Please welcome Christoph Fischer

Posted by jennifer gibson on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Under: October

Welcome to my new book club! You have written numerous novels, including a historical trilogy series. Your latest books, "Time to Let Go" and "Conditions", seem to be headed in a different direction where the topic is more focused on mental health and family matters. This is not an easy subject to write about, what prompted you to tackle this field?

Thank you for inviting me. People tend to write about things they already know about or that they would like to find out about. With my historical novels I had some knowledge and an interest in the periods I chose, and it’s the same with the contemporary novels. I knew people with these problems or people who dealt with them. In Conditions there is a variety of characters, many of whom are oddballs in their own right. As in real life, I find those more interesting than ‘regular’ or ‘normal’ people.

Since the death of comedian and actor, Robin Williams, the world is now much more aware of mental illnesses and depression. Did this have an impact on your new novel, Conditions? Did you have a particular goal in mind?

“Conditions” in its first draft was written in 2008, long before Robin Williams’s tragic death and I certainly would not want to jump on a bandwagon. I understand that his story has raised much needed awareness for mental health issues but I must confess that I am a little saddened that in modern society only a high profile case like his can have such an impact. Let’s not forget that there are thousands of little people who commit suicide and struggle with their life every day. Just as their stories, my novel won’t have this kind of impact but changing people’s perspective and their perception is something I strive for in all of my novels, looking for tolerance, acceptance and showing that we’re all human.

You have lived in Germany and the UK, did those locations inspire you when it came to writing your novels?

Yes, a little, but not entirely. The UK has been my home for over 20 years and my contemporary novels are all set there. The historical novels are all over Europe: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Vienna and in the next novel, Finland. Only one of my books is set in Germany (The Black Eagle Inn) and that in a different time. However, having lived in Germany half of my life has certainly formed me and my writing.

Have you always been interested in writing?

I used to write for the school newsletter when I was twelve but then there is a very long gap until 2008. I have always been a keen reader, but the writing of my novels was almost accidental, never planned and aspired to. I never thought I had a novel in me and am still amazed that some people actually read and enjoy them.

Some writers love to listen to music when they are working, do you do this too? Any favourite songs or musicians?

No. Sadly I need total silence when I write. Distractions easily throw me out of the ‘zone’, something my partner often pokes fun at. When I’m not writing I listen to a lot of different music. Heather Nova, The Bastille, Scissor Sisters and Ace of Base spring to mind right now, ‘Xanadu’, “Lessons in Love” and “Wuthering Heights”.

I've noticed that family and pets, especially dogs, are very important to you. Do you think that it changed you and made you a better person today?

When I was young and carefree I always looked out for my friends but my current family and pet commitments have brought a new focus into my life and new priorities. I wouldn’t quite call myself a ‘better’ person but I do strive to improve in all areas of my life where I can.

You seem to be an avid reader and passionate reviewer with a current rank as a Top 500 Reviewer on Amazon. I'm simply amazed at your ability to do so many reviews! What is your secret? How do you manage to find the time do this?

My secret is my passion for books and my solidarity with other writers but I’m also just very fortunate enough that I have a lot of spare time. I used to travel and got into the habit of killing time on buses and in hotel rooms with books and that habit is hard to break.

Since you have a special place in your heart for animals, do you have any favourite charities?

My dear friend and fellow author Paulette Mahurin has introduced me to a No Kill Shelter in California, http://www.santapaulaarc.org/ All proceeds from her books go to that shelter. Although there are similar shelters in the UK, Santa Paula is probably my favourite animal charity.
I also admire the work that the Red Cross does worldwide.

Is there anything you would like to share with aspiring new writers?

It’s a tough game but with all the changes in the publishing industry it’s also a very exciting field. I remember how the Sundance Film Festival and Independent Film Production gave Hollywood a run for their money and in the end neither group missed out. The result was a revolution that livened up the market and gave the consumer a broader choice of books.

So keep going, keep writing and believe in yourself. Don’t let yourself be discouraged by slow sales or by the odd bad review. Try to learn from all of your experience and enjoy the ride.

Thank you Christoph for providing such wonderful insight into your work and your life!

Want to learn more about Christoph and his books? You can visit his website, view his blog and chat with him on Facebook:

Short Biography:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. In May 2014 he published his first contemporary novel "Time To Let Go" in May. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: http://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

All Facebook links:

http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/TheLuckOfTheWeissensteiners?ref=hl