Annika Pampel, a self-described genre-agnostic screenwriter, director, and novelist, has always been drawn to the power of storytelling. With a background in theater and a love for the gothic, her debut novel Death of a Nightingale takes readers on a dark and thrilling journey through the supernatural, all while exploring deep human emotions and experiences.
Annika’s previous work has already earned her accolades, including recognition as one of the "25 Writers to Watch" by the International Screenwriters' Association, a spot as a Nicholls Fellowship Semi-Finalist, and selection as a fellow for the SUNDANCE/WIF Finance Lab. She is about to direct her first feature film, a thriller called Odium.
In this Q&A, Annika opens up about her career, the inspiration behind her work, and what readers can expect next from this multi-talented creator.
Tell us a bit about your background and career.
I’m a genre-agnostic screenwriter, director, and novelist. I was born in the gorgeous middle of nowhere in the former East Germany, which looked a lot like Middle Earth. I’ve loved storytelling from the beginning. My mom used to read books to me as soon as I could comprehend them—Michael Ende and Astrid Lindgren were my nightly companions, and I loved every word.
My grandfather still gleefully reminds me that I used to charge the neighbors to come over and listen to stories I made up on the spot. He says it was better than a lemonade stand. Studying theater history and directing, I delved into the classics, discovering which ones resonated with me and which didn’t. After finishing my BA in Bavaria, I received a Fulbright scholarship and completed my Master’s in the United States, focusing on directing and screenwriting. The visual style of engaging an audience has always fascinated me, and I tend to write like that, even in a novel.
Now, I work mostly in the film industry, writing screenplays and adapting books. With this first novel, I’m venturing into traditional fiction, and it’s been a very interesting journey.
Tell us about your new book, "Death of a Nightingale."
Death of a Nightingale is a gothic young-adult novel about a melancholic vampire who calls a suicide hotline asking for advice on how to die—because who would know better? Instead of receiving detailed instructions for her rather absurd request, she connects with the phone operator, and they spark something deep within each other. It’s a Romeo & Juliet story but with two Juliettes and a lot more teeth.
The book also plays with our old ideas of the genre’s specificities, questioning what a vampire is and what their rules are. It reaches back further than Bram Stoker, exploring Greek history, medical discoveries, and the origins of the idea of “the undead.”
What was your impetus for writing your book?
I had a wonderful, vivaciously funny friend in high school. He was the smartest and brightest light I knew. We had a lot of adventures together as we came of age and grew into ourselves. Because that time was so significant, he became like a brother to me. He died by suicide at the age of 23, leaving me with both anger and a lot of unanswered questions. I’ve thought a lot about how we talk about depression and suicidal thoughts, and how we, as a society, shy away from truly hearing about the different depths of it.
To address both the darkness and my friend's absurdly morbid sarcasm, I wanted to write an escapist story that could embrace all of those different shades. It’s much easier to digest these ideas and embrace death in a fictional story. There is a lot of my friend in the book—quotes, small stories, and jokes we came up with together a lifetime ago.
What are the messages you want readers to take away from reading your work?
There is beauty in just being present. Sometimes we can’t solve a problem no matter how hard we try. The toughest thing to do can be to just be there and truly give your energy to that moment—not to run, not to hide, but to just be present.
The story contains a lot of teenage angst, relationship struggles, and questions about growing into one’s sexuality without judging oneself too harshly. I want audiences to just enjoy the ride. It’s a fun adventure with sexy dark shadows and characters from a different world. If, after reading, you can see vulnerability as a strength, then it did more than I could ask for.
What authors have inspired you along the way?
I continue to be inspired by so many different, brilliant voices. I love Cormac McCarthy and his dark, modern American Westerns—he paints villains like no other. I also love Dave Eggers and the range he can write. He brings journalistic integrity to all of his stories, and I will work hard to do something similar. There is a core of truth to everything he does, and it’s gorgeous. Sometimes, I just need good world-building, so I re-read any Sarah J. Maas book. Whenever I do, I get asked by female strangers in a hush-hush voice which one I’m reading, and it’s become my favorite underground cult. It’s fantastic.
What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you next?
I’m currently adapting a book and about to direct my first feature. It’s a fun little slow-burn thriller called Odium, and our team is truly fantastic. I’m very excited about it—it’s been a long time coming. After that, I will continue with the second part of the “Wings Trilogy,” the sequel to Death of a Nightingale. It’s the second vampire book and continues the adventure. It’s titled Hawk of the Night.
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
Everything related to Death of a Nightingale is on deathofanightingale.net, as well as on Instagram and TikTok. I’m also on Instagram, where I share updates on film projects and anything creative. Fair warning, though—you’ll also get dog spam because my pocket wolf is adorable.
For more information on Annika please visit: https://www.deathofanightingale.net/
