THE ALTAR: This table has witnessed the birth of most of Vasily Golovachev’s best-sellers.

Russian Millionaire Is Ready To Go To Space!

By Elena Usacheva

He became the first Russian “Giant of Science Fiction” – the most productive and popular author in the genre. Recently, this unique achievement was immortalized in the Russian Book of Records.

In his 35 years as a science fiction author, Vasily Golovachev has sold over 16 million copies of his 40-odd novels, leaving behind such internationally read stars as Ray Bradbury. And much like his American colleague, Golovachev dreams of the star-studded sky.

The 56-year-old Vasily Golovachev is as healthy as an astronaut.

We congratulated the writer with the appearance in the Book of Records, and also with April 12^th – Russia’s Astronaut Day. Golovachev could’ve easily become Russia’s first space tourist: science fiction writer, artist and illustrator, volleyball player and poker enthusiast, and above all loving grandfather, Golovachev is ready for a trip to the orbit and beyond.

You always stress that you lead a healthy lifestyle. Are you getting ready for space travel?

I’ve always liked physical activity. I even played volleyball on the Russian national team. Nowadays, I’m feeling my age – after all, I’m 56. Nevertheless, I could probably qualify to be a space tourist. I’m not as healthy as I was back when I was young, but I keep myself healthy: I work out at home, keep my muscles nicely toned.

ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF SCIENCE FICTION: Golovachev has gotten some pretty weird titles and awards in his 35-year career.

The heroes of your books do a lot of fighting. You even wrote an entire book about the Russian styles of hand-to-hand combat. Do you personally know hand-to-hand combat?

I wouldn’t have been able to write about it if I hadn’t known it personally. I used to box and do karate. I came to realize that it’s not really my thing: it’s not just fighting, it’s a whole worldview, a philosophy. So I started studying the Russian combat styles. They’re more suited to my nature.

What’s your average day like?

As soon as my granddaughter leaves for school in the morning, I get to work. I write for two-three hours, then collect information, deal with housework. After lunch, I go back to work at my desk. In the evening, I might read something: a book on cosmology, astrophysics, psychology, history, spirituality. I gather material for the next batch of writing. This is what I do every day: no weekends, no vacations. When I finish a novel, I might take a break and write a short story.

How do you feel about the current quality of science fiction?

I think the genre is going through a crisis. There are a lot of books on the market, but most of them are of pretty low quality. There are very few truly new ideas. Most writers recycle old plots. But once in a while, you do find a great talent: people like Cyril Benedictov and Perumov.

Paradoxically, the science fiction author handwrites his manuscripts!

You handwrite your novels. Why?

That’s how I’ve been working my whole life. I didn’t even have a computer until recently. You can imagine the life of a Russian engineer with a salary of 115 rubles a month – I could barely feed myself! There were times when I didn’t have enough money for a rim of paper. I had to wait until I’d sold several books before I could allow myself to buy a typewriter. So I’m used to working with my pen. That’s the way I like it.