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Questions from readers

If you have a question, you want answered here, please send it to:
annikavonholdt@gmail.com

Q: Why did you choose to write horror? What fascinates you about the darkness, the bizarre?
A: The answer is simple, really: I write the books, I would like to read. I write about the realms of darkness because they exist (unless your eyes are shut), because it's my destiny, not my choice. The main theme and entire style in my books is dark, some characters are scary and gruesome, because they exist. I didn't invent them. Although my books are works of fiction, every character is inspired by life; by things I've read, seen, or heard. All writers are first and foremost observers, they notice details and things that may escape others, and they are thieves, too. They steal bits and pieces from reality, weave them together until a shadow emerges. And then they bend over backwards to make this shadow-orphan come to life.



Q: What effect does a bad review have on you, if any?
A: Well, these days everyone can be a critic. With reviews it's like this, see; It's all about personal opinion. What one person might hate, another might treasure and adore. To prove it, I've had good and bad reviews of the very same book, and that's the truth for every writer. There is just no way to make everybody happy. All writers have been discouraged at some point, some rejected, even (and some publishers live to regret that). The important thing is to stay focused on what it is you do. I don't compromise. I don't try to please anyone. If I did that, I'd write entirely different books. And although a good review (fleetingly) feels better than a bad one ... at the end of the day; It doesn't really matter. It doesn't change anything. For better, or worse, I keep writing the stories I like. And I always will. So, it is with reviews, as with everything else, you take what you can use and agree with and ignore the rest.



Q: I spoke to another writer recently, who told me that he fulfilled his sexual fantasies through his work. Instead of going out and having an affair, he writes about it. You write about evil and murder. Do you have some secret wish to hurt or kill someone?
A: No. I don't. I weave tapestries of illusion. Anne Rice wrote numerous books about vampires ... that doesn't make her one, now does it?



Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: All around me, whether in a busy city or on a remote island, alone and with people. Old cemeteries are inspiring, black and white movies, art, the human mind. I also find a lot of inspiration in medical science. And I read a lot.



Q: What makes you happy?
A: Little things. Big things. Peace of mind, freedom of spirit. Most of all my son, Lukas. I am a content, positive person. I've been very lucky, by all accounts. I am happy nd grateful for that.



Q: What's the most memorable project or event in your life?
A: The birth of my son. Motherhood. And being barefoot and pregnant. I think this is the most memorable event in ANY woman's life. Not having your own body to yourself for months on end is a very special (and also exhausting) experience that you will not soon forget.



Q: Are you religious?
A: If God was a black cashmere sweater, I would be ;o)



Q: How can a pretty girl like you write such horrifying books?
A: Ever hear the proverbial quote: "don't judge a book by its cover"? ... Perhaps there is more to me, than meets the eye... I write about the realms of evil and greed and fear, dark thrillers. I write dark stories, because it's what I do. It's what I like to do.



Q: How tall are you?
A: Unusual question. But okay. I am 5'9.



Q: Can I have a book signed?
A: Certainly. But do not send the book! Neither L&R or I can be held responsible for lost or stolen mail. The best way to have a book signed is to attend one of my booksignings. Or send me an e-mail.



Q: When and where is your next booksigning?
A: I am in the midst of writing my fourth novel, which is a very intense period for me. I rarely make public appearances during these fragile moments of inspiration. As soon as the book is done, I'll be round and about again. I will be sure to announce when and where.



Q: Are you as "dark" as your website suggests? You come across as an original, even a little weird.
A: Weird, huh? ... Well, I am sure the air of mystery and darkness surrounding my persona is in the mind of the beholder, rather than in me. No pun intended. The simple fact is, that I am disappointingly normal (if you disregard my penchant for cemeteries). I cannot control how I am perceived. Make your judgement, if you must ... just remember, your truth may not look like mine.

Q: Is Annika von Holdt a pseudonym?
A: No, it's my real name. However, I have published works under several pen names.



Q: Where do you get your ideas from?
A: The dark mists of my incessant imagination, I suppose. I watch and listen. There is always something to write about, if you take notice. I used to think up really clever answers to that question (blatant lies, of course), just to be interesting, because the truth is so disappointing. But I've stopped doing that, because those who ask, will never really understand anyway, and those who don't ask already know, that I haven't the faintest clue.



Q: You've been known to say that "J" is your muse. Who is "J"?
A: "J" is my mother. She is not of this world anymore, but our kinship lives on...



Q: Which one of your books should I buy?
A: If in doubt, buy them both. But if you have to choose, I am afraid, I cannot advise you. I like them both, you see. But they are very different. Haunted is plot-driven, whereas The Nighthour is character-driven, Haunted is fast-paced, and The Nighthour is reflective. So the decision depends on your temperament, really.



Q: Will you read my manuscript and tell me what you think?
A: I am sorry, but no. Reading unpublished works could get me in legal trouble.



Q: I am doing a school project, and I have chosen you as my author. Can I interview you?
A: Sure, I'll indulge if time permits.



Q: Are you represented by a literary agent?
A: No, not at the moment. My publisher handles my literary affairs.



Q: May I interview you?
A: Yes, if your interview pertains to my novels.



Q: Can I interview you in your home?
A: No, not anymore. I've stopped opening the doors to my private home, sorry.



Q: Have you ever experienced "writers block", and if so what do you do?
A: Yes, I have, unfortunately. To get rid of a nasty writers block, I usually write on something else than the manuscript I am stuck on. I simply put it in the bottom mental drawer, so to speak, and leave it there. Sooner or later it gets jealous for attention, and I am cured.



Q: May I use some of your written works?
A: No, I will not permit any copying of my words and sentiments — other than legal quotations, and such only if you provide proper credit.



Q: When you submitted your first manuscript, how did you know it was good enough?
A: I didn't. I had/have the same doubts and insecurities as any other sane person.



Q: How many publishers did you send your manuscript to before it got accepted?
A: My manuscript was accepted by the first publisher, I sent it to.

Q: Are there any plans to publish a sequel of Haunted?
A: No. I have no such plans.

Q: Why do you use so many English/American phrases in your language?
A: I don't do that on purpose. Speaking two languages has its pitfalls, I suppose. I speak English almost as much as Danish, and most of the time, I find myself thinking in English, hence the anglicisms.



Q: How long does it take to write a novel?
A: It varies from novel to novel. Haunted took little over a year to completely finish, whilst The Nighthour only took about five months. But it depends, mostly, on inspiration, of course.



Q: What advice can you give to an aspiring writer?
A: Never loose your insanity.



Q: Which books do you read?
A: I read anything I can get my hands on: ranging from classical literature to really bad literature. I think it's important to learn from everybody. Reading bad literature (occasionally) teaches me to recognize poor quality when it sneaks its way into my own writing.



Q: Do you know of a website that sells your books in English?
A: My books are not released in english. I will be sure to advocate when.



Q: Why are you so fascinated by sepulchers & cemeteries?
A: They remind me that I am never far from death. They are, in fact, the very basic symbols of our awaited resurrection and immortality. Besides, I have a penchant for silence and tranquillity, beautiful sculptures and fragrant flowers. Certain gardens and groves have an abundance of those.



Q: May I have your address or phone number?
A: The location of my residence is private and will remain so. I don't mean to be secretive, but I do enjoy my privacy.



Q: I have sent you an e-mail. Why haven't you answered?
A: Some days I receive more e-mail than Santa Claus (and I have no elfs to help me). I read all mail, though. Whether I answer or not depends on what your e-mail pertains to. 95 percent of the e-mail I receive is about my Photoshop brushes. And as much as I try, I cannot reply to everyone out of common courtesy. I simply don't have time to teach people how to create Photoshop brushes, how to use them, or how to install them. Sorry.



Q: Your site gives the impact that you are slightly pessimistic, and I was curious as to whether your art depicts your authentic attitude?
A: I am a realist, not an optimist or pessimist. In regard to my site and the impression you got from it, you seem to forget that this is a public website, not my personal memoirs. I disclose and unveil what I think is appropriate, and what I feel comfortable sharing, nothing more, nothing less.

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