Sebastian Krebitz - Write for Yourself and Write Honestly. Don't Listen to People You Would Never Ask for Advice Otherwise (Author From Austria)

I think probably that there is a little piece of myself in every character and in each of my stories.

1. Tell us about your background and journey?

My name is Sebastian, I was born in Vienna / Austria and I am the second child of my parents and you know what they say: "second child–spirit wild". Already in my childhood, it became clear that I am not really made for the “regular life plan” and that my behavior is rather unconventional in many ways.

But which of the aspects of my life could be interesting for you? Possibly the fact that I have neither learned nor studied creative writing. But in my thirty years on this planet, I have taken many different paths. And as a storyteller, as I like to look at myself, there is nothing more valuable from my point of view.

Over the years I experienced life from different perspectives: as a detective assistant, student of biological anthropology and philosophy, barista, bartender, beauty consultant, and an employee in the morgue. Meanwhile, I am a writer and work as a content creator in marketing for a magazine publisher in Austria.

I was able to gain a lot of valuable experiences on my professional journey and every single one, no matter whether positive or negative, has allowed me to grow personally and is now flowing into my stories.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

To be honest, I still don't realize that to this day. But I think that even if I was never fully aware that I wanted to be a writer, I have been one all my life.

3. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Difficult question. I think probably that there is a little piece of myself in every character and in each of my stories.

4. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That even as an author, you cannot control everything in your own book. In the best-case scenario, stories and characters develop a “life of their own”. It happens that I am surprised where their actions lead in the end.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child, I really wanted to be an actor and tell stories and portray personalities on stage. I always brought my self-written scenes to the various castings and played them. I often got to the last lap. Ultimately, despite everything, there was almost always a rejection. But the jury also said every time that they were impressed by the story, the choice of words, and the characters of the scenes I wrote myself.

In the beginning, I ignored this positive feedback and only saw the failure. But at some point, I really listened and noticed what was being said. Then I realized that I had already found my calling without knowing it. Today I wouldn't want to do anything differently. I'm very grateful for every rejection and feedback. They have been my best teachers and guides.

6. Do you have any tips for people who want to be an author?

Write for yourself and write honestly. Don't listen to people you would never ask for advice otherwise. Be attentive–an observer. Payless attention to what people say and more to what they are not saying or hiding. Multiple storylines and characters surround you every day. My last tip: If you don't know what to write about–write about yourself. Each of us has a unique perspective, a unique story only you can tell.