Robert Eggleton
asked
Cornelia Funke:
Hi Cornelia, I belong to a group named, "Is it possible to become a successful author after age 65?" I post encouragement, but feel skeptical. Rarity from the Hollow was found by a retired Editor of Reader's Digest to be, "the most enjoyable science fiction novel that I've read in several years." I don't feel "successful." How would you answer the above question from an aspiring author?
Cornelia Funke
what IS a successful author, Robert? How do you measure success? I find it more and more questionable how that is done in the current publishing world. For me the success of a storyteller cannot be counted in sales numbers. We all know our bestsellers are for sure mostly not the best books written. So yes, I don't believe the quality of writing relates to age, as knowing about the world and oneself is such an important spice of any good text. But I believe in many rewrites, in endless patience and that writing gets better the more you do it.
More Answered Questions
Alison Craig
asked
Cornelia Funke:
Your characters seem so real, with their faults, loves and virtues all tumbled together - like the rest of us. You seem to genuinely care for each character you write. Is it difficult to "let them go" out into the real world where people can love or hate them, like letting a child move away from the protection of home?
Riley G.
asked
Cornelia Funke:
Guten Tag, Frau Funke! (I'm not great at German, but I'm learning! 😊) What do you find gives you the most inspiration when writing your stories? I haven't read any of your books yet, but I really want to read Inkheart and The Thief Lord! Deine Bücher klingen sehr intressant! Danke!
Alexandria
asked
Cornelia Funke:
As an aspiring writer, I end up writing a lot of material I'm not necessarily happy with the first, second, third, and even fourth time I take a shot at it. Have you ever published anything that you were completely happy with? And if not, how do you avoid writing something that you feel the need to rewrite?
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