Karin Krajčo Babinská: From Film to Bestselling Author

Karin Krajčo Babinská, a Czech writer and filmmaker, has achieved significant success with her novels, most notably Čarodějky (Witches), which was the best-selling title from Albatros Media in 2024. Her journey from directing to writing has been marked by critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.

The Success of Čarodějky

Čarodějky, published in October 2024, quickly rose to prominence, appearing among the top-selling books according to the Svaz českých knihkupců a nakladatelů (SČKN). By February 2025, it had garnered nearly 550 user ratings on Databazeknih.cz, averaging 90%. The novel has been nominated for the Czech Bestseller Award, an honor Krajčo Babinská previously received in 2022 for her book Tsunami [1].

A Shift in Career Focus

While Krajčo Babinská initially pursued a career in film, she has increasingly focused on writing in recent years. She describes this transition as finding “much greater freedom and fulfillment” [2]. She collaborates with her husband, musician Richard Krajčo, on various projects, including the audiobook versions of her novels, with Krajčo narrating them [2].

The Writing Process and Inspiration

Krajčo Babinská acknowledges that the writing process can be demanding, particularly when facing deadlines. She experienced time pressure and illness while working on Čarodějky, but appreciates the interest her books generate. She often incorporates fragments of her own life and the lives of those around her into her characters and storylines, while maintaining a fictional core [2].

Belief in the Supernatural

The author expresses a belief in the supernatural, drawing on personal experiences that defy rational explanation. This belief is reflected in her operate, particularly in Čarodějky, which explores the potential dangers of engaging with magic without understanding its power. She cautions that “when one plays with it and does not realize that things between heaven and earth can really exist… This can cause damage not only to others, but mainly to oneself” [2].

Family and Creative Balance

Krajčo Babinská and Richard Krajčo raise three children together. She prioritizes self-care, dedicating at least an hour each day to herself, and values maintaining her own space. She similarly emphasizes the importance of saying “no” to commitments that don’t resonate with her [2].

Future Projects

Krajčo Babinská is currently working on her next book, with a more flexible timeline agreed upon with her publisher. She hopes to avoid the intense pressure she experienced with Čarodějky and allow the creative process to unfold more naturally. She anticipates the new novel will be another drama, set in an unfamiliar environment, requiring significant preparation [2].