Anja Schmitter (Switzerland)

(B. 1992) studied German and Comparative Literature in Zurich, Bordeaux, and Vienna. She completed a Master’s degree in Literary Writing at Bern University of the Arts. After graduating, she spent a year working as a writer for a prison theatre project, as a playwright, and as a teacher in professional integration. She writes fiction and literary reportage, including for Reportagen Magazin. Lenos Verlag published her debut novel Leoparda in Basel in September 2022.

Anja Schmitter currently resides between Zurich and Tbilisi, Georgia, where she is working on her second novel and actively promotes literature.

„LEOPARDA“
(Exerpt from novel)

“Do you have a headache?” Ernst asked.
Cleo didn’t answer; she stirred her Muesli in the bowl. She did it clockwise. The little flakes swirled in the milk, and the faster Cleo stirred, the faster the flakes swirled in the milky vortex. Then she started stirring in the opposite direction. The first stream of milk mixed with the second, swelled into waves, and, having become a new current, spun around to the other side.
“You know what, Ernst, take it easy.”
“Take what easy?” Ernst asked.
Cleo lifted her spoon. Small oat flakes continued to spin in a circle.
“Our relationship.”
“Ah, I see.”
Ernst poured himself some coffee.
“Want some?”
Cleo shook her head in refusal, looked at him, and smiled affectionately.
“I’m young,” Cleo said. “I need diversity.”
Ernst was five years older, already approaching thirty, and he understood what Cleo meant.
“Okay, let’s do that.”
They agreed to meet other people on dates, and if the situation favored it, the relationship would progress further.
“Condoms,” Cleo said, raising a finger.
Ernst nodded. That teacherly, lecturing finger again. They both laughed. They promised not to hide anything from each other.

Translated by Manana Matiashvili