AN ENGAGING INTERVIEW WITH LEX PALEAUX

Why did you decide to write down your story?

"I write out of necessity. Writing gives me the space to make careful choices, where I try to tell my story with as little judgment as possible." Lifts to heaven This is my fifth novel, but all of my books touch on elements of life that are often difficult to discuss in everyday life. I still struggle to speak out loud about certain events from my life. By writing the books as novels, I create a distance between the subjects and myself. This allows for a lot of room for self-reflection.

Your book is a bestseller. How does it feel that so many people are reading your story?

"The personal messages from readers telling me that they have been touched, laughed out loud, or cried their eyes out, tell me that I am on the right track, because the story has not been told yet. I am now working on the sequel to" Lifts to heavenThat was already my plan, but the call from all readers who want to know how the main character Quintin's story ends, brought everything into a very stimulating acceleration.

What do you think is the strength of this book?

‘Maybe the cinematic style of writing. I try to take the reader by the hand and not let go. The story should not be read, but experienced. If as a reader you hear the snow crunching under your feet, I have done my job well. The characters should come to life. Interestingly enough, it is through the readers that they gain a heartbeat: they tell their friends about it or discuss it in book clubs or online.’

What do you hope readers will take away when they close the book?

"I write my work with as little judgment as possible, so that readers can create their own story and connection with the characters. Once someone picks up my book, the story no longer belongs to me, but to the reader. It is different for everyone what they take away from the story. For one person, it may be hope and resilience, but it could just as easily be a form of personal processing, because the story touches on their own pain and sorrow. In all cases, it is exactly as it should be."

Which book is next to your hotel bed?

"When I write myself, I read little from others. I want to stay as close to myself as possible and not be influenced in such a way that I unconsciously mix my way of writing with that of a colleague. I must admit with shame that I have read too little in recent years. I usually enjoy reading biographies, simply because I find 'the human being' a fascinating mammal. However, there are a few gems in the field of novels that I would like to share here."