APA presents the interview of German writer Wolf Dorn to Kulis.az.

We met him on a windy day.

It was his first visit to Baku, organized by "LIBRAFF" chain of bookstores and "TEASS Press" publishing house.

The "Park Academy" branch of "LIBRAFF" was almost full to the brim.

Everyone bought his book and was waiting for his favorite author.

When entering, he met whoever came in front of him, took a picture, and greeted him in Azerbaijani.

He had his hair up and was wearing a jacket and jeans.

He was prolonging the end of the words, although he did not understand anything, he looked at the people with interest.

We went to the place reserved for us and started our conversation.

- You are coming to Baku for the first time.

How do you feel here, what are your impressions?

- This country is very beautiful.

Everything is incredible.

Yesterday we went for a walk around the city.

I have seen many people.

Everyone here is positive and friendly.

I will leave with good impressions.

- When and how did you start writing?

- I started writing from a very young age.

I have been writing short stories since I was 12 years old.

But my first published story was at the age of 16.

My first novel was published when I was 40 years old.

During this period, I wrote non-stop.

- What is the process of being published in Germany?

Is it difficult or simple?

- Actually, I was lucky that I had a very good agent there.

As I worked with him, I was easily able to be printed.

In general, getting published is not an easy task.

But I believe in one thing that if you have a good story, a publishing house will definitely find and print it.

I am sure of it.

- How is your writing process?

How much time do you spend writing a day?

- You know, it depends on that day.

You are not in the same mood every day.

But despite that, I get up early every morning.

At 6 o'clock.

I drink my coffee and start writing.

I try to finish by two o'clock.

I go on a lunch break in between.

I don't write anything in the afternoon, because it's useless to write at that time.

Although this process does not happen every day, it happens most of the time.

- You write in the genre of thriller, horror, crime.

What are the main characteristics of this genre?

Why do you write in this genre?

- This is, in fact, working on emotions.

I think that the main feature of genres is that they express people.

We as humans go through many dark times and these stories act as catharsis for us.

In fact, I could spend hours explaining to you why this genre is widely read, why it is popular, why I write in this genre.

Even writing a book is possible.

But unfortunately, we have very little time.

- In general, do you have an idea to write a book about your writing experiences?

For example, like "The Art of Writing" by Stephen King.

- I have no idea at the moment.

But I keep a diary.

Every time I write a novel, I record the difficulties I encounter and learn there, and I think about it for a long time.

Maybe one day, if it's a really worthwhile product, I might think about it, but I don't have any plans right now.

Even Stephen King's book is important enough, and that's enough.

- What are the prospects of becoming a writer in Germany?

How many copies do your books sell and how much do they sell?

- Actually, it's hard to say.

I publish a book every year, every two years, and they all sell very well.

But now the competition in Germany is strong.

There are many streaming companies.

Although they are not the direct authors of the product, they receive the copyright indirectly.

Buyers also get the products they want easily thanks to those companies.

There are many people who read books in Germany.

Because the book is one of the products that will develop the brain and imagination.

- Where is the place of the book in the modern world?

Will the book go to extinction in the age of speed?

- There are hundreds of assumptions about this.

Some say it will disappear, some say it will remain, some say we will switch to e-books.

But I don't believe them.

When you open a book, you travel to a new world and feel it.

Nothing can replace this feeling.

Therefore, the book will always be read.

- Are you satisfied with the book industry in Germany?

–

Don't make me answer that.

I have been in this field for 14 years and have enough experience.

It was better in the past.

Now the development is weak.

I hope it gets better.

- So you don't agree?

- Both yes and no.

It could be worse, it could be better.

– How do you choose your topics?

- When I write the story, I put the title first, and then the ending.

In this way, I get to know the character.

Suddenly the image tells me that no, I will not do what you say.

And so the process continues.

- How is your daily reading process?

- I read something every day.

Although I cannot physically read, I listen to audio books.

Not a day goes by that I don't read.

- Who are your favorite writers?

- There are too many writers I like.

But first and foremost, of course, is Stephen King.

He also inspired me to start writing and open my imagination.

I even met him a few years ago and had him sign my books.

- Do you know and read someone from Azerbaijan?

- I don't have a name in mind.

You have a very different culture from Germany.

So I will definitely start reading your writers when I get back.

- What are your recommendations for people who want to write but don't know how to start writing?

- Just let them write.

Let them sit and write.

The hard first step is to start.

I apply this rule when I get into trouble myself.

Simply and simply write.

This always works.

Translator: Chinara Ahmadova

Photo: Orkhan Karimov © APA Group