Interview With Author Martin P. Anderfeldt
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Martin, I
I have written over a dozen books – in German, however. “Just Ten Days” and “Just Ten Days: Return” are the only ones available in English.
I have lived in Valencia (Spain) and London, now I live in Munich, Germany. When I’m not writing, I like travelling, running and coffee.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Just Ten Days, a psychological survival thriller about five teenage girls stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash.
The inspiration came from a simple question: How long does it take for civilization to collapse? How would they wield power, form alliances, break under pressure? In earlier versions, there were also boys, but I found the story stronger without them.
I also wanted to explore the idea of transformation under extreme circumstances. Not the heroic “triumph of the human spirit” narrative, but the messy, uncomfortable truth of what survival actually costs. The island becomes a pressure cooker where every choice matters and there’s nowhere to hide—from the elements or from yourself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call them unusual, but I do need copious amounts of coffee to function.
I tend to write in bursts—sometimes very late at night when the house is quiet and my brain decides to cooperate.
And I keep detailed character notes—almost like psychological profiles—because when you’re writing morally complex characters, you need to understand why they make terrible decisions, not just that they do.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. I love Kazuo Ishiguro (“A Pale View of Hills” is my favourite), Ian McEwan, Haruki Murakami, Celese Ng, Douglas Adams, H.P. Lovecraft, China Miéville, Heinz Strunk, Wolfgang Herrndorf, Jorge Luis Borges, David Mitchell, Sally Rooney, Frank Herbert, Margaret Atwood, Han Kang.
And many, many more.
They have all influenced me – and still do. Check them out, they are wonderful.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a third part of “Just Ten Days”, a final one, with an adult Midori as protagonist. It’s in rather early stages.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m still figuring this out! Social media—particularly Instagram and potentially TikTok/BookTok—seem crucial for reaching readers, especially in the YA/crossover space. Building a genuine connection with readers through authentic content (not just “buy my book” posts) seems most effective.
But difficult for me, as I don’t like to show my face and talk into a camera.
Book bloggers and review sites like Goodreads are also important. And of course, having a website where readers can find information, sign up for newsletters, and access bonus content.
I think the best promotion is simply writing a book people want to talk about—something that sparks discussion, debate, or emotional reaction. And then write the next one, quickly.
I fail here, because I’m too busy with my life outside writing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish the book: Sounds obvious, but many aspiring writers have brilliant ideas they never complete. A finished imperfect manuscript is infinitely more valuable than a perfect first chapter.
Write the book only you can write: Don’t try to chase trends or write what you think will sell. Your unique voice and perspective are your greatest assets.
Get comfortable with discomfort: Writing well means exploring difficult emotions, complex morality, and uncomfortable truths. If you’re never squirming while writing, you’re probably playing it too safe.
Read widely and critically. Study books you love and books you don’t. Understanding why something doesn’t work teaches you as much as understanding what does.
And finally, publish it: It may never be perfect, but if you never publish it, you will never know if people like it.
Then, go on and write the next book. And make it even better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid.
Writing is personal, there is a lot of you inside what you’ve written, so criticism will hurt you.
So, brag for that, expect it (but never answer on negative reviews on Amazon). Try to find out if the reader is right or how you can avoid that happen in the future (though it will happen, just less often).
What are you reading now?
Heinz Strunk, Zauberberg 2, and
Sally Rooney, Conversations with Friends.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Plotting for “Just Ten Days 3”.
Translating my YA novel “All the Memories we never had” to English.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Haha, the irony of this question given what I put my characters through!
1. A practical guide to survive on a desert island
2. Something long that I always wanted to read but somehow never felt I had the time, like “War and Peace” or “Buddenbrooks”.
3. A blank journal. Does that count as a book? Because I’d inevitably start writing. Probably something dark and psychological about being stranded on a desert island. Wait…
Author Websites and Profiles
Martin P. Anderfeldt Amazon Profile
Martin P. Anderfeldt’s Social Media Links
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