I’m really happy to welcome Antje Hergt today. Antje is a German author, whose children’s novel has a Grimms’ fairy tale feel to it, in the tradition of her country’s great storytellers.
One of my favourite things (among many) about Germany is their wonderful cafes. I’ve made Antje some Kaffee and Apfelkuchen, with plenty of whipped cream, just to make her feel at home!
Willkommen, Antje!
Where do you live, Antje? I just moved to Germany for a new job, but I have lived in Canmore, Alberta for the last 10 years.
Where is your favourite place in the world? Canada. The Rocky Mountains. On top of one of their mountains.
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? As a student I worked as a temp in an accounting company and I had to double-check rows after rows of numbers. I am not a number person… I hate them and that job took me forever.
I know how you feel about the numbers. That would be my nightmare job!
What book do you wish you’d written? Something very similar to Harry Potter. I had started a YA novel about a school for magicians in the mountains when I was in university. I had three books outlined and named, but I never continued past the first 40 pages of the first book. If I would complete it now, it would sound like a cheap copy of Harry Potter.
What a great shame! I hope you managed to salvage some of your ideas, at least :(
What’s your favourite song? Oh, there are so many. I think I would pick “Ich dreh mich um dich” from Herbert Groenemeyer.
I was intrigued by your choice, and I must check it out! I used to listen to a lot of German music, and Roland Kaiser’s Dich zu lieben was a favourite :)
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them? Buddha. I would say. “Please enlighten me.”
Interesting choice!
What’s your happiest childhood memory? Riding with my friends on my bike to the local swimming pool.
The simple memories are the best :)
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? The 10th Doctor Who. ;^)
I love Dr Who! I’m looking forward to the fiftieth anniversary in November.
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? To commit to something with your heart and follow its path, because it opens a way through the mountain of trouble and worries.
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website
I just released my first middle grade fantasy novel Darinel Dragonhunter, which is a modern fairy tale with a prince who sat out to fight a dragon, but found a friend instead.
Here is a quick peek at the back cover with the book summary:
Prince Darinel is traveling–for what feels like forever. Expelled from his father’s kingdom, he just wants to find a new home. When a shadow lures him to a wealthy kingdom, he stays to discover more about the darkness, but the citizens are tight-lipped.
Their king welcomes the foreign Prince hoping that he will solve his two problems: the dragon and his strong-willed daughter. Coming from a warrior kingdom, Darinel despises violence, but charmed by Princess Tuskja’s dare, he sets out to confront the beast. Instead of finding a fierce dragon, he finds a friend. The dragon’s malicious humor and his love of fairy tales entangle Darinel in a summer of adventures, while danger stirs in the East, the Dark Prince. Being refused by the Princess and humiliated by the dragon, this proud prince seeks revenge.
In compliance with the king’s decree, Darinel is torn between his friendship with the dragon and his love for Princess Tuskja, whom he can only marry if he kills his friend. Before he can make a decision, the kingdom is under attack. Now it is up to the dragon to either help his friend or respect his wish to not interfere.
You can find it on the following sites:
If you would like to check out before hand, you can go to my webpage: www.antjehergt.com or my facebook author page: Antje Hergt or follow me on Twitter: @antjehergt
Thank you so much for having me on your blog and for taking the time to read about my new book and me. I hope you find it as exciting when you read it as I did when I wrote it.
Antje, it does sound a really exciting book for children. Thanks very much for sharing your story with us, and have a great trip home. Auf Wiedersehen und alles Gute!
If you’ve enjoyed Antje’s interview, or if you have any questions or comments at all, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
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