Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same?

'Honest, witty and poignant observations on life that are both heart breaking and heartwarming' Amy Huberman

As a child, being in new places made Stefanie Preissner ill, which is why her family holidayed in the same apartment on the same island off the Spanish coast for nine years in a row. And why, at Christmas, she wrote lengthy letters to Santa (note: letters, plural) begging him not to bring any surprises. Change was the enemy. But, as it turns out, one Stefanie hasn't been able to avoid. And, in spite of herself, one she has sometimes invited into her life.

Here, in her first book, Stefanie looks at the ways in which her life has changed. From birthdays, friendships and how she celebrates the festive season, to social media (no FOMO here), the importance of asking WWNSD? (What Would Nicole Scherzinger Do?) when faced with big decisions, and her career as a writer, Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same? is the hilarious and honest account of one woman's journey to and through adulthood, coping (sort of) with the terror, inevitability and beauty of change.

'It's Stefanie's life, but her struggles are universal. Insecurity? Check. Anger? Check. Weight issues? Big fat check. Stefanie shines a light on human frailty and human strength, proving they are not opposites, but often walk hand-in-hand ... an inspiring, thoroughly enjoyable book.' Nell Scovell, creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and author of Just the Funny Parts

“Honest, witty and poignant observations on life that are both heart breaking and heartwarming, told with Preissner's charming humour - Amy HubermanWitty, shocking in parts and written with real heart ... has something to say to everyone - Sunday TimesHilariously well compiled ... there are lashings of subtle wit and wisdom, all carried aloft on a fluid conversational style ... an original voice that is unafraid of what others will think - Sunday IndependentOne to revisit again and again - U magazine”

Honest, witty and poignant observations on life that are both heart breaking and heartwarming, told with Preissner's charming humour - Amy Huberman

Witty, shocking in parts and written with real heart ... has something to say to everyone - Sunday Times

Hilariously well compiled ... there are lashings of subtle wit and wisdom, all carried aloft on a fluid conversational style ... an original voice that is unafraid of what others will think - Sunday Independent

One to revisit again and again - U magazine

Stefanie Preissner, Munich-born but Mallow-raised, is the creator of hit comedy-drama series Can't Cope, Won't Cope. The show was originally commissioned by RTE but since then both seasons have been broadcast on BBC and acquired by Netflix.

Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same?, her first book (published in 2017), was an Irish bestseller and nominated for an Irish Book Award. Can I Say No? is her second book.

She has also produced a series of short documentaries, How To Adult, with RTE Player.

Her one-woman theatre show, Solpadeine Is My Boyfriend, enjoyed sell-out runs in Dublin before touring internationally to Bucharest, Edinburgh and Australia, and - as a radio play - it became RTE's most downloaded podcast.

Stefanie graduated from University College Cork with a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies and Spanish. Alongside her career as a screenwriter and playwright, she has won several awards as an actor.

She is a regular contributor to Ireland's Sunday Independent newspaper and her voice is well-recognised from her prolific voiceover career.

She is currently working more projects than she can cope with due to her ongoing battle with people pleasing.

She lives in Dublin and on Instagram @stefaniepreissner

'Honest, witty and poignant observations on life that are both heart breaking and heartwarming' Amy Huberman As a child, being in new places made Stefanie Preissner ill, which is why her family holidayed in the same apartment on the same island off the Spanish coast for nine years in a row. And why, at Christmas, she wrote lengthy letters to Santa (note: letters, plural) begging him not to bring any surprises. Change was the enemy. But, as it turns out, one Stefanie hasn't been able to avoid. And, in spite of herself, one she has sometimes invited into her life.Here, in her first book, Stefanie looks at the ways in which her life has changed. From birthdays, friendships and how she celebrates the festive season, to social media (no FOMO here), the importance of asking WWNSD? (What Would Nicole Scherzinger Do?) when faced with big decisions, and her career as a writer, Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same? is the hilarious and honest account of one woman's journey to and through adulthood, coping (sort of) with the terror, inevitability and beauty of change. 'It's Stefanie's life, but her struggles are universal. Insecurity? Check. Anger? Check. Weight issues? Big fat check. Stefanie shines a light on human frailty and human strength, proving they are not opposites, but often walk hand-in-hand ... an inspiring, thoroughly enjoyable book.' Nell Scovell, creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and author of Just the Funny Parts

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