M asked Cornelia Funke:

Hi Cornelia. First, I love your books! They've inspired me so much, so thank you. Onto the question. When I learned Inkheart was originally written in German, I was amazed. The language, the voice is so beautiful, and sometimes that beauty is lost in translation. I assume your translator is phenomenal, but I'm also curious, did you have a hand in the process? Thanks! Madeleine Colis

Cornelia Funke Dear Madeleine,

first of all - my translator for Inkworld IS amazing. It is the legendary Anthea Bell. And second - yes, I had a hand in the process, because Anthea would never do a translation without at least suggesting a close collaboration to the author. I loved the emails she sent during the process - with detailed questions on so many details that made me see my story even clearer. ThiefLord and MirrorWorlds book were translated by Oliver Latsch (who is also my cousin and bilingual) as he also lives in LA and with MirrorWorld it often needs even more back and forth. But I am looking forward to work again with Anthea on my upcoming A GRIFFIN'S FEATHER which is the sequel of DRAGONRIDER. And then there is INK&MIRROR I am playing with which Anthea probably will do as well:)
best from LA! Cornelia

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