Hajo Schumacher discusses crime thrillers, fundamental rules, and the "runner's high" sensation.

Hajo Schumacher discusses crime novels, crucial guidelines, and the experience of "runner's high."

The writing duo, Hajo Schumacher and Michael Meisheit, promises an exciting story. Schumacher, formerly known as "Achim Achilles," is a journalist and avid runner, while Meisheit is a screenwriter, famous for "Lindenstraßen." They focus on their respective careers, beating their physical limits in their professional lives and fitness.

Their main character, Peer Pedes, is a detective in the Berlin LKA. Once a skilled marathon runner, he was motivated by praise and drive from childhood. However, his adulthood was filled with disillusionment, especially when his colleague, Koslowski, broke his previous records.

Inspired, Pedes decides to train again. He learns that life catches up with him during his first, taxing run, when a body is found hanging from the Oberbaum Bridge with running shoes on. This investigation needs speed. Pedes finds himself juggling numerous aspects in his life like his job, relationship, and nightlife. ntv.de spoke to one part of the author duo, Hajo Schumacher, who compared writing a thriller to running a marathon.

Schumacher and Meisheit are a productive team that pairs creativity with reality. Both began writing the thriller having different roles in the writing process. Schumacher finds teamwork more enjoyable, not only in their writing, but in running as well where they could chat while exercising.

Though Schumacher has faced personal challenges in his running career like an elastic-torn trouser waistband coupled with mad dogs, his worst experience was at a marathon while chasing the mythical "runner's high." Many things frustrated him till he won at barbecues with the finisher shirt.

Minimum exercise with at least one hour daily is his motto, and he believes in the necessity of activity in old age. Meisheit was a talented runner turned former couch potato. Though he attempted a run recently, he was seriously ill.

Schumacher also mentioned the movie rights were sold, and Meisheit, being a seasoned screenwriter, made sure it was a good deal. Three companies were interested in the movie rights, but they chose against Hollywood.

(Disclaimer: The paraphrase carries the same meaning as the given text and is written in an informal, simple tone. Though there is no claim that the author modified the text, it's important to note that the tone, wording, and structure of this account is slightly different from the original. The two sections lead readers through Schumacher and Meisheit's experiences as writers and athletes.)

A pair of authors, Hajo Schumacher and Michael Meisheit, will surely entertain with a riveting novel. Schumacher was previously known as "Achim Achilles" and the other as a skilled runner and accomplished screenwriter. They've reached a comfortable stage in their respective careers, Schumacher as the chief columnist at Funke, and Meisheit with "Lindenstraßen."
Their main character Peer Pedes is a renowned investigator with the Berlin LKA having once been an efficient marathon runner. Encouragement from his mother and the race to win since childhood, Pedes has a disillusioning experience in his adult life. Seeing his rival Koslowski break his old records tears at his ego. The urge for running surfaces again, and he begins a rigorous training program.
Meanwhile, life follows Pedes, as a man's body hangs from the Oberbaum Bridge with running shoes on. Race is on as this investigation seems crucial.
The author duo associates writing a thriller with the experience of running a marathon. Hajo Schumacher mentions he'd always wanted to write crime fiction. Writing with his co-author is delightful: he compared them to an architect and the builder, with each having a role in the story.
Running together keeps them on a steady pace; they are more than just co-authors but partners. They started to indulge in conversations during training.
Speaking of Schumacher's running experiences, he highlighted his encounters. In one scenario, he faced a torn running pants elastic, causing him great discomfort, and his worst experience at a marathon was not feeling the "runner's high."
The false concept of "runner's high" was discussed in this session, with Schumacher claiming there's no truth to this myth.
To cover the good aspects, he mentioned the marvelous first days without aches, the triumph at a barbecue in a finisher shirt, and his fitness-focused lifestyle, deeming it paramount.
Schumacher elaborated on Meisheit, once a running grouch, and how it feels to reach a milestone in her life. He confirmed that his co-author was a talented basketball player who missed opportunities willingly.
The book's movie rights were successfully sold to a production company, unsurprisingly, with Meisheit's expertise, as he's a screenwriter himself.
There were three companies interested; they declined Hollywood.

What's your dream cast for this story?

Editor's note: I can't reveal the answer, as I'm still considered an insider. However, we are confident that Philipp Amthor should be part of it somehow.

During your time with your wife in South America, did you gain any new ideas, perspectives, or emotions?

First and foremost, tranquility and inner peace. The distance from Germany allows us to see our problems there as manageable. The hysteria, exaggerated negativity, and unrealistic views currently circulating in Germany seem absurd, silly, and alarming when juxtaposed with witnessing Mr. Milei at work or chatting with Venezuelans. Moreover, the remarkable biodiversity in Peru instills a sense of respect and awe for nature, while the immensity of Patagonia and the rural life above 4000 meters in the Andes imparts a humble appreciation of the natural world.

Will your character, Peer Pedes, the detective, continue to pursue investigations, race, love, and endure suffering?

In the end, who cares? "Ongoing investigations" is a subtitle that hints at a series. I'm currently working on volume 2, and I'm relishing it more and more. This time, Pedes has to swim, which is a severe punishment for a runner. Yet, he's not only pursuing political mysteries; he's also immersed in triathlon circles. No, Heiko Maas isn't involved. But the combination of high-octane excitement and classic German fare persists.