Ask the Author: Alix Christie

“I am happy to answer all questions about my new historical novel, "The Shining Mountains," which tells my own family story in the 19th century Rocky Mountain West!” Alix Christie

Answered Questions (13)

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Dear Alix, has your book, Gutenberg's Apprentice been translated into German yet? I would love to purchase a German edition to gift to my elderly uncle who is a master journeyman typesetter from the Mainz area and who would not be able to read your novel in English. Thank you for any information.

Alix Christie Dear Ellen, leider nicht! I would have loved a German edition but no German publisher took it up.
Best,
Alix

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What books are on your summer reading list this year?

Alix Christie Can't wait to sink my teeth into Naomi Alderman's "The Power", which just won the Bailey's Prize (and will soon be out in US); also Michael Chabon's "Moonglow" -- disclosure, Naomi is a writer friend who praised my novel and Michael was my teacher at St Mary's College. Also "The Ice" by Lalline Paul, Colson Whitehead's "The Underground Railroad" the forthcoming Nicole Krauss, "Forest Dark" which I may review.

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Dear Alix, I think we are on our way with your German version of Gutenberg's Apprentice? Until a few days ago, I was not aware that we have a small publisher right in the Schöfferstadt Gernsheim. He is very interested in publishing your book. It may be best that he gets in contact with you. I can give you more details via email. Please get in contact with me at: ReiKitWri at gmail.com Cheers Reinhold

Alix Christie Hi Reinhold, thanks! I've answered you via email. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of "Gutenberg's Apprentice"!
Best,
Alix

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Hi Alix, My name is Reinhold, originally from Gernsheim, Germany, now living in New Zealand. Now, to my surprise, I discovered your book Gutenberg's Apprentice. Peter Schöffer was born in Gernsheim. As you can imagine, I am very interested in your story. I have ordered the book but it is not here yet. It will be interesting to read it. Have you been to Gernsheim? Best regards Reinhold

Alix Christie Hi Reinhold I think I answered this on Facebook -- sadly I haven't been to Gernsheim but spent a lot of time in Mainz. Enjoy the book!

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Dear Alix, Its me again, Reinhold. As this story about Peter Schöpfer is happing in Germany, is there any plan to publish a German versions of your book? Cheers Reinhold

Alix Christie Hi Reinhold, I'm glad you heard about the novel and are getting it in New Zealand. I wish wish wish a German publisher would get in touch with me to bring it out in translation there! It's still baffling to me that none exists -- it's in Spanish, Chinese, Polish, Portuguese and several others. If you know any publishers in Germany please let them know, and happy reading! Best, Alix

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Do you have another book in the works? Something about letter press printing?

Alix Christie Hi Miriam,

I do have a new book in the works, but it is not about printing! I've been living and breathing printing for many years so am happy to shift my focus away from medieval Europe --though it's still historical fiction, set in the 19th century in the American West. Thanks for asking and hope you enjoyed Gutenberg's Apprentice. Coming in paperback in Sept! best, Alix

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Congratulations, Alix, Which would you rather be doing, letterpress printing or writing a book?

Alix Christie Hi Alice,
sorry for delay -- I was on the road promoting "Gutenberg's Apprentice". I guess I'd say I'd rather be writing a book, but I would sure hate to choose. At the moment my press and I live on different continents so I don't get to print nearly as much as I'd like to. thanks, Alix

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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Alix Christie I'm a letterpress printer and was fascinated to learn in 2001 that Gutenberg's first types were not as sophisticated as people had thought. This sent me on a very long journey of discovery, in which I found that the great Bible was not just the fruit of this lone genius, but a "Holy Trinity" that included the scribe Peter Schoeffer and Johann Fust, the venture capitalist. To me it was a treasure hunt, a puzzle I wanted to get to the bottom of. Lots more at www.gutenbergsapprentice.com

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How do you get inspired to write?

Alix Christie It's a job of work: I sit down every day at the same time and work on the chapter or scene or story. Ideas come from all over, often from reading the press and listening to people talk, discovering little snippets of human behavior that intrigue me.

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What are you currently working on?

Alix Christie Another historical novel, this one connected to my own family roots across the U.S.-Canadian border. I can't say more!

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Alix Christie DO NOT GIVE UP. That's what I told my children as well, when "Gutenberg's Apprentice" was sold to Harper Books in the U.S. & Canada and Headline in U.K. (and others around the world). It took me seven years to get this novel into print. Believe in your story, believe in yourself, keep writing and you will improve and eventually if the work is good enough, it will find a home.

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