BZ Questionnaire with the author Andrea Schwandemann
BZ QUESTIONNAIRE, filled in by Andrea Schwendemann (44), author and owner of Children’s Media Office.
Stallinger (CFR). Explaining the world to children is one of Andrea Schwendemann’s favorite works. The 44-year-old comes from Schonach, studied geography and German in Cologne and took an apprenticeship in Freiburg. She was editor-in-chief at National Geographic World and Giolino Extra in Hamburg. Four years ago she started her own business with the “Text & Concepts” office. She writes children’s books, develops magazines, and works as a copywriter. Schwendemann is in a relationship and lives in Stuehlinger.
Your book “100 meters full of toilet paper and 4 glasses of earwax” with sensational facts for kids has just been published. What is your favorite fact?
Fart formula. With this you can calculate how much you make in your life. And that there are over 100 different ways to kiss.
What is the challenge of writing for children?
That’s exactly what you should do with any text for adults: write simple, clear and direct.
What can’t you explain to the kids?
Actually nothing. Certainly there are subjects which are more difficult than others, but you have to put effort there as well.
What did you want to be in childhood?
Cross-country skiing Olympic champion. Plan B: Sports reporter.
Your favorite place in Freiburg?
Our balcony in Stuhlinger and my jogging track in Sternwald.
Your favorite place in Freiburg?
Vultures will bode.
Your favorite subject in school?
free hour.
What makes you laugh at heart? About embarrassing situations I come across.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Being in Unteribental, where we have a small apartment on the farm.
Which book has interested you most recently?
“Memoirs” by Esther Bezranos.
When was the last time you attended church?
At Freiburg Minster in March 2015: A friend of mine sang Christ in St. John’s Passion.
what music do you like?
Zazz, Hugh Laurie, Adele.
your favorite website?
http://www.der-postillon.com
Where do you like to go on vacation?
On a touring bike – with backpack and baggage, tent and sleeping pad. There are always gas cookers, espresso pots and milk frothers.
What are you afraid of?
Before snowless winters and rainy summers.
Do you have a role model?
A journalist, yes: Dunja Hayali.
What do you like about yourself?
My sense of humor but sometimes I am the only one who can laugh at my jokes.
Your biggest achievement?
To get the love of my life.
Who would you like to swap places with for a day and why?
With the Portuguese water dog “Bo”, who lives in the White House with the American presidential family. I sniffed in every corner, groped in every room. Don’t ignore it and report it. But if Donald Trump walks in, I will thunder and run away.
Your dream title?
“The last neo-Nazis have died. Now all people, no matter where they come from, who they believe, whom they love, can live in peace.”
Please complete: I do best on the stove…
… Menu de Residual. Open the fridge, explore leftovers and create a creative dish.
Whoever wants to make it into my work, who…
…must be passionate, follow one’s emotions, take risks, enjoy hard work, be adventurous, have an entrepreneurial spirit, complete projects close to one’s heart, take up day jobs – And have fun at the same time.
I forget the moment when…
… I go by bike from Römerweg to St. Morgan. Then I have to focus on catching my breath.
For once in my life I really want…
… touring Canada by bike.
As Mayor of Freiburg, I…
…keep on telling all the babbles who criticize refugees that each one of us is a refugee. We are all from Africa.
