“So now comes the moment of my selection, she thought to herself, when she suddenly felt a slight stabbing pain in her neck.” Aifa- Excerpt from Sturmblicke by Thomas Wolf
I met Thomas Wolf about three years ago via Instagram after he sent me a message. I really want to tell you about him – he is simply outstanding. He embodies exactly what you want in an author – he’s talented and authentic in equal measure. Thomas is very down to earth, but on social media he can smile at himself and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He masterfully juggles the two worlds of family man and author.
When we first met on Instagram, I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to read his book “Onda”. But I’ve since made up for it. Not only am I fascinated by Aifa, the main character, who he brings to life in such a complex and interesting way, but I’ve also fallen in love with the world with the two moons.
Although we don’t hear each other as often as I would like these days, I can assure you that this gifted author from Halle has a real talent for creating captivating worlds.
1. Hello Thomas, thank you for taking the time for this interview, how are you?
Dear Jenny, first of all, thank you for letting me be part of your blog and for the many questions.
I’m doing well so far, can’t complain personally.
2.How did you get into writing?
Well, I’ve probably always had an overflowing imagination, which was encouraged by my parents. They always provided me with reading material and at some point I started writing little stories myself, about dinosaurs, dragons, pirates, knights etc.
3. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Well, I read a lot, mainly non-fiction books and I also watch a lot of documentaries. I’m interested in history, nature, the universe and so on. A lot of ideas come from this, which I also discuss in talks, for example. So the breeding ground for ideas is well filled.
4. What has been your most difficult decision so far and what have you learned from it?
Hm, I can’t really think of one. Maybe the question of whether I should publish at all? Fortunately, I did it and just went for it, even though the general conditions for new books aren’t exactly rosy.
5. What is your dream job and why?
Maybe I would have liked to be a director and make my own movies and tell stories. I love movies and the art of creating lasting impressions with images, sound and music. Like Lord of the Rings or Avatar, for example.
6. Did it really happen if no one saw it? How does social media influence your life?
I think something can happen without anyone noticing. I’ve only been on social media for around three years, and that’s actually only because I published Sturmblicke in 2019. I have no regrets. I’ve met lots of interesting people and friendships have developed as a result. I wouldn’t want to miss out on that. But of course there are also downsides, such as the time I spend on Instagram in general.
7. What drives you in life?
I want to create or leave something behind, which is why I publish, for example. Otherwise, I try to live in balance and fulfill my tasks.
8.Do you have role models? If yes, who and why? If not, why not?
I don’t really have any direct role models. People have certainly influenced me in some way, my parents of course, or friends or colleagues. Although as far as physical fitness is concerned, I think Mick Jagger is a good example. I mean, the man is now 80 and still fit. He works hard and trains a lot. He shows that you can still be fit in old age and have fun and enjoy doing what you love.
9.What gives you the feeling of having arrived?
Satisfaction, when I have achieved something, I am satisfied and have arrived. It’s important for me to set realistic goals and not set my expectations too high.
10.Are you more introverted or extroverted?
I kind of think both. When I meet people I don’t know, I tend to be reserved and cautious. If I know people, I talk like a waterfall. But a basis of trust should already have been established.
About the book!
11.How did you come up with the idea for your books?
I watched a documentary about exoplanets and was fascinated by the idea that there could be life out there somewhere and what it might look like if we took the earthly example. Also which laws apply etc. Then came question after question, are there religions, love, evil…
I then developed my world of Onda from this.
12.How do you deal with hate and criticism?
I try to deal with it. Is it meant seriously and constructively or is it just dismissed. At first, I may feel unfairly treated and react emotionally. Later, I try to think about it rationally and process it. But I reject criticism just for the sake of it. It has to be justified and well-founded and should also include a suggestion as to how things could be done better.
Blows of fate always come unprepared and hit hard. It helps me to talk about it.
13.What do you want your life to look like in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be healthy and mentally fit, have ended my ondary marriage and hopefully have a happy family and can continue to live in peace.
14.Have you ever been criticized by others because of your writing? If so, how do you deal with it?
No, this has never happened to me. Although some people may not have taken it so seriously, but that doesn’t really bother me.
15.Would you like to see your books made into films?
Yes, of course. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a big movie fan. But then I would definitely like a small role, at least to jump through the screen.
16.Have you ever been inspired by other artists?
I think so, in Wellentrotz five guys appear in the Delok palace and make music. Maybe the Stones were the inspiration….
17.If you could give a young child one piece of advice for the rest of their life. What would it be?
I would encourage them to do what they love. Of course you can fail, but if you don’t try, you’ve already failed. And that everything takes time because, as we all know, the grass doesn’t grow any faster if you pull on it.
18.Who is the most important person in your life and how do they support you in achieving your dreams?
The most important people in my life are my wife and my daughter, as well as my parents. My family supports me by giving me time for my writing hobby and in some ways “watching my back”.
19.Do you believe in fate?
Yes and no, I think that I can influence some things in life myself and work towards certain goals. Nevertheless, there are of course moments and coincidences that have simply happened and that have influenced me a lot. But this could also just be a coincidence, who knows….
20.What do you still want to achieve in life?
I want to be satisfied and at peace with myself, in other words, to be at one with myself. That includes trying to stay fit by exercising regularly, for example, and taking care of myself in other ways.
21. What do you think is the key to being happy?
Living in balance, a certain modesty and humility. To be grateful for what I have. Living in peace and having my family around me, spending time with them. But also to do creative things, alone or with someone.
22.How important is music to you and how does it help you write?
Music is very important to me, especially soundtracks. They put me in the right emotional mood to write certain scenes. So music is very important.
23.Do you believe in life after death?
I don’t actually believe in life after death. But I think that our energy passes into the universe, into nature and so on.
Of course we live on in the memories of our loved ones, in photos, videos, etc. And also through what we have created.
24.Are you always able to write or do you have fixed writing times?
As I have a fixed job and of course obligations within my family, I have fixed writing times. They have stood the test of time. As I plot extensively and write a detailed script, I always know which scene I want to write. Of course, I go on trips and my imagination often gets the better of me.
25.What advice would you give to others who also want to start writing?
If you have an idea in your head, start by plotting and working it out. But above all, create a possible ending. I didn’t always do this before Sturmblicke, I had already written 100 pages and then I couldn’t think of anything else. But an idea should be so strong that it makes the idea flame blaze and therefore goes hand in hand with the stamina to keep everything going for years and always stay on the ball.
26.What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. I enjoy beautiful things. For example, when I’m out in nature and see something really beautiful. A lake, for example, whose gentle waves play with the sunlight. I often take a break here and immerse myself in such a perfect moment.
27.What are your next goals? Do you have any new books planned?
My next goals are to continue the cosplay project I’ve started and to try out a few things.
Then I’m already working on volume 3, where I’d also like to bring in something new.
Thank you very much, Thomas, for this detailed and inspiring conversation that I was able to have with you. I wish you continued success with your books and am already looking forward to the third part.
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