Where do you get the ideas for your books?
When you walk through the world with an open mind and open eyes, you see and hear the most exciting stories. Stories that you can eventually work into a book. Ideas always come from everywhere. Minor inconspicuous incidents often give rise to whole stories. I observe my surroundings very closely and am a good listener.
The idea for DEATH BY TRUFFLES came from a classical concert that unfortunately didn’t touch me at all. During the interval, among other delicacies, chocolates were offered and to cheer myself up, I treated myself to one.
During a somewhat lengthy lecture at a seminar, a participant was actually knitting socks, and when I asked her about it, she said she could concentrate better that way. I thought that was great, and that’s how I got the idea for the crime novel THE FINNISH SOCK.
Since I enjoy going for walks by the Salzach lakes, it was only natural that the next corpse would be found there, right? The German crime novel TOD IM GRÜNEN KLEE will be translated into English by the end of the year.
What is the appeal of the landscape in which the plot is set?
For me, Salzburg is much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozart, or festival city. It is the city I grew up in and know like the back of my hand. In addition to the many sights, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Getreidegasse or the Mirabell Gardens, there are exciting and perhaps surprising sites to discover in Salzburg. Tradition and modernity make up the charm of this city. There are many small, romantic alleys, winding paths, beautiful gardens, parks and lakes that I would like to introduce to my readers.
What is unique about your protagonists?
The native Salzburgers have a reputation for being reserved, cold tempered, aloof, and sometimes arrogant. Malicious tongues even claim that this could be due to the weather since it rains so often. Well, sometimes even I think there might be something to it. My protagonists are the exact opposite of the described native Salzburgers. They are warm-hearted, help each other, and above all, they have a sense of humour. Although they have rough edges, of course, they are all likeable and empathetic people with whom you would like to be friends.
How and when do you write? Do you set aside specific times for writing, or do you tend to write when it suits you?
Mostly at my desk or standing desk and preferably at night. When everyone is asleep, when it is nice and quiet, I’m at the peak of my creativity. My laptop, scribbles and pocketbooks are my constant companions. As a self-employed entrepreneur, I, unfortunately, can’t reserve any times. For me, writing is similar to painting. It doesn’t happen on command. Sometimes whole chapters flow in no time, and sometimes I get up after half a page and let it go. I do take time every day to write something – even if it is just some notes. Writing is discipline, and if you don’t do that, you will never finish the novel.
Do you have a literary role model?
This is a difficult question to answer. Role models sound like you want to imitate someone or follow in their footsteps. Every writer has their own style and voice. There are so many wonderful writers. Each of them has touched readers and set milestones in their own distinctive way. I read a lot, and of course, I too have my favourites. In my childhood they were Astrid Lindgren, Erich Kästner and Enyd Blyton. Later, Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Victor Hugo, Agatha Christie, Albert Camus and many more.
What do you like best about being an author? What is not so nice?
As an author, you start to see the world with different eyes. When you walk through the world with your eyes and ears open, you see and hear the most exciting stories. Stories that you can eventually work into a book. Somehow, as a writer, you are always working. The best thing about creative work is that, apart from publishing deadlines, you don’t have fixed times. What’s not so great is the constant “fear” of not meeting your own standards and possibly disappointing the reader.
What hobbies do you have? What are you particularly good at?
Travelling, oil and watercolour painting, tap and ballroom dancing, cooking, baking and many more. I am a highly creative person and always have to try out or learn new things. I speak several languages and can therefore empathise very well with other people and cultures.
What else would you like to tell the readers?
First and foremost, I would like to thank all the readers who have read my crime novels and rated them. The mostly positive feedback I have received so far has made me incredibly happy. Constructive criticism is always very welcome because it helps me to develop and learn from any mistakes.
Is another crime novel in the series coming? Are there other book projects?
Neuner three and four shall be published in English by the end of this year. A fifth Neuner is expected to be published in autumn 2021 in German. And, yes, there are also other book projects. A family saga is planned for spring 2022.
Death By Truffles: Kindle and paperback
The Finnish Sock: Kindle and paperback
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