Werner Rohner and Ulrike Ulrich ● Finding Your Own Voice

Description

When does the desire to write turn into the courage to take it seriously? The author couple Werner Rohner and Ulrike Ulrich read from their texts and talk with Natalie Borsy about the path to their own writing – and what (or who) is needed to stay committed. Writing is often seen as a solitary activity. But in reality, literature rarely develops in isolation. Texts evolve through conversation, careful reading, critical questions, and people who accompany you on the way. Werner Rohner and Ulrike Ulrich have been writing and teaching writing together for many years. In conversation with cultural and social scientist Natalie Borsy, they give insights into their own writing journeys, about formative encounters, and the experiences they have gathered as leaders of writing workshops. How does the perspective on texts change when you write yourself and simultaneously support others? What can be conveyed at all – and what must all writers discover for themselves? A workshop discussion with readings and insights into the practice of literary work. The talk is organized by Haus zum Schreiben, a new Zurich cultural venue for literary work, exchange, and encounter. Afterwards, there will be an aperitif. Natalie Borsy is a cultural and social scientist responsible for the operational management at Haus zum Schreiben. She has taught, researched, and written extensively at the University of Zurich in the field of popular literatures and media. As part of her scientific work, she has dealt with fictional cookbooks and the connections between stories, hospitality, and community. Werner Rohner lives as a freelance writer in Zurich. He studied at the Swiss Literature Institute in Biel. In 2014, his debut Das Ende der Schonzeit was published, followed by his second novel Was möglich ist in 2020, and Mehr als ein Wunsch in 2022, his first novel for children. He has received, among other things, grants and recognition awards from the city of Zurich, a nomination for the Rauriser Literature Prize, and the Kranichsteiner Literature Scholarship 2023. Ulrike Ulrich is a writer and Germanist (M.A.) and head of the literary writing department at Haus zum Schreiben. Since 2010, she has published four novels and a collection of stories. Her texts have been awarded, among others, the Walter-Serner Prize, grants, and recognition awards from the city of Zurich.