Writing books that make a difference – a really beautiful goal that Irina Weingartner has set with her books. She is a freelance author and journalist and addresses the hearts of adults as well as children with her short stories.
It is often very difficult for adults to answer questions from children about the climate crisis or species extinction. It is not easy to explain such difficult and unfortunate topics child-friendly, but it is very important to talk about them. Irina’s stories naturally lead to an affectionate and responsible treatment of people, animals and nature.
We are very happy that she has become a part of our Green Business Interview series! How the life and work as a writer looks like and what tips she can give us – you will find here.
Have fun with the interview!
How and when did you come to the idea to start your own business?
As a writer and journalist, I did not set up a business, but I still decided to take the plunge into self-employment. I had been working on my first book, the modern environmental fairy tale “The Little Star Marlou and His Friends” for about a year, and finished it.
During the search for a publisher, I kept hearing my inner voice, which for quite some time had told me very clearly that I first had to let go so that my project could be realized. At that time, I was still employed in marketing at a large company. I felt that I could not develop there, my time had run out and I had to leave the company to find a publisher. So all the energy went to the project, the dream or however you want to call it. And that’s how it happened. A short time later I quit and found a publisher who wanted to print my book.
Of course, such a step is not easy, maybe daring, but the voice in me was getting louder and I knew secretly that she was right.
Since then, three years have passed and three books have appeared. The ideas for new books just come in, the next children’s books are already finished.
What was your motivation and vision at that time?
On the one hand, my motivation came from the dream of finally doing what I really enjoy doing, namely writing books. On the other hand, being caught out of the “frustration” of a 9to5 job that does not get me any further. Every person has only this life to realize his or her dreams and goals and not get stuck in the hamster wheel. This is not fun and makes sick as time goes by.
Were there initial challenges?
One of the biggest challenges for me was breaking social conventions. Breaking out of the rhythm that 90% of working people have. Since I have set myself a very ambitious goal of living on my books, which is very daring and rare, many people around me were unconvinced, surprised, jealous …
I knew I was on the right path, on my way, so I tried to block out the doubters and just trust in myself and my talent.
What does a typical day in your life look like today?
Roughly speaking, my day consists of reading, researching and writing.
Of course there is also the daily office work (emails, sales, cooperations etc.).
In between, I try to spend time in nature, because most of the best ideas come from there.
Then of course there are days when I’m at fairs or have readings.
What are the key skills and qualities to succeed in your industry?
You need to be open, curious, to observe, intuition and a lot of peace – because then you will always find new interesting topics, from which an idea for a book arises. After that, it takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to finally write down the ideas to make it a good book.
Do you have a secret of success?
- Always write down ideas and thoughts immediately.
- Sit down and write. This is the only way to create books. Dreaming is important, but eventually you have to dare and just start with the first lines. Once history has a beginning, further writing takes its course.
- Calm and little distraction, so that the story can arise in one more
- Read, a lot.
How do you earn money?
My merit consists of book sales, readings, articles and reports.
Is there anything that you think can be improved on your industry?
Yes. I would hope that the publishers actually read the many manuscripts that they receive and write substantiated letters of rejection. After all, the time spent as a writer with a search for a publisher, the submission of manuscripts and the waiting for a possible denial or rejection is not to be underestimated.
If you could start again, would you do something different?
I might would start earlier to make my dreams come true. But many things in life just take and need time.
What do you advise others for their lives and careers?
Dare to realize your dreams, do not listen to the doubters, but trust your inner voice that guides you!
