From Survivor to Storyteller: Meet Lilli J Wettke

Some stories are written from our imaginations, but some stories are written from the scars and the experiences we carry.

For today's interview article, we had Lilli J Wettke, the author of 656 days— a thriller novel based on true events.

Nearly one in three women around 30% globally experience physical and sexual violence during their lives. According to the new UNICEF estimates released this year, more than 370 million girls and women alive today experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

These aren't mere statistics or numbers— these are people, and they are survivors. We live in a world where this happens, and Lilli's story is vital. This isn't just a story, it is a voice. This is Lilli's voice and all the countless survivors who have been made to feel unseen and unheard.

At what age did you start writing, and what inspired you to do so?

I started writing when I was able to hold a pen, but my first novel I finished writing when I was 12. It was published at the age of 14. I only started writing bilingual when I was around 15.

You have published 3 books since August 2024, can you tell us what has the journey been like?

Yes, since then I I have published 3 books 🙂 I’ve processed a range of emotions through my 2 poetry novels, my latest thriller based on true life events called “656 days- the story of a girl who survived” is about creating awareness for survivors of SA.

Let’s talk about your latest book, 656 days. Can you tell us more about what the process of writing 656 book was like? From the very first idea up to publication?

The very fist idea came, when I was trying to get over the abuse from my former best friend. At first I just scribbled it all down for myself. Then I decided I wanted other survivors to feel comfort by my work.

I wanted to become the voice for the many people that are unable to use their own. That is why I published my latest novel.

656 Days is told through the narratives of Soliel, Jane, and Josefine. What made you decide on having the story told through three narratives?

The story is told through three narratives because every perspective counts. To understand what it feels like to loose one’s dignity, and to feel powerless, one has to know the perpetrators and the victims narrative.

I wanted people to question themselves by creating the discomfort of relating just a little to the villain.

What would you like to say to victims who see themselves in Josefine?

I would like to tell them, that everything will eventually get better. It might not seem like it at the moment - I would not have believed anyone saying that as well, but you will heal. You will discover that what happened to you will always be a part of you, but you will come to peace with it. You will see that even if it is part of you, it does not define or dictate who you are as a person. You will be okay!

What is something you’d like readers to take away from your novel, 656 days?

l’d like readers to be more aware of the fact that their actions have consequences in other people’s lives. What is just a random Thursday to you can define other people for a very long time.

Be aware, be nice, you never know what someone is going through. Let love win over hate, let there be more good in your life than bad.

Lastly, what advice would you give to young and aspiring writers?

My tip is to always be true to yourself. Being unique isn’t your weakness but your greatest advantage. Don’t write to fit into the current market, write out of passion, and let your voice be fully yours!