Two characters, two opposing outlooks on life, two completely different heroes converged in the novel “Plus to Minus”. But what is surprising, despite the "difference" in the author's styles of the two science fiction writers, a vivid, lively work was obtained. Of course, as in any book in the fantasy and detective genre, there are chases and pursuits. But most importantly, it has understanding and wisdom. In a word, the adoption of another person.
Mysterious author
The writer carefully conceals his real name, writes Andrei Ulanov under a pseudonym. The author’s biography is not known to the public. Just a few facts. Andrey Ulanov was born on 01/22/1976 in Kiev. He entered RAU, but did not finish his studies. Interested in small arms. He is fond of military history. Now lives in the capital of Latvia - Riga.
Such different worlds
Andrei Ulanov’s creative debut was the novel “From America with Love”. For this work, the author was awarded in 2005 “Prizes to them. Tita Libya ”, which is awarded to science fiction writers for their achievements in the alternative historical format. Ulanov Andrei writes books in the genre of science fiction, alternative history and fantasy. His works are with humor, where facts of military history are often found. He wrote the first books in collaboration with V. Serebryakov.
But the creative tandem with Olga Gromyko, a writer from Belarus, brought incredible success. Olga writes vibrantly, vividly, with details. Books are very easy to read, they are distinguished by irony, often turning into sarcasm. The main characters of her books are trolls, witches, werewolves, vampires, dragons. As an author, Olga made her debut in 2003 with the novel “Profession: Witch”, received the prize “Sword Without a Name” for him.
Creative tandem
Two science fiction writers, Andrei Ulanov and Olga Gromyko, each with their own style, methods and favorite topics, choose a completely different genre. A surprise awaited their readers - little was left of fantasy in their joint novel. The novel “Plus to Minus” is more like a love story, a detective story and action-packed drama. She is a “Fifa blonde”, resolving people's conflicts and deceived by her beloved. He is a hero who returned from the war, “a bit shifted”, moreover, a girl betrayed him. But now they are partners.
Nobody cares about their reluctance to work together - snapping with each other in your free time, and you will work together, anyway. Of course, the matter was not limited to work. On the first joint trip, they end up in a mess, and in their free time they have to put an end to it. Together they will be hiding from killers, police and their own superiors. Together they will look for reasons, clues and figure out who and why involved them in this matter.
It turned out that “Fifa” drives a car very well, is fluent in obscenities, loves fishing and is not afraid to go reconnaissance. And next to the "shell-shocked psycho" reliably and calmly. He can not only get a rabbit, but also make a delicious stew out of it. She knows the habits of the undead, he has combat experience. Yes, they are perfect partners!
In this detective story, every non-essential detail will play a role. But, given the fact that the detective is also “ironic”, the characters will do a lot of stupid things. How else? If the main character is a blonde. It should be noted that the authors Andrei Ulanov and Olga Gromyko wonderful "played their characters." In this novel, there are chases, and the search for evidence, and difficulties with the undead, and even happy love. But the essence of the work is not that.
First of all, here is the understanding and acceptance of another person. About how difficult it is to be around completely different people. To love is not “for”, but “contrary”. Quarrel and save from stray bullets, put up and insist on your own. Two heroes, two opposing characters, two views on life from different angles. “Plus to minus” is rather not an addition, but a multiplication of the strengths of the authors. Ulanov Andrey and Olga Gromyko deserve all praise for the unusual creative approach and a wonderful novel.
Idea and writing process
The idea of co-authorship belongs to Andrei Ulanov. One day, by the way, he suggested writing a joint book. Since it was a convention, there were always fellow writers nearby, and it was not possible to discuss the idea. It didn’t go beyond promises. Ulanov Andrey worked on The Princess of the Sergeant, Olga on the Flower of the Stonemason.
Having finished work on the next book in the fantasy genre, Olga thought about it - I wanted variety. A file with drafts of text caught my eye. So, small notes, but throwing away is a pity. I knocked on Andrei at the "Mail.Ru Agent". He doubted. He has experience writing joint books, but it’s one thing if the co-author lives within walking distance of you. It is completely different to write with a person who is also “in a few,” but hours of flight.
Once again, when Olga “knocked” on the Agent with her idea, he agreed. We agreed on a joint story, and she sent him the first piece of text. Ulanov Andrey answered. Olga read, looked - liked it. So piece by piece, page by page, they wrote. As the authors recall, “the fun began”, they worked almost around the clock, but it’s very exciting - you not only write your own, but read someone’s text.
Perhaps the most difficult was to come to terms with someone else's style, the co-authors recall. Olga tried to rewrite after Andrei, to fit her text, but the charisma of the main character disappeared without a trace. Most conversations are written in the "Agent" - replica after replica. As a result, through several chapters of their creation, the co-authors enjoyed watching how the difference in styles complements each other, and the result is a voluminous, luxurious “picture”.
"Cosmobioluhi" is another wonderful novel created by a creative duet Olga Gromyko - Andrei Ulanov.