Pedro Lenz revisits his spoken word beginnings with “Zärtlechi Zunge,” incorporating personal anecdotes and reflections. Known for his engaging style from “Dr Goalie bin ig,” Lenz explains his storytelling process, highlighting the importance of conversation and observation. He emphasizes the role of repetition, a significant influence from his Catholic upbringing, and connects it to his children’s learning. Lenz’s work merges rhythm with content, creating a unique literary experience inspired by real-life moments and interactions.
Pedro Lenz revisits his roots in spoken word with his latest work, “Zärtlechi Zunge,” infusing it with themes from his own life experiences. Lenz gained recognition for his previous publication, the dialect novel “Dr Goalie bin ig.” He now shares the ingredients to his creative success.
What inspired the conversational style reminiscent of “Goalie” in your new work?
Pedro Lenz: A part of it is definitely innate, as my family was always filled with chatter. I liken it to the process of panning for gold—shaking and searching until, hopefully, a few golden nuggets emerge.
Are those nuggets the foundation for your stories?
Indeed. Many short stories stem from my personal experiences or things I’ve overheard. Initially, I share these stories with my wife or a friend. With each telling, I identify what works and what doesn’t. People often remind me, “You’ve shared this story before, but it was slightly different.” That’s when I realize I’m crafting it, and eventually, it evolves into literature.
So, your narratives unfold through oral storytelling?
One striking example is when I shared a military anecdote that seemed well-crafted and had a solid punchline. My listener remarked, “I told you that!” I felt bad because I hadn’t intended to take ownership of his story.
To be honest, I had lost track. After repeating it numerous times, I shifted from “a friend of mine in the military…” to “I in the military…” until it became my own tale without me even realizing it.
However, not everyone can transform spoken narratives into written form. How do you balance talking, observing, and writing?
Observation often occurs during conversations. I engage in both talking and attentive listening. I pick up on nuances: repetitions, language quirks, particularly among younger people and children. I refrain from making judgments, instead absorbing stories like a sponge—then later, when I sit down to write, I see what surfaces.
You’ve noted that repetition is a favored rhetorical device. What’s its significance for you?
For me, repetition is rooted in my Catholic upbringing. My family practiced a form of popular piety and attended church weekly. Even as a child, I was drawn to the repetitive nature of litanies, sequences, and refrains.
I’ve also noticed with my children that repetition plays a crucial role in their language acquisition.
So, does the concept of repetition resonate throughout your life?
Absolutely. My daily life has taken on a repetitive quality, which I genuinely enjoy. Children adore repetition in songs and stories; they often request the same ones over and over. This realization has led me to understand that repetition is intrinsically human and meaningful, which I weave into many of my writings.
The rhythmic joy you exhibit during performances is evident. How does that influence your work?
Yes, I have a passion for rhythm and its variations. One piece in the book focuses on a female endurance athlete who profoundly impacted me during a radio interview with her insights on accepting pain. She described enduring pain like traversing a dark tunnel, which left a strong impression on me. Consequently, the text “Step Step Step” was crafted to mirror the rhythm of a runner. I strive to harmonize structure and meaning in my work.
This interview was conducted by Christian Schmutz.