Accessibility
Language
18.10.2022
#bayernkreativPORTRAIT: We spoke to Spiegel bestselling author Nicola Anker about the opportunities and potential of children's and young adult literature, about magical moments and the challenge of entertaining this "critical target group" and how she benefits from her inner child in her work as an author. Nicola also tells us about Team Tino - her collaboration with musician Pietro Lombardi.
Fun fact: Nicola has long been known to some of the bayernkreativ team. As a scholarship holder of the StMWK's "Young Art and New Paths" scholarship program, we processed her application. Congratulations!
Dear Nicola, before you became a children's book author, you first trained as a media clerk and then went on to study writing with a focus on children's and young adult literature. To what extent would you say that your training as a media clerk in particular helped you to implement your current business model as a freelance children's book author? What tips could you give other freelance authors here?
I learned a lot about the publishing industry during my training as a media clerk. I now also benefit from this as a children's book author because I know the connections, technical terms and processes. But my other professional experience also helps me. Because even if I had taken a completely different direction back then, I could still draw on this wealth of experience now. So my tip for all authors who want to get started as freelance writers is that you can always benefit from your previous experience. And having a broad base of knowledge only makes you more flexible.
Your studies later focused on children's and young adult literature. Why this particular focus? What excites or fascinates you about this literature?
It probably became this focus because I still have a strong connection to "my inner child". I love writing books for children and young adults because they can be more imaginative than classic adult literature. What's more, they usually only cater to one particular genre. Instead, I have a wide range to choose from in children's and young adult books: from adventure to thriller to love story, everything is included. Then there's the target group: on the one hand, I have to adapt to the respective age each time and, on the other, children and young people are a very critical audience. If they don't like something, they put it down immediately. So there's a lot more variety. But it's also a real challenge. And that spurs me on.
What would you like to pass on to children through your creative work as an author? Which topics are particularly important to you?
First and foremost, I want to entertain children with my stories. I want them to empathize with the characters and overcome conflicts with them. I want them to laugh and surpass themselves. Sometimes they learn how important it is to believe in your dreams. Sometimes they learn to appreciate the value of friendship. There are various messages that resonate subliminally. But the fun is always at the forefront for me.
Together with the musician Pietro Lombardi, you wrote the book "Dino Tino", which landed on the bestseller list even before its actual publication date. What was this experience like for you and how did you as an author feel about working with a musician?
If someone had told me that two years ago, I would never have believed them. So when the request came through my literary agency, I was more than surprised. This experience is still something very special for me. I really enjoy working with Team Tino. And we were delighted that the first volume was so well received. Now we're really excited. Because volume 2 "Dino Tino and the magical song of the elements" has just been published.
In addition to your work as a freelance author, you also offer a writing workshop and readings for children. How do you notice in this work that you are really achieving or moving something with the children?
Those are the moments when the kids approach me enthusiastically. When they pester me with their questions and want to know everything from me. Or when I read through their stories and am once again completely amazed at what they have created in such a short space of time. And how proud they are when I still remember them and their story a year later. Those are magical moments. And who knows, maybe one of them will follow in my footsteps one day?
From your perspective as an author: is there still room for improvement in the German children's and young adult literature scene?
Of course, there's always room for improvement. To name one specific point: to emphasize the importance of children's and young adult books even more on the entire literature market. The more children like to read, the more likely they are to read when they grow up. And that has an impact on the circulation figures of tomorrow's adult literature.
The Bavarian cultural and creative industries are vital, cooperative, polyphonic and relevant to the future. We introduce you to Bavarian players. What is their business model? What drives them?
Would you also like to answer a few questions and be part of our "bayernkreativPORTRAIT" campaign? Then send us an email to kontakt(at)bayern-kreativ.de with the keyword "bayernkreativPORTRAIT".