Children’s author
My story
The beauty of writing children’s books is that even as an author I can rediscover and reinvent the world – over and over again. I like to look at the world through a child’s eyes – then everything is not so fixed and unambiguous. Things change their meaning, just as I change. That is surprising, sometimes frightening or even totally funny. On the other hand, I can draw on an ever-growing treasure trove of life experiences, and also of self-experiences and writing experiences. So I feel confident in my storytelling and can trust my abilities while exploring new territory. I don’t always succeed at the first attempt, but I live and write according to my own principle – set a pragmatic framework, but also follow my heart and interest, try it out, make mistakes, get up, straighten my hat, keep writing. That’s how some books and texts have already come into being, and I am proud and happy that they can now touch other people too.
Special moments and awards
Award for New Sorbian Drama with our play "Wurywanki" (Excavations) - together with Dušan
– 1999 – Foundation for the Sorbian People
Young Talent Award for Young Eastern European Poetry - Hubert Buda Foundation Prize
– 2004 Hubert Burda Foundation
The board of trustees of the Ćišinski Prize awarded me the Young Talent Award for my outstanding contribution to the development of modern Sorbian literature.
– 2017 Foundation for the Sorbian People – Young Talent Award for the Ćišinski Prize
I became a mother and now could read aloud as well as writing for children.
– 2002 – Branko
The Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony granted me a three-month scholarship for the project "Leuchtturm" (short prose).
– 2009 Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony
I founded my own publishing house with my son Branko and opened up the international market.
– 2021 Veles Publishing LMT.
Pictures from my world
How did I become an author?
I was born in Bautzen into the culture of the Sorbian minority in Germany. Lusatia is a lovely landscape rich in tradition in what was then a socialist country. Both have shaped me and still belong to me today, as the roots of my tree of life. Books and writing have fascinated me from the beginning; they gave me comfort, hope, inspiration and opened my mind. I have been in Leipzig – my adopted home – for more than half of my life. In Leipzig I have so many opportunities and a creative network of friends, gardening friends and colleagues – not to mention the extensive parks. So it’s the ideal base from which to stand with one leg firmly anchored in Lusatia and the other exploring both real and fictional worlds. By my side I have my husband Dušan, with whom I discuss stories, and new ideas are born during long walks in the forest.
In the beginning I wrote poems. Pretty soon, radio plays for children were added. The poems turned into song lyrics, where my poetic vein found its place. This was followed by numerous series for the children’s magazine “Płomjo”, several books in the Domowina publishing house, both for children and adults, and a large number of stories. My radio plays and song texts can be heard regularly on Sorbian radio.
– Lubina Hajduk
Who are the Sorbs?
| The Sorbs are a national minority in Germany, living in both Brandenburg (Lower Sorbs) and Saxony (Upper Sorbs). At first glance, this can be seen on the bilingual place-name signs and inscriptions. They put on their traditional costumes for special holidays, and Easter time is particularly rich in traditions. The two Sorbian languages belong to the West Slavic language group. Upper Sorbian – which I also speak and write – is very close to Czech. In Lusatia there is a rich culture of associations, many choirs and strong church or family traditions. In Bautzen, the “capital” of the Upper Sorbs, is the only bicultural theatre in Germany. Sorbian-language teaching materials are developed here at the WITAJ language centre, Sorbian books, newspapers and magazines are published regularly by the Domowina publishing house, and Sorbian radio broadcasts a varied programme every morning. In several schools in Upper and Lower Lusatia, children improve their language skills or are taught in their native Sorbian language. This is only a brief summary, there is much more to discover! |
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