Klau Stepien

What was your favorite book as a child?

There were many, and ever-changing. Sometimes The Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases, other times Lucy M. Montgomery’s novels or Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism. I also remember a wonderful saga about a family of puppets, The Mennyms, who hide the fact of being dolls from the world — thinking about it now makes me want to reread.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I grew up in books, but for a long time I felt scared of writing, or disempowered. Working up the courage to finally start writing has helped me to find the way back to myself, as cheesy as it may sound. It’s had a big therapeutic impact on my life.

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

Biking downhill with my eyes closed. And wild camping in the Swedish forest. Now you’ve got me overthinking how unadventurous my life is. Where’s all the “swimming with hungry sharks,” or “jumping off the biggest Jesus statue in the world”…

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I don’t; I would find that distracting. There are soundscapes in my head while I read or write, I’d rather listen to them.