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Cornelia Funke:
Hi Cornelia, another question. I always liked the idea of Fenoglio the writer as a character in the book, and then how we go into his written world - I love Chapter 13 of Inkspell when we see his viewpoint of this. Were you at all inspired by any books that do a similar thing, such as a writer of the world the book is set in, like Melquíades in 100 Years Of Solitude or anything else similar to that?
Cornelia Funke
No, I admit I didn't have Marques as inspiration there (though I do of course love love love his books) As I wanted Inkheart to be about books, I of course needed a writer as one of it's heroes. I based Fenoglio on Beppe Fenoglio, a short story writer from Liguria, who died much too young. And of course I made him my Alter Ego, when he thinks about writing. That he ends up in his own book was not something I planned - though looking back it of course had to happen:)
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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
Catherine
asked
Cornelia Funke:
Hi Cornelia. I found out about your books after I saw the movie and learned that it was indeed based on a book (which the best movies are ;-)). I read Inkheart a couple times, and wanted to know more about Mo and Meggie's adventures with the Inkworld and was excited when I discovered it was the first in a trilogy. My question for you is where did you get the inspiration for the world and characters (Dustfinger Basta)?
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