route to your first novel being published? Alex: I started as a writer of children's books. I entered a writing competition and was fortunate enough to be one of the winners. After writing numerous children's books, I started to write short stories and then progressed to writing novels. Presenter: As far as I know, you have a literary agent. Has it helped you? Alex: At a very early stage in my writing career, I acquired an agent. I was very fortunate to have Gina Green on my side, and she continued to represent me until her retirement. I then went to Caroline Walsh, who has done a wonderful job for me. A good agent is above the prize of rubies. Presenter: In what ways do you service your books? Alex: If you're fortunate enough to have your books taken up in a significant way, there is a tremendous amount to do in servicing the books. I do a lot of travelling and often attend literary festivals and other events all over the world. Although it can be quite burdensome, it is always very interesting to meet the readers and I think that is what keeps me going. Presenter: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist? Alex: I think that many novelists at the beginning of their careers spend far too much time writing and then tinkering with their first book. My advice is to write a book and then immediately go on to the next one and to the one after that. In other words, the more you write, the better you will become. Presenter: Thank you very much, Alex. It has been very interesting talking to you. Alex: My pleasure. I will be happy to come again one more time, if you wish.

Вы услышите интервью. В заданиях 3–9 запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. Прослушайте запись дважды. Пример ответа: 1 8. What does Alex say about promoting his books? 1) It’s very motivating for him. 2) It’s too hard physically. 3) It’s a stress for him having to meet readers.

Presenter: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to our programme. Today, we continue our series of programmes about modern writers. We all love reading books, but at some point of our lives, we all feel that we can write a bestseller or that an episode of our lives can become a plot for one. That's why you like our program so much, don't you? Well, in our studio right now, we have Alex Smith, the famous writer. Good afternoon, Alex. Alex: Good afternoon. It's so nice being here. Thank you for inviting me. Presenter: Let me remind the listeners about your outstanding achievements, Alex. As far as I remember, you've written over 60 books for adults and children, as well as a variety of academic, legal texts. The best-known books you've written refer to the series about a ladies' detective agency. The latest addition to this series was published in 2018. Am I correct? Alex: Absolutely. Presenter: Well, to start with, I address all the writers I talk to one and the same question. Why do you write? Alex: Like most writers, I write because I feel that I have to. It's not exactly a compulsion, but it's quite close to that. Writing makes sense of my world, which is what most of us want to do on some level or other. Earning money is important, but most writers would still write even if they weren't paid for that. Presenter: Which novelists do you admire? Alex: I like the usual ones, the great 19th century novelists such as Tolstoy, Flaubert, and Dickens. However, I very much enjoy reading 20th century and contemporary novels too. Graham Greene was a great master. R. K. Narayan, the Indian writer who created a wonderful series of books set in a small Indian town of Magudi, is one of my great literary heroes. He is something of a miniaturist, as is Barbara Pinn, another enthusiasm of mine. Then, for a bit of humor, I greatly admire E.F. Benson. Presenter: Will you please describe the route to your first novel being published? Alex: I started as a writer of children's books. I entered a writing competition and was fortunate enough to be one of the winners. After writing numerous children's books, I started to write short stories and then progressed to writing novels. Presenter: As far as I know, you have a literary agent. Has it helped you? Alex: At a very early stage in my writing career, I acquired an agent. I was very fortunate to have Gina Green on my side, and she continued to represent me until her retirement. I then went to Caroline Walsh, who has done a wonderful job for me. A good agent is above the prize of rubies. Presenter: In what ways do you service your books? Alex: If you're fortunate enough to have your books taken up in a significant way, there is a tremendous amount to do in servicing the books. I do a lot of travelling and often attend literary festivals and other events all over the world. Although it can be quite burdensome, it is always very interesting to meet the readers and I think that is what keeps me going. Presenter: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist? Alex: I think that many novelists at the beginning of their careers spend far too much time writing and then tinkering with their first book. My advice is to write a book and then immediately go on to the next one and to the one after that. In other words, the more you write, the better you will become. Presenter: Thank you very much, Alex. It has been very interesting talking to you. Alex: My pleasure. I will be happy to come again one more time, if you wish.

Вы услышите интервью. В заданиях 3–9 запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. Прослушайте запись дважды. Пример ответа: 1 9. What is, in Alex’s opinion, the typical mistake of starting novelists? 1) They write too many stories at once. 2) They spend too much time on their first text. 3) They give up writing very quickly.

Presenter: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to our programme. Today, we continue our series of programmes about modern writers. We all love reading books, but at some point of our lives, we all feel that we can write a bestseller or that an episode of our lives can become a plot for one. That's why you like our program so much, don't you? Well, in our studio right now, we have Alex Smith, the famous writer. Good afternoon, Alex. Alex: Good afternoon. It's so nice being here. Thank you for inviting me. Presenter: Let me remind the listeners about your outstanding achievements, Alex. As far as I remember, you've written over 60 books for adults and children, as well as a variety of academic, legal texts. The best-known books you've written refer to the series about a ladies' detective agency. The latest addition to this series was published in 2018. Am I correct? Alex: Absolutely. Presenter: Well, to start with, I address all the writers I talk to one and the same question. Why do you write? Alex: Like most writers, I write because I feel that I have to. It's not exactly a compulsion, but it's quite close to that. Writing makes sense of my world, which is what most of us want to do on some level or other. Earning money is important, but most writers would still write even if they weren't paid for that. Presenter: Which novelists do you admire? Alex: I like the usual ones, the great 19th century novelists such as Tolstoy, Flaubert, and Dickens. However, I very much enjoy reading 20th century and contemporary novels too. Graham Greene was a great master. R. K. Narayan, the Indian writer who created a wonderful series of books set in a small Indian town of Magudi, is one of my great literary heroes. He is something of a miniaturist, as is Barbara Pinn, another enthusiasm of mine. Then, for a bit of humor, I greatly admire E.F. Benson. Presenter: Will you please describe the route to your first novel being published? Alex: I started as a writer of children's books. I entered a writing competition and was fortunate enough to be one of the winners. After writing numerous children's books, I started to write short stories and then progressed to writing novels. Presenter: As far as I know, you have a literary agent. Has it helped you? Alex: At a very early stage in my writing career, I acquired an agent. I was very fortunate to have Gina Green on my side, and she continued to represent me until her retirement. I then went to Caroline Walsh, who has done a wonderful job for me. A good agent is above the prize of rubies. Presenter: In what ways do you service your books? Alex: If you're fortunate enough to have your books taken up in a significant way, there is a tremendous amount to do in servicing the books. I do a lot of travelling and often attend literary festivals and other events all over the world. Although it can be quite burdensome, it is always very interesting to meet the readers and I think that is what keeps me going. Presenter: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist? Alex: I think that many novelists at the beginning of their careers spend far too much time writing and then tinkering with their first book. My advice is to write a book and then immediately go on to the next one and to the one after that. In other words, the more you write, the better you will become. Presenter: Thank you very much, Alex. It has been very interesting talking to you. Alex: My pleasure. I will be happy to come again one more time, if you wish.

Вы услышите интервью. В заданиях 3–9 запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа. Прослушайте запись дважды. Пример ответа: 1 3. What do we learn about Jim Snow at the beginning of the interview? 1) He has written several books. 2) His book is famous all over the world. 3) He works in a book shop.

Presenter: Hello, everyone, and welcome to our daily programme, 'The Hobby World'. Today in our studio, we have Jim Snow, whose book about digital painting hit the bookstores last week and immediately became an international bestseller. Hi, Jim! Jim: Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me. Presenter: Why did you decide to take up digital art? Jim: At first it wasn't very focused and I didn't think too much about things, like foundational art skills or whether I could earn a living as an artist. My initial reason for learning digital art was as a creative and fun activity. This in itself is a valid reason to do any form of art. Presenter: How did you get the idea of writing a book on digital painting? Jim: A few years ago, I wrote an article about the best digital painting software for beginners. It has proved the most popular article I've written for any medium. So I've decided I should write more about the subject. You see, digital painting is a huge subject and is very popular these days. Despite this, finding good beginner-level tutorials on the subject is still not that easy, unless you know where to look. When I started out painting digitally back in 2004, I learned very slowly and randomly on my own by creating personal digital artworks. Before that, I had been using traditional ways like pen and pencil because I've always liked to draw. Presenter: What software do you recommend for digital painting? Jim: Well, different types of softwares have their own particular quirks and learning curves to overcome until you can start being creative and have fun with them. My advice would be to choose one or two programmes at maximum and learn them well before trying others. This eliminates possible confusion with the learning process. Once you've learned one digital painting software well, you can usually apply the same skills to another one. What I can say from personal experience is to try different software now and then. I used to only use Coral Painter for a long time, but after I'd tried Photoshop and other programs after my art course finished, I realised what I had been missing. Ultimately, it is not the software or the fancy brushes that will make you a good artist, but the hours of focused practice you put in. Presenter: Have you ever got any negative feedback about your work? Jim: I do get some negative feedback online and offline. Once I got really discouraged with my progress and disillusioned about art in general and became a lot less inclined to upload my art. I had low confidence about art and illustration in general after being told some critical remarks by advisors at my local job centre. My family was not very supportive until much later on during the art course. In short, my motivation was lacking. So I would like to say to beginner artists that they should be wary of early criticism from complete strangers when they're starting something new, because it can be more discouraging than helpful for a beginner. Having positive feedback and encouragement from kind people is much better for motivation. Presenter: Can you give any other pieces of advice to beginner digital artists? Jim: It applies not only to artists, but to anybody who is learning a new skill. One shouldn't forget the fun factor. What kept me going with digital arts for so long was not the prospect of earning money one day, but the fun aspect in creating fantasy creatures for my stories which I used to write, and sharing art on the internet with like-minded people. It helps to cultivate personal passions and interests, and somehow use them while learning. Presenter: Thank you, Jim. Jim: Thank you.