Author Oliver Pötzsch, renowned for his bestselling works, faced a critical juncture following a major operation, prompting a significant life shift.
In an exclusive interview available at 24books, German author Oliver Pötzsch, known for his successful historical crime series *The Hangman's Daughter* ("Henkerstochter"), shares insights into his career decisions and the reality of being a writer.
After achieving international success with his debut "Henkerstochter" novel, Pötzsch faced a difficult decision between security and passion. Working at the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, he held a stable position, yet he yearned for the creative freedom that writing offered. Clinging to his job out of fear of the unknown, Pötzsch eventually had a heart attack and needed a bypass operation, which prompted him to reevaluate his priorities.
Upon leaving the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, Pötzsch immersed himself in the world of storytelling, dedicating himself to his passion without distractions or compromises.
The 23rd edition of "Henkerstochter" marks a significant milestone for Pötzsch, as he decided to bring the series to a close after ten volumes. He felt that the story had reached its natural conclusion and wanted to avoid diminishing the series' impact by stretching it too long. Concluding the series allowed him to explore new themes and narratives in his subsequent works.
Pötzsch spoke openly about his decision to end the "Henkerstochter" series for the first time, sharing the challenges and rewards of being a professional author. He highlighted the importance of discipline, resilience, and continuous research—especially for historical fiction. Writing offers him creative freedom but also requires balancing imagination with historical accuracy.
The author admitted that successful authors like Ken Follett and John Grisham wake up early in the morning to write, and he follows a similar routine. Pötzsch also shared his insights about the reality of a writer's life, emphasizing the connection with readers and the gratification of bringing history alive through engaging storytelling.
As a 54-year-old resident of Munich, Pötzsch compared his success as a writer to a child's dream of playing for FC Bayern. He admitted that he was a "security fanatic," yet he took a chance on his passion, leaving a secure career to pursue his dreams.
At 24books, readers have the opportunity to win one of three copies of "The Unhoused" by Barbara Kingsolver. To participate in the giveaway, simply register on 24books. For more detailed summaries or direct quotes from the interview, visit 24books to read the full interview with Oliver Pötzsch.
In his career, Pötzsch found himself torn between a secure job at the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation and his passion for writing, which spanned various genres such as home-and-garden books and entertainment. After a heart attack, he decided to fully embrace his dream of being a full-time author, giving up the stability of his former position to delve deeper into the world of storytelling, including lifestyle and historical novels.
