This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Dazzling Dezmond

       Today I want to showcase my favorite news source from the entertainment world, Dazzling Dezmond, the Hollywood Spy.   If you haven't met Dezz yet then you must visit his site today and often, especially if you are a fan of the movies and want to know what's coming in the worlds of the Silver Screen and the television screen.


Dezmond's birthday is next week, April 12.  Be sure to wish
him a Happy Birthday!

Who is Dezmond?

        Dezmond lives and works in the peaceful and hardworking regions of Vojvodina, Central Europe, in the ancient city of Subotica where opposites merge into one realm – fertile fields, lush plains and rich vineyards together with luxurious mansions and palaces from the old days of the Hapsburg monarchy.


       He has an MA in English language and literature, and he has worked as a teacher and a professor for a few years before moving into the world of publishing. For almost four years now, Dezmond has worked as a book translator, translating worldwide bestsellers for the readers in Serbia. He has translated around 20 books so far.


       He is also a psychologist, a fashion and interior designer, a journalist, and vegetarian cook and a cake baker (you can check out his cakes at Dezz in the Kitchen.)


        He uses his HOLLYWOOD SPY website as a form of a psychotherapy, as a wonderful way to relax after a hard working day and daily duties by entering the world of films, TV and music and by chatting with friends from all over the world who share his love for imaginative movies, talented actors and above all positive energy.



"I also never read CATCHER IN THE RYE, which might or might not sound strange, since I'm a professor of English literature, but I have a tendency of not reading trendy books, and Salinger's book has always been extremely trendy among the teens. I have a notion I wouldn't like it. While my friends, back when I was teen, were reading Salinger, I was reading Russian classics, and now I just don't have time"  (A comment Dezz left when I was discussing the J.D. Salinger classic in one of my blog posts a while back.)


On Translating Books:

Lee:   Concerning the books you have translated so far, what kind of books have they been and from which languages? Which have been the biggest sellers in the country they were originally published? Which were the biggest sellers in Serbia?
Dezz:   I usually translate worldwide bestsellers, mostly from USA and UK, but I've also worked on novels from India, China, Ireland, Germany, Australia ... Some of the books I translated include the intriguing smash hit JESUS PAPER by famous Michael Baigent, which was also the best selling book in Serbia where it had numerous editions; then there's the magnificent book WOLF TOTEM - Jiang Rong's  Man Booker Prize winning saga which took 30 years in making. I also did Glen Cooper's world wide hit THE BOOK OF SOULS and THE LIBRARY OF DEAD and John Stack's ancient Rome saga SHIP OF ROME and CAPTAIN OF ROME, William Gladstone's THE TWELVE, Beatrice Colin's THE LUMINOUS LIFE OF LILLY APHRODITE. Last year's bestseller TIGER HILLS by Sarita Mandana, the famous sf classic STARSHIP TROOPERS by Heinlein, and many others. All of these books, and others, have scored a success with Serbian readers too.
 
Lee:  What types of books are most popular in Serbia? Which English language authors are most popular in Serbia?
Dezz:  Unfortunately, it is mostly what we call a chick lit, easy-reading books written mostly for female readers who represent 90% of book buyers in Serbia. Thus, some writers like Nora Jones or Candace Bushnell are popular here as well, but it's interesting that Nobel Prize winners are also popular here along with some other quality authors like Khaled Hosseini, Orhan Pamuk, Paulo Coelho etc. Fantasy writers also have their fans - Tolkien, Stephen King, R.R.Martin .   Serbian Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric is also still very popular almost 40 years after his death, and domestic writers usually sell many more books here than the foreign ones. 
 
Lee:  What are some books that you would like to translate in the future?
Dezz:  I've been dying to translate some of the popular fantasy or epic sagas which are popular around the world. I was very close to translating MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, VAMPIRE DIARIES, WIZARD'S FIRST RULE, THE OWLS OF GA'HOOLE, but those deals didn't work out. But my publisher is on the look-out and I'm sure Dezz will go epic sooner or later :) 
 
Lee:   Do you ever see yourself writing your own book and if so, what might you like to write?
Dezz:  ...well, first of all I'd like to say that in order to translate a book you must be a writer or at least have writing talent. It is not a mechanical or automatic job, which means it requires people who also know how to write themselves. Beside translating the words and sentences, we also have to feel the book and transmit its soul and essence into another language by choosing the right terms, the right style, the right atmosphere, the right vocabulary, by trying to translate the emotions, humor and messages that a book carries in itself. It's not an easy task, and it requires a lot of responsibility, dedication and above all it requires a very wide knowledge of pretty much everything. If you don't have knowledge as a translator, you are likely to make mistakes and misinterpret the original meaning (this means that for a historical book we need to know history, geography, religion; for a  scifi one we need to know our physics, biology, astronomy; for modern books we need to be updated with all the current events, trends, etc...).   
       And I'm not just talking about knowledge of language, but about culture, history, and everything else which appears in stories. This is why books which have a lot of cultural terms are difficult to translate.  So when you are writing a book, you might want to consider whether you want to write locally or internationally. If you fill your book with local places, local streets, local people, local products and other things known mostly in your culture, town or country it's very unlikely that you will ever get translated and that you will ever become a world-wide popular writer. 
      And I'm choosing to remain silent on your above question :) 
But if your readers have any questions related to translating books they may leave them in comments and I will be glad to give them answers. 
 
Lee:  You seem to have so many interests and do so much:  What is your secret of time management?
Dezz:   The secret is in living for what you love, working in what you love, and breathing in what you love :) If there's love there's always enough time as well. And we must always have in mind our personal mission. If the mission is to make people happy and fill them with positive energy and inspiration by translating a great book for them, by teaching them language, by baking them a great cake, by designing a great living space or some outfit for them, or by solving their psychological problems or by informing them on latest film news... then there's always  enough time for everything, because you never grow tired and you never feel exhausted. 


Is this guy cool or what?

           I've been a big fan of Dezmond  for a good while now.  After hearing Dezmond's take on things I have an even greater admiration for his incredible talents and his outlook on life.   He's not just "dazzling" in his knack for capturing the glamor of the entertainment world; Dezmond has some pretty amazing talents.  Many of you already know him.  If not, go and say hello to the Hollywood Spy.



************

80 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tip, as a huge movie junkie I must check this out!

    ReplyDelete
  2. There are no accidents! Right? I think it's funny, how coincidentally some ideas can be! :-)

    Even though my A-Z blog theme is about writing, today I'm also dealing with a part of the movie world. Curious? Then continue reading on D for Drehbuch (screenplay)!

    Happy writing! :-)
    Karin @ Nofretiris Dream Of Writing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the link up, Lee. Dezmond is an interesting fellow. I look forward to getting to know him.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interesting...no Dazzling decision to use Dezmond as the letter of the Day. Thanks for the introduction.

    http://www.sylviebranch.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know Dazzling Dezz and am glad you did this piece on him. I was amazed by what I learned about him. I kinda had the suspicion that he was no ordinary guy and you confirmed it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've met Dezmond. :o) His blog is fun! Whoa, long post there, Lee!!! ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry you have to read all the chick lit, Dezz. Liked your last answer - doing what you love. Great interview, guys!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do what you love! The best advice anyone can get.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great interview! And here's to doing what you love. *raises glass*

    ReplyDelete
  10. A wonderful interview Lee. very informative and a pleasure to read.

    Yvonne,

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good interview. I have to check his site out. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love showcase blogs--great way to meet new people. :O)

    Oh, and I came to the party late (last night), but wonder if I can get my blog added to the official list of A-Z Bloggers. It's at: http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I a very impressed by his responses! Here's my salute! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lee, great interview. I always enjoy dropping by Hollywood Spy to see what new bits of news Dez has to share.

    Dez, always enjoy learning more about it too.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lee, thanks for hosting me at your place today! I'm much honoured and humbled as always in your presence. You did a lovely job in editing the interview, I loved all the emphasis you put in it. This is exactly why you were one of the biggest stars at HOLLYWOOD SPY AWARDS gala last January :)

    And thanks all of you dear people who left comments above. I appreciate all of the nice words you said and I'm glad you liked my advice on loving what you do!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I appreciate the kind responses so far. I realize this was a long post, but I figured that since it was an interview and all pretty straight forward questions and answers, it would be a pretty quick read. Thank you all for taking the time to read about Dezz.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dezmond -- Thank you for you co-opeation and for such wonderful advice for all of us. Showcasing the lives and successes of others has always been one of my favorite things to do on TOSSING IT OUT. I was very happy to present this post today.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a great interview dear Dezz!
    You truly are a Renaissance man.

    Always a pleasure to share a love of movies with you :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. @Arlee
    it was my pleasure, kind sir ;) You know I do interviews only with the best ones out there :))

    @Faboamanto
    thanks, dear Myry, glad you enjoyed it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Impressive and thought-provoking interview, Lee.

    Dez, my admiration for you has grown exponentially. I love your thoughts on writing and translating. Your deep passion for your work shines through your words. Terrific interview, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wonderful interview. Dezz, you are a true Renaissance man! And I love reading the Hollywood spy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've been noticing Dez's comments here and there for a while now and never took the time to stop and visit his site. My loss! Thanks, Arlee, for the delightful depiction of a blogging dynamo.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh man, I love Dezzy! He's the best.

    ReplyDelete
  24. @Melsy
    ah, you know you're part of my passions, too, daHling :)

    @LG
    and HOLLYWOOD SPY loves having you over there every day ;)

    @Walk2Write
    the spy is expecting you there :))

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow I can't imagine doing ALL of that. I will definitely have to check him out. Thanks!

    Dafeenah

    ReplyDelete
  26. I do not know who Dezmond is but will be dropping by his site to take a look...

    By the way...I've added myself as a follower...

    Graywolfie
    http://graywolfie.andrewandgrace.net

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the heads-up on this guy, will take a look later - he sunds quite a character!

    SueH I refuse to go quietly!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very interesting. Will have to check this out if I ever find a way to stop hitting that next button. I don't know how many blogs I have visited and have not repeated them. This guy sounds very thought provoking!


    Gregg Metcalf
    Colossians 1:28-29

    Gospel-driven Disciples

    ReplyDelete
  29. Have to check Dezz out. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. thanks for more great comments. You who know Dezmond's site are well aware of its entertainment value and, yes, Dezz is a wonderfully prolific commenter. If you have never visited Hollywood Spy then you must. By the way, due to the nature of his column he is not on the A to Z list and not in the Challenge. Follow my link for him and you will find him.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  31. Here's a stray comment from Summer:


    Summer has left a new comment on your post "Blog Boggled":

    Great interview! Dezz has been my Hollywood Spy from some time now. Love films and Dezz updates me with the latest news.
    A lovely surprise to know you have so many talents, we share the love for books, I'm an avid reader. I'm a teacher too, love to cook, so there you have it..we're sort of kindred spirits!

    Thanks Summer
    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi - I'm just stopping by on the April blogging challenge. Dezmond sounds like a real character but a handy man to keep up to date with!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of a book translating. Those of us poor wee idjits who speak only one language don't always realize what's involved in translating the vim and vigor of a novel from one language to the other. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Definitely a worthwhile use of the letter to feature an incredibly talented man! I look forward to reading his work.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great interview! I've been to Dezz's site a few times, but I had no idea about his awesome background. He's one interesting dude. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. So cool to get to know Dezz! He was awesome before, now he's extra awesome. Super awesome? Beyond awesome!?!?

    All of the above.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Lee, Thanks for introducing Dezz. I'm quite a movie fan myself so I'll check out his site. I'm still not sure about his time management secret though.

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a fascinating fellow!! I am grateful to find him via your words today, Lee.

    As always I am grateful to you for this challenge... and my D I am proud to say is all about...

    The Anti-Drivel. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  39. My post for letter D is up. It's all about Days of our Lives.

    http://mom2nick.typepad.com/heres_whats_new/2011/04/d-is-for-days-of-our-lives-.html

    Thanks for looking.
    Laura T.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Awesome, article. I've been a Dezz fan for while now, but now he's much more fleshed out. Thanks!

    Bryan ~ SF Daddy

    ReplyDelete
  41. thanks everyone for lovely comments. Hope some of you will really pop over for a visit, but I know most of writers are not into films, that's why Lee and I talked about publishing and translating :)

    Lee, I hope no one will get angry with us for making a longer post :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Yes, I agree the comments are great and everyone is glad you came despite the long post. It may have been long but I thought it was easily digestible and full of useful information.

    Most of my future A to Z posts will be much shorter to make up for the length of this one.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  43. It was great to learn more about Dezmond--he runs one cool blog!

    ReplyDelete
  44. It was great to learn so much more about Dezmond. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nice interview. That Wizard one may be a book that I'd read if he translated it. Dezmond sounds like he as it figured out when it comes to the key to finding work that you love and time management.

    The Madlab Post

    ReplyDelete
  46. Arlee great interview of Dez; Dez I learned even more. You have a Renaissance personality(like me) so many varied interests. I think you should write a cookbook; your cakes are works of art! @>----

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Lee .. thanks for this link up with Dezz - Hi Dezz .. amazing guy you are - such an interesting life .. fun and I'll definitely be checking you out .. and following - sounds like fun .. and educating .. cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  48. thanks everyone on comments!

    @Ella
    you know, I'm not writing a cookbook but I'm thinking of opening a cooking site :)

    @Hilary
    thanks, you are very kind ;)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Fun! I love being introduced to new people and Dezmond is new to me. Great interview and I'm heading over to check him out.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Spelling it again!
    Dezmond is Divine!!!

    jean xox

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great interview, Arlee. Thanks!

    Dezz- so great to get to learn more about you!! I love your time management philosophy. :) Fascinating, talented guy all around. And, fellow bloggers, Dezz is definitely your go to for all things Hollywood related!!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great interview with my favorite international man of mystery, Dezmond.

    ReplyDelete
  53. thanks, Debbie, Donea, Jean :)

    @Andrew
    he he a mystery indeed ;)

    ReplyDelete
  54. wow...what a fascinating interview.

    Dezz, you rock!!!!

    Doris
    www.doris-socialworker.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Great interview. I enjoyed it.

    I'm responding to your thank you regarding your son, the link to his blog. No, I wasn't aware you were his father. It is truly sad when a loved one locks himself/herself in a prison, whether it's an emotional or spiritual prison, or a literal one with bars. I watched two husbands disintegrate because of poor choices.

    Being fairly housebound (I do have some help) with a disabled daughter, I've found that my emotional life saver is my writing. I've been writing since first grade, it's been my one main talent, and now, ironically, in my situation I have time to write. So does your son. And we writers all crave an audience. We like feedback. So I'm going to nudge my blog visitors again to check him out. With this A to Z challenge, we're all meeting new people.

    Dan is a very good writer! (Not sure I got that joke, either; but then I often don't get the punchline.)

    ReplyDelete
  56. So many kind comments for Dezmond and he is well deserving since he has had so many kind comments for many of us. What goes around comes around.

    A special thanks, Ann, for caring for others as you do.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  57. Very cool interview. Will have to check out his site now! Thx!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Dezmond is such an interesting character. I didn't know he lived in such a wonderfully-intriguing-sounding city.

    Denise

    L'Aussies Travel Blog A - Z Challenge - D is for Darfur

    ReplyDelete
  59. great interview Arlee!!!

    i have such mad respect for dezz!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Arlee! I'm new to your blog. Wow, you have some really great and original content. I'll definitely be dropping in again.

    bluevelvetvincent.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great interview!

    Dezmond, as a fan of yours since I first discovered your cool, insightful blog, I am glad you participated in this interview. Your answers, as I've come to expect, were all great!

    And Arlee, kudos to you as well for conducting a fabulous interview!

    ReplyDelete
  62. An ongoing thank you to the latest commenters. I appreciate the nice comments and kudos. I only asked some questions, but Dezz is responsible for the real content here with his outstanding answers.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  63. Per your recommendation I hooked myself up with "Dez" at the Hollywood Spy.

    Looks like one very cool site! I will top up my drink, sit down and check out Dez.

    By the way...I am having a totally excellent time with this April A-Z Challenge. It's really stretching my boundaries and I'm up for a little mental stretching these days.

    Smiles from Jenny!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Cool stuff Dezmond. I always follow white rabbits. Luckily you don't see many of them round here, otherwise I might get run over. I love the movies so I'll check out your site. I love badges and awards too. I really want to win the Sci Fi Award but I can't award it to myself, so if a blogger in shining armour would be so kind...

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is a cool interview.

    Also wanted to thank you for visiting ALL of my posts so far.

    How do you do it? :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. So many lovely comments, a big thanks to all of you kind people. Don't forget to do what you love most in your life.

    And thanks, again, Lee. A nice wave of positivity has splashed over blogosphere yesterday thanks to this lovely post of yours.

    Wishing all the participants of AZ lots of fan in the rest of the world wide blogging challenge:)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks for highlighting Dezmond, Lee! I knew about his Hollywood info, but nothing about his impressive teaching and translating careers, nor his preference for classic literature over the trendy picks (personally I read Salinger as a teen and wasn't impressed). Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Dez is awesome :D Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Awesome interview. It's great to get to know Dezzy a little better. I'm impressed by how much he has achieved...and his cakes look AMAZING!!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. One last thank you to everyone who commented on this post and to my wonderful guest Dezmond. We are both fans of positive energy and like Dezz said above we added a healthy dose of it on this post.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  71. Great interview! Loved learning a little more about our favorite Hollywood Spy (and loved the pictures of his kitchen creations--wow!).
    I loved his note to writers too, that if we want our work to be translated one day, it would help to lighten up on the cultural references. Thanks, Dezz :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. thanks, Nate, Jamie, Lyndylove, Kristin and everybody else. Arlee and me are happy that you found our little talk interesting and useful. I'm baking a cake for all of you on my next American tour ;) Arlee is paying for the ingredients ;)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Fun interview! I've not been acquainted with Dezmond but I will certainly be paying him a visit now!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Oops! I deleted this wonderful comment I just received instead of publishing it. I'm so used to comments on older posts being spam.
    Thank you RCB:


    Dear Lee,

    It is funny that my friend and distant colleague Dezmond - I call him Dezzy the Dezzmeister - should mention the fact that translators need to be writers too. I suspect he's craving for a book to translate that allows him to use one word in particular. If you're curious as ti what word that might be, check out his comment. But seriously, I like the guy and his website. Unlike many other successful bloggers, he keeps answering comments and visits his readers in turn. But there's one thing I still don't get: where does he find the time to write so much. Between the two of us, Lee (and yes, Dezz, I know you're reading along)... I think Dezz is actually four people. That's the only explanation I can offer you.

    Anyway, you have a nice day now and take good care :)

    RCB

    ReplyDelete
  75. ah, naughty Lee, deleting the glorious comments of my devoted fans like that :))

    And, poor unsuspecting Randy, I've already used the word in my translations :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. I was more careful with your comment. I just don't expect the comments on old post not to be spam most of the time. Funny--so far today I've gotten two very good comments like that today. I was more careful with the other one since I'd already deleted one.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  77. :)))
    people seem to like to get back to this interview of ours. I have a link for it under my DEZZ ON TOUR button and people often tell me they've visited our little chat. That's nice to hear.

    ReplyDelete
  78. RCB -- Sorry. Something I just did out of habit. In all fairness I still managed to copy your comment and get it up there. Thanks for commenting a year late.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee