Exclusive Interview with
Sylvia Greif
When did you start writing?
I started writing in 2013. I published a children's book, "Lester's Planet" illustrated by a talented Swiss artist, Bianca Litscher .
What makes writing your passion?
There is no nicer feeling than to put my thoughts into words. It's like drinking a nice cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day.
I self -doubt myself a lot, so writing taught me to deal with my fears( I have many), disregard failure, keep me committed but above all keep focused .
I suffer from dyslexia. Writing at first honestly felt like chaos .
I thought of giving up a thousand times. But living the stories at first in my head, gives me a real sense of peace. I really enjoy writing my ideas in my notebook then on my computer.
How long have you been writing?
Since 2013.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Fear! that there might still be some errors that I was unable to spot because my mind has its own way of thinking and sometimes just can't comprehend a mistake . Followed by a strong feeling of happiness and satisfaction.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Definitively my years spent in a boarding school.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Nothing.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I go for a walk with my dogs or I choose not to believe in writers block...
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Oh my god! I'm not good at advice.
I would say, write about what you know, what you care for.
Write every day and make people believe in your story.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
PATIENCE Sylvia!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
My book was just published so I haven't read any reviews yet.
As for bad reviews... I guess I will be disappointed. It's a normal feeling, who wants a bad review? but its part of the process and I hope it will help me improve my writing.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Grateful and happy!
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
yes, but I won't tell :)
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I do not compare myself with any of my characters , but there is maybe a little bit of me in the story.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover is to my eye very important.
The first part of information you get or see is the cover. It gives a face to the story, it creates the first impression. We are all drawn to what we find attractive.
But the essence , the substance of a book without a doubt is more important.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I don't mind either way.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I'll skip :)
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have a few.
Jules Verne and his series of amazing adventure novels. He took into account the technological advances of time and opened up the possibility for everything. What a fabulous imagination.
Charles Dickens , I am in admiration with his fictional characters and plots.
Gabriel Garcia Márquez , Miguel de Cervantes , Jane Eyre, Rainer Maria Rilke, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
To live the present, and live my dream.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
YES, totally! But there comes a moment where you have to stop writing and rewriting.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
The Brother Grimm and Jules Verne.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Nothing
What would you say to your readers?
I hope that Ela's first adventure will make you smile and bring a little magical impact into your lives. Thank you for any kind of feedback.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I do not have any children.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I am also an animal advocate. I love music , singing , songwriting ,art , nature, wildlife and travelling and I enjoy skiing, athletics and hiking.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I had a happy childhood surrounded by pets.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Writing was something I always dreamt of .
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Ela Green is book one of a trilogy . I am in the midst of writing book 2.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Children are our future and the planet's. They are our greatest treasure.
We should teach them to take care of our planet and not do the same mistakes we did.
Adults are strong role models for children to understand the importance of the world around them. So Kindness, empathy ,respect for all living creatures are to my eyes essential .
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
To have been next to my dog when he died
To remove cruelty
Kindness and empathy in our world
What is your favorite music?
I like to listen to different types of music.
pop, rock ,jazz, Euro- disco, samba , Bossa nova ,classical .
Share a secret with us 🙂
it won't be a secret any more:)