Daan Katz Interview Published on: 09, May 2023

Where were you born? Which is your favorite childhood memory?

I was born in the Hague, the Netherlands.

What are your hobbies apart from writing?

I am a passionate amateur musician, and when I’m not writing you can often find me playing the piano and singing. My voice, an extremely light lyrical tenor, is especially suited to singing Baroque repertoire and Schubert art songs. Though I’m not a very good pianist, I can play some simple accompaniments, and I do enjoy playing.

Another of my hobbies is cooking. I’ve enjoyed helping my mother and grandmother in the kitchen ever since I was little, and still like to experiment in the kitchen a lot.

Finally, I’ve always enjoyed cycling. This changed when I became wheelchair dependent, and for a couple of years I could not ride my bike at all. Then I got an add-on handbike which, as the name suggests, attaches to my wheelchair, and instead of using my feet to pedal, I use my hands. It’s magnificent, and I love riding my handbike.

What was your biggest dream as a child? Did it ever come true?

I wanted to become a classical singer. And I did – just not professionally. I also wanted to become a writer. So yes, my two biggest dreams did come true. I’m a lucky guy.

Who are a part of your family? How critical are they of your writing?

I share my home with two large Norwegian Forest Cats, Mozart and Rafaela, and a sweet little moggie, Thalia. And you’d better believe they are very critical of my writing.

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