Chiara Meitz

What was your favorite book as a child?

When I was little, my parents often used to read “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis to my sister and me. That’s one of the reasons I often call this series my childhood. To a great extent, it made me the person I am today and I still learn something new every time I pick up one of the books. I really couldn’t decide which one is my favourite.

Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

As far back as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed writing. It came somewhat hand in hand with my love for reading. Writing provides me with an escape from the world but it’s also something I hope to be able to reach people with and move them. Books mean so much to me and I would not know what to do without them. Therefore, what other authors have done for me, I’d also like to give to others. It’s a way of expressing myself, questioning the world and trying to find answers. I don’t know which of these reasons came first. Maybe it was simply that writing was fun and something wherefrom I got strength and hope again.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I suppose one of the most adventurous but especially life-changing things I did was to accept myself the way I am. I used to believe that there was something wrong with me because I was rather quiet, shy, and didn’t like to talk in front of others until I discovered that I am an introvert. It’s still challenging to embrace myself as I am and to fight against this pressure of having to change. Accepting yourself is not a struggle that ends at some point but the first time I realized that there is nothing wrong with me was really important and in some way thrilling to me.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

It depends on the mood I am in and what I am writing. Sometimes music helps me to engage more with my characters, the setting or mood of a story. At other times I need peace and quiet to concentrate. The music style also varies. Sometimes lyrics are okay, sometimes I need instrumental music, and sometimes I like to use ambient mixes. So, this is a very individual thing that depends very much on the momentary situation.