Jeremy Williams-Chalmers, Arts Correspondent
A Writer's Journey: Chris Regez
Swiss country music singer-songwriter and author Chris Regez has released his highly anticipated first novel ‘The Songwriter - Following The Sound Of Love.' After recording his first three albums in Nashville, Chris returned to Music City again and again. In 2017 one more trip inspired him to start writing a novel about spontaneous passion and running away to Music City to chase a dream when that dream is the only thing left. Regez opens this rare read with “Girlfriend gone. Job gone. Everything gone,” proving that in the music industry, when you have hit an all time low, you have the ingredients for the perfect song, or in this case, the perfect novel. We caught up with Chris to find out more about his writing journey.
What was the first book that really inspired you?
Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing press releases for more than 20 years.
Then one day I had the idea for the “Songwriter”-story.
How did you know it could be more than just an ambition?
After I released the German version of the book (in 2017) and received many positive reactions from my readers.
What is the best book you have ever read?
Hard to say. But the content of “The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris” really got me thinking.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can write anywhere and anytime.
When did you write your first book and how old were you? What happened with the book?
My first book was the original version of “The Songwriter” – written in German. It was released in 2017. I was 49 years old at that time.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to play music. I also like to travel.
Have you ever learnt anything about yourself through your writing?
I don't like giving my characters a hard time. But if I do, I feel sorry for them.
Are you ever conscious of subconsciously including someone you know in your characters?
Nobody I know in real life corresponds to the people in my books.
What is the greatest feedback you have received to date?
“When I read your books, I feel like I'm in the middle of the story.”
And the worst?
I think readers don’t tell me.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Train driver.
What for you defines a good read?
A good read is a book that I would like to read from start to finish all at once - without interruption.