Author Ruth-Maria Thomas Fears She Can Only Write One Book After Debut Success

Ruth-Maria Thomas sits by the Wannsee, the sun glittering on the water, admitting a lingering fear: "Of course, I am afraid that I could only write this one book."

Her debut novel, "Die schönste Version" (The Most Beautiful Version), has achieved remarkable success, selling an incredible 120,000 copies. The book was nominated for the German Book Prize two years ago, adapted for the theater, and even became required reading for Abitur (high school exit exams) in some German states.

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Of course, I am afraid that I could only write this one book.

"You only write something like that once in a lifetime," Thomas reflects. As she sits on the shore, feet bare in blue-and-white striped Adilette sandals, a Word document on her laptop already contains 180 pages. This is the dreaded second book, the one that follows a runaway success.

Despite the pressure, Thomas is actively working on her follow-up novel, demonstrating a commitment to her craft beyond the initial triumph. The anxiety, however, remains a palpable undercurrent as she navigates the challenging path of literary creation after a major breakthrough.

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You only write something like that once in a lifetime.