Ich bin ein Berliner
Tales from Germany...
I’ve wanted to visit Germany for a long time.
For one thing, I am a big fan of German horror films, be they early expressionist masterpieces like Nosferatu and the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, transgressive cult cinema like Nekromantik, or the gore-soaked insanity of director Olaf Ittenbach (see Premutos for one of the craziest film experiences of your life). I’m also a big fan of Rammstein and have an appreciation for German metal and electronica, which also incorporates horror into their themes. But while I have a passion for German horror art, I am also blessed to have that passion reciprocated.
Publisher Festa Verlag, run by Frank and Igne Festa, have been putting my books out in German translations for several years now, having started with one of my nastiest works, Body Art. Since its release in 2017, we’ve released five books together, and have several more in the works. My fan base in Germany has grown consistently and shows no sign of slowing down. I am deeply touched by all the fan mail I receive from Festa readers. It means so much to me to be able to share my tales of terror with people on the other side of the world.
In late 2019, Frank invited me to come to Leipzig for a meet and greet with my fans, and obviously, I jumped at his generous offer. But then Covid hit and put the entire world on pause for a couple of years. I was crushed, but Frank promised we would reschedule as soon as world events allowed, and in 2023, he invited me back and set up a wonderful event for me and my many fans in Germany.
On April 29th, Festa Verlag hosted this special event at their headquarters in Leipzig. The turnout was extraordinary, and I was delighted to spend time with so many of my German fans, as well as some fans who had traveled all the way from Austria. It was quite an honor for me, and I am very grateful to everyone who came out! After the signing, we did a town hall style interview, with author Hardy Kettlitz asking questions and Simona Turini interpreting, followed by questions from the audience. You can watch the full video here.
Frank and Igne were incredibly gracious hosts, treating me to Auerbachs Keller, a landmark restaurant known to have been frequented by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe while he was working on Faust. A statue of the author with his nefarious friend Mephistopheles sits at the front of the establishment. We also visited the stunning Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which was erected in memory of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig, where 133,000 soldiers from multiple countries lost their lives. The site is both humbling and breathtaking, with incredible sculptures and artistic architecture.
My history tour then continued in Berlin, where author Hardy Kettlitz (of Memoranda Verlag as well as Festa Verlag) was my native chaperone. During my time there, I managed to see a great deal of landmarks and monuments, ranging from The Victory Column, to The Holocaust Memorial, to Checkpoint Charlie, to the former Tempelhof Airport, to remains of the Berlin Wall, to The Battle of Berlin Memorial, to many of the city’s historic churches.
I also enjoyed some of the city’s modern entertainment, including the riotous interactive theater of The Berlin Dungeon and the latest Body Worlds museum exhibit. To wrap up my visit, I did an additional book signing at Otherland Bookstore where fans who couldn’t make the Leipzig engagement came out to see me and get their autographs. It was yet another fun night.
But best of all, I made a lot of new friends all throughout Germany!
I’ve been to several other countries in my life and have been all across America, and I can honestly say my trip to Germany is one of my absolute favorite adventures I’ve ever taken. I highly recommend visiting. But it wouldn’t have been nearly as great without the kindness and generosity of the people at Festa Verlag and the support of all my German fans. This was my first international book signing, and I couldn’t have been happier with the way it all went, and that is thanks to all of you!
My next book with Festa Verlag is The Night Stockers, which comes out in July, just in time for my birthday (reserve your copy here). Also look for their release of Edward Lee’s new splatter sequel, Ouija Pig.
But my next book to come out in my native tongue is The Prettiest Girl in the Grave, which sees its wide release this Friday, the 12th! The signed hardcover bundle is still available at my website, but with it being limited to just 250 copies, they are selling fast. Reserve yours now. Anyone who buys one is automatically entered into a contest where three lucky winners will receive a t-shirt, a paperback copy of Growing Dark, and a free code for an audiobook of their choice!
To celebrate Mother’s Day, use discount code MOM at checkout on TRIANAHORROR.COM to receive 10% off any order of $60 or more! Code is good now through Monday the 15th at noon, EST.
During my interview in Leipzig, a fan asked about the influence of music on my work, with particular interest in the Delta blues music that inspired Gone to See the River Man. With that in mind, here is a link to the official playlist I made for the book, for those of you who are also interested in delving in.
As for me…
Currently listening to: Klaus Schulze, whom my friend Hardy introduced me to.
Currently reading: Tim Lebbon’s The Last Storm
Currently snacking on: California raisins
Until next time, keep reading, and try to be happy.
Your pal,
Kris
That German cover for Night Stockers is siiiick.
Good shit, man! I'm glad you got to do this.