|
Author bio: Nadja Losbohm was born on December 14th, 1982 and lives in Berlin, Germany. Her first fantasy adventure novel was published in 2012. Since then she has published the popular series of fantasy romance books "The Huntress". In German there are parts 1-6 available. "The Huntress - The Beginnings" is the first part of the series and the first English book Nadja Losbohm has published. The 2nd part of the series can be found as a free read on Inkitt.
|
Nadja also published a German children's book with short stories and poems for kids. Her collection of fairy tales about the magic of books for readers of all age earned her a nomination for the “Deutsche Phantastik Preis 2017” in the category “Best German Anthology”. “The Magical Mirrors” and “The Lord of Books”, both stories from that book, can be found in English on Inkitt. Nadja also published a historic dark fantasy series and is currently working on the 2nd part of it. “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” is Nadja’s 13th publication.
· Book title: Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)
· Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy
· Synopsis: Emotions - they are versatile, complex and unsteady like the weather. Laughter and cheerfulness do not always prevail, but nobody admits it. More people than you can imagine have to struggle with dark thoughts and dark feelings. That is why the collection of dark fairy tales deals with these. With a touch of Celtic mythology, set in a bygone era but more relevant than ever, the varied short stories shine a light on many aspects of life that not many dare to talk about, not forgetting that in the end a little bit of humor do good. The anthology closes with the author's comments on the motivations for the book, the making of the stories, the inspiration for the subjects and honest words.
· Publish date: October 16th, 2019
· Publisher: selfpublishing
Author Interview with Nadja Losbohm
Regular visitors to Kasper's Ramblings may remember Nadja stopping by a few years ago when her first novel was translated into English. I'm pleased to welcome her back and celebrate her now 13-book catalogue. Welcome Nadja.
What was the defining event that made you start writing?
I started to write my first fantasy adventure novel when I was nineteen. I always liked to be creative; I painted and drew a lot as a kid thanks to my parents who both were painters themselves when they were young. It was because of an artist/actor who did so many different things - painting, acting, music, photography – why I wanted to try something new. And for me that was writing.
Great work. You obviously have the talented and passion for it.
What other writing have you done?
So far I wrote thirteen books, most of them in German as it is my mother tongue. The list of my writing includes a fantasy adventure, a young adult fantasy romance series, a children’s book, an anthology with fairy tales for readers of all age, a historical dark fantasy series and an anthology with dark urban fantasy tales for adults. But I also published the first part of my fantasy romance series in English (available on Amazon) and the second part can be found as a free read on Inkitt, where you can also find a couple of English short stories I translated with the help of wonderful and generous people such as Kris Holt and Marc Remus.
What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
I think what makes it unique is that I write about things other people avoid. My writing is very honest, sincere, emotionally. I write about putting an end to your life, despair, fear, depression, hopelessness. I experienced all of that about three, four years ago and am still suffering from lack of energy and an anxiety disorder because of a traumatic event. I know what it’s like when no one is there to help you. Instead people sneer at you, saying: “Pull yourself together. It’s not that bad.” Our society only wants to see, hear and read happy things. It’s not allowed to cry in public. And no one dares to admit: “I feel miserable. I have problems and sorrows.” But that’s just wrong and can lead to a very bad end. I hope to encourage people to reflect and to maybe change their way of thinking.
That's very brave of you to share those feelings in your writing. Congratulations.
What’s the story behind your book title?
My book “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” includes seven short stories with a touch of Celtic mythology. The settings are all in Wales. I use quite a few Welsh names in the stories and I began to really like the language. So, I thought a Welsh title would be nice. There’s also something mysterious and enigmatic about it. And maybe it also reflects my deep wish to travel to that country.
Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
Absolutely. There are a couple of real places I mention such as “Pen y Fan”, “Arthog Bog” or “Carew” in Wales.
Wow, those names are fascinating. You must have spent much time there.
|
What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Read. Read a lot. Because when you do, you get a feel for how to use words. I also recommend to write whatever YOU want and not what others want you to write. I was often told to write other stories, as mine are too special. But I cannot do that as my writing wouldn’t be authentic anymore. What music do you listen to when writing? At the moment, I often listen to the album by “Skáld”, a band from France, who revives the old Nordic mythology. What are you working on now? I’m working on the second part of my historic fantasy series. But I’m very, very slow – unfortunately. |
|
What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I had a huge writers’ block about two years ago. My life was turned upside down; I had lost all of my energy and joie de vivre. I wanted to write, but I couldn’t. Then someone told me it’s not the right time to write but to recover. I was told I should wait and that’s what I did: I waited and then the joy came back – at the right time – and I could write again. I’m not fully recovered, but at least I write every now and then, trying my best to fight for what I love to do.
How did you go about developing your stunning cover artwork?
The cover for “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” was designed by Kathy from Epic Moon Coverdesign. Usually I have an idea what the cover should look like. This time it was different. I didn’t know from the beginning what I wanted. All I knew was I didn’t want any clichéd Welsh or Celtic things and that the cover didn’t need to be dark. So, Kathy had full rein basically. Without knowing the book she used little elements that represent small things from the stories. I really love that and it’s like magic.
Sounds like she understood the story well, which is great. I love it.
List some great books you have recently read:
“Amy Snow” by Tracy Rees, “The Toymakers” by Robert Dinsdale, the “Harry Potter”-series. ;-)
What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
I wished I could make a living from writing, but I think that won’t happen.
You just never know.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I‘m a huge book lover. I also like to go for walks, just enjoying nature, or to watch “The Vampire Diaries” on DVD.
What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
The Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge is a wonderful place for all who love books. It’s fantastic to see the reader-author-interaction and what they can achieve together.
Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: Asian cuisine
Silliest saying: “If you’d love me, you would do that for me” – me trying to get my will. ;-)
Best holiday spot: Great Britain
Most played song: At the moment, it’s “Hross” by Skáld. Very inspiring.
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? A pantser
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Fantasy
Best superpower: “painting pictures” with words
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: To travel to Wales, New Zealand or Maine
Well, we've come to an end, Nadja. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Readers, please take at look at Nadja's information below and visit one of her sites.
Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nadlo82
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nadja-Losbohm/e/B009SIDWIW
Amazon new release: https://amzn.to/2Rw6sB7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadjalosbohm
List of books by Nadja Losbohm
German fantasy books
Alaspis – Die Suche nach der Ewigkeit
Die Jägerin – Die Anfänge
Die Jägerin – Blutrausch
Die Jägerin – Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Die Jägerin – Unter der Erde
Die Jägerin – Die Wiege des Bösen
Die Jägerin – In Alle Ewigkeit
Die Tagebücher des Michael Iain Ryan (Band 1)
Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Märchen (Anthology)
German children books
Hamster Stopfdichvoll & seine Freunde
Die Magie der Bücher (Anthology)
English fantasy books
The Huntress (pt 1) – The Beginnings (Kindle read only)
The Huntress (pt 2) – Bloodlust (free read on Inkitt)
Other publications
The Magical Mirrors (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)
The Lord of Books (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)
I had a huge writers’ block about two years ago. My life was turned upside down; I had lost all of my energy and joie de vivre. I wanted to write, but I couldn’t. Then someone told me it’s not the right time to write but to recover. I was told I should wait and that’s what I did: I waited and then the joy came back – at the right time – and I could write again. I’m not fully recovered, but at least I write every now and then, trying my best to fight for what I love to do.
How did you go about developing your stunning cover artwork?
The cover for “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” was designed by Kathy from Epic Moon Coverdesign. Usually I have an idea what the cover should look like. This time it was different. I didn’t know from the beginning what I wanted. All I knew was I didn’t want any clichéd Welsh or Celtic things and that the cover didn’t need to be dark. So, Kathy had full rein basically. Without knowing the book she used little elements that represent small things from the stories. I really love that and it’s like magic.
Sounds like she understood the story well, which is great. I love it.
List some great books you have recently read:
“Amy Snow” by Tracy Rees, “The Toymakers” by Robert Dinsdale, the “Harry Potter”-series. ;-)
What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
I wished I could make a living from writing, but I think that won’t happen.
You just never know.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I‘m a huge book lover. I also like to go for walks, just enjoying nature, or to watch “The Vampire Diaries” on DVD.
What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
The Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge is a wonderful place for all who love books. It’s fantastic to see the reader-author-interaction and what they can achieve together.
Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: Asian cuisine
Silliest saying: “If you’d love me, you would do that for me” – me trying to get my will. ;-)
Best holiday spot: Great Britain
Most played song: At the moment, it’s “Hross” by Skáld. Very inspiring.
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? A pantser
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Fantasy
Best superpower: “painting pictures” with words
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: To travel to Wales, New Zealand or Maine
Well, we've come to an end, Nadja. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Readers, please take at look at Nadja's information below and visit one of her sites.
Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nadlo82
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nadja-Losbohm/e/B009SIDWIW
Amazon new release: https://amzn.to/2Rw6sB7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadjalosbohm
List of books by Nadja Losbohm
German fantasy books
Alaspis – Die Suche nach der Ewigkeit
Die Jägerin – Die Anfänge
Die Jägerin – Blutrausch
Die Jägerin – Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Die Jägerin – Unter der Erde
Die Jägerin – Die Wiege des Bösen
Die Jägerin – In Alle Ewigkeit
Die Tagebücher des Michael Iain Ryan (Band 1)
Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Märchen (Anthology)
German children books
Hamster Stopfdichvoll & seine Freunde
Die Magie der Bücher (Anthology)
English fantasy books
The Huntress (pt 1) – The Beginnings (Kindle read only)
The Huntress (pt 2) – Bloodlust (free read on Inkitt)
Other publications
The Magical Mirrors (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)
The Lord of Books (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)
|
|
|
This is a group for the readers, by the readers, and all about the readers! We are excited you’re joining us and look forward to getting to know you. The Lounge welcomes all readers and wants each and every one to find a comfortable reading nook here.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge/
RSS Feed
